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

No. 5/2017 (Jan. 30, 2017)

HDMI 2.1 - new version, new possibilities.

At the sidelines of CES 2017 in Las Vegas, HDMI Forum Inc. announced the upcoming release of Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification. The new version is intended to provide support for a range of higher video resolutions and frame rates - 4K @ 120Hz, 8K @ 60Hz, or even 10K. To take the full advantage of its features, the user will need to purchase a new 48G cable (offering the bandwidth of 48 Gbps). The transmission of a 4K Ultra HD signal (3820x2160) requires to send approximately 4 times larger amount of data compared to full HD (1920x1080). Similarly, the increase of frame rate results in proportional rise in the data stream. HDMI 2.0 offers a throughput of 18 Gbps, which is insufficient for higher resolutions and/or frame rates, as well as for other features offered by the new version. Of course, HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible, so the connection of devices compatible with older versions will not be a problem.
The introduction of the new version will allow for the use of the latest technologies. One of them is High Dynamic Range (HDR) using dynamic metadata. HDMI version 2.0a supports static metadata, i.e one HDR level for a whole movie. Dynamic HDR will be able to optimize the image in every scene and even every frame, providing the best values for the image depth, brightness, contrast and color gamut. As a result, the image will become more vivid and detailed.
SDR
Static HDR
Dynamic HDR

An example of an image in SDR, static HDR and dynamic HDR
(source: www.hdmiforum.org)
Computer gamers should be interested in the fact that the HDMI 2.1 version supports Game Mode VRR offering variable frame rate, adjusted for the number of frames rendered by the graphics card, which will provide smoother game experience, with lower latency and lag. Another novelty is the introduction of eARC supporting the most advanced audio formats.
The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.0 adopters in the second quarter of 2017. The users of HDMI 2.1 will not be able to explore its potential immediately, but everyone planning to buy a new advanced television should pay attention to whether the model supports the newest version of HDMI. With this feature the expansion capabilities will be much broader.

Multiswitch SMATV system with fiber-optic links in a multifamily building.

Fiber-optic SMATV systems provide greater freedom in implementing long transmission lines, the installation of the systems is also easier thanks to replacing the multiple thick cables by a single, thin fiber-optic cable. It means that the deployments of the shared antenna systems can be easier for implementation, especially in existing buildings equipped with narrow shafts or even without such conduits.
Satellite Dish INVERTO IDLB-STCF 120cm (light color)QUATRO LNB: Inverto BLACK Ultra 0.2dBUHF TV Antenna: DIPOL 44/21-60 Tri Digit5/24 Multiswitch: Terra MV-524 (IF gain adjustment, class A)5/16 Multiswitch: Terra MV-516 (IF gain adjustment, class A)SAT/TV Splitter: Terra SD-504 (class A)Optical Receiver TERRA OR501W (QUATRO + DVB-T/DAB/FM)5/32 Multiswitch: Terra MV-532 (IF gain adjustment, class A)Optical Fiber Termination Box ULTIMODE TB-02HSingle-mode Patch Cord ULTIMODE PC-523 (1m, G.652D, SC/APC-FC/APC) Indoor Cable: ULTIMODE ILB-2SM-A (2xG.657A1, limited bending radius)Optical Fiber Termination Box ULTIMODE TB-02HSingle-mode Patch Cord PC-522S2 (SC/APC-SC/APC, simplex G.657.A2, 1.5m)Fiber Optic Distribution Box ULTIMODE TB-08B (wall-mounted)Optical Splitter: ULTIMODE SO-4-7A (1:4, G.657A, SC/APC)TV Optical Transmitter TERRA OT501W (SAT/DVB-T, 6dBm)
A multiswitch SMATV system based on TERRA optical devices
The diagram above shows an example of a multiswitch SMATV system combining fiber-optic and copper technologies. The satellite and terrestrial TV signals from the master antennas are provided via coaxial cables to the TV optical transmitter OT501W A9872 with output power of 6 dBm. The optical signal is transmitted via single-mode fiber to the technical room located in the basement of the multifamily building. The installation box in the room contains optical splitter that splits the signal into three paths for the three staircases in the building.
Each of the paths uses 2-fiber optical cable Ultimode L7102 that goes to the appropriate installation box in the staircase. The boxes protect the splices and connectors. So, the optical cables are not directly connected to the optical receivers TERRA OR501W (QUATRO + DVB-T/DAB/FM) A9877, but via adapters in the boxes and additional patch cords, to minimize the risk of a damage to the optical links. Despite comparatively short distances there is no need for additional attenuators due to the attenuation introduced by the optical splitter.
The optical receivers provide sets of electrical signals suitable for further distribution through multiswitches. The kind and number of the multiswitches installed in a staircase depends on the total number of outlets in the apartments located in the staircase. In the case of the first and second staircase, these are MV-524 R70724 and MV-532 R70732 multiswitches plus the R70515 SAT/TV splitter, in the third staircase - the MV-516 R70716 multiswitch. The outlets in the apartments are connected to the multiswitches via coaxial cable with screening efficiency at A-class level, e.g. TRISET-113 E1015.

