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No. 25/2011 (June 20, 2011)
Holiday break
As every year, we suspend issuing the Review during summer vacation.
The next issue will be available on August 29.
We wish all our readers and customers a joyous holiday season
Smart TV - how Samsung met Van Gogh...
The exhibition of the works of Vincent Van Gogh, Jean F. Millet, and Claude Monet in Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul, South Korea, is taking place from June to September of this year.Such exhibitions are arranged in many places in the world, however the sponsor and organizer of the exhibition "Reve et réalité" (Dreams and Reality) in Korea, Samsung, is not too much associated with the art. This big manufacturer of consumer electronics applied a novel approach - on the walls, instead of paintings, there are 46-inch LED LCD TVs with Smart TV technology, presenting selected works of the painting masters together with information that help viewers better understand their technique and art.
One may wonder whether great artists turn in their graves, because similar projects may become standard parts of all art exhibitions. Such an approach is directed toward educating the public, dramatically increasing audience numbers. Additionally, each owner of a compatible TV could be able to "download" any exhibition over the Internet. This way, the technology associated with television, Internet and multimedia is entering another dimension of human activity...
Exhibition of the works of Western masters
admired by the people of the East thanks to Korean technology
(source: akihabaranews.com)
admired by the people of the East thanks to Korean technology
(source: akihabaranews.com)
Smart TV or "Connected TV" is not a specific system but a trend of integration in one device the services available through the Internet (multimedia services, social networking, news, and many others) with traditional television. The leading manufacturers of the televisions are Samsung and Sony, and Philips in the European market. The most famous global project is Google TV, other interesting initiatives, developed in Europe, are HbbTV and Youview, which supplement the "normal" programming by additional information available in Internet channels.
"Connected TV" is not standardized yet, but the producers of the content make use of the new distribution channels and many consumers have also been buying such televisions, so far more than 100 million.
A good summary of the subject can be the sentence spoken by one of Google employees: "The coolest thing about Google TV is that we don't even know what the coolest thing about it will be". It seems that "Connected TV" is more important for TV users than another new technology, 3D TV, and buying a television they should pay attention to cooperation with the Internet.
"Connected TV" is not standardized yet, but the producers of the content make use of the new distribution channels and many consumers have also been buying such televisions, so far more than 100 million.
A good summary of the subject can be the sentence spoken by one of Google employees: "The coolest thing about Google TV is that we don't even know what the coolest thing about it will be". It seems that "Connected TV" is more important for TV users than another new technology, 3D TV, and buying a television they should pay attention to cooperation with the Internet.
A base station and a romantic style.
The base station visible in the picture below is in front of the walls of one of Europe's most interesting palaces. The palace comes from the nineteenth century and was built in a romantic style, such as the German castles Neuschwanstein, Wartburg, and Hohenschwangau.In the case of this palace there is a mix of styles: neo-Gothic, Renaissance and neomanuelino.
The country in which the palace had been built is famous for its facades covered with ceramic tiles, such as in the image of the building with satellite dish. The characteristic sculptural motif visible in the next picture comes directly from the palace.
Where is the "romantic palace"? - The answer at the end of the review.
Where is the "romantic palace"? - The answer at the end of the review.
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The country in which the palace had been built is famous for its facades covered with ceramic tiles, such as in the image of the building with satellite dish.
The characteristic sculptural motif visible in the next picture comes from the palace.
How to adapt analog TV systems in hotels and hospitals to DVB-T?
A wide range of programming of digital terrestrial television is the reason that the owners of hotels and hospitals equipped with analog televisions are interested in the new platform well before the analog switch-off. There are several ways to distribute digital signals in the systems with analog TVs. The main selection criterion is the number of the receivers in the premises:- several receivers - there are two alternatives - the replacement of the TVs with new ones with DVB-T tuners, or the application of external DVB-T receivers e.g. Signal HD-507 A99250 (for each TV set);
- ten or so TVs - due to a considerable cost of replacing the TVs for new ones, the best solution is the application of external DVB-T receivers e.g. Signal HD-507 A99250 (for each TV set);
- fifteen up to hundreds of TVs - in this case the exchange of the televisions is a far too costly, and application of so many external DVB-T receivers may be associated with operational problems - the best solution is usually the implementation of a headend with CODFM-PAL converters changing the digital signals into analog PAL channels.
Deciding on a headend, the owner will not have to change the distribution network nor the televisions located anywhere in the premises - all the the programs offered in digital multiplexes will be available as analog channels.
The basic elements of the MMH-3000 headend dedicated for this application include:
- Base Unit UC-380 R81700 that incorporates power supply, RF amplifier, and intelligent data bus, capable of holding up to 8 individual modules;
- OFDM receiver / DSB modulator RT-316 R81707 - "master" module for receiving DVB-T OFDM signals (MPEG2/H.264, FTA multiplexes) and distributing them as MPEG2/H.264 transport stream to "slave" modules;
- MPEG2/H.264 TS decoder / DSB modulator R817121 - "slave" module for decoding DVB-T MPEG2 and H.264 signals (TS) and converting them to analog TV channels.
