News & Updates 2009

DekTec adds the DTE-3114, a standalone four-channel QAM modulator, to its line of Power-over-Ethernet enabled network edge devices. Devices can be shipped from stock.

The DTE-3114 takes in up to four TSoIP inputs and generates directly synthesized VHF/UHF outputs (36 ... 1002MHz). An easy to use web interface allows the user to setup all control parameters and monitor the current status of the unit, alternatively the unit can also be controlled via SNMP. Like the other family members, in the DTE 31xx product range, it supports SMPTE-2022 FEC, for reconstruction of lost packets, an advanced algorithm to remove the inevitable jitter in IP networks, is DIN rail mounted, and requires no external power supply as it can be powered via a PoE capable switch.

Up to 12 modules can be installed in 3U 19" rack space using the DekTec rack-mountable rail. Supporting QAM annex A, B & C, the DTE 3114 is suited for utilization in small and large cable network across the world. The unit is also well-suited to build a cost-efficient cable-network simulator.

DekTec is proud to announce that the new release of T2IQ includes full support for DVB-T2's Peak-to-Average-Power-Ratio (PAPR) reduction techniques. T2IQ is the industry-standard tool for the generation of DVB-T2 test signals. An essential piece in your toolbox for the testing, validation and demonstration of your DVB-T2 products.

T2IQ Now Implements Full DVB-T2 Specification

With the new PAPR feature T2IQ covers the complete DVB-T2 specification. Next to PAPR, the T2IQ signal generator also supports multiple PLPs, MISO and TFS. Furthermore, T2IQ includes a fully-featured channel simulator, with AWGN generator, multipath fading, Rayleigh channels and Doppler simulation to accurately simulate reflections and a moving receiver.

T2IQ can output the generated signal as a modulated RF signal through the DTA-115 or DTU-215 or it can store the signal to file, which can be played out on DTA-115 or DTU-215 with the StreamXpress.

T2IQ embeds a T2 Gateway that splits a "Big TS" into multiple PLPs with common PLP, and adds the matching PSI/SI. The T2-Gateway encapsulates T2-MI packets into MPEG-2 Transport-Stream packets and outputs them either to file, ASI or IP. T2-MI packets are also the ideal format to play out multi-PLP test signals through the StreamXpress.

PAPR-reduction techniques

High peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the transmit signal is a major drawback of multicarrier transmission techniques such as DVB-T2. The output signal is the sum of many independent signals modulated onto the subcarriers which can cause large power fluctuations. DVB-T2 allows two techniques of PAPR reduction:

i) Active Constellation Extension technique (ACE), and

ii) Tone Reservation technique (TR).

Both techniques can be combined.

ACE

In the Active Constellation Extension technique, some of the outer signal constellation points in the data block are dynamically extended in such a way that PAPR is reduced. When adjusted intelligently, the combination of the signals cancels the peaks in the transmit signal. This technique is distortionless, has no loss of data rate and doesn't require special processing at the receiver. The figure shows a typical active constellation diagram for 16-QAM with ACE.

TR

In the Tone Reservation technique, the transmitter doesn't send data on a small subset of subcarriers that are reserved for PAPR reduction. The objective is to find the signal for these subcarriers such that the combination of the signals results in a reduced PAPR. This technique is also distortionless. However, the TR technique introduces some data rate loss because of the loss of some subcarriers.

Germany - DekTec has appointed SHM Broadcast as its exclusive distributor for Germany. Nilesh Mandalia, DekTec’s VP Sales, is pleased to have SHM Broadcast on board as it can contribute its successful knowledge of the monitoring and infrastructure business and at the same time deliver further growth for DekTec’s original product range. Michael Preisser and Jürgen Helscher, joint managing directors of SHM Broadcast feel the acquisition of this product line will strengthen SHM Broadcast’s total offering.

