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

No. 17/2012 (April 23, 2012)

Dear Japan, please stop...

In March 2012, Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. announced that it created software capable of searching a database consisting of up to 36 million faces and finding a specific person within a second.
The software can recognize faces turned within 30 degrees of the camera either horizontally or vertically, which is suitable for a wide range of situations.
The image of a face can be taken by any device. The only requirement is the size - the face has to be at least 40 pixels in height and width. After pointing out a person, the system will automatically search the database and provide all files that contain images with the face of the (wanted) person.
The software is intended for large video surveillance systems, such as those deployed at airports, train stations, shopping malls, stadiums, etc., where a large number of people moving in the fields of view of all cameras makes it difficult to find a particular person. With the Hitachi software it is simple and quick.
If, in the future, it comes to city CCTV systems, virtually any resident could be under selective surveillance.

In addition to the selective monitoring, such systems might be used in marketing and advertising, to target specific groups or individuals with well-chosen content, thus increasing the effectiveness of the commercials and advertisements.

The software is expected to be commercially available next year, and probably will become a standard part of large CCTV systems...
Is it possible to monitor all citizens?

Free Hikvision DDNS service.

In line with consumer expectations, Hikvision company has started a free DDNS service for their devices. Preconditions that are required to use the service:
  • public IP address,
  • proper configuration of the router or other network node: port forwarding.
The default ports of Hikvision devices (DVRs) are: 80 (HTTP) and 8000 (Client Port for video). In the case of a conflict with another service running in the network, they have to be be changed.
When setting up an external connection, it is necessary to set the default gateway for the Hikvision DVR, because the DVR is to support the Hikvision DDNS. In the network settings, the user should select the dynamic domain service option and input the server address: www.hikvisioneurope.net.
Then the user should log on to www.hikvisioneurope.net, create the account, and add the DVR (it is necessary to enter the Device Serial No. and the forwarded port number). In Device Status the user will see the DVR and, if DDNS is working correctly, the link for remote viewing. There is no need to remember all parameters, it is enough to know the username and password to the account on Hikvision server. In such a simple way the user can manage several Hikvision devices.
DDNS service may not be available for older firmware versions. The latest versions can be found on the manufacturer's website or in relevant catalog pages of DIPOL's website. More information on DDNS configuration can be found in the manufacturer brochure, or in the latest article from our LIBRARY: Quick DDNS configuration for Hikvision devices.

Hotel SMATV system (SAT TV + DVB-T).

A hotel complex that consists of three buildings has been equipped with MMH-3000 headend – to distribute 6 satellite channels as a DVB-T multiplex, and with a set of Terra channel amplifiers – to ensure access to FTA DVB-T broadcasts.
Steel Satellite Dish: FAMAVAL Off-Set 100 LH (100cm)Universal QUATRO LNB: Inverto Red Extended 0.3dBQPSK/8PSK CI Receiver / DSB PAL Modulator RDC-316 (MMH-3000)DVB-T Modulator (COFDM) for TERRA MMH-3000Building Amplifier:Terra HA-126Coaxial Cable (75 ohm): TRISET-113 1.13/4.8/6.8 [1m]Building Amplifier:Terra HA-126Twin Channel Amplifier: Terra at420 (UHF, analog TV &DVB-T, AGC) Multiband Amplifier Terra ma400 (FM/VHF/UHF)8-way Tap: Signal O-8 (5-1000 MHz)2-Way TV/FM Splitter R-2 Signal3-Way TV/FM Splitter R-3 SignalCoaxial Cable (75 ohm): Triset-11 PE 1.65/7.2/10 (gel-filled) [100m]Coaxial Cable (75 ohm): Triset-11 PE 1.65/7.2/10 (gel-filled) [100m]6-way Tap: Signal O-6 (5-1000MHz)Building Amplifier:Terra HA-126Building Amplifier:Terra HA-126Coaxial Cable 75 ohm: TRISET-113 PE (gel-filled) [1m]Coaxial Cable (75 ohm): Triset-11 PE 1.65/7.2/10 (gel-filled) [100m]
Diagram of the hotel SMATV system deployed in 3 buildings,
distributing the available DVB-T broadcasts and 6 SAT TV channels as additional DVB-T multiplex

