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

No. 15/2012 (April 10, 2012)

Sky TV has taken the challenge.

Since the end of March, five million Britons can use Sky Anytime+ service - a modern form of television called hybrid TV. The rapid expansion of the market for the new service was the result of the decision made by the British Sky Broadcasting Group, to make it available to all subscribers of the satellite platform, not just for those who also use their Internet services.

In addition to traditional satellite broadcasts, Sky Anytime+ offers users the ability to watch streaming television - "a huge library of TV on demand". The satellite receiver connected to the broadband Internet allows the user to enjoy anything from the large movie archives of MTV, Discovery, FX, History, Disney, National Geographic, BBC, ITV, UK TV. Additional movie library available on the Internet has thousands of items, and about 500 of them are available at no additional charge.
Those who have decided to subscribe Sky Movies, have permanent access via the Internet to a minimum of 70 of the 100 most successful films of the year. Each Sky TV customer with Sky Anytime+ can also enter Sky Store, the new place to rent movies instantly, "including some of the latest releases out on DVD and a huge library of favourites. Prices start from just 99p".
In practice, a 2 Mbps download speed is sufficient for watching a direct stream, after a minute buffer delay. Of course, the user can also download any content on the hard disk.

Sky Anytime+ is an extension of the service called "push" VOD (Video On Demand). The "push" term means that the demanded content is provided as satellite feed and stored on the receiver's hard drive. It can be played any time within a week's time, and then is overwritten by the next week's portion. The extension consists in adding "pull" VOD option, i.e. video downloaded on demand via the Internet. This option is available in Sky+HD and latest black Sky+ boxes.

The decision to unlock Sky Anytime+ is the response to the market situation, in particular after the launch of the service offered by the U.S. company Netflix which has recently entered the UK market and for 6 pounds a month provides access to similar resources, but only via the Internet.
Hybrid TV integrates digital television, the Internet, and portals dedicated exclusively to hybrid TV
The issue of hybrid television combining features of traditional broadcasting (via satellite and terrestrial transmitters) and streaming of media over the Internet, emerged in Europe in 2009. Since then, analyzing the movements of the major players in the most developed TV markets in the world, we see that the new form of television enjoys a great acceptance among consumers. The VOD and OTT (Over The Top Television) services are becoming increasingly popular.
Thanks to the implementation of the "enjoy watching anytime" idea, the user can freely choose any TV channel being broadcast at the moment, or anything from "a magical library of TV on demand - entertainment, movies, sports and documentaries".

CCTV system - wise investment for years.

Professional CCTV system has to be based on solid analysis of the client's needs, resulting in a suitable design. The choice between analog and IP technology determines the next steps: the selection of cameras and managing/recording system, cable and wireless transmission means, the way of power supply.
Comparison of areas with the same detail captured by CCTV cameras of different image resolutions
Analog monitoring systems are relatively easy to design and implement. Almost all analog CCTV devices are compatible with each other. Appropriate deployment of cameras allows for identification of people and objects. The video signals from cameras can be transmitted via coaxial cables or twisted pair cables (with the use of video baluns). The maximum resolution of the recorded video is 4CIF (704x576). The systems are based on DVRs available at affordable prices.
The main advantage of IP video surveillance systems is the possibility of providing high resolution images (theoretically unlimited, in practice the most popular format is FullHD, 1920x1080 pixels = 2 MP). The use of megapixel IP cameras helps minimize the number of camera points, which reduces installation complexity and cost. The IP cameras are in fact independent network devices. When choosing the components for an IP CCTV system, the designer/installer has to pay attention to their mutual compatibility. The data exchange is performed over LAN - the cameras connect with a recording device (server) using TCP/UDP protocol. The recording server can be implemented as a hardware NVR, or a PC workstation running NVR software. Twisted-pair cables can simultaneously transmit data and power supply, with the use of special PoE power supplies or switches with PoE ports, e.g. TP-LINK TL-SF1008P N29930.

How to select an antenna for digital TV (DVB-T)?

Although in most cases the reception of DVB-T does not require replacement of the antenna array used to date for analog TV, the practice shows that in many situations the modernization of the array is necessary.
The tables below help find optimal antenna. They are provided for guidance purposes only - as the reception of radio signals is the result of many factors, we cannot give anyone a full guarantee that the antenna selection based on them will ensure trouble-free reception in each location within the distances indicated.
Transmitter power output
> 50kW
Distance from transmitter x < 15km 15km < x < 40km x > 40 km
 
 
 
 
A6030  A1112    A1615  
A6040  A4015   A2660  
A0315 A1610   A2670  
 A1112    A1911  

 

Transmitter power output < 50kW
Distance from transmitter x < 15km 15km < x < 40km x > 40 km
 
 
 
 
A1112 A4015    A3710  
A1610  A1911   A3380  
A1911 A2660   A2670  
 A4015    A2670    A2675  
More information in the article How to select an antenna for digital TV (DVB-T)

Passive optical network (PON) - distribution frames and boxes.

