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

No 19/2025 (May 12, 2025)

TDK unveils spin photodetector enabling 10 times faster data transmission over optical fibres.

TDK Corporation has announced the development of the world's first 'Spin Photodetector', a component combining optical, electronic and magnetic properties responsible for processing data into optical fibre receivers. The device achieves an ultra-high response rate of 20 picoseconds (20 × 10-¹² s) using 800 nm light, providing more than ten times faster performance compared to traditional semiconductor-based photodetectors. TDK expects the new solution to become a key component in the development of photoelectric conversion technology, helping to increase the speed of data transmission and processing, especially in artificial intelligence applications, while reducing energy consumption.
Erfan Afshari via Unsplash
The company has adapted its magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) technology, commonly used in billions of hard disk drive (HDD) heads, for photonic applications. Unlike traditional semiconductor photodetectors, which face physical limitations at shorter wavelengths, the spin photodetector uses a different mechanism of operation based on the phenomenon of electron heating. This allows it to achieve ultra-high speed operation even at shortened wavelengths. In addition, it has a wide operating range, covering visible light and the near infrared. The performance of the spin photodetector has been confirmed in successful tests conducted jointly with Nihon University in Japan, which specialises in the study of ultrafast phenomena in magnetic materials.
With its ability to rapidly detect visible light, the spin photodetector could find applications in rapidly growing market areas such as AR/VR smart glasses and high-speed imaging sensors. Unlike conventional semiconductor light detectors, which have poor resistance to cosmic radiation, MTJ elements are known for their high resistance to this type of radiation, making them suitable for applications in space technologies. In the future, based on the results obtained, TDK intends to further develop and improve the ultrafast light detection elements, which will increase their functionality and applicability in various fields.

Updating the firmware in the door station of a 2-Wire HD video door entry system.

The most up-to-date software for the individual components of a video door entry system is usually a guarantee of trouble-free operation of the installation. We are talking about both basic functionality and, above all, the use of the equipment in more specific scenarios.
The firmware of the DS-KD7003EY-IME2/A G73647 gateway station can be updated by activating the AP (Access Point) mode on the gateway station and logging on to it via a computer with a WiFi interface. The latest firmware for the door station should have been downloaded and unpacked beforehand and saved on the hard drive of the PC. To activate the AP mode, press the left call button on the door station for 10 seconds. The activation of the mode is signalled by a short beep. The mode is active for 30 minutes with the possibility of extension by the user. To end the AP mode manually, press the left call button for 15 seconds. The door station will signal this with a double beep. When AP mode is activated, a new WiFi network will appear with the name "AP_device serial number" to which you must connect. Logging into the device is then possible by entering the address https:www.apv.com in the browser window and entering the login details (login: admin, password: given on the back of the device). To update the firmware, go to Maintenance and Security -> Update, indicate the path to the previously downloaded and unzipped firmware with the file name "digicap.dav" and select Controller/// as the type of device to be updated.
View of the update window after logging in to the door station via computer using AP mode.

Sendun SD-9+ Fiber Optic Splicer - Fiber Optic Connection in the factory.

The Sendun SD-9+ is a fusion splicer that can be used to realise connections in various types of fibre optic networks: from short point-to-point links, subscriber connections, CCTV and industrial installations to GPON networks.
This time, the splicer was used to realise a fibre-optic Ethernet connection on the factory premises. Four fibres were spliced on both sides. On one side, ULTIMODE PG-172-1 L34172 pigtails, splices and fibre stock were secured in a ULTIMODE TB-04H L5304 subscriber box, on the other side in a 1U RACK switch.
You can find out more about the capabilities and operation of the splicer by watching the video "Splicing and measuring fibre optic connections - Sendun SD-9+ splicer".

How does it work and how do you select a GSM, DCS, 3G, LTE repeater?

