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No. 42/2011 (Dec. 19, 2011)
Dear Readers,
Have a wonderful and joyful Christmas
and much success and satisfaction
in the coming year 2012.
Editorial staff
Sony threw the ball onto the pitch.
On March 8, 2011, Sony presented in Tokio a new family of image sensors and digital signal processors (DSPs). The new group of components, called Effio System, in a few months revolutionized the market of analog cameras used in CCTV.The image sensor and signal processor can be compared to the camera's eye and brain, respectively. New technologies in this field are of the highest importance for the development of image capturing and processing devices and systems.
Effio System includes Super HAD CCD and EXview CCD image sensors, cooperating with Effio processors (Enhanced Features and Fine Image Processor).
Even in the last year, analog cameras with a resolution of 540 lines were categorized as high-class devices, whereas the Sony's system offers 650 lines and additional features associated with image analysis. But it is only a step on the way to a resolution of 960 lines. Since the new series of the image sensors has achieved this resolution, we may also expect new solutions in the field of digital signal processors.
Currently, the Effio DSP series consists of three models: Effio-E , Effio-S, Effio-P.
Effio-E is the basic DSP of the group. The cameras with the processor provide resolutions up to 650 TVL, have noise reduction, privacy masks (electronically concealing areas that are not the subjects to look at, such as windows, toilets), video motion detection (detection of an intruder in the field of observation), and are resistant to overexposure (thanks to high light compensation - HLC).
Effio-S is a similar DSP with additional functions:
- 3D noise reduction - reduces noise caused by poor lighting, increasing the value of the signal to noise ratio (S/N) and improving horizontal resolution of the image; this function also significantly reduces the amount of the disk space occupied by recordings of such images - up to 70%;
- E-Zoom - digital enlargement of image details;
- sens-up - slowing shutter speed to improve image quality in low light;
- digital image stabilization;
- more advanced Adaptive Tone Reproduction (ATR) which digitally extends the dynamic range of the image.
Effio-P is the most professional signal processor of the series. In relation to Effio-S, it supports the most advanced image sensors that scan the image twice (with different exposure parameters). This feature is called "true" WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) and effectively reduces overexposure.
Each specific Effio System consists of image sensor and two chips, AFE (Analog Front End) and DSP
The table below shows the differences between digital signal processors of Effio series:
| Model | "Effio-P" | "Effio-S" | "Effio-E" |
| IC marking | CXD4129GG | CXD4130GG | CXD4127GG |
| Supported image sensors | 960H, 760H WDR/Normal CCDs | 960H, 760H Normal CCDs | 960H, 760H, 510H Normal CCDs |
| Image resolution | > 650 TVL | > 650 TVL | > 650 TVL |
| WDR | Yes | No | No |
| ATR | ATR-EX | ATR-EX | ATR |
| Noise reduction | 2D&3D-NR | 2D&3D-NR | 2D-NR |
| Privacy masks | 20 | 20 | 8 |
| E-zoom | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sens-up | Yes | Yes | No |
| Digital image stabilization | Yes | Yes | No |
| HLC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video motion detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OSD | Yes editable | Yes editable | Yes |
Introducing the Effio System, Sony made a breakthrough in improving the quality of analog cameras. However, there are problems with preserving such high quality of the video during its recording.
But it wasn't long till the response given by manufacturers of components for image recording equipment - Techwell company "took the ball" from Sony and announced that in the near future it will launch a processor being the basis for DVRs capable of recording 960H video.
All in all, this promises a big improvement in the performance of analog monitoring systems.
Video surveillance at a convenience store.
Due to the nature of the recorded material and the relatively small size of such a store, the analog CCTV system is quite sufficient for this purpose. The 4-channel DVR HIKVISION 7204HVI-ST/E M71041 can record video with a resolution of 704x576 pixels at 12 frames per second. The recording quality and speed can be lowered to save disk space.
For the effectiveness of the system, it is highly important to deploy the cameras in the most vulnerable points. Of course, the cameras must be vandal-proof, and they should be easily noticeable.
One of the cameras ( M10749) is placed at the cash desk. The RS-232 sniffer SNIF-42 M1721 and POS video text inserter FG-4 provide overlay of transactions superimposed on the video from the camera. Two other v-cam 450 M10749 cameras are located in the store room, one of them is directed toward the entrance, providing detailed images of people entering the store.
Outside the store there is vandal-proof camera Sunell SN-FXP3200MIR M10790. Thanks to WDR, BLC functions and powerful IR illuminator, the camera provides detailed, clear video with resolution of 550 TVL around the clock. Its varifocal lens gives users freedom to place the camera at a safe height while having the desired field of view of the entrance and shop window.
This inexpensive analog CCTV system ensures a high level of protection, is easy to install and maintain.
The VHF band III which is in some countries still used for broadcasting analog television channels (till the end of transitional period), will be used in the future for T-DAB transmissions (Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting which is to replace the existing FM radio services).
The 174-230 MHz band will be divided into 8 channels with width of 7 MHz (instead of the current 7 channels with width of 8 MHz). Each of them will contain four "sub-channels" dedicated to broadcasting digital radio programs. As a result, the band will accommodate 32 digital radio programs broadcast in T-DAB standard.
The 174-230 MHz band will be divided into 8 channels with width of 7 MHz (instead of the current 7 channels with width of 8 MHz). Each of them will contain four "sub-channels" dedicated to broadcasting digital radio programs. As a result, the band will accommodate 32 digital radio programs broadcast in T-DAB standard.
