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

Nr 5/2020 (Feb. 3, 2020)

Hikvision identifies 7 key trends for the security industry in 2020.

The new year may bring many important innovations in the security industry. New technologies, such as multi-dimensional perception, ultra-high definition (UHD), low-light imaging, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology have opened up new avenues for the sector. Millions of devices are being connected to the Internet as part of the IoT world, which accelerates the development of new security systems.
Multi-dimensional perception. Cameras can be said to perceive the world the way the human eye does and image capturing simulates our sense of sight. What if we also used other senses, such as hearing, smell, or detect objects beyond our visual range? Combining a radar and a video system allows to extend the camera's perception beyond the reach of human vision, allowing to track and detect objects within the range of 100 m and in any kind of weather. Another example may be an automobile camera fitted with a sonar that detects the sound of car horns. The sonar will locate the source of the sound and the camera will provide photos or videos as evidence. This function may come in handy in areas where noise control regulations are in place. The camera can also be fitted with smoke, heat and pressure detection functions to ensure the most precise monitoring and reporting of events or incidents. The multi-dimensional perception of threats will have a considerable impact on security systems and boost their potential already in the nearest future.
Several smart functions combined in a single camera. AI applications have been present in the security industry for many years now, but due to their limited computing power, most AI-based cameras can only run a single algorithm, such as people or vehicle counting, at a time. New, enhanced AI systems, however, allow to create multitasking cameras that combine several functions in a single device. This approach will allow users to replace several cameras with just one device to accomplish the same tasks as before, which is likely to translate into considerable infrastructure savings and limit the necessary equipment. In addition, producers can fit cameras with various functions depending on the required application scenarios, leaving clients a lot of leeway to choose custom settings adapted to their needs.
Comprehensive and proactive security systems. Many investors today require designers to deliver comprehensive and proactive security systems that combine CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, access control, and even fire protection. Advances in AI technology have allowed to optimize the monitoring process with live and recorded video analysis to classify and track predefined objects. The approach may prove particularly useful in proactively identifying events as they happen and instantly extracting required information from recorded video. For example, if the camera detects a fire, it may automatically trigger the integrated alarm system and turn on the sprinklers in the area at risk. Whenever the alarm, access control or fire safety systems report an incident, security personnel will be provided with camera footage from the zone in question to quickly verify the event. Digital transformation, which allows to boost productivity, is now a business imperative for most organizations.
Ultra-high definition (UHD). After the HD era, the advent of UHD (Ultra-High Definition) is now near. Thanks to increased bandwidth, lower latency transmission, and constantly optimized encoding technology that brings down storage costs, using high resolutions, such as 4K or 8K, is becoming increasingly more cost-effective and opens up new possibilities.
Visibility in any conditions. Most security incidents occur at night, when images and video footage generated by conventional cameras may lose color and important details due to low-light conditions. Low-light imaging technologies are becoming increasingly popular in the security industry, as they improve object visibility and allow to identify critical details at any time and in any condition. Another important innovation is thermal imaging, which detects heat information, and allows cameras to "see" objects in low-visibility contexts such as fog, smog, rain, and snow, and even at night. Thermal cameras have an enormous potential for various applications, such as perimeter defense, fire detection, and temperature measurement.
Moving to the cloud. Connecting conventional video monitoring systems to the Internet and using broadband connections has opened up new possibilities for surveillance. Servers that store and analyze video footage are increasingly located in safe places and connected to cameras via the Internet. Cloud services may generate important benefits in terms of performance, flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness. Video Surveillance as Service (VSaaS) has now become a separate branch of the network security industry. The service allows users to access their IP cameras and IoT devices and browse their video footage and alarm events from anywhere.
Higher demands on cybersecurity. Thanks to the Internet of Things, security systems, once single and isolated, have evolved to become open and connected. This has increased popular concern as to personal data protection, which translates into higher demands on cybersecurity solutions. In order to minimize the risk of cyberattacks, security organizations and IT departments will require and demand a multi-layered approach to networks, applications and devices to address cybersecurity threats. Producers will also need to ensure the security of their devices throughout their entire lifecycle.
The video surveillance industry is also being shaped by the rise of 5G technology, big data, and stricter data protection regulations, like the GDPR.

How to unbind a device from your Hik-Connect account?

