Presentation of the newest DVB standard: DVB-I.

At this year's IBC 2019 exhibition in Amsterdam, the most important event for professionals in the fields of electronic media and film and television industry, was the first public presentation of the DVB-I standard. DVB-I uses Internet access and streaming to provide TV services over broadband networks. The demo included broadband television services provided by linear television (for linear viewing of the content broadcast on a given channel) and available through HTTP-based access and streaming mechanisms. The new set of specifications known as DVB-I (where I stands for the Internet) will give users a similar experience as linear television with the option of implementing additional features by broadcasters and operators. The key element of the specification is DVB-DASH streaming with the recently developed low latency mode and support for adaptive Multicast Adaptive Bit Rate for network optimization. The wide range of DVB-I services enables broadcasters to provide many versions of them in different ways, however grouped as a common service on EPG.

Over the past 25 years, DVB standards paved the way to the transition from analog to digital transmissions, first in SD quality, and then in HD and UHD resolutions. The DVB project is currently being conducted in such a way that the delivery of audiovisual content via the Internet (OTT) is as user-friendly as the "classic" solutions: DVB-S/C/T and IPTV.

DVB is an industry-leading worldwide consortium of broadcasters, producers, network operators, regulators, involved in the design of open interoperable technical specifications for the global provision of digital media and broadcasting services. The DVB specifications cover all aspects of digital television from transmission through various interfaces, including conditional access and interactivity for digital video, audio and data. DVB dominates the digital broadcasting environment thanks to thousands of broadcasting services around the world using the DVB specifications. There are hundreds of manufacturers offering DVB-compliant equipment and devices. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion DVB receivers are used worldwide today.

Channels from two satellites via four cables – Wide Band technology.

Multiswitch systems with quatro LNBs receiving signals from two satellites (e.g. HotBird 13.0E and Astra 19.2E) have to use 8 coaxial cables (RG-6). A Wide Band LNB (e.g. A98222) has two outputs (H and V polarizations) and the distribution of signals from two satellites requires only four coaxial cables between the LNBs and the suitable multiswitch, reducing by half the number of the cables. With single local oscillators operating at 10.41 GHz, such LNBs provide much wider intermediate frequency band (290...2340 MHz) than conventional (legacy) LNBs.

The Wide-band LNB A98222 cooperates with Terra SRM-581 R80581 dSCR multiswitch that has 5 inputs. Two pairs of SAT IF inputs (V1, H1, V2, H2, 290...2340 MHz) should be connected to two Wide-band LNBs A98222, the fifth input (of active terrestrial path) is intended for DVB-T, DAB(+) and FM radio signals. The AGC system ensures stable 84 dBμV output level, and the die-cast housing provides high screening efficiency (class A). In dSCR mode, each of the eight Legacy / dSCR +Terr.TV outputs allows for independent operation of up to 16 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs (EN50607) fed via one coaxial cable, or, in the Legacy mode, can be connected to a legacy SAT TV receiver, in exactly the same way as an output of a Universal LNB or of a standard (legacy) multiswitch.

The programmable, single-cable cascadable dSCR Multiswitch SRM-581 R80581 multiswitch allows for distributing DVB-S/S2 signals from two satellite positions, plus terrestrial DVB-T and FM/DAB+ broadcasts even via a single cable, thanks to the dSCR technology (digital Satellite Cable Router).

The SRM-581 R80581 multiswitch has been equipped with efficient AGC system stabilizing the output level at 84 dBμV. This means that the installer does not have to worry about signal level adjustments of the multiswitch – it is sufficient to provide input signals at levels within the required ranges.

DIPOL has introduced TERRA SA004 R80550 line amplifier dedicated for Wideband systems distributing SAT IF, ensuring the proper levels of signals at the input of the multiswitch.

The TERRA SA004 R80550 broadband amplifier ensures compensation of the signal loss in long cables in the distribution system, along with the signal equalization, to minimize the effect of the increase of cable attenuation with frequency.

Fiber optic connections in homes.

L7102 is the first choice cable for applications in homes/apartments. Its high mechanical strength and small dimensions allow for easy and safe installation of the cable while maintaining a good level of aesthetics.

If an installation requires only one fiber, the installer not having a fusion splicer can use the Ultimode FAST L5711 or L5712 quick assembly connectors. The advantage of such a solution is the direct connection to the end device, without a need for an installation box.

