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No. 28/2015 (Sept. 14, 2015)
Will Internet get rid of MPEG?
Microsoft, Google, Mozilla, Cisco, Intel, Netflix and Amazon have joined forces and formed a consortium aimed at creating a new generation of audio and video formats used on the Internet. The most important feature of the formats is to be a universal access via a free license (Open Source development model), which should lead to a rapid popularization of the algorithms. Other key features of the new formats will be:- optimization for network operation
- scalability for a whole range of devices
- low demand for computing power (the possibility to display high quality materials on older devices)
- high image quality during real-time streaming
- applications for creating commercial and non-commercial content
For three decades, the mess associated with patent and license problems has hampered a common use of MPEG4. Google has created formats to replace MPEG4 and GIF (WebP and WebM), but despite the fact that most browsers support the Google's formats, they have never become popular alternatives.
An obstacle in the development and popularization of the new standard may be the lack of interest from companies such as Sony, Adobe and Apple, the latter known for forcing its own projects. Apple would like to adopt its QuickTime as the web standard. Interestingly, even the member companies are working on their own formats - Google is developing VP10 (currently YouTube uses VP9 codec, the newer one should better cope with 4K video streaming), Cisco creates the format called Thor (as open source project, planned to be released under a royalty-free license). All the companies, however, declare willingness to cooperate on the creation of the common, most important standard.
The idea of the new open format is worthy of support, both as the means for streaming video in formats with very high resolutions, and from the side of the users of older computers who would like to still be able to watch video materials.
Modern coaxial cable for large antenna/cable systems.
Coaxial cables used in TV antenna systems must have 75 ohm wave impedance and low attenuation coefficient. The attenuation of a signal is proportional to the length of the cable run and depends on the carrier frequency of the signal - the higher frequency, the higher attenuation. To compare different coaxial cables, manufacturers provide attenuation levels of 100-meter sections of the cables at 20oC. Lower attenuation levels of high quality cables allow for more effective deployment of TV distribution systems. The example of such a cable is DIPOLNET Tri-Shield RG-6 Cu E1220, triple-shielded coax introduced by DIPOL last month. The cable dedicated for professional installers is sold on spools, 300 m E1220_300 and 500 m E1220_500. |  |
The DIPOLNET Tri-Shield RG-6 Cu E1220 cable has been designed for broadband applications.
The measurements show the attenuation of the cable in 5-3000 MHz frequency range.
The E1220 cable has been designed on purpose to comply with the latest requirements applying to coaxial cables for distribution of FM/DAB, TV and satellite TV programming in multifamily buildings in Poland (see the DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY OF TECHNICAL PARAMETERS). The requirements include RG-6 or higher category, at least double shielding with braid coverage >77% and screening efficiency of A-class according to EN50117, central copper conductor with min. 1 mm diameter.
Due to the use of return channel in cable networks providing access to the Internet, it is important to pay attention to transfer impedance that is the measure of signal penetration in the 5-30 MHz range. For A-class, this parameter should be below 5 mΩ/m. Many cable manufacturers omit this parameter, which may cause big problems in the case of using a cable with insufficient quality.
Due to the use of return channel in cable networks providing access to the Internet, it is important to pay attention to transfer impedance that is the measure of signal penetration in the 5-30 MHz range. For A-class, this parameter should be below 5 mΩ/m. Many cable manufacturers omit this parameter, which may cause big problems in the case of using a cable with insufficient quality.
![Coaxial Cable (75 ohm, class A): DIPOLNET Tri-Shield RG-6 Cu 1.02/4.8/7.0 [300m]](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/images/info/d314.gif)
Transfer impedance of Tri- Shield DIPOLNET RG-6 Cu cable
in the 5-30 MHz range and the requirements for class A
in the 5-30 MHz range and the requirements for class A
An optimum flexibility of the jacket allows for easy installation of the cable in cable ducts and installation boxes. Of course, the cable can also be used in individual antenna systems.
