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

MPEG-5 LCEVC – a new video codec.

At the NAB Show 2022, held in Las Vegas, V-Nova unveiled the new MPEG-5 LCEVC (Low Complexity Enhancement Video Coding//) video compression standard. It is one of three new codecs being introduced by MPEG. The other two are VVC (Versatile Video Coding//) and EVC (///Essential Video Coding//) which aim to increase compression efficiency for existing codecs with little or no increase in coding complexity. London-based V-Nova has demonstrated a new MPEG-5 LCEVC compression method using commercially available 4K live streaming solutions. LCEVC provides a boost in video codec compression efficiency, delivering higher quality at up to 40% lower bitrates compared to current solutions, speeding up encoding and reducing computational cost by up to four times.

While most countries in Europe are in the process of changing the digital terrestrial television standard to DVB-T2 with HEVC (H.265) codec, the United States has presented a new technology prepared for broadcasters and streaming services. How quickly will it be implemented? Certainly, given the increase in popularity of services such as Netflix and the resulting growing demand for bandwidth and storage space on the part of the broadcaster, the implementation of such techniques should not be delayed. On the other hand, however, device manufacturers need more time to do so. So when will we see MPEG-5 in our homes? Certainly not earlier than in a few years.

How to disarm NVR using alarm input?

If the building has other systems besides the surveillance system, e.g. intelligent building system, access control system, or alarm system, it is worth considering the implementation of the DVR disarming function. When activated, it disables notifications that are generated by alarm events (motion detection, crossing the virtual line, etc.). The events are normally recorded in the system, the record is kept, but it is possible to disable alarm actions, such as: sound warning, sending e-mail messages, activation of alarm output or sending notifications to the client application.

The alarm input is activated by shorting or opening the alarm contact. For example, disarming the alarm system (means that the user is at home) can disable notifications, because then they are unnecessary. The function can be implemented on NVRs (current software version required) which have alarm inputs.

In the above example, the low-current output OUT3 of the Integra 32 control panel triggers the relay that connects the alarm input 1 of the NVR with the ground. This state is defined in the recorder settings to disable email and push notifications to the owner's phone.

Wideband converter in a fiber optic system.

Fiber optic installations play an increasingly important role in the transmission of RF/SAT signals. They guarantee low signal loss and very high immunity to interference. DIPOL offers new Triax solution for SMATV systems based on optical fibers.

Optical kit OTX 1310 KIT A9860 is used for SMATV systems based on fiber optic technology. It enables the transmission of SAT, terrestrial DVB-T2 and FM/DAB radio signals. It is distinguished by low attenuation, low interference, and, most importantly, allows to transmit signals over long distances. The set consists of: optical transmitter, power supply and the Wideband converter.

The OTX 1310 optical transmitter has an optical output (output power +8 dBm) terminated with FC/PC (Physical Contact) connector and allows for the distribution of the RF/SAT signal through a passive optical network (PON) over the 1310 nm wavelength. The signal is distributed by so called passive optical splitters allowing to distribute it to up to 32 receiving points (TVQ 06 QUATRO A9882 or TVC 06 QUAD A9883 receivers). The exact number of receiving points and their maximum distance from the signal source can be determined by balancing the attenuation of the optical path with the optical power budget.

How to power an IP device without PoE using twisted-pair cable?

When an IP device, e.g. a camera, that does not support PoE 802.3af/at standard needs to be installed in a place where only twisted-pair cable is laid, there is a problem with its power supply.

The solution can be to use a PoE adapter N9205 which allows to transmit data and power through one UTP cable (data on wires 1, 2, 3, and 6, and power on wires 4, 5, 7, and 8).

Problem with OTDR measurement? - Check the connector.

OTD measurements are used whenever there is a need to provide complete information on the condition of an optical link. This includes the attenuation of the entire link and its individual components: connectors, splitters, splices and the fiber itself. The OTDR also provides information on reflectance values for reflective events (e.g. connectors, mechanical splices).

Proper measurements depend not only on the OTDR configuration, but also on the cleanliness of the measuring connector. The OTDR connector as well as the connector of the run-up fiber put into it should be cleaned. Failure to do so may prevent correct measurements from being made.

The picture below shows the connector of a OTDR that was used incorrectly – the connector was not cleaned regularly or was cleaned in an unprofessional way. This has resulted in accumulation of dirt and pitting on the front of the connector. The result was an incorrect pulse at the output of the OTDR. The damaged connector caused a large reflection of the pulse already at the beginning of the fiber, followed by several secondary reflections. This is shown in the reflectogram below.

Installers performing such measurements should definitely get a tool for cleaning fiber optic connectors. The best, and the most universal solution here will be the use of so called "pens", for example NTT Nanoclean-E3 L59161. They can clean both device sockets (or e.g. ferrules of connectors plugged into adapters in switches) and plugs, after applying an appropriate tip.

Which system to choose for one-family house: analog or IP video intercom?

The undoubted advantage of a simple analog intercom system is its low price and simple design. In case of a single-family house such a system usually consists of control electronics, door station and uniphone, or several uniphones located on different floors depending on the needs. Cabling of such system can be made with straight, paired or twisted-pair cable with appropriate cross-section depending on the distance between devices. The signal is transmitted in analog form and each wire in the cable connecting the devices is used for something else (ground, microphone, loudspeaker, etc.). Its functionality is limited to making calls, controlling the electric door strike or the entrance gate, if the door phone has an additional button and this was foreseen when laying the wiring. If any element of the system is damaged, it can be easily replaced, even by using devices of other manufacturer.

The IP video-intercom system is much more functional than an ordinary analogue one. In the case of IP system, all devices are connected to PoE switch via twisted-pair cable, which allows to power end devices and establish proper communication between them over distances up to 100 m without the need to worry about voltage drops. The signal is transmitted digitally, so it is more immune to interference. It is often necessary to run additional wiring to control the electric door opener, which is done by the built-in relay in the door station.

Given the Hikvision IP system, it can be said that it allows to: establish audio-video communication, control the gate and entrance gate (depending on the model of the gate station), record the image of the caller or leave a message in the monitor, integrate with the monitoring system existing in the facility (preview the image on the monitor from max. 16 cameras), intercom function, operation from a mobile app and many more. If the occupant is absent calls can be redirected to the smartphone. With the smartphone, you can also remotely control the gate and the entrance gate and at any time view images from the gate station or from the cameras added to the system.

An example installation for a single-family house using Hikvision IP system is shown in the diagram below.

GSM signal splitting. In systems with several floors, the signal coming from a GSM repeater has to be split. The GSM splitter is used to distribute the amplified GSM signal to indoor antennas. It operates at frequencies from 800 to 2500 MHz and has an impedance of 50 ohm... >>>more