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

No. 25/2009 (June 22, 2009)
Holiday break
As every year we suspend issuing the Review during summer vacation.
The next issue will be available on August 24.

We wish a joyous holiday season
to all our readers and customers
The European championships in taking pictures of antennas. We invite everyone to take part in the photo contest "Engagingly about antennas". Subject of the photo contest is a challenge that, at first, seems to be difficult to be up to. What can be interesting in antennas? But we hope the competitors will take up the task that, apart from having aesthetic qualities, requires dash of imagination, grain of wit, and sometimes a certain measure of risk.
The photographic competition has been announced on the website in English - www.dipolnet.com and in the newsletters: Heti Hírmondó, Informator TV-SAT, CCTV, WLAN , DIPOL týdenní přehled, and Týždenný prehľad DIPOLu TV-SAT, CCTV, WLAN.

Please send your photos till September 30, 2009. The first prize is HDTV satellite receiver Ferguson HF 8900 HD.
I place in the 2008 edition - "In a distorting mirror", by Dariusz Maczynski
Choosing an RF modulator - mono, stereo, output signal. When choosing a modulator the price itself shouldn't be the decisive factor. Modulators have different parameters that are important for specific applications.
  • In simple installations in one-family homes one can use modulators Signal Clasic R95176 (e.g. for sending a satellite program to another room).
  • In the case of several outlets one should employ other modulators, e.g. MT-22P R871722 (VHF), MT-21P R871721 (UHF), or MT-27P R871727 (VHF or UHF).
  • Larger antenna installations require to use modulator with high output level - MT-29 R871729 (100 dBuV), or one of modulators: MT-21P R871721, MT-22P R871722, MT-27P R871727 - cooperating with set of ZG-401/601 channel amplifiers. The latter solution allows to reach output level up to 123 dB for each channel. This level enables distribution of the signal to up to 200 outlets, without a need of using additional building amplifiers.
  • In networks with few free channels one should use VSB modulators MT-30A R871731 or MT-30C R871733 (stereo) which do not interfere with neighboring channels.
TV Modulator: Terra MT-21P (G,K: ch.21-69, with AC/DC adapter)
TV Modulator: Terra MT-29C (B/G, stereo A2, ch. 1-69/S9-S17)
VSB TV Modulator: Terra MT-30C (B/G ch.1-69 &S1-S38, A2 stereo)
MT-21P (ch. 21-69)
R871721
MT-29C B/G A2 stereo,
ch. 1-69/S9-S17 - R871728
MT-30C B/G A2 stereo, VSB,
ch. 1-69/S1-S38 A2 - R871733
Multiswitch installation and cable TV - part 3. In the previous issues of the Review we have described two ways of connecting cable TV to multiswitch systems. 9-cable systems provide the most flexible solution for multi-story buildings. On each floor there is a splitter providing signals to the multiswitches. It allows to shape the network according to actual requirements.

Installation with two cables for each subscriber (see the upper part of the diagram below) allows to provide two independent SAT TV signals and CATV. Two satellite signals are indispensable in the case of TWIN PVR receivers.

Professional multiswitch systems
SAT/TV TAP: Terra SS-510SAT/TV TAP: Terra SS-510SAT/TV TAP: Terra SS-510SAT/TV TAP: Terra SS-5108-way Tap: Signal O-8 (5-1000 MHz)TV/Sat Combiner (Diplexer) DC-009 TerraSubscriber Terminal Outlet:Signal RTV-SAT-R (return path)9/16 Multiswitch: Terra  MSR-916 (active terrestrial path)9/12 Multiswitch: Terra MSR-912 (active terrestrial path)
9-cable system prepared for PVR receivers
Long-range distribution of signals from headends. Considerably high attenuation of coaxial cables is the reason that it is difficult to use them for transmitting RF signals over distances longer than 1000 m.
The solution to the problem is use of optical transmission in the 1310 nm window. Single-mode optical fiber attenuates the signal only by 0.34 dB/km, which enables transmission over distances up to 40 km. The transmission line can be composed of optical transmitter TERRA MOS-211A R81720 and optical node TERRA OD-200P R81722.

Modular Headend TERRA MMH-3000 - a true diamond.
Optical Node TERRA OD-200P
Optical Node OD-200P TERRA
R81722
Development of mobile DVRs. Security of people and goods is the reason that shipping companies increasingly employ mobile digital video recorders. Advanced technical solutions allow to use them as "black boxes" that can record not only the video but also a variety of parameters showing actions of the driver and the state of the vehicle.

