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No. 25/2008 (Aug. 18, 2008)
European deadlock - digital terrestrial television. The concept of development of terrestrial digital TV (DVB-T, DTTV, or DTT) in Europe is changing. Until quite recently, the basic European standard, nearly in all countries, was considered standard television (SDTV) broadcast as MPEG-2 stream.
The expectations for HDTV broadcasts caused that some operators decided to employ in DVB-T more efficient MPEG-4 compression. It enables the viewers living in the range of pilot transmitters to watch the Olympics in HD quality (in Poland - TVP, in Hungary - Antenna).
DVB-T2 is expected to be the the final upgraded DVB-T standard for all European countries. The process will take until April 2009, the planned date of publication. Wide implementation of DVB-T2 will cause the necessity of replacement of currently used DVB-T tuners. It is a problem in the countries that developed DVB-T broadcasting (Germany, Spain, Italy, Great Britain, Scandinavia) - significant costs for the consumers.
It is interesting to compare this state with situation in the US market. HDTV programs are mostly received via satellites and cable TV. Only about 20% of American subscribers receive the programs from terrestrial transmitters; by the way, last year one-fourth of the users of terrestrial infrastructure abandoned this form of reception.
So, there is a question about consumer behavior in Europe - the risk of building infrastructure that may not be effectively utilized by the people choosing other technologies.
The expectations for HDTV broadcasts caused that some operators decided to employ in DVB-T more efficient MPEG-4 compression. It enables the viewers living in the range of pilot transmitters to watch the Olympics in HD quality (in Poland - TVP, in Hungary - Antenna).
DVB-T2 is expected to be the the final upgraded DVB-T standard for all European countries. The process will take until April 2009, the planned date of publication. Wide implementation of DVB-T2 will cause the necessity of replacement of currently used DVB-T tuners. It is a problem in the countries that developed DVB-T broadcasting (Germany, Spain, Italy, Great Britain, Scandinavia) - significant costs for the consumers.
It is interesting to compare this state with situation in the US market. HDTV programs are mostly received via satellites and cable TV. Only about 20% of American subscribers receive the programs from terrestrial transmitters; by the way, last year one-fourth of the users of terrestrial infrastructure abandoned this form of reception.
So, there is a question about consumer behavior in Europe - the risk of building infrastructure that may not be effectively utilized by the people choosing other technologies.
In Warsaw DVB-T MPEG-4 signal is broadcast from Palace of Culture and Science
Telecommunications in Cuba. Cuba is the biggest Caribbean island, and the fifteenth largest island in the world. The Cuban population is over 11.5 million, with 2.2 million in Havana and about one million in Santiago de Cuba.
Cuban Telephone Company (CUTELCO) has been established in 1881 by Continental Telephone Company. Telephone lines were in relative abundance before the 1959 revolution. There were connections among 220 cities and towns, with 19876 telephones.
A slump in development of Cuban telephony has begun since the embargo imposed by the United States in 1962. Cuba has problems to communicate with the world - mainly due to American embargo. To overcome the obstacle, in June 2008 the authorities signed an agreement on 1550 km long undersea optical fiber linking Santiago de Kuba province with Venezuelan state Vargas, with 640 GB throughput. The project is to be implemented by the end of 2010.
It is a chance to get out of isolation, develop cellular telephony, and improve access to the Internet. Currently, the access is possible in many hotels, but its price is very high, ca. 6 CUC per hour (1 CUC or CUC$ - Cuban convertible peso - about 1.08 USD).
Television is the main communication medium in Cuba, also providing entertainment for the islanders. Although majority of the TV sets on the island are vintage American receivers brought to Cuba before revolution, or Soviet televisions bought years ago, every evening they are surrounded by Cuban families watching their favorite broadcasts. There are available four national programs: Cubavisión - TVC, Tele Rebelde, Canal Educativo, Canal Educativo 2, and over ten local channels. The United States Military has a television station to serve the troops at Guantanamo Bay, NBW 8. In hotels there are available foreign broadcasts. Satellite communications is possible via Russian Intersputnik.
Photo report: Telecommunications in Cuba
Cuban Telephone Company (CUTELCO) has been established in 1881 by Continental Telephone Company. Telephone lines were in relative abundance before the 1959 revolution. There were connections among 220 cities and towns, with 19876 telephones.