In addition to significant cost reduction, the benefits of the solution based on the headend include: no need to use additional equipment in the rooms, free choice of the set of the distributed channels, possibility of decoding pay TV channels and making them available in the whole distribution system. The latter feature is not accessible in the case of other solutions (with individual DVB-T receivers).
It should also be noted that the application of the headend does not preclude the distribution of the source of DVB-T signals in the same installation. In the case of mixed types of the televisions in the premises, the users of analog TVs receive the DVB-T programs converted by the MMH-3000 headend, whereas the users of televisions with DVB-T tuners - the original DVB-T programming.
Full range of CCTV products for the most demanding customers.
A complete range of Hikvision equipment, accessories and additional software allows the users to create the most advanced video surveillance systems. Current requirements for such systems are very high, and the equipment must be reliable, scalable and fully functional.Hikvision DVRs represent top-class recording equipment. The leading models, 8108HFI-S M78080 and 8116HFI-S M78160, can record video with maximum resolution and frame rate used in analog CCTV systems (704 x 576 @ 25 fps) simultaneously from all channels.
System control unit DS-1003 M77920 enables the operator to control both the DVRs and the connected PTZ cameras. One unit can control up to 31 DVRs and 255 cameras.
The cameras can be connected to the DVRs through coaxial cables ( E1015, M6000, M5995, M6100 ), UTP cables E1408, E1515, or optical fibers (e.g. ULTIMODE V-024D L2402 fiber optic video converter can transmit four video channels and one telemetry data channel via one multimode optic fiber up to 2 km).
The operator in the monitoring center or surveillance post (depending on the size of the system) watches the live video and recordings from hard drives on VGA monitor(s). Hikvision DVRs of 8100 series ( M76080, M76081, M78080, M78160, M76081, M76161) can accommodate up to eight 2 TB HDDs, which allows for saving over 40 days of surveillance footage with maximum video quality. The recommended HDD model is Seagate SV35.5 M89265, purpose-built for surveillance digital video recording systems.
System control unit DS-1003 M77920 enables the operator to control both the DVRs and the connected PTZ cameras. One unit can control up to 31 DVRs and 255 cameras.
The cameras can be connected to the DVRs through coaxial cables ( E1015, M6000, M5995, M6100 ), UTP cables E1408, E1515, or optical fibers (e.g. ULTIMODE V-024D L2402 fiber optic video converter can transmit four video channels and one telemetry data channel via one multimode optic fiber up to 2 km).
The operator in the monitoring center or surveillance post (depending on the size of the system) watches the live video and recordings from hard drives on VGA monitor(s). Hikvision DVRs of 8100 series ( M76080, M76081, M78080, M78160, M76081, M76161) can accommodate up to eight 2 TB HDDs, which allows for saving over 40 days of surveillance footage with maximum video quality. The recommended HDD model is Seagate SV35.5 M89265, purpose-built for surveillance digital video recording systems.
Diagram of a hybrid CCTV system using fiber optics for long-range data transmission
Hikvision DVRs can be connected to the Internet. The global network can provide access to the DVRs from anywhere in the world. The application of media converters e.g. M-207M L11521 allows for utilization of high capacity fiber optic infrastructure for building extensive video surveillance systems (in the case of the L11521 converter the range of high quality video transmission is 20 km). The systems can also include IP cameras, e.g. Ulticam K1441. The video data from IP cameras and backup data from the DVRs can be stored on servers running NVR Server software. Another application - iVMS4500 - enables the users of the systems to monitor the cameras via suitable smartphones and PDAs. The whole system (consisting of the server, DVR(s), analog and IP cameras) can be managed by a PC running iVMS4000 application which allows for a live preview, access control, adjustment of parameters and playback of the recordings, both the DVR(s) and NVR Server. All the applications are free.
CMRR in video transformers (baluns).
"Balun" is the short for "Balance-Unbalance", in CCTV applications meaning a transformer for changing the transmission medium from a coaxial cable to a twisted pair, and vice versa. The biggest advantages of using balanced transmission cables are lower costs, higher resistance to external interferences, and possibility of using longer transmission lines. Due to identical arrangement of the two wires of a balanced line, the interferences are also the same and can be cancelled in a differential balanced input of the receiver. It is not possible in the case of a coaxial transmission line.The ability of a video transformer to cancel the common interferences identical in both wires is characterized by Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR). It is the ratio of the error signal at the asymmetric output of the transformer to the interference on the both balance inputs. The parameter can be measured, for example, by applying high, common interference signal Vz to the both balance inputs (i.e. shorted, to eliminate a differential signal). Under such conditions, an ideal transformer would not provide any signal on its unbalanced output, but the real device will demonstrate a Vb value. The CMRR is calculated using the following formula:
CMRR = 20*LOG(Vb/Vz)
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The CMRR of Etrix baluns (in the 15 kHz to 6 MHz range) is 60 dB. It means that they attenuate the common signals (interferences) 1000 times.
