New Solution Offers Up to 80 HD Signals and Option for a Signal Generator and HD Monitors

LAS VEGAS, APRIL 6, 2010 – MultiDyne, a premier provider of fiber optic-based video and audio transport and routing solutions for broadcast and pro A/V applications, will unveil its brand new LiGHTCuBE fiber optic field transport system at this year’s NAB (Booth C7637). In addition, MultiDyne will also introduce the option for an HD or composite signal generator as well as HD monitors on the LiGHTCuBE, giving broadcasters unprecedented ability to test and monitor signals in the field.

Capable of housing any product in the MultiDyne product line, the LiGHTCuBE represents the company’s most customizable, rugged and high-density solution to date. Designed for the fiber optic field transport of composite, HD video, PL, IFB, audio and more, the LiGHTCuBE can be configured for as many as 80 HD-SDI, SDI or composite video paths, with 225 AES or analog audio channels. The LiGHTCuBE is also compatible with DVI, RGB and HDMI and is AC and fully battery powered.

In addition, the new test and monitor features make the LiGHTCuBE especially effective for in-the-field signal monitoring. With an HD monitor and signal generator on either end of the product, users can test the circuit even if the camera has not arrived. Further, the HD test signal generator option also allows users to send the test pattern down the line, or to send the signal from the studio end directly to the LiGHTCuBE. This function allows users to monitor the camera output and the signals arriving at the shoot, and can be added to any solution in MultiDyne’s LiGHTBoX product line.

“With our new LiGHTCuBE, the options for the end-user are virtually limitless,” says Frank Jachetta, senior vice president of sales and operations for MultiDyne. “Not only does the LiGHTCuBE hold more HD, analog video and audio signals than any other solution in our product line, it is also extremely customizable, even by the end-user. Our new test and monitor features provide even more value. Customers who were creating their own makeshift flyaway case to house many video signals will finally have access to a smaller, cost-effective and extremely high-quality solution for all their fiber optic transport needs.”

A major benefit also lies in the LiGHTCuBE’s size. Though this solution is heavy on HD and audio signals, the LiGHTCuBEv is a compact and extremely portable 14-inch cube design, making it small enough for sports and ENG, an announce booth setting, as well as any field application where signal density is a must. Additional carry handles allow users to “grab-and-go” for remote or on-location broadcasts. A weather resistant cover is also available.

The LiGHTCuBE is exceptionally versatile and can be used in a number of different broadcast and pro A/V situations. It is ideal for applications including large-scale outdoor arena sporting events where a user requires a rugged, highly weather-proof solution for handling massive amounts of HD signals. The LiGHTCuBE is also a perfect fit for users transporting high-density audio; for example, in a live symphony or orchestra broadcast setting with over 60 microphones, the LiGHTCuBE can manage audio bottlenecks, transporting signals seamlessly to an OB van or studio.

The LiGHTCuBE can be linked using tactical or conventional fiber to any MultiDyne solution, including the DVM-2500, HD-1500, HD-3000, HDMI-ONE, DVI-6000 as well as many non-MultiDyne products. In addition, the LiGHTCuBE offers users intercom, PL, IFB and belt pack support.  For more information on the LiGHTCuBE and its optional test and monitor features, please visit the MultiDyne website at: http://www.multidyne.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductID=247.

About MultiDyne:

For more than 30 years, MultiDyne has been a leading provider of innovative and outstanding video and fiber optic-based transport and routing systems for the broadcast, cable, satellite, production, digital cinema, pro A/V, corporate, retail, surveillance, teleconferencing, judicial arraignment, transportation, government, military, and healthcare markets. MultiDyne’s fiber optic transport and routing systems for video, SDI, 3G HD, DVB/ASI, VGA, DVI, HDMI, audio, AES, Ethernet, data, CATV, as well as the company’s other broadcast accessories are used worldwide by such industry leaders as ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, RAI, BBC and the Department of Transportation. MultiDyne provides a seven-year warranty on its core product line. For more information, call MultiDyne at 1-877-MULTIDYNE or 1-516-671-7278, visit the company’s Web site at www.multidyne.com, or send an e-mail to sales@multidyne.com.

