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Fibre-optic video transmission system

The Orion Fibre Optic Communication System is an 11 880-input by 128-output virtual matrix switch that provides system designers with a cost-effective fibre-optic transmission system platform for video, audio and data communications. Orion is a product innovation from International Fibre Systems, exclusively distributed in southern Africa by Tactron Technologies.

With the Orion system, it is possible to actively view up to 128 realtime, high quality video channels at any one time. 998 video channels may be transmitted with a high quality audio channel, a bi-directional data channel, and two contact closure channels that can be used as alarm signal inputs to the system. If used purely for video, 11 880 inputs are available. At any node in the system, video, audio and data signals can be added, inserted, monitored, and dropped, allowing for extremely flexible system architecture. Windows-based software allows the user to configure the system, check the status of all nodes on the system, or switch any camera to any monitor with a simple click and drag feature.

Furthermore, the Orion system is able to integrate with other manufacturers' equipment. All Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) control functions are supplied by the control manufacturer and are inserted directly into the system via the data input control port on any video output module. This data is then transmitted to every active video input card in the system allowing the network to be totally transparent to any and all data encoding.

The 'virtual switcher' interface is done via RS232 connection with a simple software translation program supplied by the camera manufacturer. The commands normally sent to the hardware switcher are now sent to the Orion dystem computer to allow the seamless switching of cameras to monitors.

The system consists of three basic modules: the video input module, the video output module, and optical transceiver. Specifically designed for large-scale video surveillance networks, Orion is well suited to airports and other multiple building security installations, traffic and intelligent transportation systems, as well as prisons and other campus building facilities.

Tactron Technologies

011 791 7550

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