Industrial switches for all conditions!
DIPOL has launched ULTIPOWER industrial switches. The switches are capable of reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions typical for many industries, like increased dust levels, high or low temperature, high humidity. This category of switches should also be mounted in hermetic enclosures installed on poles or other structures located outdoors. All the Ethernet PoE ports can power the connected devices. The ULTIPOWER industrial switches can be powered simultaneously from two power sources, in order to maintain stable and continuous operation. Each of the industrial switches has been equipped with optical module or SFP port converting the transmission medium to fiber.
ULTIPOWER Ethernet industrial switches enable data transmission at rates of 10/100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps. Their RJ45 ports support auto-negotiation and Power over Ethernet (PoE) functions. The devices automatically discover PD devices (Power Device) compliant with IEEE 802.3af standard and supply power to them. This way, it is easy to power network devices located in places without access to AC lines, such as access points, IP cameras, IP phones etc.
Example application of the switches - they supply power to IP video surveillance cameras
and concentrate the IP video signals from the cameras. The both locations are connected via a fiber optic link,
and another link to the main switch can cover distance up to 20 km.
and concentrate the IP video signals from the cameras. The both locations are connected via a fiber optic link,
and another link to the main switch can cover distance up to 20 km.
Joining pigtails and fibers of different types/standards.
The experience of installers shows that different types of fibers cannot be spliced in an arbitrary manner. Generally, the whole transmission link should use the fibers of the same specification, e.g. G.652.D, G.657.A1 etc. However, it often happens that the installer does not know in advance what type of fibers is provided to the distribution frame/box.It is possible to splice cables with G.657.A1 fibers with pigtails with A2 fibers. The reverse connections (A2 fibers in the cable, A1 pigtails) have much worse performance. The still most popular G.652.D fibers should not be spliced with G657.A2 pigtails, but can be joined with G657.A1 pigtails.
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It is worth mentioning that the information is not a presentation of any standards or guidelines, but only some conclusions from the experience of installers splicing optical fibers. It is possible that some models of welding machines will allow for satisfactory results with theoretically incorrect combinations. On the other side, the universal and always legitimate approach is keeping one standard of fibers in the whole installation.
Restoring default passwords in Hikvision cameras and DVRs/NVRs.
SADP (Serch Active Device Protocol) is a free and simple to use utility for searching Hikvision cameras and Hikvision DVRs/NVRs in the local network. The online device search tool can also be used for modification of network parameters of the Hikvision devices, including the change of passwords or recovery of default passwords (when the user lost/forgot a password). The SADP software packed in WinZIP archive is available HERE. Hikvision offers two methods of the restoration of the default password depending on the firmware version (for firmware versions above V3.3.0 in DVRs and V5.3.0 in cameras, only the second method can be used). In the case of the first method, the user should select the device for the action in the main SADP window. If the window looks like in the picture below, the user should follow the following steps:- select the device
- copy date and time from the "Start Time" window of SADP utility and the serial number of the device from the "Device Serial NO:" field
- the data should be sent to DIPOL Technical Department
- wait until the unlocking code (file) is sent back (within 1-2 working days)
- select again the device to be unlocked
- paste the code into the "Security Code" field and confirm with OK button
- the password will be reset to the factory default form
View of the SADP window enabling restoration of the default password.
The red box shows the place for entering the unlocking code.
The red box shows the place for entering the unlocking code.
In the case of the second method, the user should also select the device for the action in the main SADP window. If the window looks like in the picture below, the user should follow the following steps:
View of the SADP window enabling restoration of the default password. The red box shows the place for exporting and importing the necessary data.
