Since the launch of Switchline GII 18 months ago, Philips has continued to build on its success with the launch of a 9 input range and a low cost headend amplifier, designed to be used on smaller line powered systems. Here, Sean McCartney of Philips takes a closer look at the new products now available in the ‘cascadable range’.

The range of GII equipment was designed with the specific requirements of the UK market in mind. MATV systems in the UK are typically fed from a single amplifier with one power supply. When the system is upgraded to IRS, adding additional power can be expensive, but by using a line powered system, the overall cost of the installation can be considerably reduced.

Digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) also played a major part in the development of Switchline GII. Up until now, most of the systems available had been designed to give an analogue terrestrial signal at the wall outlet of 60dBµV.

However, because DTT signals are typically 20dB lower than analogue, the level required at the wall outlet for analogue is now closer to 70dBµV to give a digital level of around 50dBµV.

Through the development of the GII range, Philips have been able to deliver good quality signals with a high output level. This is achieved by using active switches which have between 0 and +4 db gain as well as high output level capabilities.

The terrestrial signal is kept separate from the satellite IF signal and is diplexed with the satellite signal in the switch, allowing better control of the UHF signal through the system.

All the input levels to the switches can be individually adjusted with built in variable attenuaters, giving maximum control over the output signal. Each switch then only requires to be fed from one tap value and the adjustment is done on the switch and not by graded taps.

The 5 input range has the ability to supply large collective housing. 120 points off a single headend amplifier (AMP94444) is easily achievable with 2 line amplifiers (AMP9853 ), 2 power supplies (AMP8331) and 10x12 output switches (SWI6512) with a 50-60 metre subscriber drop cable.

For the smaller and medium sized systems, Philips has launched the AMP9244U. This is a 4 input satellite IF amplifier that will also deliver up to 2 amperes of power to supply the switches in the system. This equates to a maximum of 5 x12 output switches (SWI6512), or 60 points, offering a low cost line powered cascadable solution.

The 9-input range shares some of the products used in the 5-wire systems, such as the headend amp (AMP9444) and line power supply (AMP8331).

The switches have similar characteristics to the 5-wire versions and are equipped with DiSEqC version 2.0, but obviously they do require more power.

The Switchline GII range offers high quality 5 and 9 input systems with a range of switch output option. It enables installers to choose the right product for each application and position the switches anywhere in the building not just where power is available. Long drop lengths can also be achieved due to the high output levels.

All these system benefits help to ease the installation and commissioning process and can also provide savings in time and money.