The headend employs four RDC-316 R817101 modules and one DVB-T modulator TRX-360 R81709. This set of modules receives 6 satellite channels from four transponders and converts them to DVB-T form. This "private" multiplex is amplified by the HA-126 R82303 building amplifier and combined with terrestrial DVB-T signals amplified by twin channel amplifier at420 R82510. The R82520 MA400 multiband amplifier is used to compensate signal loss in long cables between the place of installation of the headend and the three hotel buildings.
Each of the buildings is also equipped with HA-126 amplifier, at the input of passive distribution network composed of R60102 splitter and R6026 / R6028 taps.

New quality of fiber optic connections – KeyQuick.

KeyQuick quick assembly connectors and mechanical splices are used for making reliable low-loss terminations and connections in optical networks, with very low insertion loss, below 0.1dB.

The loss below 0.1 dB, not available in other mechanical systems, is obtained thanks to advanced positioning of the inserted fiber end(s) by V-shaped grooves, the use of optical gel in the splice, reducing the effects of an imprecise cut and a possible gap between the end faces of the fibers, and unique design solution with the transparent body of the connector. After connecting Visual Fault Locator L5933, it allows the installer to verify directly whether the connection is made in a proper way. No red light in the splice area means a perfect connection.

The versatile design of KeyQuick L5733, L5736, L5753, L5756 mechanical splices allows for terminating 3mm / 2mm / 0.9mm / 0.25mm optical cables with multimode or single-mode fibers (depending on the model). The universal mechanical splice KeyQuick C-MS100-NT L5558 is used for splicing optical fibers with buffer coating diameters of 250 μm and 900 μm, providing high performance connections of multimode and single-mode fibers.

Mechanical splices are suitable for connecting optical lines instead of traditional, fusion splices e.g. for linking a distribution cable with pigtails in a building distribution box, or for repairing damaged optical links. Due to the high transmission parameters, they can be widely used in telecommunications networks, FTTH solutions, video surveillance systems, MAN and WAN backbones.
The construction of KeyQuick connector from KeyFibre with mechanical splice

1 - Housing
2 - Dust cup
3 - Locking button
4 - Body
5 - Boot (screwed-on)

The application of the Visual Fault Locator L5933 for verification of connection quality

How to calculate the depth of field (DOF)?

To draw attention of the viewers, photographers and cinematographers often use small DOF, also called shallow focus. This way they can emphasize the subject while downgrading the background or even the foreground. In contrast, for the owners CCTV systems it is desirable to have the entire image sharp, and a large DOF is a must.

Depth of field determines the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in the image. It can be calculated using the formula:
where:
DOF – depth of field [mm]
N – F-number of the lens opening (iris)
f – focal length of the lens [mm]
s – the distance at which the lens is focused [mm]
c – the circle of confusion for a given image format, it can be assumed 0.005 mm for 1/3" image sensor

According to the formula given above, the depth of field depends on:
  • iris diaphragm – the higher value the smaller the opening (aperture) through which the light enters and the greater the depth of field is (linear dependence),
  • the distance at which the lens is focused (the distance between the "sharpest" object and the lens) – the shorter distance the smaller depth of field (quadratic dependence),
  • focal length (quadratic dependence).
To summarize: in order to get the entire image sharp, the installer should use a high diaphragm (small aperture) and lens with the shortest possible focal length. So, if the field of view is too wide, the camera should be located closer to the observed object(s). If the small aperture results in a dark image, it is better to use a camera with a more sensitive image sensor, or switch it to B/W mode, where applicable.

Ergonomically designed IP CCTV system.

