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

Sensitive image sensors covered with plastic.

Researches from Technische Universität München (TUM) have developed a new generation of image sensors - much more sensitive to light and also cheaper to produce. In the near future, the discovery of the scientists may revolutionize the market of imagers used in consumer devices (cameras, smartphones).

The new way of building sensors consists in replacing silicon crystalline semiconductors (responsible for collecting light and converting it into electrical signals) by a very thin layer of electrically conductive plastics sprayed on the surface of the sensors. The layer covers the entire surface, resulting in a 3-fold improvement in the sensitivity to light, compared to typical CMOS devices. It is also important that the signal-to-noise ratio is also improved, and the method of spraying the polymer on a chip is as simple as spray painting.

The ultra-thin, light-sensitive organic layer developed by the researchers at the Technische Universität München (TUM) can be applied to CMOS image sensors of various size, with rigid or flexible structure

It turns out that the potential use of the sensors in cameras is only the most obvious idea. The inventors of the new technology think about other interesting applications - thanks to the fact that the photosensitive surfaces can be made out of different polymers, using aerosols with various chemical composition it is theoretically possible to create sensors sensitive to selected wavelengths of light. So, it could be a short cut to e.g. cheap night vision systems in cars (operating in IR range) or other systems, based on color recognition.

Correct sitting posture at work.

White-collar work is often associated with long hours spent by computers. People engaged in sedentary work are exposed, over time, to a number of diseases and conditions.
The monitor should be positioned directly in front of the eyes of the worker, so that the top edge of it is about an inch below the line of sight, at a distance of 16-30 inches (40-75 cm). The setting of the proper position of the monitor can be troublesome for a tall person. The use of an additional base is often not acceptable - it takes up a lot of space on the desk and it may be difficult to match its color to that of the monitor.

Correct and incorrect sitting position

Signal mounts/brackets allow users a lot of flexibility in adjusting the position of the monitor, helping the user to take the right position at the desk. A wide range of the products provides opportunity to choose the optimal solution. Signal hardware is made of highly durable alloys, which, together with appropriate designs, allow for hanging monitors with diagonals up to 37''. The monitor hung on such bracket does not take place on the desk, which is especially significant when a workstation is equipped with more than one monitor.

How to control devices hidden in cabinets?

Many people tend to hide electronic devices in modern cabinets or in drawers, which is an elegant solution but brings a lot of usability issues - it is difficult or impossible to control the devices with remote controls. The problem can be solved by application of the Signal IRB-600U R94130 IR bender.

The application of the Signal IRB-600U R94130 IR bender

The sensor of the Signal IRB-600U R94130 IR bender receives IR commands from any remote control and distributes them to three IR transmitters. Each of them can be placed in front of different device (e.g. on the window/door of the cabinet, glass case etc. housing the devices, from inside). This way, any of the target devices can receive the user's commands without problems caused by location behind the window/door (lack of reaction, shorter range, need for very precise pointing etc). An important feature of the device is power supply from a USB port. This means that the IR bender can be powered from the TV or any of the controlled devices equipped with USB port, so it does not need an additional power supply and power outlet.

Extensive analog CCTV systems.

When security cameras are deployed at long distances from the DVR (300-2400 meters), both in the case of using UTP or RG59 cable the transmission lines should be equipped with video amplifiers.

Application of the VCA-1/2000 M1842 video signal amplifier - range up to 2000 m

Using UTP cable, the set of Etrix M16742 and M16743 active baluns can be used for distances up to 2400 m

Video surveillance of sites used seasonally.

Some sports and recreation facilities like ski slopes, outdoor pools etc. are used only at certain times of the year, depending on the weather conditions. In such places, the installation of typical CCTV systems with standalone DVRs would be unacceptable from an economic point of view.

View of the slot for a micro SD card for local recording in the Sunell K1691 camera

A good choice for such places is to use IP cameras capable of local video recording on SD or micro SD cards.
An example of this kind of cameras is Sunell SN-IPV54/12UDR K1691 equipped with micro SDHC interface for cards up to 32 GB capacity. It enables continuous recording of the video footage in medium quality for about 72 hours and provides possibility of analyzing possible accidents on the slope, swimming pool etc. The video backup time can be extended by reducing the bandwidth of the video stream, its resolution, or frame rate. Overwrite option allows for regular replacement of old recordings by the footage covering the last several days.
Such a camera with access to the Internet can upload the video files to a remote FTP server. Both the live stream and the archives can be available from anywhere in the world via any web browser or on smartphones running InView application.

GSM repeaters - use certified and legal equipment covering the whole band.

Many GSM repeaters available on the market do not operate in the whole GSM band. The additional E-GSM band (Extended GSM) covers the frequency ranges of 880-890 MHz and 925-935 MHz (the "standard" GSM900 uses 890-915 MHz and 935-960 MHz ranges). When buying/installing a GSM repeater it is necessary to determine whether it works in the E-GSM band - otherwise it will not strengthen signals of many European operators and the incoming and outgoing calls using that frequency range will not be possible.

Buying Signal GSM repeaters, the customer will have no doubt about the legality and proper operation in the entire available bandwidth.

An application of a GSM repeater in a house to provide GSM connectivity on all three floors

The series of Signal GSM repeaters consists of three models, A6765 GSM-305, A6775 GSM-505, and A6785 GSM-1205, with different output power levels and corresponding coverage areas.

Modernization of shared antenna system with 110 outlets. The investor has undertaken modernization of MATV systems in a number of old buildings. The scope of work included removal of old equipment and installation of modern devices for DVB-T. In the first stage the systems have been modernized in high, 11-story buildings with two staicases and the total number of outlets of 110... more

The project of the modernized MATV system in a 11-story building with 110 outlets (click on to enlarge)

Cameras without power supplies? Many IP cameras, e.g. K1620, K1630, K1670, K1680, K1690, K1695, can be powered via UTP cable, in compliance with the PoE IEEE 802.3af standard. This eliminates the need to connect 12 VDC supplying voltage and reduces the amount of cabling... more

An example of using PoE function (ports 1-4) of the TL-SF1008P N29930 switch

Selecting fiber optic cables. Choosing a fiber optic cable for a particular installation, the technician should take into account several factors that will determine the kind/type of the cable and connectors... more

View of the L7370 patch cord