Deployment of WiFi networks in buildings.

TP-LINK access points of EAP series provide flexible and secure solutions for the implementation of wireless networks that are easy to install and manage. The APs can be easily mounted to walls or ceilings. WLAN configuration and management are simplified through centralized management software. TP Link EAP devices also provide captive portal and automatic RF management, making them ideal for high-density, demanding business environments, such as campuses, hotels, shopping malls, offices.
EAP Controller Software (available on the included CD-ROM) enables centralized configuration and management of the wireless network composed of multiple EAP devices. The functions include real-time monitoring, graphical analysis of network traffic and batch firmware updates.
The TP-LINK EAP series consists of:
  • N2562 - Wireless Access Point TP-LINK EAP110, standard N 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), passive PoE
  • N2564 - Wireless Access Point TP-LINK EAP120, standard N 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), PoE 802.3.af
  • N2566 - Wireless Access Point TP-LINK EAP220, standard N 600 Mbps (300 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz and 300 Mbps @ 5 GHz), PoE 802.3.af
An example of the deployment of TP-LINK EAP access points
Captive portal provides one convenient method of authentication for Wi-Fi guests. A captive portal requires users to perform certain actions (such as viewing and agreeing to an acceptable use policy or entering a password) before network access is allowed. The required action must be verified by a server or customized database prepared by the administrator.

Types of optical splitters.

In the case of a passive optical network (PON), the signal is divided into a number of optical channels (paths) with the use of optical splitters. The splitters usually divide the signal in a symmetrical way (with the same attenuation at each output) into 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 paths.
The splitters are manufactured in two different technologies:
  • FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) - the process consists of placing two or more fibers adjacent to each other, then fusing and stretching them to create a central coupling region. The fibers are then drawn out according to the output branch and ratio. The technology is cheap, but the devices are larger and less reliable compared with PLC solutions, including problems with equal splitting.
  • PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) - splitters based on optical chips, manufactured using lithography onto a silica glass substrate, which allows for routing specific percentages of light. The chip consists of three layers - the substrate, waveguide, and lid. The waveguide layer receives the incoming optical signal and passes it through to the outputs. The compact designs provide equal splitter ratios applicable to all branches, enhanced stability across all ratios, and superior quality with a low failure rate compared to FBT technology.
PLC optical splitter ULTIMODE SO-4-7A L36041
(1:4, G.657A, SC/APC) mounted on a splice tray
Four SC/APC connectors providing signals
from outputs of the L36041 PLC splitter
1x4 Ultimode L36041 PLC splitter mounted in the Ultimode L5408 distribution box.
The splice tray (for 12 splices) located in the small box has a suitable place for the optical splitter.

Hikvision wins in the A&S Security ranking.

According to the latest report from A&S Security magazine, Hikvision company has achieved number 1 overall position as the world's largest supplier of video surveillance products and solutions. This has been possible thanks to strong growth in sales (43%) compared to the year 2014. The continuous growth allowed the year-to-year rise in the ranking (2015 - 2nd position, 2014 - 3rd position). The ranking includes companies engaged in the production and integration of devices in the field of security. Hikvision company puts great emphasis on the continuous development, easily placing innovative video surveillance devices and solutions in the market. In addition to the development of a whole range of security systems, the company works on future technologies. Some of them are artificial intelligence and "big data" solutions for business and transportation.
Three leaders of the security industry according to A&S Security 2016 ranking
(source: www.asmag.com)
One can easily notice a big advantage of Hikvision over the competing companies. In 2015, the Hikvision turnover was by 21% higher compared to Honeywell and as much as by 128% higher than that of Bosch. According to independent research, in 2015 Hikvision had 19.5% share of the global market in the video surveillance industry, compared with 4.6% in 2010.
Hikvision is not only gaining new customers, but is also constantly expanding and modernizing the offer. The example is the current list of Hikvision products offered by DIPOL. Despite the fact that we have been cooperating with Hikvision for many years, the oldest models from the list were launched on the market in 2015, and a half of the list is taken by products that appeared only in 2016. Of course, the technical support for products sold earlier is still continued.

