HDTV in mobile phone - latest news from Barcelona. During 3GSM WorldCongress 2007 in Barcelona (Feb.

15-17) Texas Instruments has presented videoprocessor for cellular applications, supporting HDTV 720p standard and 3Dgraphics. TI promises to start production at the beginning of 2008. Although watching HDTV broadcasts on the screen of a mobile seems to bean extravagance, the idea of developing such processor means that mobile TVcomes up to the same level as stationary reception. In practice, it will allowto receive HDTV programs via mobile phone to display them on any suitable screen(TV projector, LCD/plasma panel). The 3GSM congress in Barcelona attracted 1300 exhibitors and 55 000 visitors.

It means an exceptional success of organizers and big appealof 3GSM technology. For the next years it is planned dynamic growth of cellularnetworks, connected with implementation of HSDPA technology (broadband datatransmission up to theoretical throughput 14.4 Mbps). Such broadband transmission will enable the users to utilize evenadvanced multimedia, thus at the congress it could be seen a crop of potentialapplications dedicated for this purpose. Microsoft showed OS Windows Mobile 6 for mobile devices from smartphonecategory. Alcatel presented conception of mobile TV based on dual system - thesame mobile can be used for reception TV programs from dedicated TVtransmitters, as well as for getting video data transmitted as streams via thecellular operator. OmniVision introduced a mini-chip (1/10 inch) for cameras to be built inmobiles. It is based on CMOS technology and allows registration of 30 fps at VGAresolution.

The whole camera module has been reduced to dimensions 4.5x4.5x3.7mm. Fujitsu Siemens demonstrated a laptop equipped with wireless adaptorutilizing HSUPA technology.

HSUPA offers much higher uplink speeds thanmentioned HSDPA - up to 5.8 Mbps. In the near future quick growth of cellular networks will be based on implementation of HSDPA (broadband data transmission up to 14.4 Mbps). Before the signal reaches sat receiver. MPEG-2 stream is composed of packets.

Before sending, the packets containing 188 bytes (187 bytes of data + 1 synchronizing byte) are processed to obtain best possible transmission parameters. The first stage is randomization (procedure of spectrum spreading). The process disintegrates long sequences of 0's and 1's, because such strings would be unfavorable for transmission quality. Then each packet is being coded with the use of redundancy code.

Such error correction code protects the signal against disturbances during transmission. It enables to regenerate the signal in the receiver even when some errors occur. The whole procedure is based on algorithms enabling reconstruction of the signal.

The next stage is interleaving of packets in order to eliminate possibility of longer distortions of images - due to changing the order of the packets possible distortions do not accumulate, and short disturbances may even not be noticed. The last phase of signal processing before modulation is spectrum shaping with a raised-cosine digital filter. So prepared signal modulates carrier wave, e.g. With quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK). With four phases, QPSK can encode two-bit words, i.e.

00,01,10,11, that make 'symbols'. Finally, the signal is shifted to e.g. Ku Band (uplink: 14-18.1 GHz). The satellite changes the band to downlink band 10.7-12.75 GHz and transmits the signal to desired region of the world. The signal received with satellite dish is directly converted in LNB into intermediate frequency (sat IF: 950-2150 MHz), which allows further transmission to the receiver via coaxial cable, without substantial loss of the signal. The receiver performs reverse operations to regenerate the original signal. Basic signal parameters:.

Redundancy level - Forward Error Correction (FEC): 1/2, 3/4, 2/6, 2/3, 5/6, 7/8. It shows how many additional bits are used for correction of transmitted data. For FEC = 3/4, three of every four bits carry information, while the fourth is used for correction. Lowest ratio means larger error-correction margin. Symbol Rate (SR) - number of words (symbols) transmitted per one second (in the case of QPSK - two-bit pairs).

Terra multiswitches - installation with 144 outlets. Multiswitches allow building extensive and asymmetrical SMATV systems for reception programs from one satellite position. There is possibility of putting some more equipment when needed.

