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No. 11/2009 (March 16, 2009)
CeBIT 2009 - a failed fair? The world's leading trade fair for IT and telecommunications - CeBIT 2009 in Hanover - took place from March 3 to 8. This year there were about 4300 companies from 69 countries, exhibiting their products, and about 400,000 visitors. However, these numbers showing the scale of the event are much smaller than that of the peak 2001 year with 8100 exhibitors.
The absence of many traditional leaders of telecommunications market, both in the case of manufacturers and telecoms, and a very weak representation of companies supplying products for banking industry - were the main symptoms of the crisis. Among German operators we saw Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone, but couldn't find E-Plus and so blatant before O2 stand.
But the greatest sensation was caused by Samsung, not having its own stand but only being represented by distributors. It was a stark contrast in comparison with last year, when the corporation fascinated everyone with a grand scale, as well as with the number of new products. The sponsorship of World Cyber Games (WCG), with thousands of StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and Warcraft III gamers, was a thing of the past. It raised questions about the corporation's financial condition - the end of the sponsoring "e-sports" could be a real blow to the image of the tycoon among young people.
Japanese companies were modestly represented by NEC and Sony Ericsson; Toshiba, DoCoMo, Motorola failed to show up. There were no stands outside - last year's AMD show with off-road vehicles promoting new AMD processors was just a memory - the company was absent as well.
We couldn't find exhibitors presenting new technologies, probably the manufacturers didn't believe in possibility of profitable implementations in the near future (for example - lack of promising LTE technology). There was only one word for the pavilions promoting Green IT - boredom.
Was the fair a failure? - No!!!
More in the CeBIT 2009 - a failed fair? photo essay.
The absence of many traditional leaders of telecommunications market, both in the case of manufacturers and telecoms, and a very weak representation of companies supplying products for banking industry - were the main symptoms of the crisis. Among German operators we saw Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone, but couldn't find E-Plus and so blatant before O2 stand.
But the greatest sensation was caused by Samsung, not having its own stand but only being represented by distributors. It was a stark contrast in comparison with last year, when the corporation fascinated everyone with a grand scale, as well as with the number of new products. The sponsorship of World Cyber Games (WCG), with thousands of StarCraft, Counter-Strike, and Warcraft III gamers, was a thing of the past. It raised questions about the corporation's financial condition - the end of the sponsoring "e-sports" could be a real blow to the image of the tycoon among young people.
Japanese companies were modestly represented by NEC and Sony Ericsson; Toshiba, DoCoMo, Motorola failed to show up. There were no stands outside - last year's AMD show with off-road vehicles promoting new AMD processors was just a memory - the company was absent as well.
We couldn't find exhibitors presenting new technologies, probably the manufacturers didn't believe in possibility of profitable implementations in the near future (for example - lack of promising LTE technology). There was only one word for the pavilions promoting Green IT - boredom.
Was the fair a failure? - No!!!
More in the CeBIT 2009 - a failed fair? photo essay.
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An interesting promotion of the IBM concept of "Cloud computing"
1-cable, 5-cable, or 9-cable systems in multi-story buildings. The base for appropriate antenna system is high quality coaxial cabling.
The cabling should be a part of the building design. The cables have to be installed in walls before plastering.
Modern cabling installed throughout the building allows to:
The cabling should be a part of the building design. The cables have to be installed in walls before plastering.
Modern cabling installed throughout the building allows to:
- receive terrestrial TV channels - 1-cable system,
- receive terrestrial TV channels and satellite programs from one satellite - 5-cable system,
- receive terrestrial TV channels and satellite programs from two satellites - 9-cable system.
In the case of lengths over 50 m we recommend to use the TRISET-11 cable, in smaller buildings the TRISET-113 cable can be used as well.
In 5-cable and 9-cable systems the branches to the rooms should have two TRISET-113 distribution cables, due to the popularity of PVR receivers (with double tuners). The cables go to double satellite outlets (R694140) placed in the rooms.
In 5-cable and 9-cable systems the branches to the rooms should have two TRISET-113 distribution cables, due to the popularity of PVR receivers (with double tuners). The cables go to double satellite outlets (R694140) placed in the rooms.