House monitoring for enjoying summer holidays.
During holidays, homes are often left unattended for weeks, being vulnerable to risks such as burglary attempts, failures of power, plumbing systems etc., or fires. The neighbors or family will not always be in place to save the property or minimize the damage and loss. A constant worry is definitely not a good thing during holidays ...The solution to problems associated with leaving home unattended is application of TP-Link camera TL-SC3430 K1155. This IP camera with resolution of 1.3 MP supports all popular web browsers, beginning with IE and Firefox, allowing the user to preview the video from anywhere in the world via the Internet, also using mobile phones, PDAs etc. He or she can any moment check what is currently happening in the home. The included management software can handle up to such 16 cameras. It allows live viewing of the video, recording of the video stream/s, and playback of the recorded material. The recording can be triggered either by video motion detection (an intruder in the scene) or sound detection (the sound of broken glass etc).
Communication capabilities of TP-LinkTL-SC3430 K1155 camera
Thanks to the automatic functions the user does not need to watch the property too often. TL-SC3430 detects any intrusion and warns the user about the detection of motion or sound via email. At the same time the data is being sent to a defined FTP server, providing footage of the event that caused the alarm action. This allows the owner not only to access the online preview of the home but also to play back the situation that occurred earlier and triggered the alarm.
A backup Internet link.
For many companies, a sudden disconnection of the Internet can incur large losses. A simple, low-cost and effective protection against such accidents is access to the network using services of two different ISPs. The most common solution is to sign contracts with a cable provider (DSL) and a cellular operator (mobile Internet).The Failover function implemented in the 3G TP-LINK TL-MR3420 N2957 is ideal for offices and businesses, where a loss of Internet connection would mean problems with normal business activity. In the case of a DSL failure, the communication with the Internet is performed via a 3G network (thanks to a suitable 3G modem connected to the USB interface). After the DSL line has been repaired, the device automatically switches to the original state (access to the Internet via DSL service). The advantage of this solution is permanent access to the Internet for all computers in the LAN, both with wireless interface (b/g or n standard up to 300 Mb/s) or Ethernet ports.
3G Internet link as the backup connection for the LAN
based on TP-Link TL-MR3420 N2957 wireless router
A problem with GSM coverage?
There are many locations where the range of a cellular network allows for use of mobile phones out of buildings, but is insufficient for indoor operation. Such locations include some remote places, e.g. recreational areas (long distances to base stations), but more often rooms in old buildings with thick walls or in basements and cellars (e.g. pubs, coffee shops). A strong barrier can also be modern windows with panes covered with metallic layers.The solution to this problem is to install a suitable GSM or 3G repeater.
SIGNAL 3G-305 A67105
DIPOL offers GSM repeaters intended for different areas (from 300 too 1200 m2) and 3G repeater suitable for area up to 500 m2.
More on the repeaters you can find in the following articles:
- New cellular amplifiers/repeaters compliant with the latest standards and legal requirements
- Tests of GSM repeaters conducted by the National Institute of Telecommunications in Warsaw, Poland
- FAQ - GSM, DCS, 3G repeaters
More on the repeaters you can find in the following articles:
- New cellular amplifiers/repeaters compliant with the latest standards and legal requirements
- Tests of GSM repeaters conducted by the National Institute of Telecommunications in Warsaw, Poland
- FAQ - GSM, DCS, 3G repeaters
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Video clip on installation and configuration of TP-LINK TL-SC4171G K1154 camera
Tin anniversary of the "Engagingly about Antennas" photo contest. We encourage you to take up the challenge...
The first entries to the contest
The rules of participation
The first entries to the contest
The rules of participation
A superparabola
Alexander Marko
Alexander Marko
New products offered by DIPOL:
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Worth reading:
HD sets in pubs and clubs - a complete solution based on Signal-HD HDMI equipment. After the holiday break, most European leagues start the new season, including the Champions League. It is the last moment for the owners of pubs and clubs to enrich their offer with the possibility of watching most interesting games in High Definition version.
We present such a solution implemented in a pub. The owner decided to upgrade the TV system...
HD sets in pubs and clubs - a complete solution based on Signal-HD HDMI equipment. After the holiday break, most European leagues start the new season, including the Champions League. It is the last moment for the owners of pubs and clubs to enrich their offer with the possibility of watching most interesting games in High Definition version.
We present such a solution implemented in a pub. The owner decided to upgrade the TV system...
Diagram of the installation based on HDMI equipment
Finally it is done! Client application for accessing TREND DVRs on PDAs/smartphones with Android system. The latest KWeye application was just released in February 2011. It allows for remote management of TREND DVRs using mobile phones/PDAs with different operating systems. At the moment, it supports Symbian, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone and Windows Mobile systems...
Trend DVRs: M72504, M72508, M72516.
Trend DVRs: M72504, M72508, M72516.
Cottage CCTV network. Protection of cottages is generally a serious problem. The diagram below shows a cost-efficient solution based on TREND 250x04 M72504 DVR...
