91 replies to this topic

[beeblebrox]

H8itear, on Aug 17 2010, 08:35 AM, said:

Thats exactly what I need! (prob. be $1000.00 plus) Seven Star is selling his for @ $1600.00 - looks like I 'll have to wait a while before I get Satellite to the bedroom.....

yes it's more than $1k but these are very good quality units, I played with one the other day.. very easy to setup and industrial strength..  There will be a component video one too.

What exactly are you trying to do H8itear?

[H8itear]

I have a DVB-T STB connected to a pc monitor via HDMI/DVI adapter in the bedroom which is running fine but I want to pipe satellite to the same setup.(I have the satellite signal feeding into the same coax.)
Obviously the STB wont receive the analogue signal from the satellite (Mystar box) and the PC monitor has only DVI and VGA inputs.
I had a look at http://www.ehow.com/...ert-rf-vga.html but I don't think that will even work.
Any Ideas will be welcome ($1000.00+ is too much for my wallet to bare)
Thanks for your reply beeblebrox.

[mtv]

H8itear, on Aug 18 2010, 08:23 AM, said:

I have a DVB-T STB connected to a pc monitor via HDMI/DVI adapter in the bedroom which is running fine but I want to pipe satellite to the same setup.(I have the satellite signal feeding into the same coax.)
Obviously the STB wont receive the analogue signal from the satellite (Mystar box) and the PC monitor has only DVI and VGA inputs.
I had a look at http://www.ehow.com/...ert-rf-vga.html but I don't think that will even work.
Any Ideas will be welcome ($1000.00+ is too much for my wallet to bare)
Thanks for your reply beeblebrox.

It would be much cheaper and more practical to just install another satellite decoder in the bedroom, being fed from the existing dish/LNB.

An upgrade to the LNB or adding a multiswitch may be required, but it would be the best solution... and much cheaper than a DVB-T modulator.

[H8itear]

I found a way to do it, run composite + L/R from the SAT Receiver to the Bedroom and use a composite/vga converter found at Jaycar for $110.00
Trial starts 2morrow.

[beeblebrox]

H8itear, on Aug 18 2010, 05:57 PM, said:

I found a way to do it, run composite + L/R from the SAT Receiver to the Bedroom and use a composite/vga converter found at Jaycar for $110.00
Trial starts 2morrow.

that would be my suggestion as it's probably the simplest and cheapest way to go.
or a mini pc with an analogue tuner in it outputting to vga

[H8itear]

It was really a feasibility study, I reakon for about $150.00 more I could have got a HD 22" Telly with an analogue tuner (neater) - BTW thanks for your help.

[The Baja]

Hi guys

I am new to this forum but been in the industry for a long time.  I have had the opportunity to test two A/V to Cofdm Modulators. One is the IKUSI MAC-201 dual modulator ( two A/V Inputs to one Cofdm Channel ). It works well, you need to use a laptop to configure these modules as they have a built-in Browser. the little joystick can be a pain in the ass. There are many of these Installed in and around Perth.  They are around $2800+ per unit

The Other is a TECATEL DIM single Chanel Cofdm Modulator. This is an absolute breeze to install. Just pick the output Chanel & set it to QAM64 and your away.
The cost of this unit is $865+.

There have been a few installs that the A/V signal is Split in two with One going to an analogue Modulator while the other goes into the Cofdm Modulators this is then reticulated through the MATV system and everybody is happy.

There are other products that i have tested relating to Re-generating a very bad Cofdm Signal. but that's for a different part of the forum and i will post a review of it very soon.

Cheer's Guys will chat soon

Baja_Dave

[beeblebrox]

Baja_Dave, on Nov 24 2010, 06:49 PM, said:

Hi guys

I am new to this forum but been in the industry for a long time.  I have had the opportunity to test two A/V to Cofdm Modulators. One is the IKUSI MAC-201 dual modulator ( two A/V Inputs to one Cofdm Channel ). It works well, you need to use a laptop to configure these modules as they have a built-in Browser. the little joystick can be a pain in the ass. There are many of these Installed in and around Perth.  They are around $2800+ per unit

The Other is a TECATEL DIM single Chanel Cofdm Modulator. This is an absolute breeze to install. Just pick the output Chanel & set it to QAM64 and your away.
The cost of this unit is $865+.

There have been a few installs that the A/V signal is Split in two with One going to an analogue Modulator while the other goes into the Cofdm Modulators this is then reticulated through the MATV system and everybody is happy.

There are other products that i have tested relating to Re-generating a very bad Cofdm Signal. but that's for a different part of the forum and i will post a review of it very soon.

Cheer's Guys will chat soon

Baja_Dave

Local Australian distributor for Tecatel?