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LAS VEGAS, APRIL 5, 2010 – MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems, a premier provider of fiber optic-based video and audio transport and routing solutions for broadcast and pro A/V applications, today announces that Frank Jachetta will be taking on the role of managing director. In line with the company’s continued growth and industry momentum, MultiDyne has also enhanced its sales force with a new addition and a promotion. Fred Scott, a 20-year industry veteran, will join the company as vice president of sales and business development, while Matt Watkins, inside sales manager, has been promoted to sales and system design manager.

Previously serving as senior vice president of sales and operations, Frank will now oversee all facets of MultiDyne’s business as managing director. With the relocation of Jim Jachetta, the company’s former senior vice president of engineering and product development, to pursue other interests in Orange County, CA, Frank will now step into a larger role managing the company’s day-to-day operations. In his new position, Frank will provide strategic oversight of both the sales and engineering teams, continuing the company’s tradition of innovation and unparalleled customer service for the fiber optics and routing solutions market.

“On behalf of our entire company, we want to thank Jim for all of his contributions during his tenure at MultiDyne,” says Frank Jachetta. “We wish him luck in all of his endeavors. Moving forward, we are excited to welcome Fred Scott to the company. Our number one commitment has always been our customers, and we are thrilled to leverage the strengths both Fred and Matt bring to the table in order to better serve our customer base and augment the tremendous growth we’re experiencing.”

As vice president of sales and business development, Scott will be responsible for driving the expansion of MultiDyne’s business, overseeing and coordinating all of the company’s sales activities worldwide. With previous positions at several of the industry’s biggest fiber companies, including Communications Specialties Inc. and GE Industrial Systems (formerly Fiber Options), Scott brings a deep understanding of the fast-evolving industry to his new position. With a wealth of experience developing OEM agreements, training sales staff and negotiating major sales with national and international brands, Scott will work closely with current and potential customers to find the best solution for their fiber-optic video and audio transport and routing needs.

Previously serving as inside sales manager for MultiDyne, Watkins will further enhance the company’s growing sales team in his new position as sales and system design manager. In this expanded role, Watkins will represent MultiDyne at the company’s tradeshows nationwide, interfacing directly with clients to provide excellent customer service and support.

MultiDyne’s sales team will be serving customers at NAB 2010 – stop by to meet the entire team and preview the company’s innovative new products for 2010 at Booth C7637.

About MultiDyne:

For more than 30 years, MultiDyne has been a leading provider of innovative and outstanding video and fiber optic-based transport and routing systems for the broadcast, cable, satellite, production, digital cinema, pro A/V, corporate, retail, surveillance, teleconferencing, judicial arraignment, transportation, government, military, and healthcare markets. MultiDyne’s fiber optic transport and routing systems for video, SDI, 3G HD, DVB/ASI, VGA, DVI, HDMI, audio, AES, Ethernet, data, CATV, as well as the company’s other broadcast accessories are used worldwide by such industry leaders as ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, RAI, BBC and the Department of Transportation. MultiDyne provides a seven-year warranty on its core product line. For more information, call MultiDyne at 1-877-MULTIDYNE or 1-516-671-7278, visit the company’s Web site at www.multidyne.com, or send an e-mail to sales@multidyne.com.

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New Solution Builds Upon Standard Model with Even More Signal Paths for 3D

LOCUST VALLEY, NY, MARCH 22, 2010 – MultiDyne, a premier provider of fiber optic-based video and audio transport and routing solutions for broadcast and pro A/V applications, will introduce a new LiGHTBoX^® 3D field fiber transport system at this year’s NAB (Booth C7637). With the explosion of 3D in the broadcast industry, MultiDyne has re-configured its popular LiGHTBoX solution to serve this growing market.