A slump in development of Cuban telephony has begun since the embargo imposed by the United States in 1962. Cuba has problems to communicate with the world - mainly due to American embargo. To overcome the obstacle, in June 2008 the authorities signed an agreement on 1550 km long undersea optical fiber linking Santiago de Kuba province with Venezuelan state Vargas, with 640 GB throughput. The project is to be implemented by the end of 2010.
It is a chance to get out of isolation, develop cellular telephony, and improve access to the Internet. Currently, the access is possible in many hotels, but its price is very high, ca. 6 CUC per hour (1 CUC or CUC$ - Cuban convertible peso - about 1.08 USD).
Television is the main communication medium in Cuba, also providing entertainment for the islanders. Although majority of the TV sets on the island are vintage American receivers brought to Cuba before revolution, or Soviet televisions bought years ago, every evening they are surrounded by Cuban families watching their favorite broadcasts. There are available four national programs: Cubavisión - TVC, Tele Rebelde, Canal Educativo, Canal Educativo 2, and over ten local channels. The United States Military has a television station to serve the troops at Guantanamo Bay, NBW 8. In hotels there are available foreign broadcasts. Satellite communications is possible via Russian Intersputnik.
Photo report: Telecommunications in Cuba
TV antennas in Havana are often placed on facades
Interest in digital satellite platforms in Poland. We present the findings of the survey conducted at the beginning of August 2008 among installation companies. The results show that the interest in digital satellite platforms has been lower, whereas the FTA numbers are practically the same.
Similarly to 2007, the most popular platform is Polsat, due to attractive prices.
After successful debut in 2007, the interest in platform "n" has decreased considerably. Quick response of Cyfra+ and Polsat - introduction of HDTV programs - has weakened the competitiveness of "n" and enabled the "old" operators to protect their market positions. Nonetheless, the number of new installations is also lower in the case of Cyfra+.
According to the installation companies, the number of orders is lower in comparison with the last year. Is it a symptom of a decrease in building work?
More details on the survey
Similarly to 2007, the most popular platform is Polsat, due to attractive prices.
After successful debut in 2007, the interest in platform "n" has decreased considerably. Quick response of Cyfra+ and Polsat - introduction of HDTV programs - has weakened the competitiveness of "n" and enabled the "old" operators to protect their market positions. Nonetheless, the number of new installations is also lower in the case of Cyfra+.
According to the installation companies, the number of orders is lower in comparison with the last year. Is it a symptom of a decrease in building work?
More details on the survey
Interest in antenna systems
Integration of MATV system with multiswitch installation. Antenna installers often have to combine existing MATV systems with multiswitch installation. Such systems usually provide a basic set of programs available from terrestrial transmitters. If the users want to have a wider choice, a multiswitch installation is one of the possible solutions.
In the diagram below there is shown example installation with two LNBs and MSR-908 R70808 multiswitch. It is advisable to connect the terrestrial signals through galvanic isolator, in order to separate the supply common, and use high quality broadband amplifier (AI-223 R90452). Although active terrestrial path of the multiswich, this additional amplification stage is usually indispensable.
The system also allows to distribute RF signals modulated by video from CCTV cameras. For this purpose there are used the modulators MT-21p R871721.
In the diagram below there is shown example installation with two LNBs and MSR-908 R70808 multiswitch. It is advisable to connect the terrestrial signals through galvanic isolator, in order to separate the supply common, and use high quality broadband amplifier (AI-223 R90452). Although active terrestrial path of the multiswich, this additional amplification stage is usually indispensable.
The system also allows to distribute RF signals modulated by video from CCTV cameras. For this purpose there are used the modulators MT-21p R871721.
Client stations in IP CCTV systems. Client stations enable operators to control modern CCTV systems. The operators, depending on access level, are able to watch the images from cameras, control PTZ devices, play back archives, export some video content onto mobile storage devices, but they cannot stop recording or switch off a camera.
Client stations are often equipped with consoles that make it easy to control PTZ cameras, printers and DVD recorders for archiving purposes.
The advanced control of the system does not change its main configuration, which guarantees safety and stability of the system, including resistance to sabotage.
Client stations are often equipped with consoles that make it easy to control PTZ cameras, printers and DVD recorders for archiving purposes.
The advanced control of the system does not change its main configuration, which guarantees safety and stability of the system, including resistance to sabotage.