The transistors used in the multiswitches are resistant to overdriving, so the input levels of terrestrial TV signals may exceed even 90dB. Due to flat frequency characteristic, the multiswitches do not change the original distribution of the channels from the transponder. Installation with 144 outlets, based on Terra multiswitches. Time of recording.

One of most frequently asked questions on parameters of digital video recorders is that about maximum time of registration. There is no one answer, it depends on many factors, such as disc capacity, speed and parameters of recording, and frequency of events triggering recording (i.e. Frequency of image change). For popular 16-channel DVR AVC777 some typical cases are presented in the table. Name ATK 16/2.4 GHz ATK P4/2.4 GHz Code Gain dBi 13 15 Band MHz 2400 - 2483 Polarization V / H H/V beamwidth o 25/29 19/19 Front / back ratio dB 15 25 Television in the Royal Castle in Niepolomice. The Royal Castle in Niepolomicenear Krakow had been built in XIV century for Casimir the Great. It was hisfavorite haunt, as well as of the successor Wladyslaw Jagiello.

The castle sawmeetings of kings with the royal council, as well as big-game hunting trips withparticipation of foreign dignitaries. Up to the end of XVIII century the castlewas owned by aristocratic families: Czurylo, Branicki, Lubomirski.

On 12 January 2007 there was opened a luxury there. It is the only hotel in Poland that is located in Royal Castle. In 24apartments and rooms it is place for 54 hotel guests hosted like kings. Everyroom has been equipped with LCD television, allowing to watch a variety of TVchannels and the course of conferences taking place in the Conference Center. For the reason of high quality requirements, the installer of thesystem, has chosen solution based on channel amplifiers. The signals fromterrestrial antennas and satellite headend have been led to set of channelamplifiers - series from Alcad.

High output level guarantied by the amplifiers, quality coaxial cable Triset-113 and well-tried passive equipment - all the elementspermit direct distribution of the signals (without use of additionalamplifiers), despite some cable routes exceeding 100m. The TV network enablesthe guests to watch conferences transmitted by cameras placed in the ConferenceCenter, with the use of MT-30A modulator.

The courtyard of the Royal Castle in Niepo³omice. Modern antenna installation in multi-family building. This installation enables each resident to receive via his antenna outlets any terrestrial or satellite programs.

The multiswitches of the MS-952/951 series (for two converters) are suitable for building extensive community SMATV installations with a hundred or more outlets. However, large systems require employing amplifiers. There may be used amplifiers from Terra, or from the family - for single converters, and for double converters. The amplifiers ensure adjustment of parameters both within terrestrial and satellite band. Burglary in Krakow. We see a rise in popularity of residential monitoring, where images from the cameras installed in the building are available on televisions of the occupants, at the same time being recorded on a DVR. Usefulness of such a system has been appreciated by the occupants of the tenement in Szewska Street in Krakow.

Breaking into one apartment, the burglar did not pay attention to simple monitoring system based on DVR and three CCTV cameras. Images from the camera at the entrance and two cameras placed in the staircase allowed analysis of the people coming in and out of the building on the day of burglary. Good quality of records helped the police to catch the perpetrator. Diagram of simple and stable CCTV system for monitoring a house/building/tenement.

Power for cameras. Most problems with wrong operation of cameras are caused by improper power supply. The reason of the problems is usually unsuitable power supply adapter, not guarantying sufficient output current. It should be remembered that a standard indoor camera needs ca 250 mA, whereas outdoor version with a heater will need ca 1000 mA. For local power supply there should be chosen supplier with adequate capacity from among,. Remote powering of devices introduces additional complication - voltage loss in the wires. In the case of DC 12 V and longer wires with small diameter the loss may be excessive, beyond the tolerance of the camera.

It is assumed that cameras tolerate +/- 10% change of rated supplying voltage (10.8 V - 13.2 V). Outside the limits there is a risk of deterioration of image quality, inoperability, or even damaging. The problems can be overcome by using proper power supplies:.

power supplies with specified current capacity, ensuring adjustment of output voltage. They are used in situations where long cables are indispensable. These are e.g.,.

