Artificial intelligence has created a new material by itself.

Researchers at TU Delft have developed a new, super compressible but strong material without performing any experimental tests, just with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The researchers wondered if it would be possible to create a highly compressible but strong material that could be compressed to a small part of its volume. If possible, everyday items such as bicycles, dinner tables and umbrellas could be folded into a pocket's size. Next-generation materials must be adaptive, universal, and customizable. This can be achieved with materials dominated by the structural features (metamaterials) that use new geometries to achieve unique properties and functionality.

The metamaterial created with artificial intelligence is somewhat similar to a sponge - however it is stiff until a critical force is reached, when it becomes easily compressible

Researchers used a data-based computational approach to study a new concept of metamaterials to develop them so that to reach various target properties, by the selection of base materials, length scales and manufacturing processes. The new "macro" design has been optimized for maximum compressibility, and the microscale is designed for high strength and rigidity. Miguel Bessa, the first author of the publication claims that the most important aspect of the work is not the specific material that was created, but the ability to reach unused areas of design space through machine learning.

According to Bessa, "The important thing is that machine learning creates an opportunity to invert the design process by shifting from experimentally-guided investigations to computationally data-driven ones, even if the computer models are missing some information. The essential requisites are that "enough" data about the problem of interest is available, and that the data is sufficiently accurate... Data-driven science will revolutionize the way we reach new discoveries, and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring us."

New DVB-T modulators.

DIPOL has introduced new two models of digital DVB-T modulators with HDMI inputs: MHD002P R86104 and SP-7625 R86602. These devices enable the conversion of the A/V signals provided in the HDMI standard into DVB-T RF channels. The MHD002P R86104 modulator is a multifunctional device that encodes and modulates the input HDMI signal with resolution up to Full HD (1920x1080-30p) into DVB-T COFDM RF channel. In the MHD002P R86104 model, the HDMI output can transfer the input HDMI signal to a local monitor.

The SP-7625 R86602 model is a dual-channel DVB-T modulator that can create one digital RF multiplex with two channels carrying audio-video signals from two HDMI sources, connected through two HDMI connectors. All parameters can be configured via the RJ-45 port and a web browser (the default IP address: 192.168.1.15; password: 1234), or with the use of the buttons and display on the front panel. High image quality is ensured by H.264 video compression and automatic bit rate adjustment in each of the channels (MANUAL function also allows for individual adjustments by the user).

On the left, the SP-7625 R86602 modulator, on the right, the MHD002P R86104 model

Example of using the Terra R86104 MHD002P digital modulator.
The source signal (from Blu-Ray player) is modulated to DVB-T channel
and can be viewed on any TV connected to the distribution network.
The original HDMI signal is directly monitored on the "local" TV.

Storage and Network Calculator – calculation of the data retention time and recommended bandwidth.

Storage and Network Calculator is a Hikvision application that calculates the required amount of the HDD(s) space for the planned data retention time ("Saving Time"). The application also estimates the bit rate and informs about the minimum required bandwidth for network transmission. The application supports video resolutions from CIF (352x288 px) up to 12 MP (4000x3000 px) and the following compression methods: H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264.

An example of using Storage and Network Calculator. For the selected number of cameras
and encoding parameters, the 14-day retention period will require 6 TB of hard disk space.

Optical HDMI cables.

HDMI Active Optical Cables (AOC) are used to connect HDMI signal sources to monitors / televisions located up to 70 meters away, so over distances much longer than in the case of copper HDMI cables. The offered cables support the HDMI 2.0 standard (18 Gbps bandwidth). They have a small diameter (4.5 mm) and do not require external power supplies (are powered from the HDMI ports).

Distinguishing features:

• Length: 50 m H1505 or 70 m H1705,
• Support for HDMI 2.0 – 18 Gbps throughput,
• Support for 4K UHD, 3D, Deep Color, HDR 10, HDCP 2.2,
• AUDIO return channel,
• Ethernet channel,
• High flexibility.

Multimode fibers in 10 Gbps networks.

10 Gbps data transfer rates are now becoming a standard in networks deployed in office buildings, multi-family buildings, and even single-family homes. This speed is required not only in the backbone of the network, but also at the end-user devices.

When choosing multi-mode fibers, installers must remember that at 10 Gbps the range of the fiber type is quite limited. The most popular MM OM2 fibers enable transmission at the speed of 10 Gbps at the maximum distance of 82 meters, i.e. less than copper twisted pair cables of category 6A (100 m according to the 10GBASE-T standard). This is a huge trap that network designers or contractors can fall into if they do not pay attention to the standard of the cable used.

When using SFP+ 10 Gbps multimode modules in the network (above: L1425), the installers should choose the right fiber standard for the required transmission distances

Higher standards of multimode fibers, i.e. OM3 and OM4, enable 10 Gbps transmission over 300 m and 500 m, respectively. The affordable OM3 cables are also good solutions for the development of local networks for the future needs of high-bandwidth applications, as they enable connections with a speed of 40 Gbps and 100 Gbp s over distances up to 100 m.

Image quality in the preview via a web browser.

NVRs and IP cameras from Hikvision can generate several data streams with different parameters selected by users. The control of the parameters allows for optimum adjustment of the streams to the recording and transmission capacity of the system and network components. Typically, IP CCTV devices generate two streams, the primary/main with higher quality, and the secondary with lower parameters. The secondary/auxiliary streams are usually used for the preview of video in split screen mode and via mobile devices. Often, due to the limitation of the available network bandwidth, the auxiliary streams are also used for the preview via Internet browsers.

To switch the stream from a single camera, the user must select the camera by moving cursor on its name. After that it will be possible to choose the other kind of stream. All streams can be changed to one type by clicking on the stream type icon under the image area.
These settings are not saved permanently. To set the required stream permanently, the user should choose the stream type in configuration / local settings menu.

Hybrid multiswitch system. Most satellite receivers available in the market support SCR/Unicable technology, supporting EN50494 and/or EN50607 standard(s). Along with a lower number of cables, a big advantage of this type of installation is the flexibility in terms of system topology that can be similar to signal distribution systems used in terrestrial TV systems. There is no requirement for star-like typologies and existing terrestrial antenna systems can be easily adapted to receive and distribute satellite signals (of course, taking into account the maximum number of users connected to one multiswitch)... >>>more

he diagram above presents a hybrid multiswitch system. A traditional SMATV system has been additionally equipped with dSCR/Unicable multiswitches.

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