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

No. 30/2018 (Oct. 1, 2018)

An artificial synaptic device.

A team of researchers from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea has developed a synaptic device that mimics the functions of nerve cells (neurons) and synapses. In an experiment conducted by the scientists, the process of creating, storing and erasing memories has been recreated. This is another important step in the development of artificial intelligence. In the human brain there are hundreds of trillions of synapses, i.e. the places where axons and dendrites connect together so that neurons can send and receive nerve signals. The information system can perform very complex functions while using a small amount of energy. Because of these features, artificial synapses that mimic the capabilities of human brain cells have been the focus of research for scientists around the world for many years.
A representation of neurons and synapses in the human brain.
The enlarged synapse presents the part imitated by semiconductor devices.
A big advantage of the developed method is a small size of the artificial system of synaptic devices, which results in a thousand-fold reduction in the complexity of circuit connections and energy consumption compared with methods based on zero-one systems. The synaptic model developed by the team of scientists can be used in ultra-low energy devices simultaneously processing huge amounts of data. This solution is expected to be used to create the next generation of intelligent semiconductor technologies, such as platforms for artificial intelligence (AI), machine and deep learning, and structures imitating the human brain.

Quick access to Hikvision devices.

Using the Hik-Connect application, you can easily share the access to any Hikvision CCTV device with the use of QR codes. The camera or DVR/NVR can be added to your Hik-Connect application (to your or guest account). You will appreciate the usefulness of such a solution when, for example, you want to provide the access for family members. A strong point is also the possibility to withdraw the access privilege at any time.
The generated QR code and Sharing Details screen
The sharing procedure steps:
  • Generating QR code on the smartphone of the owner of the camera (the code is valid for 60 minutes)
  • Scanning the code by a smartphone that should share the access to the camera
  • Setting access privileges:
    • Live view
    • Playback
    • Alarm notifications
    • Two-way audio
    • PTZ control

Documenting construction process with Hikvision IP cameras.

Hikvision IP cameras have the ability to sequentially take and record pictures, as well as they can perform such operations in response to some events. In the sequence mode, one can create e.g. the history of the progress of construction of a facility, such as apartment house, school, shop, sports facility etc. This solution enables the user to save a large amount of disk (memory card/server space), while ensuring that the construction process is well documented. The ideal cameras for this purpose are those with microSD interface (F or G0 symbols in the camera name). The time interval can range from 1 s to 7 days. Additionally, the schedule can be configured in such a way as to take the pictures during working hours i.e. at certain times of the days of the week, when the construction crew is on the spot, for example from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 - 17:00, e.g. with 1-hour interval (see below).
Configuration of the weekly schedule in a Hikvision camera
Configuration of the interval and picture parameters
Some Hikvision cameras supporting this function:
Compact IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2012-I (1.3MP, 4mm, 0.01 lx, IR up to 30m)
Compact IP Camera: Hikvision DS-2CD2T22WD-I5 (2MP, 4mm, 0.01 lx, IR up to 50m, WDR)
Compact IP Camera Hikvision DS-2CD2620F-I (2MP, 2.8-12 mm, 0.1 lx, IR up to 30m)
2 MP camera DS-2CD2023G0-I K17631
4 MP camera DS-2CD1643G0-IZ K17693
2 MP camera DS-2CD2T23G0-I5 K17831
8 MP camera DS-2CD2685FWD-IZS K17727

Injecting CCTV signals into TV antenna systems.

HDMI to DVB-T Encoder/Modulator (Full HD 1080P/60Hz) R86111 encodes and modulates Full HD (1920x1080-60p) signal provided to its HDMI input to RF signal in accordance with DVB-T standard (COFDM).
The output DVB-T multiplex contains one channel modulated by the source signal. This way the source signal from a DVR/NVR can be distributed to multiple televisions connected to the antenna system. It makes an attractive alternative to installations based on HDMI splitters and cables.
HDMI to DVB-T Encoder/Modulator (Full HD 1080p/60Hz, for CCTV systems)
View of the HDMI to DVB-T R86111 encoder/modulator (RF OUT side).
The DIP switches allow the user to select a TV channel within 139-950 MHz.
The device is a single-channel modulator. The output DVB-T (RF) digital channel is selected with the 8-position bank of miniature toggle switches.
The R86111 encoder/modulator does not support HDCP, so it can be used in installations with HDMI signals coming from:
  • a DVR or NVR
  • IP camera and transcoder, e.g. K2005
  • PC computer
  • laptop
  • older STB not supporting HDCP
DVB-T modulators without HDCP support are much cheaper than those with HDCP support. In the case of the source signal coming e.g. from a DVR, the cheaper alternative is a reasonable choice.

HDMI to IP Converter/Extender for conference rooms.