Access to monitoring devices over a P2P network has become very popular because it is easy to configure and does not require an external IP address.
A device can be easily removed from an account via:
  • the SADP application (v. 3.0.2.4 and higher ) - select the device from the menu and click Unbind
Deleting a device from Hik-Connect via SADP (Unbind button)
  • the Hik-Connect application - if you want to add the device again
Unbinding a device from Hik-Connect
For the process to work, the following requirements have to be met:
  • the device and the SADP app or smartphone with the Hik-Connect app must be found in the same local network,
  • users need to provide their admin password and copy the captcha code.

Amplifiers in shared SMATV systems.

Broadband amplifiers are one of the key elements of the signal path in cable networks. Their basic role is to amplify the signal (compensate attenuation over the passive elements of the network, splitters, outlets) so that it can be further distributed. Broadband amplifiers enable forward signal transmission (to the subscriber) and reverse transmission (back from the subscriber). This means that a coaxial cable network can be used to provide subscribers with a full Triple Play service package (TV, Internet, Phone).
TERRA's products enjoy a high level of trust among installers. Parameters listed in data sheets are just the minimum values guaranteed by the producer. TERRA's production lines are subject to stringent quality control at individual manufacturing stages and finished devices are throughly tested.
Broadband Amplifier with Return Channel: Terra AS-038R65
TERRA's R82044 MA044M VHFI+FM/VHFIII/2xUHF TERRA house amplifier used in shared SMATV systems.
The table below contrasts different models of popular TERRA broadband amplifiers that are routinely used in cable networks.
Name MA044M MA045M MA050L HA-205R65
  R82044  R82045  R82050 R82307
Code
R82044 R82045 R82050 R82307
Frequency range [MHz] 47-108
174-230
470-862
47-108
174-230
470-862
47-108
174-230
470-790
5-65
47-862
Inputs VHFI+FM/VHFIII/
2xUHF
VHFI+FM/VHFIII/
UHF
FM+VHFIII/
UHF
FM+VHF+UHF
Gain (forward path) [dB] 30...34 30...34 30...34 27...36
Gain (return channel) [dB] - - - -4...27
Return channel
NO NO NO YES
LTE filter
NO NO YES
NO

Accessing the Storage and Network Calculator from a web browser.

Hikvision has published an online version of the Storage and Network Calculator, which is available here. The software can be used via a web browser on a PC or smartphone, with no need for installation. The tool helps to match appropriate HDD space to the required data retention time and estimates the minimum required bandwidth for any given number of cameras (channels). It supports video resolutions from CIF (352x288 px) to 12 MP (4000x3000 px)) and several different compression methods (H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264).
Using the online Storage and Network Calculator. Given the above number of cameras and encoding parameters, 6 TB of HDD space are required to store video footage for 14 days.
The app is really easy to use. First, select the "PAL" or "NTSC" color coding system. Then, in the "Channel Name" field, specify the name of your camera, and, under "Channel Number", add the number of cameras to be added to the DVR, as well as your preferred encoding method, resolution, and frame rate. The bit rate will then be adjusted automatically. The cameras can be added one by one with individual parameters, or as a group with the same settings. Once the parameters have been set, you will be able to use three tabs: "Calculate Saving Time", "Calculate Disk Space", and "Calculate Bandwidth". When you enter the available HDD space and define the required data retention time in the Calculate Saving Time tab, the calculator will display the number of days during which the footage will be stored. Coversely, in the Calculate Disk Space tab, you can specify the time during which you wish to store the footage and get an estimate of the required disk space. Last but not least, the Calculate Bandwidth tab will display information on the required bandwidth for any given number of channels. Go to Show Details to consult the list of cameras and their parameters in a separate window. The information can be exported to a .csv file.

Why can fiber-optic FC connectors be problematic?