The idea of 9-cable system (vertical ducts and two-cable distribution to PVR receivers) for distributing terrestrial TV signals and TV programs from two satellites
The most flexible multiswitch installations are based on 9-cable system (signals from two Quatro LNBs and terrestrial TV antenna). On each floor we employ the splitter providing signals to multiswitches. It allows to shape the network according to actual requirements - choosing suitable multiswitches we may deploy any desired number of outlets.
CCTV systems on cruise liners - Cyprus. Louis Cruises Lines offers comfortable cruises in the Mediterranean. With over ten luxury cruise ships, the company invites guests to go cruising from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, France - to explore Egypt, Spain, Tunisia, Israel, Syria, Morocco. Fantastic tourist destinations, quality service and competitive prices - these are the main advantages of Louis Cruises Lines.
The company sets high standards in all areas of its operation. Because of the fact that many of its customers use charge/debit cards, Louis Cruises Lines decided to adjust technical specifications on the ships to meet the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) - a worldwide security standard assembled by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. One of the requirements is CCTV surveillance of selected places. The demands include high quality of video recordings, archive period of 240 days, quick access to live and recorded video via the Internet.
The contract has been executed by Kanabus Services and 4th GL Prodata. The contractors have chosen vandal proof and sensitive cameras allowing operation in low light conditions - SN-FX580 M10748. These dome cameras can be mounted on walls or ceilings. The base is made of metal, the dome of impact resistant polycarbonate. This model provides high quality video with increased resolution (540 TVL), very high sensitivity in B/W mode (0.008 lx), and Night Vision function. In low light (3 lx or less) it switches into B/W mode.
The video from the cameras is recorded by 3-rd generation digital video recorders ULTIMAX-304 M73040. These DVRs use highly effective H.264 compression and support hard drives allowing for a total recording capacity of 8TB.
The CCTV systems have been installed on the following ships: Orient Queen, The Aegean Pearl, Thomson Destiny, Aquamarine, Thomson Spirit, Sapphire, Coral and Cristal, The Emerald and The Calypso.
The company sets high standards in all areas of its operation. Because of the fact that many of its customers use charge/debit cards, Louis Cruises Lines decided to adjust technical specifications on the ships to meet the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) - a worldwide security standard assembled by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. One of the requirements is CCTV surveillance of selected places. The demands include high quality of video recordings, archive period of 240 days, quick access to live and recorded video via the Internet.
The contract has been executed by Kanabus Services and 4th GL Prodata. The contractors have chosen vandal proof and sensitive cameras allowing operation in low light conditions - SN-FX580 M10748. These dome cameras can be mounted on walls or ceilings. The base is made of metal, the dome of impact resistant polycarbonate. This model provides high quality video with increased resolution (540 TVL), very high sensitivity in B/W mode (0.008 lx), and Night Vision function. In low light (3 lx or less) it switches into B/W mode.
The video from the cameras is recorded by 3-rd generation digital video recorders ULTIMAX-304 M73040. These DVRs use highly effective H.264 compression and support hard drives allowing for a total recording capacity of 8TB.
The CCTV systems have been installed on the following ships: Orient Queen, The Aegean Pearl, Thomson Destiny, Aquamarine, Thomson Spirit, Sapphire, Coral and Cristal, The Emerald and The Calypso.
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Louis Cruises Lines offers comfortable cruises in the Mediterranean
The latest high speed dome camera - C4399/FCB-EX1010P M12291. High speed PTZ cameras are used for monitoring of extensive areas like parking lots, builder's yards etc. This type of cameras is often employed in city surveillance for monitoring of streets and intersections. The operator can direct the camera to the place where an incident happens and zoom the camera to get detailed image including the car/s license number/s, facial features of the people etc.
M12291 employs one of the latest Sony camera modules - FCB-EX1010P. Its great quality 1/4" EX-View CCD Sony image sensor is characterized by very high sensitivity. Perfect image quality is also ensured by advanced image processing, with many functions (including WDR) that improve picture parameters in various lighting conditions. The camera provides detailed images (530TVL), powerful optical zoom (36x) and uses new spherical masks - the size of the mask is combined with zoom.
M12291 employs one of the latest Sony camera modules - FCB-EX1010P. Its great quality 1/4" EX-View CCD Sony image sensor is characterized by very high sensitivity. Perfect image quality is also ensured by advanced image processing, with many functions (including WDR) that improve picture parameters in various lighting conditions. The camera provides detailed images (530TVL), powerful optical zoom (36x) and uses new spherical masks - the size of the mask is combined with zoom.