A signal booster, also known as a repeater, improves the coverage of mobile networks inside buildings. It works by capturing the signal from outside with an external antenna, amplifying it and distributing it indoors with an internal antenna.
How do I choose the right amplifier?
1. Band selection for amplification:
  • GSM/EGSM - commonly used band, allowing calls and mobile Internet use
  • DCS - mainly used in cities due to high capacity of base stations
  • 3G (WCDMA) - provides Internet access and additional services such as video calling
  • LTE/5G - offers very fast Internet and VoLTE calls
2. Selection of equipment according to area:
  • up to 300 m² - the Signal GSM-305 A6765 model is recommended
  • 300-800 m² - the Signal GSM-505 A6775 model with A741001 indoor antennas is suitable
  • up to 1200 m² - the Signal GSM-1205 A6785 repeater will be suitable
  • above 1200 m² - the same model (GSM-1205) in combination with additional antennas A741001
  • when GSM, DCS, 3G and LTE amplification is needed simultaneously (up to 500 m²) - it is recommended to use the Signal GDW-505 A6777 model with one internal antenna A741001
3. Selection and installation of an external antenna:
The type of external antenna should be matched to the band and distance from the base station. It is not advisable to use antennas with too high a gain, as this increases the risk of amplifier excitation and interference with nearby transmitters. The higher the gain of the antenna, the more separation should be maintained between the external and internal antennas.
  • for GSM-305, GSM-505, GSM-1205: directional antenna A741030 or panel antenna A741020
  • for model GDW-505 (GSM, DCS, 3G, LTE):
    • in urban conditions - antenna A741021
    • outside dense urban areas, at distances of more than 5 km from the base station - A741031 antenna (with good directivity and appropriate gain)

The key element of any terrestrial TV installation - proper selection of a DVB-T2 antenna.

When selecting the right model, it is worth taking into account several important factors: energy gain, directivity, mounting location, presence of a built-in signal amplifier and the band for which the antenna is tuned. Of these elements, the antenna gain and the TV band are the most important when selecting an antenna for DVB-T2 reception. Energy gain, most often expressed in isotropic decibels (dBi), is the parameter that determines how much an antenna exceeds its efficiency of a theoretical isotropic antenna - that is, an ideal omni-directional antenna with no losses and no physical dimensions. In simpler terms, the higher the gain, the better the quality of signal reception. Some antenna models are additionally equipped with an amplifier located in the antenna box. When a supply voltage (usually 12 V DC) is applied, this amplifier increases the level of the received signal. However, it should be remembered that this amplification is not equivalent to the nominal gain of the antenna itself.
In particular, the choice of one of the two types of SMART COMBO DVB-T2 smart antennas will be ideal for the installation: DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 and DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO A2050.
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO with H/V polarization
DIPOL SMART HORIZON COMBO A2270 DVB-T2 antenna
DVB-T2 TV antenna DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO with H/V polarization
DIPOL SMART CITY COMBO A2050 DVB-T2 antenna
These antennas have a number of advantages, among which the most important is their versatility. The new COMBO-type TV antennas are adapted for reception of digital terrestrial television DVB-T2 in the VHF band (174-230 MHz) and UHF band (470-694 MHz). The bypass amplifier used in the antenna box means that these antennas can operate in two modes:
  • passive – the antenna is based on its nominal gain:
    • SMART HORIZON COMBO: 5.7 dBi for the VHF band and 12.5 dBi for the UHF band
    • SMART CITY COMBO: 4.9 dBi for the VHF band and 12 dBi for the UHF band
  • active – when 12 VDC is applied through the coaxial cable (from a power supply /not included/, multiswitch, amplifier, etc.) the signal is amplified by an additional 20 dB in both bands
It is worth noting here that in the case of a classic passive antenna, in order to use an amplifier you have to remove the symmetrizer and install the amplifier. In an antenna SMART you only need to connect / disconnect the 12 V DC power supply.

