No. 8/2016 (Feb. 22, 2016)
Google will make smartphones smart.
Google is working on a solution allowing mobile devices to perform complex calculations and analysis without the need for external data centers. The implementation of such a project will be possible thanks to the cooperation with Movidius company developing ultra power efficient integrated circuits able to use machine learning algorithms as the part of artificial intelligence. The search engine giant has already shown the potential of its image recognition algorithms in Google Photos app that stores and analyzes images from smartphones. The users of this application can search for images by entering names of objects, for example "flowers" or "mountains", or use an image of a face to find other photos where the face also appears. However, the sending of the images takes time, so the search efficiency depends on the existence and quality of Internet connection.The aim of the project is to equip smartphones with on-board artificial intelligence and machine learning mechanisms. This purpose will be accomplished by using efficient 12-core chip featuring advanced image processing, belonging to the family of Myriad 2 consisting of two units, MA2450 and MA2150. In the future, phones with built-in image-recognition ability will identify objects in real time, without an Internet connection. This feature can have many applications, e.g. to identify people during the authorization of transactions, to analyze the environment in order to help blind people (graphical signs, street names, etc.) or to interpret the sign language of the deaf.
Movidius company that contributes to the project has previously worked with Google on the Tango project - a tablet equipped with sensors for mapping the environment and "moving" real objects into the virtual world. It seems that it is only a matter of time when our devices equipped with such extra "sense" will open new opportunities and make our lives easier...
How to activate remote control of OSD menu in Hikvision HD-TVI cameras?
The control of analog cameras of the old type (CVBS) is usually carried out with the use of a joystick mounted on the camera cable. In most cases, HD-TVI cameras ido not have such a joystick, but the control of their parameters is possible via an HD-TVI DVR. The control signals are sent back to the camera via the same coaxial cable that provides the video to the DVR. To open the camera OSD menu, the user has to enter PTZ control menu of the DVR and then press the button labeled "Menu." The same effect can be produced by calling "Preset 95".
OSD menu in a Hikvision camera of D1T series
The navigation through the OSD menu is performed by using PTZ buttons, up/down and left/right. The IRIS+ button is used to confirm the changes.
The possible range of functions/adjustments (it may depend on the model):
- operation mode,
- exposure settings (slow shutter, AGC, sense-up, brightness, D-WDR, defog),
- BLC,
- white balance,
- noise reduction,
- privacy masks.
Hikvision Disk Calculator - calculation of the data retention time.
The Hikvision Disk Calculator v.3.0.0.2 allows for estimation of the video data retention time for a given capacity of the HDD(s) installed in an NVR. Inversely, the user can calculate the required capacity of the HDD(s) for the planned data retention time.The application is easy and intuitive to use. The "Channel Number" field must be filled up with the number of cameras connected to the NVR. The choice for the "Device Type" should be "IPC" (IP camera). The "Resolution" field is designed to select the actual image resolution, from 2-12 MP range). The "Frame Rate" parameter can be chosen within the 1/16 - 50 fps range. The "Encoding" field is used for selection of the compression used by the camera and NVR (H.264, H.264+ or H.265).
Depending on the selected parameters, the program will recommend the optimum bit rate. If the cameras work with various encoding settings, they must be added separately, with individual parameters. After adding cameras, the necessary parameters are the capacity of the planned disk(s) ("Disk Space") and the recording time per day (continuous recording periods). The calculator will compute the data retention time. Below there are calculations for the same cameras but different compression methods.
Calculation of data retention time for H.264 compression | Calculation of data retention time for H.264+ compression |
Typically, the H.264+ compression method developed by Hikvision can be two times more efficient than H.264, preserving the same image quality. It has been taken into account in the application - the recommended bit rate is half that of H.264 and the same disk capacity allows for doubling the data retention time. With 8 cameras in the system, 4 TB disk space, and 24/24 recording, the time periods will be 11 and 22 days, respectively.
Multiswitch SMATV system for two satellites in an apartment building.
