AMP Launches Multi-Format Video Encoder

Advanced Micro Peripherals (AMP) has unveiled a multi-format video encoder that combines graphics overlay, motion detection and enhanced watermark authentication on a PC/104-Plus module. The MPEG4000WA captures and compresses up to four concurrent live analogue video inputs to full D1 resolution using either MPEG-4, MPEG-2 or M-JPEG encoding standards.

The board can also encode audio for each video channel. It can decompress and play back recordings from storage to display and offers an additional incoming live video path for a simultaneous preview on the host screen. Digital watermark authentication technology assures users that the recorded data is protected from unauthorised tampering, modification or editing. It uses a patented digital watermarking algorithm, which is classed as sensitive, making any attempted interference with the data immediately evident during playback.

The algorithm is sensitive to most image manipulation operations, including scaling, cropping, frame removal and insertion and macroblock swapping. The detection of spatial and temporal tampering is also possible. For digital-video-recorder (DVR) and video-streaming applications, the MPEG4000WA enables full bit-mapped graphics overlay with several levels of alpha blending to be combined with the live video for both preview and compression.

The board also supports motion detection (based on a defined region of interest) along with a 'babysitting' mode, which can be used to control the recording process based on detected activity. With the supplied SDK, user-defined data such as camera identification, date, time and location can be added to the video image. The MPEG4000WA is supported by a suite of drivers for embedded PC-based Windows XP/XP Embedded and Linux systems.

The standard video-recording SDK and sample applications are supplied free with the board. AMP also offers a video-streaming SDK, enabling compressed video to be streamed in real time over an IP network. The MPEG4000WA is available as both commercial and extended-temperature-range (-40C to +85C) variants and may also be supplied with a conformal coating for defence and industrial applications.

Fidessa Selects AMP Netconnect Cabling

Fidessa, which supplies financial trading solutions, is using AMP Netconnect's advanced network cabling system in an internal communications system at a new data centre. The system, designed and installed by Maxima, an approved AMP Netconnect partner, includes Category 6 UTP (unshielded twisted pair) copper and OM3 multimode 50/125 fibre-optic cabling.

It is housed in a new purpose-built facility known as Sentrum IV on the outskirts of Woking, Surrey. Fidessa supplies multi-asset trading, portfolio analysis, decision support, compliance, market data and connectivity solutions for firms involved in financial trading. One of the specific requirements for the Sentrum IV data centre relates to the fact that Fidessa will use it as a showcase facility for existing and potential clients. This meant the 'public' areas needed to be as clean and tidy as possible, with any cabling hidden away beneath floors or in purpose-designed cabinets.

Maxima designed the sub-floor cable-support system to ensure cable capacity was not compromised. The installation proposed and implemented by Maxima includes a total of 125 APC servers, communications and switch cabinets incorporating 250 intelligent power units, along with 16 AMP Netconnect cross-connect central-patch frames. The fully ISO/IEC 11801 compliant Category 6 copper and OM3 fibre cabling system includes more than 9500 Category 6 AMP SL connections and more than 6300 OM3 LC AMP connections. The system carries Tyco Electronics' 25-year warranty, which will allow Fidessa to accommodate the growing bandwidth needs of IP convergence, reduce expenses associated with download, upload and backup time, and reduce costs associated with future upgrades.

An important feature of the installation is the use of the recently introduced AMP Netconnect Hi-D (high-density) network cabling system to provide a centralised high-density cross-connect patching system. The Hi-D network cabling system is positioned at the heart of the data-centre facility to allow for all the server, communications and switch cabinets to connect with the copper and fibre cabling through a centrally located cross-connect facility. The Class E/Category 6 UTP copper cabling system uses low-smoke zero-halogen sheathing, along with 24-port Hi-D angled patch panels with SL jacks to provide full RJ45 connectivity.

To provide a degree of resilience, copper cabling is routed from each panel in groups of 12 cables and follows diverse cable routes. The copper cabling is housed in a containment system under a false floor. The use of pre-manufactured Tyco Electronics harness assemblies between the network switch cabinets and the Hi-D angled patch panels is an important factor in ensuring warranty compliance. The OM3 fibre-cabling system also uses low-smoke zero-halogen sheathing and takes the form of individual 12- or 24-core cables linking 24- or 12-way duplex panels. As with the copper cabling, the fibre cables are diversely routed between cabinets.