MultiDyne’s new LiGHTBoX 3D addresses the unique transport needs of 3D production while maintaining the unparalleled ruggedness and configurability of the standard LiGHTBoX. This original solution has been a mainstay in the equipment kits of sports and ENG broadcasters for years, most recently debuting on the field at Yankee Stadium during the World Series. Now, with major networks announcing entire programs dedicated to 3D sports and news coverage, the LiGHTBoX 3D provides a natural evolution path for crews looking to stay ahead of the game when purchasing new 3D-ready equipment.

“Over the past year we have been inundated with requests for economical fiber optic equipment capable of accommodating the high number of signals required for 3D production,” says Frank Jachetta, senior vice president of sales and operations for MultiDyne. “As our customers trust us with all of their fiber optic needs, we configured the LiGHTBoX 3D to provide them with a solution that is not only packed with more signal paths, but that is also cost-effective. Purchasing brand-new equipment suited for 3D can be extremely costly, so we really considered our customer’s bottom line when creating the LiGHTBoX 3D.”

With more signal paths for HD video, audio and data, the LiGHTBoX 3D can be configured for even the most complicated 3D shoots. Fully customizable and offering virtually any signal configuration, the LiGHTBoX 3D can also be linked via tactical fiber cable to the MultiDyne DVM-2500, HD-1500, HD-3000 and HEMC-4000.

Providing a high-quality signal throughput and the opportunity to integrate almost any solution from the MultiDyne product line, including the new DVI-6000 and COMMS-2000 products, the LiGHTBoX 3D system offers users endless possibilities and flexibility. Further, the LiGHTBoX 3D solution is equipped with an extremely rugged case, making it highly weatherproof for outdoor and remote location broadcasting.

For more information on MultiDyne’s LiGHTBoX line of products and customization options, please visit MultiDyne at booth C7637 or at www.multidyne.com.

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Digital Visual Interface for DVI-I and DVI-D Fiber Transport

The DVI connector usually contains pins to pass the DVI-native digital video signals. In the case of dual-link systems, additional pins are provided for the second set of data signals.

As well as digital signals, the DVI connector includes pins providing the same analog signals found on a VGA connector, allowing a VGA monitor to be connected with a simple plug adapter. This feature was included in order to make DVI universal, as it allows either type of monitor (analog or digital) to be operated from the same connector.

The DVI connector on a device is therefore given one of three names, depending on which signals it implements:

• DVI-D (digital only)
• DVI-A (analog only)
• DVI-I (integrated, digital & analog)

The connector also includes provision for a second data link for high resolution displays, though many devices do not implement this. In those that do, the connector is sometimes referred to as DVI-DL (dual link).

The long flat pin on a DVI-I connector is wider than the same pin on a DVI-D connector, so it is not possible to connect a male DVI-I to a female DVI-D by removing the 4 analog pins. It is possible, however, to connect a male DVI-D cable to a female DVI-I connector. Many flat panel LCD monitors have only the DVI-D connection so that a DVI-D male to DVI-D male cable will suffice when connecting the monitor to a computer’s DVI-I female connector.

DVI is the only widespread video standard that includes analog and digital transmission options in the same connector.^[1] Competing standards are exclusively digital: these include a system using low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), known by its proprietary names FPD (for Flat-Panel Display) Link and FLATLINK; and its successors, the LVDS Display Interface (LDI) and OpenLDI.

Some new DVD players, TV sets (including HDTV sets) and video projectors have DVI/HDCP connectors; these are physically the same as DVI connectors but transmit an encrypted signal using the HDCP protocol for copy protection. Computers with DVI video connectors can use many DVI-equipped HDTV sets as a display; however, due to Digital Rights Management, it is not clear whether such systems will eventually be able to play protected content, as the link is not encrypted.