To provide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) service, the optical fiber has to be connected to the home of each subscriber.
The most common method is mounting distribution frame(s) in riser(s), sometimes on each floor. Then, independent optical fibers go from the distribution frame(s) to distribution boxes deployed on the floors. The fibers from the boxes are run directly to the subscribers, ending in termination boxes such as ULTIMODE TB-02H L5302.

Distribution boxes are often mounted in a confined space, so they should be small in size and should allow the installer to easily mount and maintain (in the future) the fiber optic connections. These requirements are fulfilled by ULTIMODE L5404 distribution boxes that allow for easy organization of fiber optic cables (up to 4 fibers, depending on the installed adapters) in order to connect them to the end users.
Optical Fiber Termination Box ULTIMODE TB-02HFiber Optic Distribution Box ULTIMODE TB-04B (wall-mounted)Optical Fiber Distribution Frame: ULTIMODE TB-48B (wall-mounted)Fiber Optic Distribution Box ULTIMODE TB-04B (wall-mounted)Optical Fiber Termination Box ULTIMODE TB-02H
A deployment of distribution frame and boxes in a residential building

Power supply for CCTV systems.

There are several ways of powering CCTV systems, such as the application of local power supplies, a central power supply, or the use of mixed solutions. Centralized power supply allows for a solution based on UPS and/or buffer power supply, increasing the reliability of the system. Below, we present some practical solutions.
Compact Outdoor Camera: n-cam 610 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 4-9mm, IR up to 40m, OSD) Stabilized Power Supply: ZSIT-62-8 (SMPS, 230VAC/12-14VDC, 8x0.65A)CCTV Network DVR: TREND 250X16 (H.264, 16 channels) 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) Power Supply Distributor LZ-8/POLSMPS AC/DC Adapter ZI-5000 12V/5A (for CCTV cameras)
Centralized power supply for a large system, with two power supply devices.
All power circuits are protected against overloading, short circuit and overvoltage.
The M18281 power supply allows for adjustment of output voltage (12-14 VDC),
which is very important in the case of distant cameras connected via long cables.
Buffer Power Supply: HPSB 11A12C (9.5-13.8VDC, 11A)Rechargeable Battery MW 18-12S (12V, 18Ah)Compact Outdoor Camera: Sunell SN-IRC4920AJ (day/night, D-WDR, 600 TVL, Sony Effio-E, 0.08 lx, 2.8-10mm, OSD, IR up to 40m) Network DVR: HIKVISION/ULTIMAX DS-8116HFI-S H.264 (16-ch.)
Application of buffer power supply with rechargeable battery
Switch Mode Power Supply:  DR120-12 (12-14VDC/10A)Compact Outdoor Camera: n-cam 710 (600 TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.01 lx, 4-9mm, IR up to 30m, OSD) CCTV Network DVR: SIGNAL DL-8316 (H.264, 16ch-4CIF-25fps, HDMI)
Application of switch-mode power supply mountable on DIN rail
Basic characteristics of power supplies for CCTV systems:
Code Model Type Output voltage [V] Max output current [A]
M1812 ZI-1000 compact (plug) 12 1
M1816 Protec 12V/1A splash-proof 12 1
M1817 Protec 12V/2A splash-proof 12 2
M1820 ZI-2000 desktop 12 2
M1825 ZI-5000 desktop 12 5
M1828 ZS-2500 metal housing
12-14 6x0.42
M18281 ZSIT-62-8 metal housing 12-14 8x0.65
M18283 ZSI-90-KZ metal housing 12-15 6x1
M18292 ZK-25 metal housing 12 4x0.5
M18294 ZK-65 metal housing 12 9x0.5
M1836 DR-120-12 mountable on DIN rail 12-14 10
M1853
CS24U12V/2A buffer 12 2
M1862 ZBF-12V/3A buffer 10.5-13.8 3
M1865 HPSB11A12C buffer 9.5-13.8 11
Basic characteristics of rechargeable batteries for buffer PS:
Code Model Capacity [Ah] Rated voltage [V]
M1882 MW 7.2-12S 7.2 12
M1884 MW 18-12S 18 12

How to access Titan NVR via the Internet?

