IFS Expands Copperline Product Series with Dual Channel Video Receiver

Oct. 15, 2004
New IFS Copperline receiver with AGC is designed to virtually eliminate in-field adjustments for use with digital recorders.

International Fiber Systems Incorporated (IFS), a leading manufacturer of fiber optic transmission equipment, has announced the introduction of the VTPR2100 line of dual channel video receivers. Part of a new line of transmission products, this time not over fiber, but over Cat 5 or UTP Cable, the IFS Copperline Series are the first environmentally hardened UTP video transmission products that offer a performance level never offered by any manufacturer. The VTPR2100 line is an extension of that line.

The Copperline VTPR2100 detects two independent UTP video signals in one module on two independent CAT5 twisted pair cables. The module is ideal for smaller CCTV installations and can be used with any competitive passive transmitter thereby improving transmission distance as well as picture quality at longer distances. Up until now, the choice of video transmission has been limited to optical fiber, coaxial cable or UTP, with UTP having the lowest price, but traditionally not great video performance. "Until Copperline, most UTP transmission products had their signal attenuated at about a thousand feet using passive transmitters, making the picture unrecognizable." Said Steve Rutkowski, IFS Copperline Product Manager. "IFS found a way to match analog video signal impedance of the transmitter and receiver and effectively boost transmission distances up to a half mile." Rutkowski continued.

The IFS Copperline promises to deliver EIA/TIA RS250-C Medium Haul Video Performance at 1500 ft and beyond. The new system of active receivers and passive transmitters allow the IFS Copperline Receivers to be used with any manufacturers' passive transmitter, enabling that transmitter to extend distance with no compromise in video performance.

"As with other IFS Products, Copperline was designed for "Plug and Play" installation. Said Rutkowski, The IFS Copperline Series Active Receiver has Automatic Gain Control (AGC). This feature allows the unit to compensate for any variation in video gain or frequency, ensuring a high quality video signal delivered from the Copperline receiver. "We believe the new Copperline series will be used in systems where both optical fiber and UTP transmission will be utilized. Therefore, the physical design of the Copperline Series will closely match the traditional IFS line of video audio and data transmission products. This will allow the end user to integrate both product lines into traditional IFS racks, allowing for ease of use and a cost-savings during installation." Rutkowski continued. In the near future IFS will introduce Copperline products that, in addition to video only, will allow for "up-the-coax" and multiple-protocol bi-directional data.

The new Copperline is designed to be durable and to meet the requirements of NEMA TS-1/TS-2. This new receiver can operate in an ambient operating temperature range of -40 to +74 degrees C.

The VTPR2100 receiver features LED indicators for video presence and power that assist the installer and user in easily recognizing operating status without the need for special test equipment. In addition, these units are available in standalone or rack mount versions.

Like all IFS products, the IFS Copperline Series features true plug-and-play design that ensures easy installation without the need for any electrical or optical adjustments. And like all IFS products, it is backed by an exclusive comprehensive lifetime product warranty.