Advanced video surveillance software Digifort K3001, K3002, K3003, K3004 with intuitive GUI and automatic functions offered by image analysis module, working together with dedicated biometric identifier BioPass K3084 and K3081 console, makes a perfect operator-friendly environment for the surveillance staff in every monitoring center.

BioPass is a device integrated with Digifort software that allows identity access management based on biometrics (fingerprints). Biometric logon eliminates leakage problems, loss of passwords, password breaking etc., which significantly strengthens the security of the system. The access to the system is possible only for the staff that is registered in the fingerprint database.
Digifort console
K3081
BioPass
K3084
The console Digifort DGF-KB1000 K3081 has been specially designed for users of Digifort systems. It enables the operator to quickly access all available functions and control all modules of the software. Some of the control functions:
  • Fast switching between cameras - instant access to the image from the desired channel.
  • Virtual array: quick change of the screens (previous, next, full screen, change of order).
  • Ability to enlarge the selected object to full screen.
  • Toolbar hiding option.
  • Quick change of privacy zones for each camera.
  • Support for defined actions that can be taken after motion detection.
  • Opening and closing virtual on-screen keyboard.
  • Virtual mouse - control of the cursor from the keyboard, including functions of the left and right button.
  • Full control of PTZ cameras: iris, focus, zoom, pan, tilt, recalling presets, patrol function, PTZ lock.
  • Playback mode: starting playback, selecting cameras and time, fast forward/backward, switching between video clips.
  • Displaying camera status on the LCD display.

How to check the hardware version of a TP-LINK device?

When searching for the latest firmware for TP-LINK products at the official manufacturer's site, the user can be asked for the hardware version of their device. It is a very important issue as inappropriate software loaded onto the device may damage the unit.
The information on the hardware version of a TP-LINK device can be found on the product label with the rated parameters, usually on the bottom of the device. If it is not stated explicitly, the default hardware version is 1.0.
Below there are pictures of two stickers with the required details marked with red outlines.
Product labels with the rated parameters of two TP-Link devices
New products offered by DIPOL
Selective GSM Repeater: Signal GSM-305P
Outdoor Compact Camera: SN-IRC5830L (540TVL, Sony Super HAD II CCD, 0.3 lx, 2.8-10 mm, IR 30m)
FM Band Amplifier (87.5-108MHz): AF-310B (Terra MMH-3000)
Selective GSM Repeater
Signal GSM-305P
A6766
Sunell SN-IRC5830L Camera
IP67, -45oC...+45oC
M11260
FM Band Amplifier AF-310B
for Terra MMH-3000 headend
R817151
Worth reading:
Everything what the user should know about Signal DVB-T receivers. Signal DVB-T receivers - HD-507 A99250 and HD-527 A99252 - can be used not only for watching TV in digital quality, but also for recording programs and playing back both the recorded material and other media. In this and following issues we will bring you some interesting facts concerning specific features of these DVB-T receivers.
  • Simultaneous recording and watching different channels within the same multiplex...
  • How much space will be needed for a one-hour recording?...
  • What is the actual power consumption of Signal receivers?...
View of the INFO window opened in RECORD mode
Internet and video monitoring through a single fiber.The newly installed video monitoring system in a production plant consists of 8 analog security cameras M11270. The video is monitored in the surveillance room at the company's office building located about 500 meters from the factory.
The video signals are transmitted via optical fiber, also used for Internet access. The Trend DVR M72508 and computer workstations stations of the factory staff are connected to the managed switch TP-LINK N29959, additionally equipped with optical SFP transceiver module ULTIMODE L1416...
Internet and video monitoring through a single fiber
How to protect CCTV equipment against overvoltages? One of the most common causes of CCTV equipment failures are lightning surges. The systems with the highest risk are those with long external cables which can generate high voltages even in the case of large distances from lightning strikes. The overvoltages are dangerous for the devices on both sides of the transmission lines.
Devices that are connected via coaxial cables should be protected by single ( M1701) or quadruple ( M17014) CCTV video surge protectors...
Protection of CCTV devices connected via coaxial and UTP/FTP cables