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No. 1/2015 (Jan. 5, 2015)
Is this the end of JPEG?
Fabrice Bellard, French computer programmer best known as the architect of software projects for handling multimedia data, announced a new graphics file format called BPG (Better Portable Graphics). In his opinion, the new image format based on a subset of the HEVC open video compression standard is likely to replace the world's most popular graphics format, JPEG. The biggest advantage of BPG compared to JPEG is much better file compression - with the same picture quality the files are two times smaller. In addition, the new format includes features such as a greater color depth (up to 14 bits per channel), support for transparency, and support for lossless file compression. Initially, the essential problem faced by BPG was the lack of support by web browsers. So, in addition to program libraries and binary distributions, Bellard has created a special decoder (written in JavaScript) to ensure compatibility of the new file type with popular web browsers.
A comparison of the results of JPEG (on the left) and BPG (on the right) compression algorithms
JPEG was developed in the late nineties of the last century, and due to an impressive compression capability at that time, it quickly became a standard. Up to now, there have been many competing solutions, but none of them has gained wide popularity. An example is the WebP format presented by Google, which, despite the backing by the Internet giant and support by Chrome, Opera, and some other browsers, has not become popular. Simply, the users have fallen into the habit of using the JPEG standard as good or at least "sufficient" for most applications. However, due to the increasing importance of mobile communications, the costs or restrictions related to data transmission - a better compression method would be desired by many people. For example, by the users of new mobile devices with higher resolutions, having increased requirements related to the quality of images, which is connected with their file sizes and proportional loading times. Another advantage of BGP is the possibility of using H.265/HEVC hardware solutions for image decoding. But, on the other hand, the application of compression algorithms based on H.265 / HEVC standard can cause potential problems with patent rights and licenses and hamper the wider use of BPG, despite its technical superiority over JPEG.
Fiber-optic SMATV system.
Optical RF signal transmission allows for long-range distribution of digital terrestrial and satellite television, DAB radio, security video etc. Fiber-optic SMATV systems provide much more flexibility compared to those based only on coaxial cable. In addition to the greater freedom in implementing long transmission lines, the installation of the systems is also easier thanks to replacing multiple coaxial cables by a single fiber-optic cable.
The ODU32 converter/optical transmitter combines signals from the TWL 001 LNB (SAT Input) and terrestrial antennas (DTT/DAB/FM Input). The ODU32 and TWL 001 devices are sold together as the TOU 232 KIT A9880. The combined signals converted into optical form and available at the both optical FC/PC outputs are transmitted via single-mode fibers to two buildings equipped with SAT-IF & DVB-T optical receivers/converters TVQ 05 QUATRO A9882. Due to relatively short distances between the optical transmitter and the receivers, the inputs of the receivers have been connected through of the 010 FC/PC L4522 10 dB optical attenuators (to adjust the level of the input signals to the dynamic range of the receivers). The receivers/converters replicate the satellite IF, DVB-T and FM/DAB signals coming in optical form from the TOU 232 KIT transmitter. They have 5 outputs allocating the output RF signals as four SAT-IF polarization/band combinations (VL-HL-VH-HH) and terrestrial DVB-T + DAB + FM signals. The RF signals are then distributed in the buildings via multiswitch systems.
Broadband Internet via power outlets.
Powerline Ethernet adapters transmit Ethernet signals over existing power lines in rooms, apartments, offices etc. A pair or set of the powerline adapters is an ideal solution in every case when it is impossible to install Ethernet cables or the environment does not allow to use wireless connectivity. It may be especially useful for connecting a television, home cinema etc.in a place without LAN outlet, without troublesome cabling.
The installation of the TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT N3363 is very simple. The "first" adapter should be connected to the router (with the included network patch cable) and plugged into the nearest power outlet. The second adapter is to be connected via its patch cable to a computer or other device requiring network connection in another room and plugged into the nearby power outlet. The maximum length of the electrical wires between the points of the network cannot exceed 300 m. The power outlets should be connected to the same branch (phase) of the AC power network.