Titan NVR has an option of automatic port forwarding (UPnP - Universal Plug-and-Play), so the network configuration can be performed automatically. UPnP-enabled router is configured automatically and displays the status of the gateway, so the network connection is immediately activated, without a need for additional firewall configuration (like opening firewall ports).
By clicking the Search button, the NVR detects a UPnP router. After adding it, the UPnP Port Forwarding List is supplemented with virtual ports and IP addresses that allow access to the web server and its streaming functions.

How to solve compatibility problems between a TP-LINK 3G router and some 3G modems?

For better compatibility, TP-LINK company tests its routers with all popular 3G modems and continually updates the firmware and the list of compatible modems. Despite these efforts, there may be some items that present compatibility problems.
To solve such a problem, the user can perform the following actions:
  • Way 1. Due to the mentioned constant firmware updating, the user should first try to find the 3G modem on the current list of compatible devices. If the modem is on the list but the status window of the router shows information about an unrecognized device (Unknown Modem), the user should update the router firmware. The latest firmware is available at tp-link.com. After downloading, it can be installed by selecting System tools->Firmware Upgrade.
  • Way 2. If a 3G modem has not yet been included into the latest firmware update, there is a chance that the suitable software can be found in 3G Modem Bin File Center. The suitable binary file should be downloaded onto computer's hard drive and then loaded to the 3G router.
TP-LINK routers capable of providing Internet access via 3G modems:
3G Wireless Router: TP-LINK TL-MR3420 (802.11n, UMTS/HSPA)
3G Wireless Router: TP-LINK TL-MR3220 (802.11n, 150Mb/s, UMTS/HSPA)
3G Wireless Router: TP-LINK TL-MR3020 (802.11n, 150Mbps, UMTS/HSPA)
TP-LINK TL-MR3420 802.11n 300Mb/s UMTS/HSPA
N2957
TP-LINK TL-MR3220 802.11n 150Mb/s UMTS/HSPA
N2958
TP-LINK TL-MR3020 802.11n 150Mb/s UMTS/HSPA
N2959
New products offered by DIPOL
Universal Mechanical Splice: KeyQuick10 SC/UPC MM 62.5/125
Day/Night Box Camera: SN-BXC59/50CDN (Day/Night, WDR, 650TVL, Sony Effio-P, ICR, 0.03 lx)
Visual Fault Locator: FM-FOA-FCH
Universal Mechanical Splice
KeyQuick10 SC/UPC MM 62.5/125
L5736
Sunell Camera - Effio-P
SN-BXC59/50CDN
M11225
Visual Fault Locator
KeyFibre FM-FOA-FCH
L5933

What to do after turning off analog broadcasting from Astra 19.2E? On April 30, 2012, the last analog TV transponder on Astra satellites will be turned off. The owners of hotels and boardinghouses or pensions in Europe, who use analog headends, will face the problem of ensuring continuity of television services. In particular, tourists in many hotels throughout Europe may be very disappointed by not having access to popular German channels such as Das Erste, ZDF, Dritten Programme, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben.
Below we present a solution that allows guests to watch these and other channels...
The MMH-3000+ headend enables the distribution of satellite TV, also HD channels, analog TV and DVB-T broadcasts, as well as "private" A/V signals e.g. from security cameras and media players. The headend can remodulate (transmodulate) any of these signals to analog PAL channels or digital DVB-T / DVB-C channels. The big advantage of the headend is the ability to easily reprogram the channel plan or even the distribution standard(s).
Detection of suspicious behavior (loitering). Digifort surveillance software K3002, K3003, K3004 can be integrated with Digifort VCA image analysis module VCA K3040 offering a wide spectrum of "intelligent" functions for detection of potential threats. The system can trigger alarm when an object (usually a person, car, or animal) is milling about in any defined area for longer than the time set by the system operator...
Problems with GSM coverage in industrial halls. Despite the continued expansion of GSM infrastructure there are places with problematic coverage. Most of them are large industrial halls, shopping malls, conference rooms, cellars. Loss of connection or communication problems have particularly negative impact on working comfort and interests of the company and clients.
Such problems can be solved by installing the Signal GSM-1205 repeater A6785 to improve cellular connectivity throughout the facility. The device can be used in halls up to 1200 square meters...
Application of the Signal GSM-1205 A6785 repeater in an industrial hall