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

The first ever "petabit" switch.

Scientists at the Japanese National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) have created and tested a switch capable of handling 1 Pbps signals. This transmission rate is equivalent to delivering an 8K video to 10 million users at the same time.

The switching testbed

The low-loss optical switch, based on MEMS (Mico-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, was tested with three different types of spatial-division multiplexing optical fibers. The switching capacity varied from 10 Tbps to 1 Pbps, representing more than 100 times the capacity of the fastest devices in use today

Research conducted at the NICT represents the first step toward the implementation of "petabit"-class backbone networks expected to address the growing requirements of internet services, such as broadband video streaming, 5G networks, or the Internet of Things. In 2015, the same institute achieved the first petabit-class transmission in a single fiber.

An optical/copper SMATV system.

The advantage of using fiber-optic cables in SMATV systems is their ability to transmit television signals over considerable distances without the need for signal regeneration (depending on network topology and employed devices). In the case of a fiber-optic trunk, the size of the facilities in which the signal is to be distributed does not matter. The signal does not have be regenerated even when transmitted over hundreds of meters or tens of kilometers. The European market currently offers several brands of devices for the fiber-optic transmission of SMATV signals. Signal is a brand that really stands out for its competitive price and high quality. Attention should be drawn to the traditional quattro/quad LNBs used in the system. From the perspective of the installer, they represent one of its greatest advantages, because the antenna can be set up using a traditional SAT TV meter. Alternative systems (e.g. the very popular Triax SAT/DVB-T TOU 232 KIT A9880) rely on LNBs with an optical output or an N-type output with 50 ohm impedance. In both cases, the practice is to use a standard single LNB to adjust the dish and then change it to the dedicated one. Besides the extra workload associated with the practice, such changes often involve the risk of shifting the dish or the LNB. Using traditional quattro/quad LNBs may also prove beneficial in the event of a system failure. In such cases, installer can verify the issues directly at the dish.

Electrode replacement and lens cleaning in SignalFire fusion splicers.

Electrodes in fusion splicers need to be replaced at regular intervals; the actual frequency will depend on the number of splicing and calibration cycles. The estimated electrode life in Signal Fire L5870 and L5875 splicing machines equals roughly 3000 splices. Each device comes with an extra set of electrodes.

Occasionally, the electrodes will wear out sooner. You will know that this is the case when splicing cannot be performed correctly despite arc calibration: the junction is narrowed, or the fibers fail to connect at all. Importantly, the tips of worn electrodes are rounded, as opposed to new ones, which have a pointed tip.

SignalFire electrodes are extremely easy to replace; the operation does not need to be performed at a specialized service center. Simply remove the casing, unscrew the two screws, and replace old electrodes with new components. Electrodes are inserted into plastic brackets to ensure their correct position in the splicer. There is no risk of mistakes.

Once the electrodes have been replaced, remember to activate them through the SignalFire2 app. To do so, you will need a code printed on the box. This is to guarantee that installers only use dedicated electrodes, rather than substitutes that may cause problems during replacement (incompatible plastic casings) and use (different lifetimes).

Improved RJ-45 plug crimping.

Dipol has introduced new EZ RJ-45 J2012_100 (cat. 5e) and J2013_100 (cat.6) plugs. Their hallmark is a loopthrough on individual wires that allows for a faster and more efficient termination. The plug should be crimped and passed-through wires cut off with the dedicated E7911 crimping tool.

Plug ready for crimping

The plug is equipped with an elastic latch that prevents it from sliding out of the socket. Individual contacts have sharp, slightly spaced prongs, sticking directly into the insulation of individual wires, ensuring a reliable and durable connection.

E7911 Crimping tool for EZ Modular Plugs (8P8C/RJ45, 6P6C/RJ12, 6P4C/RJ11)

Apartment building CCTV system based on Hikvision high-resolution IP cameras.

The image below shows a CCTV system based on a Hikvision NVR and IP cameras from the EasyIP 3.0 series. The apartment building is monitored by 6 MP cameras with 2.8 mm lenses. The high camera resolution, along with its wide 99° viewing angle, allow to monitor a large surveillance area, while ensuring excellent image quality. The cameras are fitted with DarkFighter (Ultra-low-light) technology to ensure better color imaging even in low-light conditions, as compared to cameras without the solution. The outdoor area is monitored by DS-2CD2065FWD-I K17596 compact models, while the interior is fitted with DS-2CD2165FWD-I K17306 ceiling cameras. All cameras are powered and connected to the NVR by a 16-port N29986 PoE switch. When two 4 TB hard drives, e.g. M89305, are used, footage can be stored for 15 days (continuous recording at 20 fps and H.265 video compression for all cameras).

Schematic diagram of IP CCTV system based on Hikvision devices in an apartment building

Camera footage is recorded by a 16-channel NVR (DS-7616NI-I2 K22163). The M3022 screen is dedicated for local live streaming and footage analysis. After connecting the system to the Internet via the N3259 router and forwarding its ports, access to the NVR is possible within the Wi-Fi network range or from anywhere via the Internet, as well as via the cloud. Connections between the system components can be made with the use of the E1408 UTP cable.

How to increase the range of HD-TVI signal transmission.

If the maximum allowable transmission range is exceeded, image quality will deteriorate, leading to the loss of detail, blurring, etc.; considerable overruns will cause image desynchronization and loss. The problem can be addressed by using the VHD-15 M1845 amplifier to regenerate the signal. A single amplifier increases the total transmission range by about 150 m of a UTP cable or 300-500 m of a coaxial cable (depending on the type used). To extend the range even further, two or even three devices can be linked together.

For much larger distances, the transmission medium should be replaced by optical fiber - transmission lines can reach up to 20 km in length. The conversion can be performed with the use of Ultimode video converters.

DIPOL recognized for its sterling contribution to promoting Hikvision products. Established in 2001, Hikvision is now the largest global producer of electronic security and access control systems. This year, its Polish branch celebrates its fifth anniversary, and, at the beginning of November, a special gala was held at the company's seat in Warsaw to mark the occasion. DIPOL was one of the three leading distributors (out of a total of 33) to go away with an award plaque handed out to celebrate the five years of Hikvision's presence in Poland.

In 2007, DIPOL signed a distribution contract with Hikvision, the first Polish company to do so. A year later, its Hikvision ULTIMAX DVR won a Gold Medal for the best product at the Intertelecom trade show. Since 2015, DIPOL has ranked as the leading distributor of Hikvision products, anually awarded for its excellent sales results. Its strong position rests on wide-scale training and promotion efforts: DIPOL organizes independent HCSA training courses for installers, as well as conferences for designers, promotes Hikvision solutions at multiple telecommunications industry trade shows, and engages in broad public outreach and education by publishing technical articles devoted to the choice and configuration of equipment and installation building principles. A regular DIPOL Weekly Review - TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN, published to promote new equipment and good practices in telecommunications system design reaches more than 17 thousand installers, designers, teachers and technology students, which makes it one of the most widely read industry publications in Poland.

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A mode of use

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