DIPOL Weekly Review - TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

No. 08/2012 (Feb. 20, 2012)

The Internet for the blind.

The invention which will really open the Internet for the blind is "feelscreen" - a screen that allows the user to experience various sensations associated with touch. Roundness, concavity, roughness, smootness etc. - these are the features that can be coded and transmitted over the Internet, and the recipient with the special screen will be able to identify by touch.
The Time Magazine's list of "The 50 Best Inventions of 2011" includes the screen being developed by Finnish company Senseg, the prototype of which was unveiled at CES 2012 in Las Vegas.
In contact with the skin of the user, the screen provides pre-programmed experiences. For example, the user can "touch" the surface of sand, stone or silk. The works on the screen are expected to be completed by the end of 2012, and the first tablets and smartphones equipped with the invention should be made available in 2013.
The technology is based on the electrostatic force between the skin and Tixel
Senseg's technology will be able to adapt "ordinary" touch screens to generate tactile sensations. This can be achieved by applying a special overlay to the screen in the form of ultra-thin coating. The overlay is divided into parts, so called "tixels" that generate an electric field which in contact with skin produces electrostatic force. The magnitude of the force can be modulated to create different kinds of tactile senses such as flatness, edge, or even vibration. Senseg company has already created a software library and a complete, multi-platform SDK, allowing developers to easily implement the application in different operating systems.
The application of Senseg's technology will be simple - to get a display providing tactile stimulation
it will be enough to apply additional coating, integrated circuit and software
Various tactile senses and vibrations offer developers many possibilities for using the application in operating systems and programs designed for blind people. The technology can also enrich the gaming experience of players, allowing for better maneuverability on the screen, or even non-visual use of their game consoles.

"Engagingly about Antennas" - 11th DIPOL's photo contest.

The entries to this year's competition can be submitted from June 1, but it is worth to look for interesting themes all year round. During the winter, everyone can find fascinating compositions created by the snow, ice, and antennas...

Rules of participation and pictures submitted to the previous editions
Engagingly about Antennas - VIII DIPOL Holiday Photo Contest 2009
Engagingly about Antennas - VII DIPOL Holiday Photo Contest 2008
Night over Velky Javorovy I
Jan Kondziolka
Meltdown
Agnieszka Sienkiewicz
Global range
Grzegorz Kupis

If we want to watch and not to record.

Not every CCTV system is intended for recording the images from the cameras. There are customers who need only to have a look at the monitored facility, in opposite to more advanced applications where CCTV is used to control access of people and to provide 24/7 protection.
Vandal Proof CCTV Camera: SN-VP3050 (420 TVL, Sony Super HAD CCD, 0.1 lx, 3.6mm, IR 15m)Compact Outdoor Camera: n-cam 250 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 3.6mm, IR up to 40m, OSD)Vandal Proof Camera: v-cam 500 (D-WDR, 650 TVL, Sony Effio-E, 0.15 lx) Color 8-input Switcher/Processor QC-908R
A live monitoring system based on color 8-input switcher/processor QC-908R M4018
The 8-input switcher/processor QC-908R M4018 is an ideal solution for such customers. The device can simultaneously display images from all eight cameras, or from selected ones, and has PIP function (with position adjustment). Other functions include freeze, info (camera name, date and time), video loss alarm, image motion detection, independent adjustment of video parameters in each channel. The switcher has two video outputs. And the last but not the least, it costs less than half the price of a basic 8-channel DVR.

Low-cost wireless monitoring solution for properties.

The video from a security camera located at the entrance to the property can be transmitted wirelessly with the use of the transmitter/receiver set Signal TR-3000 R94110.
Wireless Transmitter/Receiver Set: Signal TR-3000 (AV+IR@5.8GHz)Compact Outdoor Camera: Sunell SN-IRC4920AJ (day/night, D-WDR, 500 TVL, Sony Effio-E, 0.05 lx, 3.6mm, OSD, IR 30m)
The concept of a low-cost wireless monitoring solution
with the preview of the image on a TV
This installation requires only a short length of cable connecting the camera to the transmitter and power supply. Selecting one of the 4 channels in 5.8 GHz band, the user can watch the image from the camera on the TV, free from noise and interference that may occur the case of transmitters operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
The solution is also mobile - when the property owner wants to change the location of the camera it is enough to relocate it together with the transmitter, without the need to install a new cable, which would be necessary in the case of a wired system.