USB signals are not incorporated into the connector, but were earlier incorporated into the VESA Plug and Display connector used by InFocus on their projector systems, and in the Apple Display Connector, which was used by Apple Computer until 2005.

The DMS-59 connector is a way to combine two analog and two digital signals in one plug. It is commonly used when a single graphics card has two outputs.

M1-DA connectors are sometimes labeled as DVI-M1; they are used for the VESA Enhanced Video Connector and VESA Plug and Display schemes.

Specifications

Digital

• Minimum clock frequency: 25.175 MHz
• Maximum clock frequency in single link mode: Capped at 165 MHz (up to 3.96 Gbit/s)
• Maximum clock frequency in dual link mode: Limited only by cable quality (up to 7.92 Gbit/s)
• Pixels per clock cycle: 1 (single link) or 2 (dual link)
• Bits per pixel: 24 (single and dual link) or 48 (dual link only)

• Example display modes (single link):
  • HDTV (1920 × 1080) @ 60 Hz with CVT-RB blanking (139 MHz)
  • UXGA (1600 × 1200) @ 60 Hz with GTF blanking (161 MHz)
  • WUXGA (1920 × 1200) @ 60 Hz with CVT-RB blanking (154 MHz)
  • SXGA (1280 × 1024) @ 85 Hz with GTF blanking (159 MHz)
  • WXGA+ (1440 x 900) @ 60 Hz (107 MHz)
  • WQUXGA (3840 × 2400) @ 17 Hz (164 MHz)

• Example display modes (dual link):
  • QXGA (2048 × 1536) @ 75 Hz with GTF blanking (2 × 170 MHz)
  • HDTV (1920 × 1080) @ 85 Hz with GTF blanking (2 × 126 MHz)
  • WQXGA (2560 × 1600) @ 60 Hz with GTF blanking (2 × 174 MHz) (30-inch (762 mm) Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, NEC, Quinux, and Samsung LCDs)
  • WQXGA (2560 × 1600) @ 60 Hz with CVT-RB blanking (2 × 135 MHz) (30-inch (762 mm) Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, NEC, Quinux, and Samsung LCDs)
  • WQUXGA (3840 × 2400) @ 33 Hz with GTF blanking (2 × 159 MHz)

GTF (Generalized Timing Formula) is a VESA standard which can easily be calculated with the Linux gtf utility.

CVT-RB (Coordinated Video Timing-Reduced Blanking) is a VESA standard which offers reduced horizontal and vertical blanking for non-CRT based displays.^[2]

Clock and data relationship

The DVI data channel operates at a bit-rate multiple of 10 times the frequency of the clock signal. In other words, for every DVI clock there are 10 bits provided on each of the three data channels. The data is encoded using a standard 8b/10b encoding to provide a minimum transition density in which there are no more than five consecutive bits of the same value, which is necessary to provide reference edges for clock/data recovery circuits. As indicated in version 1.0 of the specification, the clock rate is the same as the pixel rate plus framing overhead, while there are usually 24 bits per pixel. For example, a (640 × 480) @ 60 Hz display has a pixel rate of 18.4 MHz (plus blanking overhead) so this is the minimum needed clock. But the data is actually (640 × 480) @ 60 Hz × 24 bits per pixel which is 442 Mbit/s, or 147 Mbit/s per channel. Include 8B10B overhead and you need a 184 Mbit/s data stream on each of the three data channels.

Since the data is switching at 10 times the clock rate, a receiver must recover the faster bit clock from the data lines itself (using a PLL or DLL, for instance) in a process known as clock/data recovery. The DVI clock is effectively a 1/10th frequency reference clock that is useful for the clock/data recovery circuitry to synchronize to the bitstream. DVI provides a reference clock while other serial data interfaces such as PCI Express and SATA do not because the bit rate carried by the DVI interface may vary across a wide frequency range depending on the video format being rendered. Serial interfaces that do not explicitly carry the reference clock are typically defined to run at a specific known frequency or several derivative frequencies that are related by whole number multiples (for example 2.5 Gbit/s and 5.0 Gbit/s for successive generations of PCI Express and 1.5 Gbit/s and 3.0 Gbit/s for successive generations of SATA), so in these cases a fixed frequency reference clock can be generated locally at the receiver that performs the clock/data recovery.