Signal-HD HDMI to IP converter/extender H3621 enables the user to connect remote (up to 100 m) source of HD content to HD-enabled television/monitor/projector, using one CAT5e/6 cable. The set includes transmitter and receiver units. The transmitter and receiver units should be mounted in electrical boxes (minimum depth of 80 mm).
The system is perfect e.g. for connecting a computer to a projector. The connection requires the use of only one, comparatively thin cable, which makes it easy to hide it.

Distinguishing features:
  • Transmission via a single Cat. 5e/6 cable
  • UDP/IP protocol (multicast)
  • Units to be mounted in electrical boxes
  • Support for 1080p mode
  • Maximum length of the cable: 100 meters
An application of the HDMI > IP converter/extender (point-to-point)

Fiber-optic TV installation in a large hotel complex.

An installation company was asked to modernize the television installation in one of the hotels in the West Pomeranian region in Poland. The investor's request was to enable the reception of digital terrestrial DVB-T and SAT signals on all televisions in the facility. As the entire hotel complex consists of 5 large buildings, the company decided to use fiber optic cabling that had already been laid out at the construction stage.
Diagram of the hotel complex with fiber optic links
The contractor faced the problem of selecting an optical transmitter with the appropriate output power. The transmitter was to be placed in the server room in the building A3, the same which also housed a TV headend. It was found that an application of two symmetrical optical couplers/splitters (1/4) in the cascade would result in excessive attenuation and the problem with finding a suitable optical transmitter.
The installer chose the following passive optical components:
  • optical coupler with 60/40% coupling ratios placed in the A3 building (attenuation: 2.9/4.9 dB),
  • 2 optical couples with 25/25/25/25% coupling ratios located in A3 and C buildings (attenuation: 7.1 dB).
TV Optical Transmitter: TERRA mo418 4D31 (1x6dBm, 1310nm)
Optical Node TERRA OD-003 (FTTH receiver)
The optical transmitter mo418 R82522 and optical node OD-003 R81728 used in the hotel system
It was calculated that the total attenuation in the optical path within the building A could be up to 15.8 dB (including cable attenuation of 0.4 dB/km and 3 dB reserve), and in the other buildings, thanks to the asymmetrical coupler, up to 14 dB. So, it was planned that each of the buildings would be equipped with optical receiver OD-003 R81728 with sensitivity of -10...-3 dBm. Having known the minimum input level signal of the receiver and attenuation of the fiber-optic paths, the minimum output power of the transmitter situated by the headend should have been 5.8 dBm. The installer chose optical transmitter Terra mo418 R82522 providing output power of 6 dBm. This allows for reliable signal distribution within the whole complex and for future expansion of the system, if needed.

New products offered by DIPOL

GPRS Communication Module: Satel INT-GSM (for INTEGRA and INTEGRA Plus alarm control panels)
GPRS Communication Module Satel INT-GSM (for INTEGRA and INTEGRA Plus alarm control panels) G5018 is a GPRS communication module that allows INTEGRA and INTEGRA Plus series of alarm control panels to communicate via GSM network. The device operates on control panel’s keypad bus and supports two SIM cards, through which it can receive messages and incoming calls - at the same time. All GPRS transmissions are encrypted in the AES-192 standard.

Single-cable Cascadable dSCR Multiswitch: Terra SRQ-540 (AGC, class A, active terr. TV path)
Single-cable Cascadable dSCR Multiswitch Terra SRQ-540 R80540 has two pairs of Legacy /dSCR +Terr. TV outputs. The SAT IF outputs allow in dSCR mode for independent operation of up to 32 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs, fed in via two coaxial cables (16+16, default configuration) or via one coaxial cable (32 from one output, after reprogramming with the PC102W R80561 programmer). In Legacy mode, each of the outputs can be used as typical SAT output (like in Universal LNBs or standard (legacy) multiswitches) for connecting a legacy SAT TV receiver).
HDMI Extender over Wi-Fi (5GHz, 50m)
HDMI Extender over Wi-Fi (5 GHz, 50 m) H3641 wirelessly transmits a high definition signal from a HDMI source to a television or monitor located up to 50 meters away. The functions include reverse transmission of remote control commands from the location of the TV/monitor to the HDMI source (function of remote control extender). The kit contains transmitter (sender) and receiver units and accessories. The units create independent, dedicated wireless link.

Worth reading

Designing of multiswitch systems. For multi-family buildings, DIPOL offers solutions based on Terra equipment. Multiswitch systems composed of TERRA devices from MR-9xx and MV-9xx series ensure reception of satellite signals from two satellite positions and from terrestrial TV and FM transmitters. They are used in many countries, among others in the UK, Germany, Australia, Poland. Since 2004, the number of large TERRA multiswitch SMATV systems installed in Poland has reached thousands, and they enjoy excellent reputation. High performance, stability of parameters, very low failure rate make these multiswitches the choice number one, satisfying even the most demanding customers... >>>more
Example design of a multiswitch system performed with the use of SatNet utility

Coaxial cables recommended for SMATV and HFC/CATV systems
TRISET - coaxial cables for modern TV systems