View of the main units of the TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT N3363
Two IP cameras on a pole, video transmission via optical fiber.
Extensive monitoring systems with cameras placed on poles require careful planning, including the choice of equipment necessary for signal transmission via optical fibers and for power supply. Due to limited space and/or aesthetic requirements, installers have to minimize the number and size of the pieces of the additional equipment and the size of protective enclosures.In the case of two IP cameras placed on one pole and application of optical transmission medium, it is necessary to use suitable Ethernet switch, media converter, power supply for the cameras, power supply for the switch (such small switches often operate at a different voltage than IP cameras), power supply for the media converter and a fiber optic box for terminating the transmission fiber optic cable and connecting it to the media converter.
In such cases, the ideal solution is to use the L11542 media converter with integrated 2-port switch. This way there is no need for additional switch and power supply. The number of connections is also limited to a minimum. The concept is presented in the diagram below.
The application of the L11542 Ethernet media converter with built-in switch for the transmission of signals from two IP cameras via single-mode fiber. When the length of the fiber optic cable inside the building is above 15 m, the whole cable has to have LSZOH jacket (a universal cable). Typical outdoor fiber optic cables cannot be installed inside buildings over distances longer than 15 m.
NVMS - video recording triggered by motion detection.
The NVMS app is a free software for configuring and managing Sunell IP cameras and NVRs. The utility automatically searches the cameras in the Ethernet network and allows for quick implementation of the monitoring system based on Sunell equipment. After suitable configuration, it also allows for recording the video data on a PC computer instead of an NVR. For example, to trigger recording by motion detection, the user should perform the following steps:- in the main window choose Device List ⇒ Device Manager, select the camera from the drop-down list, enter the Alarm Configuration ⇒ Motion Alarm item, set the Motion Area, tick the Enable check box and finally accept all settings with the Apply button;
NVMS - configuring motion detection for a camera
- return to the main window and select the System Manager ⇒ Concentrate Record ⇒ Store Config sub-menu, and specify the disk path for data recording (the available disk space can be limited - in the example to 1 GB);
NVMS - configuring disk path
- then enter the Concentrate Record ⇒ Record Manager sub-menu, mark the desired camera, press the Config button, and set the required options in the Record Config sub-menu (including activation of Motion Detection Alarm Record by ticking Enable check box). Return to the Concentrate Record sub-menu and click "Play" icon.
NVMS - configuring video data recording
After saving all the configuration data and restarting the program, the video recording triggered by motion detection will be activated.
Multi-streaming in IP CCTV systems.
Most IP CCTV cameras have the ability to generate at least two data streams with different parameters. The parameters can be adapted to the network capacity and application requirements (recording parameters of the NVR, access via mobile devices etc). Typically, an IP camera generates two streams, one of higher and the other of lower quality. |  |
Configuring the 1st and 2nd stream of Sunell cameras
- The 1st stream is normally used as the main stream for full-screen monitoring and video data archiving. Due to these applications, its parameters should not limit the quality of the camera image, especially the video resolution and frame rate. In the case of Full HD cameras, the recommended bit rate value is 5 Mbps.
- The 2nd stream is usually used as the auxiliary stream for monitoring in screen-division mode and via mobile devices. A lower quality of the image is sufficient for that applications and compared with the main stream the transmission requirements are much lower (0.7-1 Mbps).
 | Combination Lock (for standing SIGNAL RACK cabinets) R9120398 is designed for use in any standing Signal RACK cabinet. The lock can be opened by selecting the programmed 3-digit code or with key. | |
 | Optical Attenuator 015 FC/PC, 15 dB L4524 is used for adjustment of the optical signal level at the input of an optical receiver. The piece of equipment is intended for applications in satellite and DVB-T signal distribution systems based on optical technology. | |
 | uFl to N-male Cable (30cm) E83272 is used for connecting a modem or router with an external antenna. | |
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