'power systems' - sets of devices based on power supplies with much higher output voltages and local stabilizers. They are recommended for extensive CCTV systems, the examples are. Camera control switches. C ameras are equipped with a number of switches and adjustments enabling adaptation of picture parameters to the real environment. Here are typical adjustments provided by color CCTV camera, and basic connectors:.

AWB (Auto White Balance) - correction of the image according to predominant kind of light: ON (artificial light) / OFF (natural light). AGC (Automatic Gain Control) - stabilizes output signal level and improves S/N ratio; image is more clear however less natural. Switching off this function will effect in more natural image but also more noises.

EE/AI (Electronic Shutter) - in the EE mode electronic shutter ensures adaptation of exposition time to current lighting conditions. In the AI mode the shutter is set to constant time (e.g. 1/60s), and the exposition level is controlled by the lens with Auto Iris. BLC (Back Light Compensation) - function allowing to correct quality of overexposed image.

DC/VIDEO - switch for selection of AI control system. LEVEL – potentiometer for setting demanded level of brightness (the adjustment applies only to DC lenses).

VIDEO OUT - video output connector (1Vp-p, 75 ohm). 12V DC IN - power input socket.

Sharp edges of objects, true colors, sensitivity 0.8 lx and resolution of 420 TVL - all that due to employed SONY Super HAD image sensor, together with a variety of control options - locate the camera among devices above average standard. All for a very attractive price.

Wyprzedaz Ip Camera Software For Mac

Client / server software for IP CCTV systems. Client / server software architecture is an unsymmetrical organization of software solutions that separates some functions of the system to make it more versatile and prepared for easy modification of each part. The idea consists in establishing a certain set of programs that support another group of applications. One server usually supports many clients, it is also possible that one client makes use of services provided by a number of servers.

Such an architecture forms the basis for the new server software pack ACTi NVR ( Network Video Recorder) cooperating with the well known Streaming Activator client pack. NVR has been designed for servers controlled by Windows Storage Server 2003. User-friendly interface enables the user to easily configure the server as network video recorder. Any of 64 channels can support a camera or ACTi videoserver. For each camera it is possible to set individual recording schedule, motion detection parameters, user accounts and authorization rules, disc location (for video recording). There is also possibility of monitoring disc space of the server, searching and viewing of recorded material.

Change of configuration and viewing of records is possible both within local network and via the Internet. Since internet browser allows for viewing one camera only, it is convenient to employ Streaming Activator, which, as the client, offers alternative of simultaneous viewing of images from all cameras. Having such powerful and versatile tools one is able to build and run large surveillance networks capable of effective processing and recording of large amount of information generated by video systems.

NVR and Streaming Activator (the version up to 16 channels) are free of charge. R emote access to CCTV system.

LAN or WLAN may be used for transmission of video streams containing data on protected areas. Many DVRs allow access to video data via the network (e.g., ). The diagram below shows application of TP-Link device - TL-WR542G, for building such network.

TL-WR542G provides functionality of Access Point (working at 2.4 GHz), router and 4-port switch. It enables the user to share xDSL connection among 4 LAN ports. They may be redirected the way that will allow to access the connected DVR from any place in the world, at the WAN address of the router. The device also supports DDNS service, which is important in the case of dynamic IP address.

There is possibility of creating internal network (behind the router) by equipping desktop PCs with the cards TP-Link TL-WN551G. To use laptops, notebooks, etc. They should be provided with the cards PCMCIA TP-Link TL-510G. All the mentioned network adapters as well as the device TL-WR542G support eXtended Range technology. This solution ensures higher network capacity than IEEE 802.11g itself. Influence of RF cable on WLAN range. Exchange of the cable for another one having lower attenuation gives the means to increase the power applied to the antenna, thus the radiated power and range.

As an example, swap of 10m of H155 cable for the same length of H1000 increases two times radiated power, which turns into extension of range by 20 - 40%. The best cable within the H-155 class is Tri-Lan 240 (over 20% lower attenuation than in the case of H-155). Length m Attenuation dB Power increase dB Extension of range % H-155 H-1000 5 2.5 1.15 1,35 16 10 5 2.3 2.7 36 15 7.5 3.45 4.05 68 20 10 4.6 5.4 86 25 12.5 5.75 6.75 110 The example and the table have been prepared for the model of free space, on the condition of undisturbed first Fresnel zone.