[scorpio]

Baja_Dave, on Nov 24 2010, 06:49 PM, said:

Hi guys

I am new to this forum but been in the industry for a long time.  I have had the opportunity to test two A/V to Cofdm Modulators. One is the IKUSI MAC-201 dual modulator ( two A/V Inputs to one Cofdm Channel ). It works well, you need to use a laptop to configure these modules as they have a built-in Browser. the little joystick can be a pain in the ass. There are many of these Installed in and around Perth.  They are around $2800+ per unit

The Other is a TECATEL DIM single Chanel Cofdm Modulator. This is an absolute breeze to install. Just pick the output Chanel & set it to QAM64 and your away.
The cost of this unit is $865+.

There have been a few installs that the A/V signal is Split in two with One going to an analogue Modulator while the other goes into the Cofdm Modulators this is then reticulated through the MATV system and everybody is happy.

There are other products that i have tested relating to Re-generating a very bad Cofdm Signal. but that's for a different part of the forum and i will post a review of it very soon.

Cheer's Guys will chat soon

Baja_Dave

Hi  
Many tnx for the review.
Looking forward to re-generators review

Cheers

scorpio

[M'bozo]

scorpio, on Nov 25 2010, 12:09 AM, said:

Looking forward to re-generators review

Here's one.

[The Baja]

beeblebrox, on Nov 24 2010, 07:23 PM, said:

Local Australian distributor for Tecatel?

This Product is available from:

VistaVision Pty Ltd
Bedford, WA

[The Baja]

M'bozo, on Nov 25 2010, 02:36 AM, said:

Here's one.

Thanks mate, Saves me a lot of hassle.

I have Installed many of these Modules and found that they work Flawlessly. You will need a minimum of 25-30dbuv Power & a MER of at least 16 for this unit to work well. I  use the Fracarro LP345F Log-Periodic Antenna on these installs. On many installs i have had to use the 6 modules for the 6 FTA channels. But on some installs i have used 1 or 2 modules to get the problem channels up and running. You Will need a IKUSI CFP-500 power supply and an Ikusi HPA-120 Launch amplifier They are also available from the IKUSI distributor In Perth  Vistavision Pty Ltd, Bedford wa.

[scorpio]

M'bozo, on Nov 25 2010, 05:36 AM, said:

Here's one.

Hi m8  
Many tnx for the link.

The review is for ordinary Joe.
I would like the test of TGT sucking on unstable signal.... big fluctuations in the power and bBer.... eg. impulse noise.

Impulse noise can be simulated with a hair dryer or similar .... switch...etc ...

And, of course.... altogether.... low signal, impulse noise .... a bit of a real life story.

Output MER and the power, together with bBer are irrelevant because that's how they should look like anyway. This little beauty is there to do just that - signal generation, after the reception.
I'm more interested how's coping with the input in the real-life situation.

Tnx once more for the link.

Cheers

scorpio

[dig2all]

not so convinced about cofdm regeneration.

consider, they take the signal and using the error correction that is a part of cofdm (and is really high for channel 31) and regenerate it.  this is only a little different to what happens in a set top box, except the output is regenerated cofdm instead of av.  there is a limit, and the technology dictates it must be similar to the drop out point of any other cofdm receiver.  

so if you regenerate a signal that is poor and drops out occasionally the result is a high quality signal - that still drops out occasionally.

a helpful comparison would be to some of the sensitive set top boxes out there.  regret a signal level comparison doesn't mean much, pre-viterbi ber is the measure to watch.

imho it brings the focus back to the 1/quality of receive antenna and its position as decided with a decent ber meter and 2/ impulse noise suppression, as these are the least expensive yet most productive points to address in improving signal quality.

sure there will be jobs where cofdm regeneration is a big help, but we need to keep reality in mind.

[The Baja]

It is very important to Remember that Manufactures & distributors will ALWAYS Claim that the product is **** hot, but the proof is in the pudding ( so to speak ).
I always do a survey of the location to see if that product will suite that particular install. It will NOT matter where you get it from (Make sure you can get support for the product). But it has the potential to generate income for anybody in the industry. IMO that is reality.

[poidahl]

NEW TECHNOLIGIES SEMINAR - LACEYS.TV

Laceys.tv is pleased to invite Professional MATV Installers to their New Technologies seminar to be held in Melbourne on March 2.

Experience products and technologies including: COFDM Regeneration / IPTV / Fibre Optic / Digital - HD Digital Modulation / Cluster Filters /
        Channel Processors / Latest Test instruments / Sigma high end Antennas

·         The event will showcase the newest distribution technologies.

·         Our team will help you identify new markets and show you how to make the most of new opportunities.