Converting CCTV signals into optical form - options.

Some of the presented optical solutions enable transmission of video signal/data from a camera or even entire CCTV system even over a distance of 20 km!
The solutions are based on ULTIMODE devices forming a complete range of professional products for signal transmission over optical fibers. The comprehensive ULTIMODE series makes it possible to build systems using all types of optical transmission medium - single mode, multimode, and polymer fibers.
ULTIMODE is a family of more than 30 signal converters, transmitters and receivers. The following comparison shows some examples of converting and transmitting CCTV signals:
  • ULTIMODE V-201D L2121 - conversion of baseband video signal from an analog camera (provided via a coaxial cable) to optical signal transmitted via single-mode fiber.
  • ULTIMODE M-403M L11041 - conversion of Ethernet data stream coming via typical STP/UTP cable into modulated light signal transmitted via single-mode fiber cable.
  • ULTIMODE POF-100MC L6213 - conversion of Ethernet data stream coming via typical STP/UTP cable into optical signals transmitted within 100 Mbps POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) network.
  • ULTIMODE POF-100SC L6223 - conversion of the signal from a glass fiber network (two single-mode fibers) to that of POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) optical network (100 Mbps), and vice versa.
  • MT-202M 1310 L1521 - conversion of optical signals between single-mode and multimode networks.
Fiber Optic Video Converter ULTIMODE V-201D (WDM, 1x video, 1x data)Ethernet Media Converter ULTIMODE M-403M<br />(two single-mode fibers up to 40 km)Ethernet Media Converter: ULTIMODE POF-100MC Optical Media Converter: ULTIMODE POF-100SCOptical Media Converter: ULTIMODE MT-202M 1310 (SM - MM)Compact Outdoor Camera: n-cam 250 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 3.6mm, IR up to 40m, OSD)Outdoor IP Camera: Sunell SN-IPR54/50DN (720p CCD)Outdoor IP Camera: Sunell SN-IPR54/50DN (720p CCD)

Central power distribution in large CCTV systems.

The main advantages of central power distribution in CCTV systems are easier installation of the equipment and better system integrity and security. The latter features are best found in the case of using buffer power supplies. An example of such device is HPSB 11A12C M1865. This powerful buffer power supply (max output current 10 A) has been designed to ensure continuous supply for devices requiring 12 VDC or similar stabilized voltage (adjustable within 9.5...13.8 V range, which also allows for compensation of voltage drops in cabling). Rechargeable battery with capacity of up to 12 Ah is to be placed inside the housing. There is a protection against battery deep discharge, which switches off the power supply when the voltage falls below 9.5 V.
CCTV Network DVR: TREND 250X16 (H.264, 16 channels) Vandal Proof Camera: v-cam 450 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 2.8-10mm, OSD)Outdoor Compact Camera: n-cam 670 (day/night, D-WDR, 650TVL, Sony Effio-E, 0.03 lx, 2.8-12mm, OSD, IR up to 30m) Buffer Power Supply: HPSB 11A12C (9.5-13.8VDC, 11A)Vandal Proof Camera: v-cam 430 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 3.6mm, IR up to 20m)
The application of buffer power supply in a large CCTV system
In this example, all the 16 cameras are powered from the M1865 buffer power supply. The total current consumption of the network is 8 A, with a suitable margin of safety. However, it is important to ensure adequate working conditions of the power supply: the maximum output current (10 A) is specified for an ambient temperature up to 30oC. Above this temperature the current is reduced by 30%.

How to correctly set parameters for recording and viewing images from IP CCTV cameras?

Generally, the parameters are limited by the network capacity. All the data streams from cameras have to remain below the maximum upload speed, in turn, the client's download speed limits the number and quality of the displayed images. Without a safety margin, the system will be unstable, with temporary pixilation, picture freeze, or even loss of picture.