The basic parameters associated with video recording include:
  • recording of video from analog cameras at D1 resolution;
  • frame rate up to 25 fps;
  • recording on a HDD with the use of MPEG-4 and/or H.264 compression.
Mobile DVR MDR4104 (4 channels)
Mobile DVR MDR4104 (4 channels)
M85006
In addition to the standard function of recording video data, mobile DVRs also record vehicle parameters, such as start time, position, speed, and events like change of direction (turn signal) or pressing the brake.
DVRs for special vehicles (e.g. police patrol cars) are equipped with image analysis software like LPR (License Plate Recognition).
The equipment used in public transport usually enables two-way audio transmission for communication with traffic controller, as well as has displaying facilities for informing the passengers. Other frequently used function of mobile video recorders used on public transport is advertising (displaying ads).
Development of wireless data transmission systems is also visible in mobile DVRs - their standard equipment includes GPRS, CDMA, and WiFi modules allowing remote transmission of the recorded images.
Application diagram of M85006
Back Light Compensation (BLC). This function is the ability of a camera to compensate the brightness of the subjects with a large amount of background light that would make it practically impossible to see any details of the subjects. Backlight compensation consists in adjusting the gain of the camera to improve exposure of the subjects that are in front of a bright light source. It allows to identify the foreground. Unfortunately, the background also becomes even brighter.
BLC off
BLC on
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR). This feature of image sensors has been introduced relatively recently. It extends the action of BLC. Due to operation based on the analysis of exposures of single cells, at the same time it can brighten dark elements and darken too bright ones. The image processed this way allows to clearly see details both in the foreground and bright background.
WDR on
ULTIMAX - DVRs for demanding customers - maps in remote client software. Distributed video surveillance systems and systems with a large number of cameras should enable the operator to easily locate the camera capturing the image, or the sequence of cameras that follow a moving object. Camera names or numbers are in such systems inadequate for effective operation.
The map function solves the problem perfectly. It allows to import maps/plans of monitored areas (bmp files) that are the background for camera symbols associated with individual cameras. Clicking on a camera symbol, the operator displays its image in one of additional windows in the lower part of the screen, together with camera name and the name of cooperating DVR.
The maps/plans can create a hierarchical structure, e.g. from the plan of a development it is possible to pass to the plan of the building in question. The map function is often used in ULTIMAX DVRs that can be easily integrated due to effective network software. The software allows to manage large systems with a great number of deployed devices - DVRs, IP cameras, video servers.

ULTIMAX - the winner of Gold Medal of Intertelecom 2008 for the best product - is a 3G digital video recorder based on the most effective H.264 compression. This type of deep compression is characterized by capability of providing good video quality at substantially lower bitrates than the previous standards, saving disk space.
Network digital video recorders of ULTIMAX series are excellent digital surveillance products. Equipped with embedded MCU and dedicated real-time operating system (RTOS), they combine the most advanced electronic and computer technologies, such as efficient video and audio encoding/decoding, hard disk recording (support of virtually unlimited disc capacity), and TCP/IP protocols. The firmware is stored in flash memory, and can be easily updated.


ULTIMAX DVRs
"Map" - a very useful function of remote client software of ULTIMAX DVRs

Monitoring of a jewelery trade fair - it is about big money. Jewelers and organizers of jewelery trade fairs well remember the theft that took place in 2007 during such event in Gdansk, when a $1.5 million worth of diamonds vanished from the safe deposit. The owner of the precious gems was an exhibitor from Belgium. The diamonds were picked up by a swindler that had stolen the magnetic card of the exhibitor.

The organizers of the Jubinale 2009 in Krakow decided to carefully ensure the safety of exhibitors and their precious goods. During the event (June 5-7), the fair facility in Centralna 41 Street in Krakow was protected by SNS Security, and a comprehensive video surveillance system was deployed by DIPOL company.
Monitoring of a jewelery trade fair
Each person entering the hall was under video surveillance
Valuable products were under continuous surveillance of 16 color high-resolution analog cameras, 2 speed dome cameras, and 4 megapixel cameras. The video from the analog cameras was recorded by 3rd generation DVR - ULTIMAX-716 M77160. The whole system was managed with the ULTISYSTEM K3216 software which also ensured recording of video streams from IP cameras.

