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

Will there be a world without cables? - 802.11ad ratified!

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) announced the completion of the IEEE 802.11ad wireless network standard. Its marketing name will be WiGig encompassing the 802.11ad networks operating in 60 GHz band. It will achieve data transfer speeds up to 7 Gbps, unimaginable for today's wireless networks.

WiGig is not intended to replace legacy 802.11 standards, but to complement them with ad-hoc high-speed wireless bridges between devices located in close proximity to each other. Such mini networks can be used to exchange data between users' devices or to integrate complementary devices such as tablet and PC. However, the greatest potential of WiGig is the possibility of transmitting high-definition audio-video data streams. WiGig defines the transmitting interface for the A/V signal sources (DVD/Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, tablets, smartphones etc.) and the receiving interface for the displaying devices (TVs, monitors, projectors etc). This means that in the near future (market experts say about 2015) HDMI cables may slowly disappear from the market. Of course, it will depend on the activity of the manufactures in implementing the new wireless interface.

A movie demonstrating the main features of 802.11ad - WiGig

A limitation of the range due to the extremely high operating frequency is not an obstacle in many applications in the home and office. This restriction will not deter manufacturers of electronic devices from equipping them with 802.11ad connectivity. Wireless chip manufacturers such as Atheros, Marvell and Qualcomm are working on new systems that will allow the simultaneous use of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 60 GHz bands. The intention of the standard developers and equipment manufacturers is to allow devices to exchange information in the most optimal way. The optimization is based on the Fast Session Transfer (FST), the mechanism that automatically chooses the appropriate standard for actual transmission conditions.

This week's CeBIT in Hanover is to show whether 802.11ad is storming the market of wireless devices and consumer electronics, or we will have to wait for another event.

How to connect a switch to optical media converter via optical fiber?

In situations where a LAN is to be extended to other computers (for example, located in a new wing of the building), the best solution is to use fiber optic link, especially when the length exceeds 100 meters (the maximum segment length of UTP cable is limited to 100 meters only). An additional benefit would be the protection from propagation of voltage surges between the subnetworks.

The ideal choice is the use of a switch with SFP slot and suitable pair of media converter and SFP module. An example is shown in the diagram below.

Optical connection between a switch and media converter

Because of the types of connectors in the devices, it is necessary to use a patch cord with appropriate terminations. Media converters are typically equipped with SC connectors, whereas SFP modules, due to small size, use LC connectors. The optical cable with the desired length and suitable connectors can also be ordered from us - L7370.

One satellite receiver, two televisions.

Home users who have one satellite receiver and use two TVs rarely decide to buy another receiver. However, they may easily have access to all the channels from the receiver by application of the wireless transmitter/receiver set Signal T-1 R94115, operating in 2.4 GHz band. The set is designed for wireless audio/video transmission and extended communication with the remote control of the receiver (from the second room). The AV signals from the receiver can be transmitted to the second room over a distance up to 30 meters.

Wireless transmitter/receiver set Signal T-1 (A/V + IR, 2.4GHz) R94115

Signal R94115 sends video and stereo audio signals and can be used for transmission of A/V signals from a DVD, VCR, DVB-S/DVB-T receiver, multimedia player, analog camera. It is often ideal solution for providing the signals to a second TV in the home, in bedroom, kitchen etc.

Super Flux IR LEDs in Sunell cameras.

Super Flux LEDs are characterized by a high intensity of the light beam. These LEDs have a square cross-section and 4 pins. This construction provides high resistance to shock and vibration, so they are often used in modern automotive lighting.

The IR illuminator with Super Flux LEDs mounted in Sunell cameras
consists of seven 3 mm diodes with 60^o beam and 5 flat diodes with 90^o beam.

Super Flux LEDs are available in versions that differ in the lens shape, which directly translates into viewing angle.

This modern type of LEDs has low power consumption (20 mA per diode), high reliability and long range. These advantages decided that Sunell company uses the LEDs in IR illuminators of dome cameras. In the future, they to use such LEDs in all their cameras with IR illuminators.

Hybrid CCTV system based on Sunell devices.

Signal NVR-3216 K4416 is a modern 16-channel NVR. The device is capable of recording H.264 compressed video streams coming from cameras supporting ONVIF protocol. It allows for connecting analog cameras via SN-VSR5401 K1601 video servers and integrating them with Sunell IP cameras. Such hybrid video monitoring systems allow a smooth transition from analog to IP solutions, without having to get rid of already installed analog cameras.

Signal NVR archives images from a Sunell IP camera
and analog v-cam camera cooperating with video server Sunell K1601

The video from the camera digitized by the K1601 video server can be displayed at frame rate of 25 fps in three resolution modes, 720x576 (D1), 352x240 (CIF), and 176x120 (QCIF). The video server is equipped with two audio inputs that can be used for connecting microphones or other audio sources.

Miniature outdoor Access Point.

NanoStation Loco M5 is an integrated solution for building wireless bridges operating in 5 GHz band with the use of 802.11n MIMO 2x2 standard. Thanks to a unique construction, NanoStation Loco M5 offers unparalleled performance in such a compact device. The casing made of UV resistant plastic is resistant to even the most severe weather conditions. The device features built-in surge protection.

Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco M5, 5GHz CPE N2515

The AP can operate in Router or Bridge mode. Its wireless interface supports Access Point, Access Point WDS, Client, and Client WDS modes. The device is compatible with MikroTik RouterOS platform.
AirMax™ TDMA protocol allows for elimination of "hidden nodes" problem by allocating for them time slots (TDMA) for collision-free communication. It enables maximum throughput even with dozens of client stations connected to the access point.

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... more

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

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... more

The concept of a low-cost wireless monitoring solution
with the preview of the image on a TV

No more problems with connecting CCTV cameras. The video isolator SV-1000 M1711 eliminates several problems related to the power supply for CCTV cameras. The device protects CCTV equipment from lightening discharges, voltage differences and electric currents in ground loops... more

The application of the video isolator shown in the scheme eliminates the distortion caused by the potential difference between the grounds of the camera and monitor.