The most flexible multiswitch installations in multi-story buildings are based on 9-cable systems. The 9-cable bus is split into subnetworks for apartments in each staircase, and then on each floor, by a suitable tap providing signals to a "story" multiswitch. This way the network can be shaped according to the actual requirements. In the case of growing number of subscribers/outlets, it is enough to use multiswitch with a greater number of outputs.The new series of 9-input multiswitches, TERRA MV-9XXL, has been designed as the "story" or "floor" multiswitches for such 9-cable systems. A distinguishing feature of the multiswitches is grouping of outputs with different output levels, which enables installers to equalize signal levels in outlets located at different distances from the multiswitch. Additionally, the built-in compensation of the increased loss of signals at higher frequencies in the distribution cables allows for building large SMATV systems with subscriber lines up to 80 meters.
An example of SMATV system in a multifamily building (4 staircases, 3 stories). The system distributes programming from terrestrial transmitters and two satellite positions. It is based on bus topology, with SDQ-908 R70529 splitter, SD-920 R70526 taps, and TERRA MV-908L R70858 multiswitches. All active components of the system are powered from the SA-91L R70901 broadband amplifier.
The bus topology offers a number of advantages over cascade solutions. The most important of these is the minimization of the impact of a failure in one network segment on the rest of the system. In the solution proposed by TERRA company, a failure of a multiswitch causes a loss of signal only in the outlets connected to the multiswitch, the rest of the network is unaffected.
PoE simplifies power distribution in IP networks.
Power supplying of IP devices becomes frequent task for installers of IP networks, including IP CCTV systems. With the use of PoE technology (Power over Ethernet), the installation work can be easier. The best PoE solution seems to be the integration of switching and power supply functions, i.e. the application of switches with PoE functionality.Below, the ULTIPOWE0098af N29982 switch has been used in IP video surveillance system. The signals from IP cameras are transmitted to the switch connected to the NVR (which records the surveillance data and is used for live monitoring and browsing archives). Thanks to the PoE function of the switch each camera is connected via one cable (poer + data) which simplifies the installation of the system.

The order of fibers in optical cables.
Terminating the end of a fiber optic cable with multiple fibers, the installer should pay attention to the appropriate order of the fibers spliced in the distribution frame or installation box. There are several standards addressing that issue, and although there are not general regulations, consistency in this field allows installers to avoid problems in the event of network maintenance or expansion.Installing optical cabling, it is worth to implement one of the European standards or the proprietary solutions used by cable manufacturers or large telecommunications operators. The table below shows the most common standards for the layout of fibers in optical distribution frames.

It is worth remembering that the adoption of a specific standard saves time and money in the case of expansion of the optical network. Connecting the next links, the installer does not have to empirically verify the order of the fibers in the existing distribution frames and avoids problems with erroneous connections (especially when the splices are placed in closed patch panels without the possibility of viewing the order of the fibers).
Power Supply 2WZS (12V/100mA, for antenna amplifiers, F-f + IEC) D0013 is designed to provide power to preamplifiers/amplifiers in small terrestrial antenna systems (requiring 12 VDC, with current consumption up to 100 mA).The LED indicator shows the presence of the output voltage. The included power supply injector placed inside the casing of the IEC plug allows power transmission to a preamp/amplifier usually located in an antenna box, via the same coaxial cable that provides RF signals to the receiver (F-type connection). | ||
IP Box Camera Sunell SN-IPC54/14EDN K1617 is equipped with SONY EXMOR 1/2.9" CMOS image sensor with resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (2 MP). The camera has been designed for indoor operation in professional IP CCTV systems based on NVRs. The camera provides two data streams (main stream and sub-stream) and can use H.264 or MJPEG compression method. The audio input allows for connection of a microphone, and the audio output can be connected to an active loudspeaker (with an amplifier). Such a solution enables two-way voice communication, audio monitoring of the spot, audio recording. | ||
9/12 Multiswitch Terra MR-912L R70812 has built-in amplifiers for terrestrial and satellite TV. The adjustment of the SAT IF and DVB-T (47-790 MHz) gain is made with dedicated switches. In comparison with potentiometers, this solution increases stability of the adjustments. Additionally, the MR-912L R70812 multiswitch has been equipped with passive terrestrial path that should be applied in systems with return channel (the passive and active paths cannot be used simultaneously). | ||
Worth reading
Efficient wireless networks. When creating the backbone of a wireless network, at the beginning it is worth to estimate the maximum data transfers to the nodes. It allows for the proper selection of the equipment and network topology.
Prior to installing the equipment, one should design the network, taking into consideration... >>>more
Prior to installing the equipment, one should design the network, taking into consideration... >>>more