Fiber-optic technology relies on a variety of connectors, the most popular of which are SC, LC, FC, E2000 and ST, frequently used in various devices and industrial equipment. Popular opnion holds that thanks to their threaded body, FC connectors ensure the most secure connection. However, inexperienced installers may experience no end of problems with these plugs.
FC/PC plug.
In the close-up, you can see the guide that should slide into the groove in the socket.
Crucially, the plug must be placed correctly during installation. Only one relative position of the plug and the socket permits to slide the guide smoothly into the socket groove. Should it be shifted, the plug and the socket will not be connected correctly; a gap between them will make signal transmission impossible.
The correct way to mount the FC/PC plug.
The guide of the connector slides into the socket groove.
It is also worth noting that FC connectors are the only type that allows installers to adjust the distance between the plug and socket (due to their threaded construction). In the case of specific devices and situations, the natural way of assembling (screwing on the plug until slight resistance is felt) may result in the lack of signal in the installation. It turns out that the remedy for this symptom is to minimally loosen the threaded connection in order to lower the pressure of the ferrule on the counterpart. Similar cases have been recorded several times in fiber-optic SMATV systems using devices equipped with this type of connectors.
Optical Power Meter: TM503N
FC connectors are typically chosen by power meter producers. Before you purchase a meter, make sure the accessory kit includes a SC adapter (as in the L5816 meter).

The largest RACK cabinet in our portfolio.

LAN, RTV (the RACK board system), and CCTV devices are increasingly compliant with the RACK system and mounted in RACK cabinets to ensure an aesthetic look and guarantee protection against accidental mechanical damage. A RACK cabinet is an ideal solution for the installation of network switches, NVRs, and SMATV devices with an adapter or a 19" housing.
RACK assembly kit (4x screw+washer+nut)
SIGNAL 19" Rack Cabinet (45U, 800x1000mm, standing)
Our product portfolio has been expanded to include the largest rack cabinet ever to be offered by DIPOL: SIGNAL 19" Rack Cabinet (45U, 800x1000mm, standing). The cabinet has the following parameters:
  • Height: 45U,
  • Depth: 1000 mm,
  • Width: 800 mm,
  • Carrying capacity: 800 kg,
  • Assembly time: 15 min (one person),
  • Holes for cables: on the top, on the bottom.
  • Ventilation openings:
    • in side panels,
    • in front doors and the rear panel,
  • Removable side panels,
  • Convertible left/right swing door,
  • The kit is delivered in three cardboard boxes,
  • Front doors with door handle and lock,
  • Two vertical cable organizers,
  • Standard lock in rear door,
  • Four keys,
  • Four rack rails (angles) for mounting devices (2x front, 2x rear),
  • Marked distances (1U) on mounting rails,
  • Grounding connector,
  • Four R912026 fans can be mounted,
  • The cabinet can be moved on wheels and secured in the desired position by unscrewing 4 legs until they firmly rest on the floor..

New products offered by DIPOL

WiFi Range Extender: Mercusys MW 300RE (802.11b/g/n 300Mbps)
WiFi Range Extender: Mercusys MW 300RE N2948 is designed to increase the range and signal strength of existing wireless networks to eliminate dead zones. Compliant with the N standard, it enables transmission speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Its WPS button facilitates quick configuration, while a smart signaling device helps find an appropriate location for the device.
IP PTZ Camera: Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(D) (4MP, 4.8–120mm Motozoom, 25x optical zoom, IR up to 100m, PoE+)
IP PTZ Camera: Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(D) K17914 has been equipped with a high-quality 4 MP (2560x4400) image sensor operating at 25 fps. (50 fps for 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 960, 1280 x 720). It supports three independent streams and several compression methods, including H.265+ / H.265 / H.264+ / H.264 / MJPEG. Thanks to its day and night modes, the camera renders excellent colors in daylight and makes full use of its high sensitivity at night. It comes with an IR illuminator with a range up to 100 m and a Smart IR function, which help to avoid overexposure.

Cameras with a built-in PIR sensor. HD-TVI cameras, such as DS-2CE11D8T-PIRL M75402 and DS-2CE71D8T-PIRL M75398, are fitted with a PIR sensor to facilitate motion detection. Classical motion detection relies on image analysis and may result in multiple false alarms. A typical example is the detection of branches swaying in the wind or falling rain. A lot of alarms are also generated by the lack of proper lighting. Each unimportant alarm translates into loss of disk space and the need to browse unnecessary recordings. A PIR sensor significantly limits their occurrence, because it works based on the detection of temperature changes...>>>more
The DS-2CE11D8T-PIRL M75402 camera guarantees precise motion detector thanks to its built-in PIR sensor.
TERRA dSCR multiswitches with auto gain control