Instruments product manager Mark Bryant will run his professional meter BER Test; bring your meter and find out if it tells you the complete story.

Presenters will include the Laceys.tv product management team and specialists from Fracarro Italy and France.

·         Entry is only available to pre-registered attendees.

·         Registration enquiries can be phoned to (03) 9776 9222 or emailed to: sales@laceys.tv

[andrewlace]

Ominous, I think the price is... The A2B ESX has features that are basically unheard of at this price point including the ability to run a CAM and card.  This is a fully featured and futureproof solution with separate ASI input allowing for various inputs including HDMI or component.  It has remote signal diagnostic facility over an IP network so you can check your levels, adjust output attenuation and even adjust the LCN number (don't buy a modulator where this feature is not included).  You can configure separate inputs: ASI and satellite (QPSK), A2B also make a range of other products but for reception of satellite in remote areas, or for multilingual satellite support the A2B ESX is proving very popular.  Fracarro also make a simpler digital modulator which can also be used in multiple applications, the fracarro has some features that other units do not, such as the ability to take a DVBT stream, receive it, clean it and retransmit.  If you want to distribute Foxtel to multiple rooms, there are cheaper ways and simpler ways of doing it.  It's only once you feeding it to 30+ TVs where it starts to become cost effective for pay tv or an in house channel, a tecatel DIM is much cheaper, but not as powerful, or as customizable. A2B digital modulators do not start at this price, if that was my budget I'd be looking for something simpler.

charlesc, on May 26 2010, 09:33 PM, said:

Chinese units?

I think the A2B units that LaceysTV have start around the $2k price.  
But by the time you get a few more items added in, it ramps up quickly to a few $k more.

Anyway, probably a bit academic at this point.  The OP hasn't identified his application.
Only that 'analogue' isn't wanted.  Whatever may be meant by that.

[The Baja]

andrewlace, on Aug 8 2011, 02:17 PM, said:

Ominous, I think the price is... The A2B ESX has features that are basically unheard of at this price point including the ability to run a CAM and card.  This is a fully featured and futureproof solution with separate ASI input allowing for various inputs including HDMI or component.  It has remote signal diagnostic facility over an IP network so you can check your levels, adjust output attenuation and even adjust the LCN number (don't buy a modulator where this feature is not included).  You can configure separate inputs: ASI and satellite (QPSK), A2B also make a range of other products but for reception of satellite in remote areas, or for multilingual satellite support the A2B ESX is proving very popular.  Fracarro also make a simpler digital modulator which can also be used in multiple applications, the fracarro has some features that other units do not, such as the ability to take a DVBT stream, receive it, clean it and retransmit.  If you want to distribute Foxtel to multiple rooms, there are cheaper ways and simpler ways of doing it.  It's only once you feeding it to 30+ TVs where it starts to become cost effective for pay tv or an in house channel, a tecatel DIM is much cheaper, but not as powerful, or as customizable. A2B digital modulators do not start at this price, if that was my budget I'd be looking for something simpler.

Hi Andrew

There is NO HDMI input on the DCC-200 encoder. you would need a HDMI to ASI converter. There is also NO Separate ASI input on the ESX. Just ONE ASI in & ASI out. However The Dcc-200 Encoder has two ASI Outputs.

I am also quite puzzled by your following Comments and i quote " It has remote signal diagnostic facility over an IP network so you can check your levels, adjust output attenuation and even adjust the LCN number (don't buy a modulator where this feature is not included)."  

NOT buying a Digital modulator solely based on the fact that it will not have that feature is a" No Brain-er" in my opinion.  

I have over 30 A2B ESX units working Flawlessly Out In the field. You will need an encoder if you want to modulate A/V to COFDM. The Encoder Cost the same as the ESX modules. 2k just became 4k. For qpsk to cofdm NO encoder is required but you will need to use a Professional CAM to decrypt more than one channel.

The ESX is a great little Unit & Is still my favorite, but other Digital modulators that are currently on the market might be a bit more cost effective.

Cheer's

Baja

[andrewlace]

DCC210 has HDMI input and component as well as IP output.  It can feed 1080 as an asi stream into the esx.  I take that comment back: don't buy one where this feature is not included.
It's a handy feature.
You're quite right about the costs.  By separate ASi inputs I meant that you can feed both ASI and QPSK into the unit.
Thanks again BajaDave

Baja_Dave, on Aug 8 2011, 05:49 PM, said:

Hi Andrew

There is NO HDMI input on the DCC-200 encoder. you would need a HDMI to ASI converter. There is also NO Separate ASI input on the ESX. Just ONE ASI in & ASI out. However The Dcc-200 Encoder has two ASI Outputs.