The conclusion - influence of the kind of cable used is significant for distances of 10m or more. CCDP – new tendencies in video monitoring. CCTV (C losed Circuit TeleVision) is the basic method of monitoring any kind of space. The main shortageof CCTV surveillance is comparatively low resolution of images. Standard PAL camera provides image containing ca 400,000 pixels. The resolutions thatare commonly available in digital still cameras are 10 times better (taking intoconsideration the number of pixels).

Such resolutions enable enlarging the wholepicture or its interesting fragments, preserving satisfactory distinction ofdetails. It has been proofed that in many cases (e.g. Registration of personscoming into a building, shop etc.) speed of recording is not so important andmay be significantly reduced in comparison to standard 25 complete frames persecond in the PAL system. Thus the idea of CCDP (Closed Circuit Digital Photography) is finding a growing number of applications. CCDP permits registration of highquality material at slower rate, e.g.

One shot per second. Having highresolution pictures the user and the police can utilize this advantage forproper identification and providing the body of evidence that is often superiorto regular CCTV recordings.

More on CCDP. Low resolution of the image did not enable the police to identify offenders who robbed this computer shop. Installation of HD satellite receiver with PVR – choice of switches and multiswitches. In our lab we have tested dishes, switches and multiswitches for interoperability with new generation of digital satellite receivers equipped with personal video recorders, basing on the 'nbox' receiver prepared for Polish 'n' HD platform. The newest available software (accessible via satellite) generates both ToneBurst and DiSEqC signals, so we have examined compatibility of some popular products that support those standards. We checked the switches Viper and Golden Interstar, which worked perfectly with the receiver.

More critical issue is choice of multiswitches. Due to standard control signal there is no problem with switching (we tested three different multiswitches). But we noticed differences in spectrum of the RF signals after going through the electronics of the multiswitches.

The problem concerns any similar platform, and may influence quality of signals within larger installations (too big differences in signal levels). The lowest level of spectrum distortions we got for the multiswitch Terra MS-952. The measurements were performed with use of HP 8593 E spectrum analyzer. Spectrum of the signal after coming through the multiswitch Terra MS-952 - in the middle there is the transponder of 'n' platform - the signal is evenly distributed within whole frequency band. Spectrum of the signal after going through the 'X' multiswitch - it is seen larger attenuation of the signal at higher frequencies. It may cause problems in the case of larger installations.

How to care for coaxial cable to save its parameters - return loss. One of the key parameters having strong impact on overall cable quality is return loss which says how much of the applied power returns to the source of energy.

Deterioration in matching may be caused by the installer who changes geometry of coaxial cable when making the installation. Typical situations include treading on the cable, using force to draw it in, stuffing and bending cables in the boxes, sharp bending of the cable, or unprofessional mounting on the walls. The last case concerns using various clips, often applied by mechanical tools. When the clips are too tight, they locally change geometry of the coax. Additionally, they are often used in excess, to keep even intervals for esthetic reasons. Correct fixing of the cable requires using not many clips on straight sections and more at curves.

It should be preferred manual mounting, or use of minimal settings in case of employing tools. And the clips should be placed according to the above recommendation, at uneven intervals - to keep the original return loss of the cable.

Guidelines for cable distributors from the manufacturer of the coax Triset - 113 include ban on putting rolls of the cable one on another. To protect the cable against possible deformation the producer places the rolls in cardboard boxes that are indispensable during the whole distribution process. CCTV system in one-family house.

Properly designed antenna cabling enables easy expansion of applications, e.g. Combining signals from CCTV cameras. The diagram shows installation distributing signals from two satellites and terrestrial antennas to four outlets.

Two cameras connected to modulators allow viewing monitored areas on two freely chosen channels. The monitoring system may be provided with a digital video recorder. DVR equipped with motion detection function will enable recording of the selected events when motion is detected.