 

Analog

• RGB bandwidth: 400 MHz at -3 dB

Proposed successors

IEEE 1394 is proposed by High Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA Alliance) for all cabling needs, including video, over CoAx and/or 1394 cable as a combined data stream.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a forward-compatible standard, that also includes digital audio transmission.

Unified Display Interface (UDI) was proposed by Intel to replace both DVI and HDMI, but was deprecated in favor of DisplayPort.

DisplayPort is a license-free standard proposed by VESA to succeed DVI, which also has DRM capabilities.

References

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Electro-optical Switcher, OEO

The second type is the Electro-optical switch.  The Electro-optical switch uses a hybrid approach.  The input is Optical, the cross-point is Electrical and the output is Optical. The abbreviation for this technology is OEO.  An OEO switch supports point to multi-point or multicast switching.  Any input can be switched to every output if necessary.  Since the optical signal is converted to electrical, only one wavelength can be switched at a time.  Also an electrical cross-point only operates in one direction.  Therefore only one wavelength in one direction is supported.  MultiDyne provides a wide array of Electro-optical Fiber Routing Switchers scalable from 16 by 16 up to 288 by 288 matrix sizes.  Electro-optical routing switchers can switch any digital opticsl signal type from DVI Dual Link, Audio and Data to analog video and RGB-HV.  The EOS-4000 is the only large scale routing switcher that can support DVI Dual Link up to 2560 by 1600 or WQXGA.  When combined with the DVI-6000 DVI Dual Link and RGB-HV Fiber Optic Transport Systems, the EOS-4000 Series of Electro-Optical Fiber Routing Switchers will support all your DVI and RGB-HV signal distribution needs.

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Optical Repeaters and Distribution Amplifiers

There are applications in fiber optic communications where a signal requires regeneration and replication.  The function required is similar to that of a distribution amplifier or digital signal relocked.  Passive splitter can be used to split an optical signal, but each signal is significantly weaker after the split.  A device call an optical repeater or distribution amplifier can be used to repeat or regenerate a weak optical signal.  This is helpful on long fiber optic runs where a fiber signal is reaching its limit.  The repeater can be used to regenerate the signal for further distribution.

The same device can be used to replicate an optical signal.  One optical signal can be replicated up to eight times with one device.  Unlike the passive split were the optical output is diminished, the output optical signals are regenerated to full optical power.

The device can also be used as a Mode Converter or Wavelength Re-mapper.  The device can be configured with a Singlemode input and Multimode outputs.  This give the ability to convert from Multimode to Singlemode or from one wavelength to another wavelength.  The device can convert an optical signals to CWDM wavelengths.

The ODA-8000/16000 Family of optical distribution amplifiers support virtually any digital fiber optic signal or format.  The system will support digital fiber optic systems that transport analog video, component video, DVI, HDMI, RGB — HV, VGA, SDI, HD — SDI, 3G HD — SDI and many more.

The figure 30 below shows applications for such a device.

ODA-4000 Optical Distribution Amplifier, Repeater and Wavelength Remapper, Figure 30

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High Resolution Graphics and Video Transmission for DVI

The quality and fidelity of a signal over short and long distances is difficult to maintain over copper.  As signals increase in bandwidth and bit rate, it becomes more and more difficult for systems to transport these high bandwidth signals even a short distance over copper.   This becomes very apparent when working with high resolution vided and graphics.

