GE Introduces Phoenix Fiber Transport System

Oct. 19, 2004
System allows 16 duplex channels of video plus 16 duplex channels of audio and 16 duplex channels of data

GE Infrastructure, Security today announced the availability of its Phoenix fiber transport system, which lets users configure a system consisting of multiple video, audio and data signals in a variety of topologies, including point to point, linear and split linear, self-healing ring and mixed configurations in a drop/repeat/insert environment. Up to 16 full-frame, real-time video feeds can be distributed simultaneously across a network. Audio and data can also be transmitted across the same network in conjunction with video or separately.

The Phoenix system uses just two fibers to transport 16 channels each of bi-directional (duplex) video, audio and data. It uses proven GE fiber standards to create transmission solutions for a wide variety of applications from small but complex to medium-sized implementations in high rise buildings, city center surveillance, business and education campuses, and transportation facilities such as airports, rail stations, marinas and ports. It is also ideal for traffic surveillance, including on/off ramp monitoring.

"As the security market increasingly moves to digital solutions, it is imperative that transport systems are available to handle the increased, required bandwidth of video images," said Darren Nicholson, Marketing Vice President in Security's Commercial Solutions business. "Leveraging our other fiber offerings, the Phoenix fiber transport system is one of many new products we are introducing that will help integrators and users migrate to the benefits of digital."

For ultimate installation flexibilities, Phoenix is the only transport system leveraging Multiple Topography Deployment (MTD) so that integrators and users can specify drop/repeat/insert, point-to-point, linear, split linear, star or self-healing ring configurations.

Whatever the system, Phoenix works with it. Phoenix includes Multi-Standard Digital Video (MSDV), High Quality Audio (HQA) and Multi-Protocol Data (MPD). MSDV lets Phoenix accommodate real time, full-frame digital video in either NTSC/EIA or PAL/CCIR. By not using video compression, Phoenix provides everything the camera captures, losing no information. HQA allows the system to accept a wide range of audio levels while MPD permits Phoenix to accept most data protocols.

Phoenix's solution, however, doesn't just reside in its features. In order to make configuration of different topologies and projects easy and convenient for installers, architects and end-users, GE has created a custom configuration utility called PSP2 (Phoenix System & Platform Planner), which guides the user through a simple process of creating a complete Phoenix system. The PSP2 application CD is available free by calling GE at 800-469-1676.

"With Phoenix, we want our customers to feel comfortable with the platform, not only from the installation and use standpoint, but also in the way they learn about and configure Phoenix platforms," said Nicholson. "From simple single-node configurations to complex enterprise projects, PSP2 is easy to use and even offers a printed 'shopping list' of all necessary part numbers, price estimates and node configurations to make bidding a project easier than ever."

Phoenix fits in just two rack units (2RU) and is easy to set up and use. The system is also scaleable to grow and change with future applications and needs.

The new GE Phoenix transport system is available now.