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

DVB publishes 8K UHD specification.

The DVB organization has approved a specification that introduces 8K UHD video for the first time. The new technical requirements, which extend the existing support for the HEVC codec, are the first step in a series of key additions planned for the DVB video coding specification. This solution will enable the DVB standard to deliver the most comprehensive and flexible set of tools for the provision of next-generation television services over broadcast and broadband.

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, is a standard offering from 25% to 50% more effective data compression at the same level of video quality compared to its predecessor MPEG-4/AVC. It is already in use in more than a dozen countries around the world. Until now, the DVB technical specification has covered HEVC coding compatibility only for resolutions up to 4K.

In the long term, 8K video resolution for end users will use an even more efficient video codec. This is the focus of DVB's current work on the next-generation video coding, which is expected to lead to further additions to the DVB specification in 2022. The current availability of the HEVC codec supporting 8K video will enable flexibility in deployments and maximize interoperability of services across device ecosystems.

Advantages of fiber optic cabling in SMATV systems.

Originally located on the roofs of buildings, the SMATV systems are particularly prone to surges caused by lightning. In spite of proper grounding of all system components, some devices suffer irreparable damage. It has to be stressed that not only the system devices alone are exposed to surges, but, in extreme cases, the subscriber equipment, such as satellite receivers or TV sets, are also affected. Fiber optic cable provides excellent surge insulation. This means that any electric charges induced near the antennas will stop at the very downstream optical transmitter, so the remaining components of the system are 100% protected.

Optical fiber cables are safe to be placed together with copper cabling for transmission of other signals, power (100% resistance to electromagnetic interference). The diagram below shows an example of an optical-copper cabling that enables the transmission of TV/SAT signals.

Independent video outputs in Hikvision IP DVRs.

Hikvision IP DVRs, depending on the model, have the HDMI and VGA outputs where the image can be displayed independently or in parallel (the same image on both outputs). In the case of independent outputs, each of them can have different view and any camera connected to the DVR can be assigned to a particular window in a given view. Currently, all IP DVRs available in DIPOL's offer have at least two independent outputs, except DS-7600NI-K1 series, e.g. K22044 DS-7604NI-K1(B) and K22045 DS-7604NI-K1/4P(B). Some DVRs have additional BNC output in CVBS standard, e.g. K22097 DS-7608NXI-I2/S, where the image can also be set independently, but the maximum resolution of this output is limited to 704 x 576 p.

Building a house? Think of fiber optics.

When designing or building a house, a lot is said about proper planning of cabling for low-current systems. However, laying the right cables outside the house at an early stage is often forgotten. Usually, apart from electrical cables, these are twisted-pair cables (e.g. for video intercom, surveillance cameras, intelligent house system elements etc.).

At the stage of construction works, it is also good to think about burying an optical fiber in the ground, which in the future can be used by the Internet provider. From year to year, the optical fiber infrastructure in less urbanized areas is systematically growing. Hundreds of kilometers of overhead networks are built, owned by municipalities as well as by larger and smaller operators. It is very likely that in the nearest future, if not immediately, the fiber optic infrastructure will be built near the house under construction.

With the cable buried in the ground, and with a little effort of the service provider, it is possible to avoid running overhead cable over the plot, which not only affects the overall looks, but also has to be laid on the side of the house, on the external facade or already inside the building. Burying the optical fibre in the ground during the construction phase, and bringing it to the multimedia cabinet, which is the meeting point of all cabling, will pay off in the future.

Cameras with active deterrence.

Dahua TiOC (Three in One Camera) series combines three functions of modern surveillance: Full-color technology, which records high-resolution color images both day and night; AI algorithms, which is intelligent SMD motion detection and perimeter protection with event filtering for human or vehicle detection; and active deterrence, which is an optical and sound signaling generated in the event of an incident.

The purpose of the optical and sound signaling is to deter an intruder from continuing the attempted entry. The camera has built-in loudspeaker with high sound intensity and one blue and one red LED. The speaker can play sound from a list defined by the manufacturer, but you can also upload your own audio files saved in wav and mp3 formats. It's a good idea to use the sound of a barking dog that a burglar might be scared of.

Extend mode in a switch.

The PoE ULTIPOWER 0064afat N29978 switch is a desktop type device that ensures smooth network transmission. It has 6 RJ45 ports supporting automatic connection speed negotiation. Four of them support the Power over Ethernet (PoE). The switch automatically detects PD devices compliant with IEEE 802.3af or IEEE 802.3at and supplies them. This makes it possible to extend the range of the network to locations with no access to power lines or outlets, and where access points, IP cameras, IP phones, etc. have to be located. The maximum total power of the devices supplied must not exceed 65 W.

The switch has the Extend mode function (activated with the switch on the front panel) that allows for providing power via UTP/FTP cable to PoE devices located within distances up to 250 meters. In this mode the PoE ports do not support Auto-negotiation function and operate at 10 Mbps (the uplink ports can still operate at 10/100 Mbps).

Why use the outdoor twisted pair? Outdoor telecom cables usually have a sheath made of polyethylene (PE). This material is tougher and has greater mechanical strength than the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in indoor cables. What is also important, this material is much more resistant to UV rays, so the lifespan of outdoor cables exposed to sunlight is much longer compared to indoor cables operating under the same conditions...>>>more