To avoid or minimize these problems, the administrator should configure at least three profiles (streams):
  • recording stream with the highest possible resolution/quality and frame rate (to guarantee a maximum amount of detail) - it may require data transfer rate of about 5 Mbps,
  • local viewing stream with average image quality giving a general view of the monitored area, not affecting the LAN - typical bandwidth of about 2 Mbps,
  • remote viewing stream with low image quality, typical bandwidth of about 300 kbps .
The profiles can be set manually, directly in cameras (e.g. K1620, K1630, K1650, K1660, K1680, K1680), or using menu options (e.g. K3001, K3002, K3003, K3004, K3104, K3108, K3116, K3132, K4108, K4116, K4204).

The Internet through a power outlet.

TP-LINK TL-PA511Kit N3359 allows network connection through existing power line. The pair or a set of the powerline adapters is an ideal solution in every case where it is impossible to install Ethernet cables or the environment is not suitable for a wireless medium.

Powerline Network Adapters: TP-LINK TL-PA511Kit (2pcs, 500Mbps) Powerline Network Adapters: TP-LINK TL-PA511Kit (2pcs, 500Mbps) Powerline Network Adapters: TP-LINK TL-PA511Kit (2pcs, 500Mbps)
Application of TP-LINK TL-PA511 N3359 devices for creating home network with Internet access
The installation of the TP-LINK TL-PA511 adapters is very simple. The "first" one should be connected to the router (with the included network patch cable) and plugged (directly) into the nearest power outlet. The second/next adapter is to be connected via its patch cable to the computer in the second/next room and plugged (directly) into the nearby power outlet. The maximum length of the electrical wires between the outermost points of the network cannot exceed 300 m. All outlets should use the same branch (phase) of the power network.

The pair or a set of the powerline adapters is an ideal solution
in every case where it is impossible to install Ethernet cables
or the environment is not suitable for a wireless medium
The user needs as many units as the number of the AC power outlets that are to be simultaneously used as the nodes of the computer network.
New products offered by DIPOL
Megapixel Lens: ClearHD 10-40mm (DC, F1.6, 1MP, IR)
Channel Converter CT-311 (TV/DVB-T/DVB-C - for Terra MMH-3000 headend)
Buffer Power Supply: HPSB 11A12C (9.5-13.8VDC, 11A)
Double Flat Panel Ceiling Mount: CPLB102B-D (32-60
ClearHD lens
10-40 mm
M2278
Channel Converter
CT-311 DVB-T/DVB-C
R81715
Buffer Power Supply
HPSB 11A12C
M1865
Double ceiling mount
2x LCD/Plasma 32-60"
E9644
Worth reading:
DVB-T antenna system with over hundred outlets. Design office working for one of the property developers in Krakow was requested to design a comprehensive low voltage system for a new building, including the distribution network of digital terrestrial television. The TV antenna system was to provide DVB-T signals to over 100 outlets located in two large wings of the building...
An example set of the Terra amplifiers and modulators for a MATV system
(distributing six DVB-T multiplexes and eight A/V signals)
When to use wireless video monitoring systems? The vast majority of installers doesn't have much conviction about using wireless transmission means in CCTV monitoring. Their concerns are usually unfounded. Today's wireless systems provide stable operation without delay in video transmission.
Comparing the prices of equipment and the costs of coaxial and twisted pair cables, one may arrive at a conclusion that wireless systems become cheaper than wired solutions when the distance between the camera and DVR reaches about 500 m...
Interrelation between the cost of a link and its length for different transmission media.
Over 2 km, the cost of the radio link jumps a little due to the necessity of using
a more powerful wireless set, e.g. CAM5816h 5.8 GHz M1558 with range up to 3 km.
How to transmit 3D video to multiple TVs? The solution is the application of HDMI Splitter Signal 3D 1x4 H3215, which enables the user to connect up to 4 modern TV sets equipped with HDMI inputs to a source of high-definition signal, including 3D content. The amplified output signals can be transmitted via HDMI cables over distances up to 15 m. This product is ideal for demonstration of HD and 3D televisions and other equipment in stores, for offer presentation in superstores etc., as well as for conference rooms to split the signal from the computer to several monitors...
Application diagram
DVB-T Receiver Signal HD-527 (MPEG-2/4, PVR Ready)