The cameras suitable for these applications are compact color cameras with IR illuminators. Observation of the surroundings requires to employ outdoor cameras that usually cover a distance of 10-20 meters. Very good solution is use of the camera n-cam 115 or n-cam 220, both equipped with SONY CCD image sensors, the latter - with SuperHAD version, characterized by increased sensitivity.

In both models the built-in IR illuminators provide effective lighting up to 20-25 m. Surge protection of video lines in CCTV installations. On of the most common reasons of a DVR failure is electrical surge in the video line. The statistics show that about 25 percent of damages of electronic equipment are caused by overvoltages induced out of electromagnetic field during close lightning strikes.

The Video Line Overvoltage Limiter (surge protector) OPV-1 (for one camera) or OPV-4 (for 4 cameras) effectively protect video line/s carrying away the stroke current to the ground. This way the excessive voltage is strongly limited and does not harm connected video equipment. The devices do not affect video signal quality and no power supplying is required. Ultra-high-speed switching diodes of large admission power have been applied.

In case of appearing a voltage over 2.4V between the signal line and the ground, the diodes will short close the circuit with tremendous speed, eliminating the overvoltage and securing camera/s or other equipment like DVR, video capture card etc. This connection of OPV-4 allows to secure monitors or other equipment (e.g. NVR - video stream recorder of images from IP cameras.

The software pack NVR from ACTi gives any PC functionality of network video recorder. Using a local or remote host we may get access to the NVR server and manage the whole IP CCTV system. NVR enables active control of up to 23 discs of the server and monitoring the storage capacity of the system. It supports up to 64 cameras at D1 resolution and 30 fps. The software ensures remote access to records and viewing them via an internet browser or included Streaming Activator program.

NVR provides development of ACTi system by client-server architecture, enabling partition of viewing functions (Streaming Activator) and recording facilities (NVR), in order to improve flexibility of the whole system. A screenshot from NVR Video capture system - the hybrid NUUO solution.

The video capture card NUUO enables building hybrid systems, i.e. Combining in one CCTV installation analog and IP devices. The NUUO software pack supports most of devices available on the market, among others: ACTi, AXIS, SONY, PIXORD, BOSCH. In case of occurrences like triggering motion detection, detection of new object or lack of previously existing one, loss of sharpness, change of camera position - the program can execute one of preprogrammed actions. They include: on-screen information, alarm sound, e-mail notification, phone notification, PTZ procedure, triggering of external alarm. Program comprises all commonly used functions, e.g. Scheduling of recording tasks, setting of the number of simultaneously viewed images.

An interesting option is possibility of sharpening the previously recorded image. The concept of hybrid CCTV system. Choice of equipment in order to meet EIRP compliance. Are we allowed to use antenna with extremely high gain, not breaking the law? It should be stressed that there are no rules on limiting the gain. So, why one person obeys regulations having antenna with 15 dBi gain, while the another breaks them using a 10 dBi antenna?

And why some manufacturers of RF equipment state in the compliance certificate that it is required a 15 dBi antenna, when others anticipate 10 dBi gain? The answer to the questions follows directly from regulations concerning maximum level of radiated power EIRP.

In many countries, without special license, the maximum EIRP = 100 mW, i.e. 20 dBm in 2.4 GHz band and 1 W (30 dBm) in 5.47 - 5.725 GHz. The same level of EIRP may be accomplished by many mans: EIRP dB= transmitter output power dBm – (loss of connectors dB + loss of cable dB) + ant. Gain dBi I had similar problem. I've just inserted such isolator at the input of cable TV and everything calmed down!:-))))).

What's more, the interferences that sometimes spoiled TV picture disappeared as well. I'm happy now! (.) some emotional words have been skipped:-). One of problems of large cable TV networks is generation of unwanted potential differences. This phenomenon is the source of interferences decreasing quality of picture and sound. The remedy is application of galvanic isolators, e.g., which separate both the 'hot' (core) wire and the screen of coaxial cables of external and internal (home) circuit.