- select the device
- in the field by the "Export" button, enter a location for saving the exported data (DeviceKey.xml file)
- press the "Export" button
- send the data to DIPOL Technical Department
- wait until the unlocking code (file) is sent back (within 1-2 working days)
- select again the device to be unlocked
- in the field by the "Import" button enter the location of the unlocking file and press the button
- the password will be reset to the factory default form
The password for the administrator account will be reset to factory settings (the default password is: 12345 ). During the first logging, the user should change the password to prevent access of unauthorized persons to the device. We strongly encourage customers to use strong passwords to increase security. A strong password must be composed of 8 to 16 characters, with at least three types of the following: lowercase letter, uppercase letter, digit, special character.
Service monitor for installers of HD-TVI cameras.
Installation of cameras without a service monitor is difficult and time-consuming. In the case of HD-TVI cameras, the installer could use the CVBS output (if existed) and a service monitor with composite video input, or had to connect each camera on a monitor connected via HD-TVI DVR. The problem of effective monitoring of the HD-TVI video from the cameras is perfectly solved with the 7" STT-1 M3106 color service monitor dedicated for HD-TVI and ordinary CCTV systems. The monitor can be connected directly in the camera location to follow the effects of installation procedure. Large display with 7" diagonal allows for precise adjustment of the field of view and focus. With the possibility of wearing on the arm, it can help the installer working even in an uncomfortable position such as standing on a high ladder.The operation is possible with the AC/DC adapter or without it, thanks to built-in rechargeable battery. Additionally, the monitor can operate as 12VDC/2A power source for the tested devices. This feature is especially useful when a camera point has not been connected to the power supply network yet, but the camera should be adjusted beforehand.
Front view of the STT-1 M3106 service monitor dedicated for HD-TVI systems
 | Ceiling IP Camera Hikvision DS-2CD2510F K1719 comes from a new series of Hikvision products - HiWatch. This series of low-budget devices, IP cameras and IP NVRS, is dedicated for anyone who wants to build low-cost high-resolution IP CCTV system. The DS-2CD2510F ceiling camera has been equipped with high quality 1.3 MP CMOS sensor providing perfect video even in low-light conditions. A special feature of this model is small size - the diameter is only 10 cm. | |
 | HD-TVI TURBO HD Camera Hikvision DS-2CE16D1T-IT3 M7566 has been designed for use in CCTV systems based on HD-TVI DVRs. The compact camera provides 1080p video. With high sensitivity (0.01 lx) and built-in IR illuminator with range up to 30 m, the camera ensures high quality image in low light or even no-light conditions. | |
 | Fisheye IP Camera Sunell SN-IPV56/60HDR/B K1611 is a modern IP camera equipped with fisheye lens allowing 360°/180° monitoring (with ceiling/wall mounting, respectively). Thanks to a very high video resolution (6 MP: 3072 x 2048 pixels) and ability to cover a large area, the camera ideal for video surveillance in departure lounges, shopping malls, superstores, supermarkets, offices, hotel venues, restaurants, etc. The camera is equipped with Sony Exmor-R 1/1.8" CMOS image sensor and built-in IR illuminator with range up to 10 m, allowing for effective monitoring even in complete darkness. | |
Worth reading
Welding of optical fibers - preparation of fiber ends. Regardless of the choice of a welding machine, the fusion splicing process is quite similar, with a series of steps. The first of them is the removal of the fiber coating, 250 μm or sometimes 900 μm. Independently from the type of the spliced fibers, the bare cladding has diameter of 125 μm, the size needed for further operations. Then, it is necessary to clean the fibers with isopropyl alcohol (normally with dust-free wipes or cotton swabs), and cleave them using a suitable cleaver. The latter operation is very critical - it is important to ensure both the appropriate length of the fiber ends (in most cases the installer does not have anything to measure, because the construction of the cleaver allows for easy selection of the suitable length) and perfect angles of the cleavage planes. In practice, the welders accept some deviation from the right angle (about 1 degree), but more precise cleaving will result in better performance of the fusion splices. Low quality cleaver or insufficient accuracy of this operation are the main reasons of lower quality of the splices... >>>more
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The removal of the 250 μm coating and fiber cleaning