Application of of Open Collector (OC) outputs of alarm control panels.

Each control panel is equipped with high-current and low-current outputs. These groups of outputs have completely different features and load capacity. As an example, the Integra 32 G2004 control panel has two 2 high-current outputs with load capacity of 2 A, and 6 low-current outputs with max load of 50 mA. The high-current outputs can be used to control optical and acoustic signaling devices or be configured as DC power outputs (they provide 12 VDC voltage in active state). The low-voltage outputs are transistor outputs designed to control GSM modules, relays etc. Such an output can be in one of two states, either "closed" (potential ca. 0 V, active) or "open" (due to high impedance it has the potential of the power source, usually ca. +12 V). Loads over 50 mA can be connected to the OC outputs only through suitable relays.
SMPS AC/DC Adapter ZI-2000 12V/2A (for CCTV cameras)
Control of a load by an OC output of the Integra 32 control panel (LED lamp connected through a relay)
The relay coil is connected to the outputs OUT2 and OUT3. OUT2 (high-current output) is configured as 12 VDC power output. The activation of the OUT3 low-current output results in changing its potential from ca. 12 to 0 V, which triggers the relay. The relay should be designed for control by 12 VDC voltage and current below 50 mA.

New products

HD-TVI TURBO HD 3.0 DVR: Hikvision DS-7116HQHI-F1/N (16ch, 1080p@12fps, H.264+, HDMI, VGA)
HD-TVI TURBO HD 3.0 DVR Hikvision DS-7116HQHI-F1/N M75117 is a 16-channel CCTV DVR capable of recording surveillance video provided in HD-TVI, AHD, CVBS and IP standards. The maximum recording resolution is 1080p@12fps, however four channels can support 3MP@12fps. In the case of 960x1080 / 720p / VGA / WD1 / 4CIF / CIF resolutions, the maximum frame rate is 25 fps.

PoE Power Supply/Injector ULTIPOWER 802.3at (48V 30W )
PoE Power Supply/Injector ULTIPOWER 802.3af (48V 15.4W) M1893 is designed for powering devices using PoE technology. With this technology, one UTP/FTP cable transmits data and provides power to the connected network device. The compliance with the IEEE802.3af standard enables the user to employ the supplier/injector for powering any compatible PoE device.

24
24" LCD Monitor AG NEOVO SC-24 M3026 with Full HD resolution (1920x1080) is perfect for CCTV applications due to Anti-Burn-in™ technology. The Anti-Burn-in™ AG Neovo technology extends the life of all AG Neovo displays and allows for operation in 24/7 mode. The monitor is equipped with HDMI, D-Sub (VGA), S-Video and BNC (CVBS) inputs, so it can be connected to different devices (signal sources) such as DVRs/NVRs or PC computers. It also has built-in stereo speakers (2x 1 W).

Worth reading

Positioning of a camera for license plate recognition (LPR). For maximum effectiveness of license plate recognition, a camera supporting this functionality, e.g. DS-2CD4A25FWD-IZS (2.8-12 mm) K17891 or DS-2CD4A25FWD-IZS (8-32 mm) K17892, should be installed in a suitable manner, so that the images of the plates on cars are appropriately captured. Depending on the manufacturer, the LPR functionality may be also named ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) or ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). There can be differences in requirements for placing the cameras and the required numbers of pixels... >>>more
Diagram illustrating the positioning of an LPR camera in the vertical plane: X- height of the camera mounting location, Y - the horizontal distance between the mounting location and detection point (measured on the ground), Z - the distance from the camera to the detection point.
HDMI to IP Converter: Signal HD (with USB extender)
Remote control and video monitoring