Camera with Super Wide Dynamic image sensor. SWD cameras are equipped with the newest generation of image sensors, developed by American Pixim company. Each pixel of the camera makes a separate analog-to-digital converter. The imaging system ensures optimal time to sample and store the pixel information - there is eliminated both under- and over- exposition.

Such cameras are ideal for work 'against the light'. The camera SN-587C/A/10 SWD has found applications in many theaters. It was chosen from a selection of cameras and proofed to be the winner in such tough conditions (strong spotlights, quick changes of lighting, immense dynamic range - from total darkness to light flooding).

The camera features useful NightVision function. When activated - it changes mode of work into B/W option.

Good results in IR light ensures movable IR filter, allowing to take full advantage of IR sensitivity. One picture is better than a thousand words - and it is below. On the left - picture from the camera SN-587C/A/10 SWD with Pixim sensor, on the right - from a typical camera.

The SWD camera, using Digital Pixel System (DPS), provides inclusion of A/D converter within each pixel of the image sensor, which significantly improves image quality in scenes consisting of both bright and dark areas. Monitors - ergonomics. Proper distance between the viewer's eyes and the monitor screen is an important factor of comfort and efficiency of work.

The drawing below shows optimal distances for some typical sizes of screens. Day/night lenses. In outdoor CCTV applications the standard solution become day/night cameras, e.g. They also provide excellent results in situations requiring IR illumination.

One should remember that regular lenses do not ensure good results with IR lighting (lack of sharpness - the same may occur when using some kinds of artificial lighting). To conserve high image quality of the cameras in 'pitch black' environment (or with any kind of artificial lighting), it is advised to employ quality day/night lenses.

Day/night lens Typical lens With natural light both kinds of lenses provide good results. With IR or artificial lighting it can been seen distinct superiority of day/night lens. (Materials from Jensen) Dual stream - double video stream in IP CCTV.

„Dual stream” means possibility of sending by the camera two (there is possible higher multiplication factor as well) streams of video data, characterized by different parameters. They may differ in:. kind of compression (MPEG-4, Motion JPEG etc.),. resolution,.

number of frames per second. Double streaming enables diversification of image quality depending on use and importance in surveillance system. As the bandwidth of IP networks is limited, it is important to control the generated streams, especially the video ones, which even after compression require capacious transmission channels.

According to system requirements, the traffic in the network may be controlled by putting constraints on the streams:. viewing high-resolution images, recording with lower resolution (or vice versa),. higher quality images in LAN, lower in the Internet,. viewing of MPEG-4 images, recording of Motion JPEG stream (or vice versa).

Popular method of generating double video stream is use of different algorithms of compression. The cameras that implement this method usually employ MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG (e.g. Motion JPEG guarantees high quality image, but due to large data stream it is needed reduction of sent frames per second in the IP network. MPEG-4 offers a little bit lower quality, on the other hand ensuring smooth transmission of high resolution images without necessity of fps reduction.

In some cases there is needed diversification of streams relative to resolution. Lower resolution is adequate for mobile terminals (phone, pocket PC etc.). Practical way of implementing double streaming is diversification of the number of transmitted frames (e.g., ). Even though reduction of fps number causes lack of smoothness of the video, the images still keep the original resolution. Use of double streaming will allow for live viewing of smooth high resolution video and simultaneous recording of reduced number of frames on the server.

This way we can effectively limit network congestion and size of records. It is consistent with the principle observed in professional IP CCTV systems - quality and resolution of the image is more important than the number of transmitted frames per second. MJPEG/MPEG4 IP camera Pixord P400 generating dual video stream. EXtended Range - greater range of WLAN. 'eXtended Range' technology developed by TP-LINK company allows for 2 - 3 times (802.11b) or even 4 - 9 times (802.11g) longer range of operation in comparison with similar regular devices, ensuring full compatibility with these standards. This technology has been also utilized in the wireless PCI adapter TL-WN551G and access point TL-WR542G with built-in router and 4-port switch. World trends in wireless network technology for 2007.