I am also quite puzzled by your following Comments and i quote " It has remote signal diagnostic facility over an IP network so you can check your levels, adjust output attenuation and even adjust the LCN number (don't buy a modulator where this feature is not included)."  

NOT buying a Digital modulator solely based on the fact that it will not have that feature is a" No Brain-er" in my opinion.  

I have over 30 A2B ESX units working Flawlessly Out In the field. You will need an encoder if you want to modulate A/V to COFDM. The Encoder Cost the same as the ESX modules. 2k just became 4k. For qpsk to cofdm NO encoder is required but you will need to use a Professional CAM to decrypt more than one channel.

The ESX is a great little Unit & Is still my favorite, but other Digital modulators that are currently on the market might be a bit more cost effective.

Cheer's

Baja

[The Baja]

andrewlace, on Aug 8 2011, 04:54 PM, said:

DCC210 has HDMI input and component as well as IP output.  It can feed 1080 as an asi stream into the esx.  I take that comment back: don't buy one where this feature is not included.
It's a handy feature.
You're quite right about the costs.  By separate ASi inputs I meant that you can feed both ASI and QPSK into the unit.
Thanks again BajaDave

You are absolutely correct Andrew, Its a very good Feature to have. The Client is Charged for a service contract per year to Monitor Their Headend System. This can generate a substantial income for any Business.

Will check-out the DCC-210 Tomorrow

Cheer's & Enjoy Buddy

Baja

Edited by Baja_Dave, 09 August 2011 - 12:49 PM.

[The Baja]

Baja_Dave, on Aug 8 2011, 06:33 PM, said:

You are absolutely correct Andrew, Its a very good Feature to have. The Client is Charged for a service contract per year to Monitor Their Headend System. This can generate a substantial income for any Business.

Will check-out the DCC-210 Tomorrow

Cheer's & Enjoy Buddy

Baja

Well, Well, Well, the DCC-210 Encoder is ONLY a single HDMI-in to ASI out encoder. It Has a Price tag of $7,000.00 "yep" 7 grand for this unit people. You would still need an ESX to convert that ASI stream to a COFDM output.

I cant justify that, so NOT for me Thanks.


Cheer's


Baja

[viewer]

http://www.radiopart.....R & SATELLITE

[andrewlace]

As discussed the ESX is a TDT, rather than a full modulator.  It requires something like the DCC200, a DCC210, or a CAM to convert QPSK.  See "Available, but currently not in stock (call 1800 337 366 for more information)" hmm.  This is not really what the ESX costs as you have a very powerful and configuarable unit with lots of options that are all extra.  Stand alone it can take free to view satellite programs (no CAM programmes: Al Jazeera, TBN, and whatever else there is) and convert it straight COFDM.

viewer, on Aug 9 2011, 05:19 PM, said:

http://www.radiopart.....R & SATELLITE

[andrewlace]

HDMI doesn't quite have the same appeal dollar for dollar as composite does it?

Baja_Dave, on Aug 9 2011, 12:57 PM, said:

Well, Well, Well, the DCC-210 Encoder is ONLY a single HDMI-in to ASI out encoder. It Has a Price tag of $7,000.00 "yep" 7 grand for this unit people. You would still need an ESX to convert that ASI stream to a COFDM output.

I cant justify that, so NOT for me Thanks.


Cheer's


Baja

Edited by andrewlace, 09 August 2011 - 08:42 PM.

[The Baja]

andrewlace, on Aug 9 2011, 06:32 PM, said:

As discussed the ESX is a TDT, rather than a full modulator.  It requires something like the DCC200, a DCC210, or a CAM to convert QPSK.  See "Available, but currently not in stock (call 1800 337 366 for more information)" hmm.  This is not really what the ESX costs as you have a very powerful and configuarable unit with lots of options that are all extra.  Stand alone it can take free to view satellite programs (no CAM programmes: Al Jazeera, TBN, and whatever else there is) and convert it straight COFDM.

All said and done, the ESX still has its limitations due to our bandwidth to about 24mbps. You can play around with the output bitrate of individual Channels. For example If i was outputting 2 X Qpsk Channels, 1 X DVD & 1 X CCTV camera i would reduce the Bitrate of the CCTV Camera and use the extra bitrate to push some qpsk Radio Channels in or use it to increase the bitrate on other channels.

Obviously its best feature is to be able to do QPSK to cofdm & A/V to cofdm ( via encoder ) at the same time.

The ESX & other digital modulators on the Australian market are sure to take a BACK SEAT drive when the standalone 4 X input A/V to cofdm & Later the HDMI to cofdm modulators are launched into the Australian market. I would expect to see them Before the end of this year. at least the 4 x input cofdm modulators.

Cheer's


Baja