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Education | Video Formats Analog Video Formats M ost analog formats were designed primarily for broadcast TV transmissions, so they limit the transmission bandwidth required for the signal. The video is typically formatted by combining TV signals into a lower-bandwidth encoded signal.
Digital Video Formats 4 If one connection is DVI and the other is VGA HD15, you’ll need a cable or an adapter with both connectors. SDI video SDI interfaces are standardized by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and include: standard-definition SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M) for 480i and 576i; “expanded” standard-definition ED-SDI (SMPTE 344M) for 480p and 576p; high-definition HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) for 720p and 1080i; and high-definition 3G-SDI (SMPTE 424M) for 1080p transmitted at 2.
Education | Distribution Methods Cable-Based Distribution DVI Cable In-line based In-line extenders, installed at some point within a link, extend signals over their native cabling with no signal conversion occurring. These amplification or repeater types of devices are designed to equalize and amplify the signal to go greater distances. Some support daisychaining, so by stringing two of them together you can send data double the distance.
IP-Based Distribution Digital Displays Digital Signage Appliance IP-based distribution technologies use transmitters and receivers to extend signals over a TCP/IP network (a LAN or even a WAN, for instance). Oftentimes, they’re called IP streamers when used with codecs. But, when choosing one, be sure you’re not looking at the consumer-grade devices for streaming video in small office applications; be sure it’s a professional-grade multicasting product.
Education | Distribution Components Source Devices Digital signage publishers Also called digital signage appliances, these function essentially as storage devices to play back digital content, such as MPEG or Windows® AVI media, Flash® animations, PowerPoint® movie files, and audio. They can operate on their own (directly connected to a screen), but are usually on a network with their own IP address, enabling management via a browserbased interface.
Other Signal Distribution Components Splitters Advanced video and peripheral sharing systems For displaying images on multiple screens, order a splitter. Unlike CATxbased broadcasters or multichannel extension products, splitters divide a PC’s VGA, DVI, HDMI®, DisplayPort, or other type of signal without sacrificing quality. In some applications, switching just video and audio isn’t enough.
Education | Distribution Components Essential components for converting and upconverting video. Conversion and Scaling EDID Ghosts and Emulators Scalers Ghosts can be handy tools to solve problems with certain combinations of video sources, distribution equipment, and displays.
Cabling DisplayPort DisplayPort is the newest AV interface. It’s incredibly versatile with the capability to deliver digital video, audio, graphics, bidirectional communications, and accessory power over a single connector. DisplayPort is targeted at the computer world rather than at consumer electronics. It is used to connect computers, monitors, projectors, etc. Quick Facts DisplayPort connectors are found on newer computers and displays; the Mini DisplayPort connector is also found on Apple® products.
Education | Distribution Components Pulling it all together— and Video infrastructure Most modern digital signage systems operate over Ethernet, enabling you to use the infrastructure you already have in place. Generally these systems consist of a publisher unit connected directly to the network. This is usually located in a central location such as a data center.
adding some finishing touches. There are also sealed enclosures designed to protect signage outdoors — probably the toughest environment for digital signage. Aside from the obvious moisture issues, extreme heat and cold are the biggest threats to digital signage. If signage is exposed to direct sunlight — for instance, in the drive-through lane at a fast food restaurant — extreme heat and condensation are added to the mix.
Education | Distribution Components Accessory and Remote Control Hardware N etwork switches Applications such as network imaging, multimedia production, and digital signage are very demanding. They generate huge data files that often must be transferred between stations based on strict timing requirements. If such traffic is not transmitted efficiently, you end up with jerky video, on-screen graphics that take forever to load, or other problems.
Security, Optimization, and Troubleshooting F irewalls/data security equipment To ensure data privacy, work with your IT department to implement protection and safeguard your content. This is particularly important if you’re using your AV distribution system to send video across a hospital or government network and if you have to comply with HIPAA, HITECH, PCI, or other data-protection standards This may require establishing IPsec VPN tunnels between sites.
Education | Display Methods Other video display options Choosing the right display CRT Older cathode ray tube (CRT) displays are still around; usually they’re older analog TVs or VGA monitors. They’re bulky, offer low resolutions, and look very dated but can be a low-cost option in areas where appearance is secondary. Projected A front or rear LCD/DLP projector is a compact device that projects an image on a screen.
Using a video display to your advantage. Orientation Most video displays are rectangular, so you have the option of mounting them horizontally (landscape) or vertically (portrait). Although the horizontal configuration is far more common — probably because people are used to seeing TVs like this — a vertical video screen can make a striking display. Also in some situations, such as when mounting a display on an architectural column, a vertical display is more practical.
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