In the current yearwe will probably see a number of interesting events regarding wirelesstechnology. It approaches the decisive battle for dominating standard of mobilenetworks, between cellular operators implementing 3G (HSDPA) technology andtheir competitors using new WiMAX solutions for mobile applications. Americancompany Sprint plans to run, for 3 billion dollars, WiMAX system covering thewhole USA. This venture may be a watershed which will cause drop in prices as aneffect of mass production. What is more interesting, the Sprint company is theowner of 3G network made in EVDO technology, so it seems to be an internalcompetition.

Growing throughputs of cellular networks together with lower prices ofconnections/data transfers will bring into general use a new group of mobilephones, so called - smartphones. Smartphones integrate several functions:regular mobile, e-mail client, web browser, GPS terminal, as well as digital andvideo camera. The supported by Microsoft Mobile OS can also read documents(.doc, pdf). Many interested presentations of new wireless solutions we will see thesedays. During the starting International CES (Las Vegas, Jan 8-11, 2007), Cingularcompany will introduce IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) technology. Basing on HSDPA, there will berun mobile video telephony.

The next technology that will be shown to the public at the tradeshow is eCoupled- allowing for efficient wireless power distribution to mobile devices. The intelligent wireless electricalpower and data transfer is realized by means of inductive coupling. There is also seen quick development of home wireless applications. Justafter wireless HDMI platform based on Ultra Wideband technology (UWB) has beendeveloped, it comes its competitor for home HD transmissions - 802.11nstandard. Wireless PCI Linksys WMP300N-EU adapter using 802.11n standard ensures longer rage than UWB devices.

Where is the tower? The city was already capital of a country in 1000 B.C., and its current name may be translated as 'Northern Capital'.

Mongols made incursion into it destroying many buildings. The rebuilding of the city after the ravages was run by the grandson of the invader (Genghis Khan) - Kublai Khan, who named the city Dadu (Big Capital). The TV tower seen on the picture is seventh highest construction of such type in the world. What is the popular name of the city? The answer at the end of this issue. Seventh highest TV tower in the world - 405 m. How long can be sat coax linking LNB with the receiver?

As is known, the main criteria of proper reception are determined by BER and S/N ratio. Analyzing relationship of the two parameters with EIRP of the set - antenna, converter, cable, receiver - it turns out that when loss of the cable is considerably lower than gain of the converter (actual level of the received signal is not taken into consideration here), then the impact of the cable attenuation is of no importance.

It is enough to ensure 20 dB surplus of LNB's gain. Taking into consideration single converter Inverto IDLP-40SST White Tech, having minimum 50 dB gain, the cable may attenuate the signal even by 30 dB.

Such loss has the section of the Triset 113 cable that is a hundred meters long. Using not so good cable, with a higher loss, e.g. YWD 75-0.59/3.7 (55dB/100m), the maximum distance is still quite long and reaches ca. Percentage of braid coverage and shielding effectiveness of coaxial cables. Many installers, when choose the coax, pay attention to its braid. Although braid coverage is important and conditions shielding effectiveness, is not identical with it. Shielding effectiveness is a function of many factors and the only reliable indicator of immunity to external interferences.

This percentage may vary from 40% to 95% with one braid layer to 98% with two or more layers. Two materials are commonly used as shields - braided copper and aluminum foil or layer that is bound to polyester or polypropylene foil base. The foil configuration used for aluminum version provides more complete coverage. Additional improvement of shielding effectiveness can be obtained by applying next layer of foil. This way we get so called Tri-shield cable having the structure foil-braid-foil. There are also cables marked as super-shield or quad-shield, with next layer of braid. Admittedly, the improvement in this case is not so much, but the solution increases elasticity of the cable and its resistance to repeated bending.

The cable Triset 113 features screening factor =100 dB within the 30-2400 MHz range. Shield type Typical screening factor braid ca. 80 dB, decreases with frequency rise to 50 dB braid + foil 80-90 dB, practically constant in whole frequency range foil + braid + foil ca. 100 dB, practically constant in whole frequency range braid + foil + braid + foil ca. 110 dB, practically constant in whole frequency range Monitoring of a small shop. For observation of people, goods, cash - connected with identification purposes - there are preferred color cameras, ensuring additional possibilities of recognition due to eye's color perceiving mechanisms. In case of poor lighting conditions there are used cameras equipped with IR illuminators, which makes possible to monitor the area even in total darkness.