A screenshot from the C4399/FCB-EX1010P M12291 menu
The camera connected directly to a DVR, e.g. from ULTIMAX series, can be controlled by the operator via system control unit M77920 (see the diagram below), or remotely via client program.
The camera can be also used in IP CCTV systems with video servers, managed by professional surveillance software like ULTISYSTEM.
The camera can be also used in IP CCTV systems with video servers, managed by professional surveillance software like ULTISYSTEM.
CCTV transmission via the Internet - part 1/3. IP CCTV devices (IP cameras, video servers) and DVRs with built-in web servers allow to access the surveillance video via the Internet. The problem is still the choice of devices and proper configuration of their network parameters so that the video has satisfactory quality despite bandwidth limitations.
In many cases the investors have Internet connectivity with limited bandwidth (e.g. ADSL). The most important parameter in the case of CCTV transmission is upload speed, as the video stream is to be sent to the Internet. Low upload speed requires careful configuration of the cameras so that the stream is smoothly transmitted and buffered (to avoid decoding errors and buffer overload resulting in loss of transmission).
The table below shows the interrelationships among compression algorithms, compression schemes, resolutions, and bitrates.
In many cases the investors have Internet connectivity with limited bandwidth (e.g. ADSL). The most important parameter in the case of CCTV transmission is upload speed, as the video stream is to be sent to the Internet. Low upload speed requires careful configuration of the cameras so that the stream is smoothly transmitted and buffered (to avoid decoding errors and buffer overload resulting in loss of transmission).
The table below shows the interrelationships among compression algorithms, compression schemes, resolutions, and bitrates.
Minimum bandwidth requirements (typical bitrates) for transmitting video over the Internet (source: ACTi)
In the case of bandwidth limitations, first of all it is recommended to give up fast refresh rates, without reducing resolution. Setting a standard D1 camera, 12 frames per second is satisfactory for smooth video. However, very low bandwidth will also require to reduce the resolution of the transmitted images.
Majority of manufacturers provide (in the firmware or instructions) the estimated demand for the band depending on the parameters set. Devices that use MPEG-4 and H.264 compression should be configured in the VBR mode (Variable Bit Rate), which dramatically lowers bandwidth requirements for transmission of static images.
In typical devices the quality of recordings is deteriorating along with reduction of transmission parameters. This problem can be solved by using IP devices with "Dual Stream" option which allows to simultaneously send two streams with different parameters. Then the stream flowing into the LAN is set to high parameters for optimum recording on the NVR server, while the second stream intended for viewing over the Internet may have worse performance.
Majority of manufacturers provide (in the firmware or instructions) the estimated demand for the band depending on the parameters set. Devices that use MPEG-4 and H.264 compression should be configured in the VBR mode (Variable Bit Rate), which dramatically lowers bandwidth requirements for transmission of static images.
In typical devices the quality of recordings is deteriorating along with reduction of transmission parameters. This problem can be solved by using IP devices with "Dual Stream" option which allows to simultaneously send two streams with different parameters. Then the stream flowing into the LAN is set to high parameters for optimum recording on the NVR server, while the second stream intended for viewing over the Internet may have worse performance.
Use of Dual Stream function
It should be noted that the bandwidth requirements apply to a single client and a single IP device.
In the next issues we will discuss the case of a greater number of clients and IP devices (cameras).
In the next issues we will discuss the case of a greater number of clients and IP devices (cameras).
RAID function in NUUO NVRs. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) ensures increased data reliability or increased input/output performance. NUUO NV-2040 K4104 supports RAID 0 or RAID 1.
RAID 0 (striped disks) - the array is seen by the operating system as one single disk of total capacity equal to the product of the lowest capacity (of the disks used) and the number of the disks.
RAID 1 (mirrored disks) - a real-time backup solution - each of two (or more) disks stores exactly the same data. Total capacity of the array is simply the capacity of the lowest-capacity disk.
RAID 0 (striped disks) - the array is seen by the operating system as one single disk of total capacity equal to the product of the lowest capacity (of the disks used) and the number of the disks.
RAID 1 (mirrored disks) - a real-time backup solution - each of two (or more) disks stores exactly the same data. Total capacity of the array is simply the capacity of the lowest-capacity disk.