A computer generated RGB or UXGA signal at 1600 by 1200 pixels requires and analog bandwidth of close to 500 MHz.  If the signal is digitized, requires and data transport bit rate of 3 to 4 Gbps.  How do we transport these signals?  The answer is “Not very far over copper”.   There are many copper based products that will transport these signals but at a cost in performance and video quality.

High bandwidth signals such as RGB, DVI and HDMI all benefit by the use of fiber.  Systems like the one pictured below in figure 28, offer state-of-the-art fiber transport over one fiber for RGB/UXGA Video, Audio, Data and Ethernet.

RGB-5000 RGB/UXGA Video, Audio, Data & Ethernet Fiber Optic Link, Figure 28

Many applications today require the same video or graphical signal to be displayed on a series of monitors.  An example may be an airport terminal where arrival and departure information is displayed every 100 feet.   This application requires a long daisy-chain of units that can drop and repeat the same signals to each monitor every 100 feet.

System are available with the drop and repeat or daisy-chain feature.  As shown in figure 29, one transmitter can send the video signal to the first receiver.   The first receiver decodes the optical signal and generates an output for the local monitor.  The receiver also repeats and re-generates the optical signal to send to the next receiver in the chain.  This technique saves on installation and equipment costs.  The alternative would be to run a fiber from each monitor back to the control room.  Instead, one fiber can feed many monitors.

Daisy Chain or Drop and Repeat Video Fiber Transport, Figure 29

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Applications for Video Fiber Optic Transport

There are many applications for fiber optic communications.  Any application that requires high bandwidth or high bit rate communications is ideally suited for fiber optic transport.  The Television and Video industries are a perfect application for fiber optic transport.  Analog television is a relatively high bandwidth signal of more than 5 MHz.  Digital television or HDTV has bit rates of more than 3.0 Gbps.  High resolution computer graphics can have a bandwidth exceeding 165 MHz.  All of these television and video applications are ideal for fiber.

Broadcast Television Transmission

As mentioned earlier, television production and broadcast engineers have always sought out the best technology for media events such as the Olympics.  In the mid-80’s, fiber optic transport was introduced into the television industry.  Since that time that has been no looking back.  Fiber optics are used in all aspects of production and distribution of video and audio signals.

The state of the art for the transport of analog video is to use 12 bit video digital encoding.  The serial digital bit rate can vary from about 144 to 300 Mbps.  Please see the photo in figure 17 of a typical analog video and audio fiber optic link.

With the introduction of digital video in the 90’s, fiber optic transport continued to enjoy growth in the broadcast industry.  Digital video was encoded into 144 to 360 Mbps. These high bit rate video signals could only travel over copper up to about 300 meters.  Transport distance beyond 300 meters required fiber.

The transitioning to 100% digital or high definition television has created a need to transport signals with a bit rate as high as 3.0 Gbps.  High definition television or HD-SDI in its native or uncompressed from is 3.0 Gbps.  HD-SDI can only reach about 150 meters over a coax.  Once again, fiber is the only choice to reach distances beyond 150 meters.

Systems can be designed using many of the technologies described above.  We can mix analog and digital signal transport.  We can combine signals using Time-division and Optical multiplexing.  Figures 22 through 23 show typical applications.

Studio to Transmitter Fiber Optic Link, Figure 22

In the example in figure 22 we see a typical application of a Studio to Transmitter Link or STL.  A broadcast television station may typically reside in a downtown metropolitan area.  The television transmitter and satellite up and down links may be on a distance mountain top out side the city. This situation is a perfect application for fiber transport.  The system may require both analog video and digital video since the station may be in the midst of their conversion from analog to digital broadcast.  They will require signals in both direction to support downlink satellite video.  The diagram above shows a system with an eight channel CWDM and a variety of fiber optic transport links supporting analog video and audio as well as digital video in both directions.

