IFS Expands Copperline Series with Receiver that Accommodates Up-The-Coax Camera Control

Oct. 28, 2004
New IFS Copperline Receiver with AGC allows PTZ camera systems to improve video quality and performance

International Fiber Systems Incorporated (IFS), a leading manufacturer of fiber optic transmission equipment, has announced the introduction of the VTPR1505 line of receivers that allow PTZ camera systems that utilize up-the-coax control systems to take advantage of the performance benefits Copperline offers to UTP transmission users. 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 VTPR1505 line is an extension of that line.

The Copperline VTPR1505 detects an independent UTP video signals and its camera control data in one module on one independent CAT5 twisted pair cable. The module is designed for use with major manufacturers' systems such as the Panasonic Proteus system, the Pelco Coaxitron, Vicon Vicoax and Videolarm CoaxLynx and others who use an up-the-coax camera control data transmission system. 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 passive UTP transmission products had their signal attenuated at about a thousand feet, 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.

As the with all IFS Products, the new Copperline is ruggedized to meet the requirements of NEMA TS-1/TS-2 and 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.