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

Dolby Vision 2 - a new era of image quality.

Dolby Laboratories has unveiled Dolby Vision 2 - the next generation of its flagship image enhancement technology that marks the next step in the development of HDR standards. The new solution uses a redesigned and more powerful Dolby Image Engine and an intelligent Content Intelligence system based on artificial intelligence, which automatically optimises the image and adapts it to the type of content, device and environmental conditions. Dolby Vision 2 offers a number of innovations, such as Precision Black for improved black depth, Light Sense for precise brightness and colour adjustment and advanced optimisation for games and sports broadcasts. Also new is bi-directional tone mapping, which allows creators to get the most out of modern TVs - offering higher brightness, deeper contrast and more saturated colours. Another new feature is Authentic Motion - a tool that allows creative control of motion at shot level, eliminating soap-operas (excessive smoothing) while retaining the cinematic feel of the image.

The technology will be available in two versions: Dolby Vision 2 Max, designed for high-end TVs, and Dolby Vision 2, which offers a significant improvement in picture quality on premium models. The first manufacturer to implement Dolby Vision 2 by integrating the technology into its RGB-MiniLED TVs with a MediaTek Pentonic 800 processor and MiraVision™ Pro PQ Engine chip is Hisense. Support for the new standard has also been announced by CANAL+ Group, which will offer films, series and sports broadcasts in Dolby Vision 2 quality, thus underlining its commitment to providing viewers with the highest quality visual experience.

HDMI to RF conversion at 4K resolution.

The 4K HDMI → RF modulator is a device for converting the video and audio signal transmitted via HDMI into an RF signal that can be distributed via a standard aerial installation. In this way, a single source signal from, for example, a TV set-top box, Blu-ray player, computer or console can be distributed to multiple TV sets at the same time, without the need for additional HDMI equipment. The modulator supports 4K (UHD) resolution to maintain the highest picture quality, and the signal generated is compatible with digital TV standards such as DVB-T2, DVB-T, DVB-C or ATSC, depending on the model. This solution is particularly useful in places where a single signal source is required to be distributed to multiple TVs, such as hotels, guest houses, schools, hospitals, shops, service outlets or advertising systems. The use of RF modulation allows the signal to be transmitted over much longer distances than with a traditional HDMI connection, while also making use of the existing antenna infrastructure. This makes installation simple, cost-effective and very flexible, making the 4K modulator a professional solution for the collective distribution of high-quality video signals.

Sendun SD-9+ fiber splicer – splicing fibers of different standards.

The Sendun SD-9+ L5877 fiber splicer has an excellent optical system with x380 magnification, so that the image of fibers on the screen is clear and it is possible to distinguish fibers of different standards that differ in refractive index profiles. Budget sheath positioning splicers and some of the budget core positioning splicers do not provide this capability.

In the hands of an informed installer, the Sendun SD-9+ will be a tool that will allow the initial identification of fibers already at the splicing stage, which in turn will avoid surprises during OTDR measurements of such connections (much higher attenuation in one direction and apparent gain in the other).

Antenna cable for 5G.

In systems used to improve the signal of a mobile network operator, antennas with an impedance of 50 Ω are used. This is the standard impedance value in RF paths used in mobile telecommunications. Consequently, all components of the RF (Radio Frequency) path - including coaxial cables, connectors, adapters and connectors - must also meet the same impedance parameter. Therefore, the use of coaxial cables with an impedance of 75 Ω (typical for terrestrial or satellite TV installations) is unacceptable, as this causes an impedance mismatch, leading to signal losses, wave reflections.

One of the more commonly used coaxial cables for this type of application is the Tri-LAN 240 E1171 cable, which features low attenuation and the flexibility to conveniently route cables even in confined spaces. This cable has an impedance of 50 Ω and is compatible with a wide range of antenna connectors used in LTE/5G installations.

Antenna connectors in this type of system also need to be appropriately matched to the modem or router used. The standard type of connector found at the end of the antenna cable is SMA - a threaded connector commonly used in radio communication equipment. For modems that have other types of antenna sockets, the use of suitable adaptor connectors is required:

When selecting an external antenna, particular attention should be paid to whether the modem used supports MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. This technology, in the case of LTE and 5G modems, allows a significant increase in throughput and connection stability through the parallel use of two (or more) transmission paths. MIMO modems have two antenna connectors and therefore require two coaxial cables run in parallel to a dedicated MIMO antenna or two separate directional antennas.

The use of appropriate components - matched both impedance-wise and physically to the specific modem model - is crucial to maintaining signal integrity and maximising transmission performance in mobile operator signal amplification systems.

Simple search for compatible firmware and its update using HiTool Delivery.

Finding the right firmware version for Hikvision devices can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Firmware files are made available at Hikvision Europe on the official Hikvision website and linked next to specific devices on the DIPOL website. Due to rapid technological advances, hardware versions of devices often change, which affects firmware compatibility between them. For example, cameras with the same name but different hardware versions (designations: C, D, E, etc.) may belong to different hardware platforms, so their firmware will not be compatible with each other. Therefore, finding the correct firmware requires a certain amount of technical knowledge and experience. In such cases, the HiTool Delivery tool is helpful, which, in addition to many functionalities, allows: automatic search for compatible firmware for added devices, its update or download of firmware by indicating the serial number of the device.

The programme searches for the latest firmware version. However, if the upgrade fails after downloading the software, it may be necessary to upload an intermediate version first, which will enable a later upgrade to the latest version. To use the automatic search and upgrade function, add devices to the firmware, select them and go to Upgrade and then Online Upgrade. Once you have confirmed the firmware you have searched for, the process of downloading and installing it will begin. Alternatively, you can use Toolkit -> Upgrade Package Lookup by indicating the serial number of the device. The compatible firmware will then be found and made available for download. The firmware on the device can then be updated manually by pointing to the downloaded file.

Multiswitch installation in a multi-family block of flats. In one of Krakow's multi-family blocks of flats there has been implemented a modern collective multiswitch installation based on TERRA equipment. It enables reception of signals from two satellite positions, terrestrial TV DVB-T2 and FM/DAB+ radio. The system has been designed to provide all residents of the building (120 flats in total) with access to a wide range of TV and radio channels while maintaining high signal quality and stability. At the heart of the system are professional TERRA devices, using MV-9xx series multiswitches, SA-91L R70901 broadband amplifiers and splitters and taps, which ensure high signal quality and reliable operation of the entire system...>>> more