Fiber Optic Trunking, Figure 23

The diagram in figure 23 shows an application where many channels of video and audio are combined together over one fiber for back-haul feeds, cable television, common carrier or Telco.   The system uses time-division multiplexing or TDM to combine groups of 8 channels of video with audio into single wavelengths.  The optical multiplexing or CWDM technology is used to combine the wavelgths with groups of 8 videos onto one fiber.  The combined technique of TDM and CWDM provides a  fiber transport capacity of more than 144 video channels on ONE fiber.

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Digital in the Television and Video Industries

A digital signal can mean different things to Video and CATV engineers, causing much confusion. The most common types of digital video and digital audio are as follows:

Uncompressed digital video and audio

Lossless compression of digital video and audio

Lossy compression of digital video and audio

Complex digital modulations schemes such as 64 QAM, 256 QAM, 16 VSB, 64 QPSK, etc.

SONET, ATM or other telecom base standards.

Serial digital interface or SDI

High definition or HD-SDI

Digital Audio or AES/EBU

The process of digitizing a standard NTSC video signal is straight forward.  The typical bandwidth of a video signal is 4.5 MHz.  Typically a sample rate of four times the video bandwidth is used or about 18 Mega samples per second.  The analog to digital converter or A/D typically have a sampling resolution of 8, 10 or 12 bits. This process generates a serial digital data stream of about 144 Mb/sec to 270 Mbps.  The video signal is typically encoded in a digital format at the video source or in the video camera.  Depending of the digital video format, the analog video will be samples at about 13.5 Mega samples per second and then encoded in one of several standards such as 4:2:2, 4:1:1 or 4:2:0.  While these encoding schemes are not referred to as compression, they omit or remove certain information to reduce the systems bandwidth requirement.  In the encoding schemes above, the three digits refer to the three common components of video.  The first component is luminance (Y) or the light intensity of the video signal.   The second is the color signal of red minus luminance or R-Y.  The third component is the color signal of blue minus luminance or B-Y.  These three components are referred to as YUV.  The numbers 4:2:2 have to do with the fact that twice the bandwidth is used for the Luminance (Y) channel than the two color channels. This technique is a form of compression that will be addressed later in the chapter.  HDTV or high definition video requires a data rate of 1.485 Gbits/second for one uncompressed signal.

The most efficient means of analog video transport utilizes analog to digital conversion.  Once video and audio signals are converted to digital information, many channels can be combined into one high speed data stream using Time-Division Multiplexing or TDM.   The high speed serial digital data stream is then converted to light via a laser or LED.  The block diagram below in Figure 19, shows the building blocks of an 8 channel video fiber optic transmitter.
Figure 19

The receiver unit performs the reverse function as shown in figure 20 The light or optical signal is received by a PIN photo detector. The optical signal is converted back into a serial data stream.  The data stream is de-multiplexed using TDM.  The digital data is then converted back to video and audio via digital to analog D/A converters.

Figure 20

Digital video transmission has many advantages over analog transmission.  Analog fiber optic system requires high linearity optical components that are expensive and require fine tuning and complex calibration procedures.  Once a video or audio signal has been digitized, it can be transported via fiber using readily available digital telecom optical components for both Multimode and Singlemode applications.  A digital system has a higher immunity to noise and superior performance characteristics compared to an analog system.  A digital signal can be regenerated and repeated virtually indefinitely without signal or performance degradation.

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The DVI-ONE, MultiDyne’s multimode DVI extender product, has been updated to provide a more stable, and robust platform that exhibits exceptional performance parameters. Our goal is to provide a cost-effective and stable DVI extender while maintaining operational endurance. The DVI-ONE is a DVI extender requiring multi-mode fiber,(customer supplied), and has SC connectors, a range of 1km, individual power source, and EDID programming capability. The enhanced DVI-ONE has a LIST PRICE of $1,595 for the pair including P/S’s. This is a commodity-type product that may compliment a bundled fiber transport package. It provides a good solution for an inexpensive, but reliable DVI extension in hard to manage cable trays, and raceways. See the specifications for this upgraded product on the MultiDyne Web site.

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