DekTec’s long running relationship with Dimetis GmbH will remain as Dimetis refocuses on further deployment of DekTec hardware and applications integrated into Dimetis’ own branded products and solutions. All three parties will ensure there is a smooth transition over the next few months to ensure that existing clients have the opportunity to change over to the new supplier.

China - After being successful in developing DekTec sales in Southern China, DekTec has now granted DTV Core the right to cover all of China, streamlining DekTec’s sales and marketing efforts in China and offering customers a consistent interface to DekTec.

Wuxian Jiang has created DTV Core in 2007 as a marketing and sales company that promotes DekTec exclusively. DTV Core and DekTec will further intensify cooperation to meet the growing needs of the local market such as language localisation, CMMB test and measurement tools, and local repair and service support.

Sito Dekker, CEO, is pleased to have DTV Core as distributor focussing exclusively on DekTec, and the opportunity to develop further in China in a dynamic way. DekTec’s long running relationship with Beijing Pace Electronics is amicably brought to an end. DekTec will continue to support Beijing Pace Electronics’ existing customers with service and support requirements through Beijing Pace Electronics.

Sweden - DekTec proudly introduces JMG Support as its distributor for Sweden.

The January release of the LinuxSDK now includes full 64-bit versions of both the Linux driver and the DTAPI. This new release enables the writing of applications that fully utilize the performance gains offered by the 64-bit Linux kernel. Thanks to a 32-bit compatibility mode it is also possible to run your current 32-bit applications on a 64-bit kernel. This eases the move to a 64-bit kernel, as you can start running your trusted 32-bit application on a 64-bit system immediately, and perform the 64-bit port in a second step.

Next to 64-bit support, DekTec adds support for the DTA-2144 quad-port ASI/SDI PCI-express adapter card, as well as SDK support for the new DTE-3100 and DTE-3120 Power-over-Ethernet edge devices.

Today DekTec releases its first new product of 2009: the DTA-2144. This new card is a four port ASI/SDI adapter for PCI Express. Each of the four ports can individually be configured to operate as input or output and all ports support both ASI and SDI signals. The DTA-2144 has a x4 PCI Express interface, which provides amply sufficient bus throughput to simultaneously receiver or transmit four full-speed ASI or SDI signals.

Other exciting features include genlock, a 32-MB on-board buffer per port, double buffering and time-stamping capability. The DTA-2144 is particularly attractive for any application where multiple input and/or outputs are needed and only a limited number of PCI Express slots available, e.g. in a 1U server.

Using real-time MPEG-2 multiplexing in your own application has never been easier. The MuxXpert is extended with an Application Programming Interface (MuxXpert API) that enables seamless integration of real-time Transport-Stream multiplexing functions with custom software. As an example, the application can generate Electronic Program Guide (EPG) SI tables and insert them in a real-time stream using MuxXpert-API calls.

The MuxXpert API comes in the form of a .NET class library. The developer can use it from any .NET language, such as C++/CLI, C# or VB.NET. The real-time multiplexing can run on a standard desktop or industrial PC in conjunction with any mix of DekTec input and output adapters. For instance, the widely used DTA-160 can be used to read a TSoIP stream, modify it and play out a jitter free TSoIP stream again.

All advanced multiplexing functions available in the MuxXpert can be used: re-multiplexing of services and components, querying the structure of Transport Streams, SI extraction, table cycling, adaptation of PIDs, services, tables and descriptors.

Using the MuxXpert API, a new class of applications becomes feasible. It is the ideal building block for professional applications such as: re-multiplexer with custom SI processing, EPG inserter, multiplexer with custom control and GUI, automated generator of MPEG-2 test streams, converters from ASI to IP and IP to modulated RF out, and more.

To check whether the MuxXpert API is the ideal solution for you, please contact DekTec or your local distributor to find out. DekTec can issue temporary licenses for free evaluation without any obligation. The evaluation license is fully functional and comes with a complete sample project including the full source code and help.