The cameras for this responsible task were carefully chosen:
  • Analog cameras monitored the whole facility. Day/Night color cameras SN-468C/W M11206 with mechanically switching IR filter and 1/3" SONY EX-View CCD monitored entrances, corridors and the space between stands. They were ideal due to high quality images at night, with the lighting reduced to a minimum;
  • Speed dome cameras allowed to focus on the smallest details. The employed IP speed dome cameras ACTi CAM-6630 K1216 with 35x optical zoom and Wide Dynamic Range provided high quality images irrespective of local lighting conditions;
  • Megapixel cameras were installed to watch selected stands. IP 2.0 Mpix ULTICAM K1441 cameras that had shown their potential in the city surveillance system in Tvrdosin in Slovakia, equipped with suitable lenses could monitor whole stands. The operator was able to watch chosen details (using digital zoom), but the complete images were continuously recorded, providing full coverage of the stand.
Day/Night Color Camera: SN-468C/W<br />(mechanically switching IR filter, w/o lens) Network DVR: ULTIMAX-716 (H.264, 16 channels)IP Speed Dome Camera: ACTi CAM-6630 IP Speed Dome Camera: ACTi CAM-6630 IP Camera ULTICAM DS-852MF-E (2.0 Mpix)IP Camera ULTICAM DS-852MF-E (2.0 Mpix)Software Package: ULTISYSTEM (16 channels)
Diagram of the monitoring system at the jewelery trade fair
According to the diagram above, the ULTIMAX DVR was used for recording video from analog cameras. The video streams from IP speed domes and megapixel cameras were recorded on the server managed by ULTISYSTEM software. This configuration allowed to separate the images from fixed cameras ensuring overall observation on dedicated monitor and those from IP cameras, operated by the technician in the monitoring center and displayed on the main monitor.

Online images from the megapixel camera K1441 that was used at the jewelery trade fair.
Multipurpose ACTi quad video server. The new ACTi ACD2000Q K2121 is a universal device designed for compressing video into MPEG-4/MJPEG stream. The server can operate in one of the three modes, which allows to choose the most suitable option, depending on system requirements:
  • viewing images from four channels (quad) or from a chosen channel - in D1 resolution, 25 fps / PAL;
  • viewing images sequentially (adjustable interval) - in D1 resolution, 25 fps / PAL;
  • viewing images simultaneously (on separate monitors) - in D1 resolution, 7 fps.
Distinguishing features of the ACD-2000Q K2121 video server:
  • MPEG 4 / MJPEG compression
  • CIF to D1 at 25/30 fps
  • Two-way audio
  • Hardware motion detection, alarm inputs/outputs
  • One or four full-resolution channels (quad)
Quad Video Server: ACTi ACD-2000Q
Video server ACTi ACD-2100Q
K2121
Two ways of using TP-LINK TL-WR543G. TP-LINK TL-WR543G N2955 can be used both for wired and wireless access to the Internet.
The TL-WR543G Wireless AP Client Router (N2955) integrates broadband router (for xDSL service or cable modem), 4-port FastEthernet switch, and Access Point. It has built-in NAT and DHCP server supporting static IP address distributing. It also supports Virtual Server and DMZ host for port triggering needs, remote management and log - so that network administrator can manage and monitor the network in real time.
Below we show example applications of the device.
Wireless PCI Adapter (eXtended Range): TL-WN551GSwitch TP-Link TL-SF1005D (5 ports)Access Point: TP-Link TL-WR543G - eXtended Range <br />(router &4-p switch, WISP, 2.4GHz)Access Point: TP-Link TL-WR543G - eXtended Range <br />(router &4-p switch, WISP, 2.4GHz)PCI Network Interface Card: TP-Link TF-3239DL 10/100MbpsADSL (Annex A) Router with 4-port Switch: TP-Link TD-8840TWireless USB Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN321G (2.4GHz 54Mbps)Access Point: TP-Link TL-WR543G - eXtended Range <br />(router &4-p switch, WISP, 2.4GHz)
Cable external link,
wireless distribution
Wireless external link,
wired distribution
Major issues of Internet distribution in small installations:
SAT KRAK 2009. The exhibition of digital television and the accompanying conferences will take place in Krakow from October 15th to 17th, 2009. The organizers, as usual, are Hollstar company and the staff of SAT KURIER magazine.
SAT KRAK 2009 is the only event in Poland where all major companies dealing with digital television meet at the same place, face to face, at the same time. As usual, it will be held in Chemobudowa Exhibition Center, Klimeckiego 14 Street, 30-706 Krakow, Poland. The exhibitors and visitors can use the exhibition hall of 1800 m2, suitable for arranging over 100 stands.
We have written about:

Recording of road traffic with the use of ULTIAIR devices and IP CCTV cameras from ACTi. Failing to yield right of way and going over a red light at the crossroads are important reasons of collisions and accidents in large cities. It is often difficult to establish the fault of the driver...
- archive DWR of Feb. 23, 2009

How to combine two SAT signals into one cable - TWINSENDER. A common mistake made when wiring houses and apartments (or installing a satellite TV system) is putting only as many cables as needed at the moment. Most of satellite dishes have been installed with single LNBs, each connected with the sat receiver via single coaxial cable. However, modern sat receivers with recording functions (PVRs) have two tuners that require two independent signals....
- archive DWR of Jan. 12, 2009

How to set OSD cameras? Application of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) allows to enhance the array of cameras adjustments, without limitations of the previous mechanical switches and potentiometers..
- archive DWR of Feb.18, 2008

Index of published issues

ULTISYSTEM - integration of analog cameras and IP devices <br />into one system