IP video surveillance system with two client stations
Mobile monitoring system. Organizers of mass events are obliged by law to ensure safety of the people. Proper security level can be obtained by employing large security staff, or by means of CCTV technology.
The organizers of Days of Myslenice, June 27-29, 2008, entrusted Arndex company with building mobile CCTV system.
The system consisted of three ACTi cameras CAM-6611 K1214 and a PC with Alnet NetStation software (K3204). The speed dome cameras allowed to monitor large area with possibility of zooming some interesting objects. High sensitivity ensured visibility at night.
Wireless transmission was ensured by Aphelion devices.
Quick implementation of the system was done during the period of installing other facilities for the event. The cameras were mounted on poles, the field monitoring center was organized in a military tent. The configuration of the system went at lightning speed. IP technology allows to build and take apart such systems very quickly, there is no necessity of using a DVR for such a case.
The days were very intense, but the equipment operated reliably.
The organizers of Days of Myslenice, June 27-29, 2008, entrusted Arndex company with building mobile CCTV system.
The system consisted of three ACTi cameras CAM-6611 K1214 and a PC with Alnet NetStation software (K3204). The speed dome cameras allowed to monitor large area with possibility of zooming some interesting objects. High sensitivity ensured visibility at night.
Wireless transmission was ensured by Aphelion devices.
Quick implementation of the system was done during the period of installing other facilities for the event. The cameras were mounted on poles, the field monitoring center was organized in a military tent. The configuration of the system went at lightning speed. IP technology allows to build and take apart such systems very quickly, there is no necessity of using a DVR for such a case.
The days were very intense, but the equipment operated reliably.
 |  |
The high-speed dome cameras of ACTi deployed for the 3-day event
TV transmission in IP networks. Live audio-video transmission in computer network requires high efficiency of the whole infrastructure. The audio and video have to be synchronized, the throughput of the network should allow to transmit high quality video.
In DIPOL laboratory there were tested ULTINET-701 K2140 and PiXORD P1401 K2131 video servers, with audio-video signal from sat receiver.
The tests showed that these video servers provide data streams that can be decoded without substantial loss of quality. In both cases the sound and picture are synchronized. The devices have been equipped with standard video (BNC) and audio (jack) inputs that can be connected to e.g. satellite receiver. In the case of PiXORD P1401 K2131 the audio and video can be played with Internet Explorer and the included P6032 utility, or with commercial software (e.g. NUUO K3104).
For ULTINET-701 K2140 it is enough to use free client program.
In DIPOL laboratory there were tested ULTINET-701 K2140 and PiXORD P1401 K2131 video servers, with audio-video signal from sat receiver.
The tests showed that these video servers provide data streams that can be decoded without substantial loss of quality. In both cases the sound and picture are synchronized. The devices have been equipped with standard video (BNC) and audio (jack) inputs that can be connected to e.g. satellite receiver. In the case of PiXORD P1401 K2131 the audio and video can be played with Internet Explorer and the included P6032 utility, or with commercial software (e.g. NUUO K3104).
For ULTINET-701 K2140 it is enough to use free client program.
Video surveillance in nature reserves. IP cameras are perfect tools for observation of animals. WLAN networks enable long-range wireless audio-video transmission and, if needed, PTZ control of the cameras.
IP CCTV system has been implemented for observation of white eagle nest on one of the islands near the West coast of Iceland (other details are not given due to security of the last specimens of the species). There is used magapixel IP camera of IQinvision (K1431), powered with solar cells. The video data is transmitted wirelessly by a point-to-point link, with connection to the Internet. The next stage will include installation of next cameras, to observe birds in different locations on the island.
IP CCTV system has been implemented for observation of white eagle nest on one of the islands near the West coast of Iceland (other details are not given due to security of the last specimens of the species). There is used magapixel IP camera of IQinvision (K1431), powered with solar cells. The video data is transmitted wirelessly by a point-to-point link, with connection to the Internet. The next stage will include installation of next cameras, to observe birds in different locations on the island.
Picture of an eagle taken by the IQinvision camera (K1431)
ULTIMAX - the DVRs for demanding customers - quick configuration. A lot of built-in functions, many parameters to be set - make configuration of modern DVR a time-consuming job.