Items needed for terminating the fiber: L5906 fiber stripper for flat cables, L5905 Three-Hole Fiber Optic Stripper, L5913 dust-free wipes, L5915 IPA alcohol, and a fiber cutter, e.g. L5801. Necessary steps: remove the outer layer of the cable over a distance of approx. 4 cm to obtain access to the fibers, remove the 250 μm fiber coating on the section of about 20 mm (cut off the second fiber), clean the fiber and cut it so that the whole fiber length is 27 mm (part with the 250 μm jacket: 20 mm, part without jacket: 7 mm). The cable with the finished fiber insert into the connector (the fiber may be slightly bent), and then lower the clamping element.

The L7102 cable and the L5711 quick assembly connector are ideal for home installations, also when making patch cords connecting the fiber optic sockets to active devices. The installer can quickly make a patch cord of any length, and perform the basic connection diagnostics with the L5935 visual fault locator.

AcuTrac – vibration compensation technique in Seagate SkyHawk hard drives.

Hard drives used in video monitoring systems are exposed to high vibrations, which may cause problems with writing or reading data. This particularly applies to disks installed in multi-drive DVRs/NVRs equipped with a forced air cooling systems with fans. Vibrations from adjacent drives and fans can reduce the overall performance of the data storage system, and, in an extreme vibration condition, may even stop functioning the drive altogether as the servo system cannot lock on a data track.

VCM and PZT actuators on the read/write arm

Seagate SkyHawk hard drives (from 4 TB up) are constructed so that the system performance is maintained regardless of vibration. The movement of the head is controlled by two systems. The VCM actuator (used in any hard drive) is responsible for fast motion over the plate to enable write/read operations, while the piezoelectric (PZT) micro actuator additionally compensates for vibrations. Both actuators are driven by a special controller operating in a feedback loop, examining the vibrations of two rotational vibration (RV) sensors located on the drive PCB. The appropriate control of both actuators ensures compensation of read/write head vibrations.

The rotational vibration sensors, controllers operating in a feedback loop and PZT micro actuator (A)
ensure effective vibration compensation

Vimtag IP cameras with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Vimtag IP cameras provide ideal solutions for people looking for extra security and peace at home or office. The installation of a traditional IP camera requires knowledge of the IP network configuration. Vimtag IP cameras are Plug & Play devices for everyone requiring many useful functions. The functions include an electronic nanny, helper in the care of elderly parents, a pet minder, or just a simple home or office monitoring system. The available fixed and PTZ cameras with resolutions from 720p to 4 MP allow for monitoring a whole room with a wealth of detail.

The cameras can work both day and night thanks to the integrated infrared illuminators. The built-in speakers and microphones provide a bi-directional audio function. Using a smartphone, the user can listen to what is happening around the camera, send a voice message or just talk like on a speakerphone. After installing a microSD memory card with a capacity of up to 128 GB, each camera can record a lot of monitoring data. The free Vimtag app is dedicated to operate the cameras using a computer or smartphone. With this app, the users can have control over everything, regardless of whether they are at home or far away from it. They can always have full access to the camera from anywhere in the world. Thanks to Wi-Fi connection, the camera can be located anywhere within the range of an access point. The power supply (5 VDC via microUSB port) can be provided from the included AC/DC adapter, on even from a power bank (a temporary installation in a place without access to AC power network).

Thanks to Wi-Fi connection, the camera can be located anywhere within the range of an access point

Does outdoor antenna increase the speed of LTE?

Wireless Internet access via cellular networks is an increasingly popular service. The growing popularity of this service among subscribers is the result of mobility, higher and higher throughput, and lower prices. The absolute highlight is LTE technology that enables the achievement of data rates similar to those in landline /cable or WiFi networks.

In many cases where the mobile device is at a longer distance from the base station or is shadowed by various obstacles there are problems with adequate signal strength. Usually the problems can be solved by connecting the modem to a suitable external/outdoor antenna. Sometimes such an antenna can also be used for the improvement of the communication with a concrete base station offering e.g. the advantages of LTE-A standard, or being "less occupied" by other users and thus offering higher data rates. In each case it is important to buy a broadband antenna that can operate in the "old" and "new" LTE bands and can provide the advantages of band aggregation.

ATK-LOG ALP LTE MIMO 2x2 antenna
800-3000 MHz A7054_5

The principle of operation of the Sony Starvis image sensor. Sony Starvis IMX 307 image sensor is the second generation of Back-Side Illumination (BSI) sensors. Their most important advantage is a significant improvement in sensitivity, which has become possible due to reversing the silicon wafer with photosensitive elements and the electronic circuitry. The light falling on the BSI matrix is not blocked by the circuitry, but reaches almost directly the photosensitive layer...>>>więcej

The new generation of BSI image sensors, Sarvis, has been equipped with an additional layer of microlenses placed on the Bayer filter, which is responsible for minimizing the adverse phenomena that may occur after the silicon wafer inversion.

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