NUUO K4104 supports RAID 0 or RAID 1
NUUO NV-4080 K4108 supports up to four hard drives, allowing to implement also RAID 5 and RAID 10 arrays.
RAID 5 (striped disks with parity) - combines three or more disks in a way that protects data against loss of any one disk. The array is seen by the operating system as one single disk of total capacity equal to the product of the lowest capacity (of the disks used) and the number of the disks minus one.
RAID 10 (striping and mirroring) - combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0 configurations, e.g. a striped set of mirrored subsets of disks (two pairs of disks in RAID 1 array are linked in RAID 0 array). Total capacity of RAID 10 array is double capacity of the "smallest" disc.
RAID 5 (striped disks with parity) - combines three or more disks in a way that protects data against loss of any one disk. The array is seen by the operating system as one single disk of total capacity equal to the product of the lowest capacity (of the disks used) and the number of the disks minus one.
RAID 10 (striping and mirroring) - combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0 configurations, e.g. a striped set of mirrored subsets of disks (two pairs of disks in RAID 1 array are linked in RAID 0 array). Total capacity of RAID 10 array is double capacity of the "smallest" disc.
NUUO K4108 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
The table below shows possible RAID configurations and system capacity for 500 GB disks:
| RAID level | Number of HDDs | System capacity [TB] |
| 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | 2 | 0.5 |
| 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 5 | 4 | 1.5 |
| 10 | 4 | 1 |
Office, business or SOHO WLAN. Internet access is nowadays indispensable functionality of every office block, hotel, warehouse, or small firm. When the building is not equipped with wired LAN infrastructure, the quick, cheap and effective way of solving the problem is wireless network.
TP-LINK in one of the leading manufacturers of network devices for home and business applications. The devices are reliable, easy to configure and offer modern design. It is reflected by numerous prizes awarded by independent magazines round the world, which prove high quality of the devices and customer-driven policy of the manufacturer.
TP-LINK in one of the leading manufacturers of network devices for home and business applications. The devices are reliable, easy to configure and offer modern design. It is reflected by numerous prizes awarded by independent magazines round the world, which prove high quality of the devices and customer-driven policy of the manufacturer.
A functional wireless network employs:
- the router TL-WR542G N2950 and Access Point TL-WA501G N2940 configured as Repeater - for improving link quality in the further part of the story,
- for desktop computers - wireless PCI adapters TL-WN551G N2970, for laptops - wireless PCMCIA adapters TL-WN510G N2930 or USB devices TL-WN321G N2920,
- in the case of desktop PCs there may be used indoor antennas TL-ANT2405C A72713 - to improve stability and transmission speeds of the wireless links.
A functional WLAN network for offices, businesses etc.
TP-LINK platform for wireless connectivity
The system is a combination of two point-to-point links, where the second begins at the point where the first ends. The devices creating the intermediate node can be connected directly via Ethernet cable.
The simplest point-to-point link requires ULTIAIR with license level 4 (Access Point) and ULTIAIR with license level 3 (Client). Of course, the link may also employ two ULTIAIR devices with license level 4.
There are many possible combinations of the devices that can be used.
Example point-to-point configurations:
Example wireless link with an intermediate point and ULTIAIR devices
We have written about:
CAMSET, NETSET - modern transmission media - a 6-year quality guarantee. The latest high-performance analog CCTV cameras require appropriate quality of transmission medium. It is unacceptable to use them with low-quality, quickly degrading cables. CAMSET cables have excellent parameters...
- archive DWR of Sept. 8, 2008
Size of an object on monitor screen. According to EN 50132-7 norm, the size of the representation of an object, e.g. human figure should be strictly connected with the aim of the operator - identification, recognition, detection or general observation...
- archive DWR of Nov. 26, 2007
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...
- archive DWR of Aug. 18, 2008
Index of published issues
CAMSET, NETSET - modern transmission media - a 6-year quality guarantee. The latest high-performance analog CCTV cameras require appropriate quality of transmission medium. It is unacceptable to use them with low-quality, quickly degrading cables. CAMSET cables have excellent parameters...
- archive DWR of Sept. 8, 2008
Size of an object on monitor screen. According to EN 50132-7 norm, the size of the representation of an object, e.g. human figure should be strictly connected with the aim of the operator - identification, recognition, detection or general observation...
- archive DWR of Nov. 26, 2007
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...
- archive DWR of Aug. 18, 2008
Index of published issues