Outdoor camera keeps under surveillance the shop front and entrance. Owing to the need of round-the-clock observation, there are used here cameras with IR lamps, like n-cam 220. In more demanding situations, when one requires high quality images, there should be used color day/night cameras, e.g. SN-486C, in cooperation with special lenses equipped with automatic iris e.g. Application of these lenses allows for proper work in extremely hard lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to almost complete darkness. For outdoor operation, this kind of cameras has to be provided with outdoor housings with heaters, e.g. TH-847, and suitable mounts - TB-647.

As indoor devices, there may be used standard color cameras (without lens) e.g. VC-913D with lens, or dome models like C-3844-01A1 (vandalproof) or SN-IR141DC. S/N ratio as indicator of camera's quality. With higher S/N (Signal to Noise ratio) we get camera having increased dynamic range, i.e.

Capability of shooting sharp and clear images in any conditions. It is widely assumed that good cameras should feature S/N not less then 48 dB.

The S/N ratio shows how many times useful signal is higher than unwanted noise determined by physical and technical construction. With S/N equal to 48 dB, the useful signal is 256 times higher than noise level. Too low S/N ratio would cause deterioration in image quality, visible as 'snow' in the picture. It is especially noticeable in poor lighting conditions, when the useful signal has low levels. Measurements of signals for determining S/N ratio are performed with switched off AGC (Automatic Gain Control).

Active AGC keeps fixed level of output signal, dynamically improving S/N ratio in most situations. The image is clearer, but less natural.

Switching AGC off, we get it more natural, but there may be visible some noise. S/N Image quality 48 dB practically no noise 37 dB visible noise 30 dB considerable snow. Single Twin QUAD Okto Single Monoblock Twin Monoblock Quad Monoblock Quad + terrestrial Quatro Unicable Number of tuners 1 2 4 8 1 2 4 4 Community/cable installations 4 Number of satellites 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 Remarks - PVR e.g. „N”box PVR e.g. „N” + Cyfra -built-in combiner for terrestrial TV headend stations only Lemon receivers CCTV cameras in one-family homes.

British market, probably the most developed one in Europe, has been dominated by compact cameras with IR illumination. They feature small dimensions, possibility of night operation, and easy assembling - all that is needed to gain high popularity among owners of the homes.

Compact cameras with IR illumination at a house in Birmingham. IP CCTV equipment from Pixord. Well known on American and Asian markets Pixord company from Taiwan begins to penetrate European market, too.

There is seen rising popularity of the units prepared for network operation, suitable for e.g. Monitoring in businesses using efficient information networks. Set of such units (cameras) makes possible to build CCTV system without a cost of additional cabling, ensuring good quality for a reasonable price.

Compact IP camera P300 from Pixord uses 1/4' CMOS sensor, and is capable of capturing 15 fps at VGA (640 x 480) resolution. In enables local recording on SD card, which is triggered by motion detection, giving opportunity of better management of the system. Built-in microphone allows registration of sound. Due to small size of the camera there is possibility of installation practically in any place. Dipol is the trading partner of Pixord on Polish market. C ompact IP camera P300 from Pixord Sharing of ADSL connection at home.

Among home users, ADSL service is still popular technology of Internet access, despite some shortages, e.g. Dynamically assigned IP address. There is often a need of supplying the connection to several computers, which can be realized by implementing the diagram below. TP-Link TD-8840 contains ADSL modem compatible with ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ protocols, and 4-port switch. Built-in DHCP server enables the user to implement the network.

Additionally there can be incorporated Access Point AWAP-608, to create wireless network. For a laptop there may be used USB wireless adapter TL-WN321G, or PCMCIA one TL-WN510G, depending on the interface in the laptop or user's choice. When using desktop computers a good choice is wireless card. Solution for sharing ADSL service.