High-end DVRs are usually capable of saving all the settings onto a PC. The file can be used for quick configuration of other DVRs.
In ULTIMAX DVRs this option is available after right click on the active server. The settings will be copied by the function of file organization.
The configuration files are saved on the hard drive, by default in the C:SaveRemoteCfgFile directory.
Detailed description can be found in user manual.
High-end DVRs are usually capable of saving all the settings onto a PC. The file can be used for quick configuration of other DVRs.
In ULTIMAX DVRs this option is available after right click on the active server. The settings will be copied by the function of file organization.
The configuration files are saved on the hard drive, by default in the C:SaveRemoteCfgFile directory.
Detailed description can be found in user manual.
Configuration export/import tool in ULTIMAX DVRs
All functions and parameters of these DVRs are presented in the article ULTIMAX - the market leader in digital CCTV recording.
One of the most important features of the DVRs is very efficient operation in IP networks. More on this issue you can read in the article "ULTIMAX Client - User Manual of Remote Client Software". You can also download software and a full version of the user manual.
One of the most important features of the DVRs is very efficient operation in IP networks. More on this issue you can read in the article "ULTIMAX Client - User Manual of Remote Client Software". You can also download software and a full version of the user manual.
New TP-Link router - TL-WR340GD N2951. TP-Link TL-WR340GD is a wireless router, integrating router, firewall, and access point. It has been designed to provide Internet connectivity to small and medium businesses, as well as to private users in apartments and one-family homes. TP-Link TL-WR340GD enables the user to build wireless network quickly and easily, and to share Internet connection among a number of computers - ensuring additional protection due to built-in firewall.
Main features of TL-WR340GD:
- MAC address cloning
- firewall
- Internet access filtering
- static / dynamic routing
- AP in 802.11g/b standards (up to 54 Mbps)
- router
- built-in 4-port switch
TP-Link TL-WR340GD provides set of protection measures:
- SSID hiding - allowing connections only for the stations with the preset SSID,
- 64/128/152-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, and TKIP/AES encryption
Additional advantage of the device is easy configuration and management.
Access point TP-Link TL-WR340GD N2951 with built-in router and 4-port switch
New firmware for WA-2204A N2657. The newest version of the software is marked 1.4.6.I. It considerably improves efficiency and stability of the device, so it is recommended to upgrade the firmware. The new version can be directly downloaded to the hard drive, by clicking this link.
The newest firmware is always available in the download section.
The newest firmware is always available in the download section.
To install the new firmware the user has to:
The next steps include:
The next restart of the device will complete the upgrade.
- log into the device (by default: 192.168.1.254),
- open Management window,
- chooseć Upgrade Firmware ,
- click Search and find the downloaded and unzipped file
The next steps include:
- uploading the "config-vpn-ogf.bin" file, confirmation with Upload button (wait for about 30 s),
- choosing the "linux-1.4.bin", confirmation with Uppload button. After uploading the file the device will restart.
- choosing the last file "webpages-vpn.bin" and confirmation with Upload button.
The next restart of the device will complete the upgrade.
After the last restart the device will be capable of normal operation
A screenshot from Upgrade Firmware menu
We have written about:
LAN with wireless connectivity to the Internet. There are many cases when several LANs (e.g. in office and warehouses, in several houses etc.) should be grouped into one network with Internet connectivity...
- archive DWR of Jan. 21, 2008
Outdoor (IP66) Day/Night IP camera with IR illuminator - Pixord P428. is the first outdoor IP camera for all seasons from PIXORD. The camera module has been placed in watertight IP66, aluminum housing equipped with 230VAC/12 VDC adapter, heater and fan...
- archive DWR of Jan. 7, 2008
Video surveillance in schools. A list of devices and installation hints.
Index of published issues
LAN with wireless connectivity to the Internet. There are many cases when several LANs (e.g. in office and warehouses, in several houses etc.) should be grouped into one network with Internet connectivity...
- archive DWR of Jan. 21, 2008
Outdoor (IP66) Day/Night IP camera with IR illuminator - Pixord P428. is the first outdoor IP camera for all seasons from PIXORD. The camera module has been placed in watertight IP66, aluminum housing equipped with 230VAC/12 VDC adapter, heater and fan...
- archive DWR of Jan. 7, 2008
Video surveillance in schools. A list of devices and installation hints.
Index of published issues