New products offered by DIPOL

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7" Monitor with Wi-Fi DS-KH8380-WTE1 for Hikvision IP video door entry system G74005 is a modern touchscreen monitor designed to support second generation Hikvision IP video door entry systems. It allows direct audio/video conversation with people at the door station and intercom communication between other monitors installed in the system. This allows tenants to communicate with each other free of charge. The system is operated via a clear and intuitive graphical interface. The monitor allows you to connect and view images from IP cameras and door stations at any time. It is also possible to capture a picture during a video call and to record a short message in the event of a missed call.
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The 7" monitor with Wi-Fi DS-KH8381-WTE1 of the Hikvision IP video door entry system G74007 is a modern touchscreen monitor equipped with a physical open button, designed to support second generation Hikvision IP video door entry systems. It allows direct audio/video conversation with people at the door station and intercom communication between other monitors installed in the system. This allows tenants to communicate with each other free of charge. The system is operated via a clear and intuitive graphic interface. The use of a 7" IPS matrix, allowed for wider viewing angles and more faithful colour reproduction compared to TFT matrices. The monitor allows you to connect and view images from IP cameras and door stations at any time. It is also possible to capture a photo during a video call and record a short message in case of a missed call.
Hikvision DS-2CD1043G2-LIU Compact IP Camera (4 Mpix, 4 mm, 0.005 lx, hybr. illuminator up to 30 m, Audio, MD2.0, H.265)
Hikvision DS-2CD1043G2-LIU Compact IP Camera (4 Mpix, 4 mm, 0.005 lux, hybr. illuminator up to 30 m, Audio, MD2.0, H.265) The K03037 is a Hikvision compact IP camera with hybrid illuminator, part of the EasyIP Lite series. The cameras in this series have the basic, most commonly used functions and are therefore the ideal solution for most installations where stable and trouble-free operation is required. Motion detection 2.0 eliminates false alarms by filtering out human/vehicle objects. A 4 Mpix 1/3" CMOS sensor and a hybrid illuminator with a range of up to 30 m ensure correct visibility in the absence of light.

Worth reading

Transmission in optical fibre of DVB-T2 terrestrial television signals and DVB-S/S2 satellite television signals - TERRA's OTM302T 6F31 transmitter. Transmission of DVB-T2 and DVB-S/S2 signals in optical fibre enables efficient transmission of television signals over long distances with minimal loss of quality. In the case of DVB-T2, the terrestrial TV signal is converted to optical form and transmitted via single-mode optical fibre to optical receivers, which eliminates the problems associated with attenuation occurring in traditional transmission based solely on 75 Ohm coaxial cables alone. Similarly, the DVB-S/S2 signal, which is received from satellite as standard, can be transmitted via optical fibre after prior conversion, which allows its distribution in multi-family buildings, hotels or broadcasting centres without the need to install multiple satellite dishes. This technology, using optical transmitters and fibre optic receivers, ensures stable and high quality TV signal transmission while reducing signal loss without the need for additional amplifiers...>>>more
Satellite dish: DIPOL DPL-120 [light grey, RAL7035]A9682 TERRA ORQ302 E optical receiver with QUATRO+ DVB-T2 outputA3133 RF/DC separator: FC37 TERRAR66206 LNB: LWB202L Wideband LO 10,41 GHz TERRAA98210 Switching Power Supply Terra PS202F (20 V 2 A, Digital SCR)R71468 RF/SAT optical transmitter OTM302T 6F31 E 1x6 dBm FP 1310 nm TERRA with built-in DTV converterA3030 PA420T FM+UHF+2xVHF/UHF TERRA channel amplifier with AGC – digitally programmableR82516 FM Antenna: Dipol 1RUZ PM B (omnidirectional H+V)A0221 SA-51 Class A Terra amplifier for 5-input multiswitchesR70501 TV/SAT Splitter: Terra SDQ-508 (5-in, 20-out, class A)R70520 5/32 Multiswitch: Terra MR-532 (active terrestrial path, class A)R70632 5/32 Multiswitch: Terra MR-532 (active terrestrial path, class A)R70632 5/32 Multiswitch: Terra MR-532 (active terrestrial path, class A)R70632 5/32 Multiswitch: Terra MR-532 (active terrestrial path, class A)R70632 TV/Radio antenna DIPOL-4/5-12 DAB DVB-T/T2A0140 DIPOL SMART HORIZON DVB-T2 DVB-T2 antennaA2230
Signals from one satellite position, terrestrial TV antennas and FM/DAB+ radio are transmitted in a single optical path consisting of an OTM302T 6F31 E A3030 transmitter and an ORQ302 E A3133 receiver. Both signals are then fed to a classic bus amplifier, splitter and terminal multiswitches.
Sunell cameras – advanced features at an affordable price