T-DAB / DVB-T channels in VHF III band - a reminder to installers and design offices
(source: mi.gov.pl)
(source: mi.gov.pl)
Gigabit fiber link.
Such links solve communication problems in medium-sized and large companies. They can be built with the use of media converters or switches with SFP modules.A stable fiber optic connection with Gigabit throughput can be based on ULTIMODE M-203G L11025 media converter (placed on the service provider side) and Web Smart Switch TP-Link N29949 equipped with ULTIMODE SFP-203G L1415 SFP transceiver. This set of devices can transmit data through a pair of single mode fibers over distance up to 20 km. The company's network uses TP-Link switches.
Central powering of CCTV cameras.
Security cameras installed in homes, small stores etc. are usually connected to the system using coaxial cables with two power wires, such as CAMSET M5995 or (over longer distances) CAMSET 100 M6100. The cameras can be powered from a central location with a stabilized power supply.When the distances between the power supply and the cameras are small (up to 58 m using the CAMSET 100 M6100 cable), the suitable power supply is ZK-25 M18292. A typical example of such situation is a small shop with three cameras placed inside and one outside.
A CCTV system in a larger home or store should be powered by ZK-65 M18294, which can power more devices (up to 9) and allows for compensation of voltage drops by setting the output voltage to a higher level.
A CCTV system in a larger home or store should be powered by ZK-65 M18294, which can power more devices (up to 9) and allows for compensation of voltage drops by setting the output voltage to a higher level.
It should be noted that the above power supplies are equipped with adequate numbers of outputs with individual fuses. In the case of a short circuit condition caused by one camera network, it does not affect the rest of the system. Each fuse should be selected according to the maximum current consumed by a given camera, within the specifications of the power supply.
View of the ZK-65 M18294 power supply with 9 fused outputs
A common mistake made by installers is the lack of individual short circuit protection for each camera. This is dangerous - in the case of short circuit, the fault current may not exceed the current capacity of the power supply (e.g. 5 A in large power supplies) and can melt the wire insulation and cause fire.
The effective area control can be performed with the use of Digifort video surveillance software ( K3002, K3003, or K3004) and advanced image analysis module - Digifort VCA K3040. After installing the software (the trial versions are available here), it is enough to add to the system one of the supported cameras (from among 1400 types), specify the protected area, and select one of the alarm actions initiated after detection of an intruder:
- Sending email to specified addresses,
- Displaying on-screen message,
- Switching-on video recording,
- Generating a beep sound.
Warning of detection of a person entering a prohibited zone
Digifort software can perform powerful video analysis that makes the video monitoring system more efficient, helping operators to react to various events that could be missed. The sub-modules included in the analysis package allow for:
- Face detection,
- Loitering,
- Object counting,
- Excessive speed detection,
- Direction control,
- Camera tampering,
- Creating virtual barriers,
- Detection of left objects,
- Detection of taken objects,
- Object classes registration,
- Searching for events and reporting them.
- computers and peripheral devices: desktops, laptops, printers, scanners, network drives;
- audio-video appliances: televisions, projectors, DVD/Blu-ray players, stereos, satellite receivers, game consoles;
- IP CCTV devices: IP cameras, network video recorder (NVR).
In the diagram below, the Internet access is provided wirelessly through the access point integrated with antenna. In the presented case, it is AP operating in the 5 GHz band.
The above network consists of two main parts:
- subnetwork with computers, peripherals and home media devices,
- IP CCTV subnetwork with cameras and NVR.
Each of these subnetworks uses GbE switch. This solution provides a scalable network framework (which allows for successive extension) and increased reliability. Gigabit switches are the basis for the deployment of high-speed networks to transfer large files and stream media.
New products offered by DIPOL:
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Worth reading:
How to find the DVB transmitter in Europe and properly align the antenna? The European service dvbtmap.eu allows users to locate DVB-T transmitters, together with their contents (multiplexes), and suggests how to precisely align their antennas by setting the azimuth and displaying the profile of the terrain towards the transmitters.
The database of the service contains nearly 1500 transmitters across Europe. The portal is available in several languages: Croatian, Czech, English, German, Hungarian and Polish.
The database of the service contains nearly 1500 transmitters across Europe. The portal is available in several languages: Croatian, Czech, English, German, Hungarian and Polish.
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Professional and affordable - SIGNAL DL-8300. A customer wanted to install a video monitoring system at his business premisses. He asked the installer to deploy 8 cameras capable of night vision. The system should be economical, but with high quality of the recorded video, including smooth flow of movement. Another wish was the possibility to monitor the premises remotely around the clock, also with a smartphone.
Is it possible to share a 3G Internet connection via LAN/WLAN? Yes, with the use of 3G wireless router.
TP-Link TL-MR3420 3G/3.75G N2957 enables quick creation of a wireless/wired network allowing access to the Internet via a 3G connection. The device allows wireless transmission speed up to 300 Mbps (802.11n) and LAN connectivity (Ethernet) up to 100 Mbps. Communication with the Internet via 3G network is done through the USB interface, which has to be connected with a suitable 3G modem (the list of compatible devices is available here).
TP-Link TL-MR3420 3G/3.75G N2957 enables quick creation of a wireless/wired network allowing access to the Internet via a 3G connection. The device allows wireless transmission speed up to 300 Mbps (802.11n) and LAN connectivity (Ethernet) up to 100 Mbps. Communication with the Internet via 3G network is done through the USB interface, which has to be connected with a suitable 3G modem (the list of compatible devices is available here).
3G wireless router TP-Link TL-MR3420 N2957 can provide Internet via a 3G network
