Vision, the brand new product range which takes a fresh look at the electronic components that make IRS, MATV and SMATV systems, has taken the industry by storm since its launch in November. This unique and exciting range has been designed specifically for the serious professional installer who requires 'high quality, solid engineering and simple uncluttered design for reliable performance and incredible value'. Here UK Product Manager Richard Stallworthy explains the features unique to the Vision range.

To launch a product range successfully, it must offer the industry something different, providing professionals with additional benefits and new solutions. Vision is just that. It takes a completely fresh look at products for the whole systems market.

The Vision range has been built with special attention paid to digital performance in MATV, SMATV and IRS systems. Much of the equipment on today's market was developed before the digital TV and radio age and has not moved with the times.

Vision products have also been designed with a higher mechanical and electrical specification for systems use where reliability and performance are paramount. With a range of dishes, aerials, masthead devices, MATV/ IRS amplifiers, CATV amplifiers and IRS multi-switches, the systems installer can be confident he is using the best available equipment.

For example, most antennas used today on systems are domestic models which are not necessarily robust enough to be relied upon for long-term provision of signals to multiple dwellings.

The Vision range of aerials are built with more substantial materials like the 18mm magnesium/aluminium boom for extra rigidity and the 5mm wire rod elements, which give lower wind loading, yet are strong enough to withstand birds using the aerial as a launch pad.

The added benefit of wire rod-sets is that if they do accidentally get bent during installation they can be straightened easily unlike tubular or profiled strip elements.

These rod elements are staked into the boom using a patented process so that they are permanently fixed and cannot come out. Most domestic aerial elements are clipped, screwed or riveted onto the boom, which risks the element becoming detached after a while and thus degrading the performance.

Vision aerials come in 13,19, 27 and 48 elements with large reflectors and hot dip galvanised clamps for long life. All Vision aerials have a balun for excellent cable matching and come with a choice of either a saddle & clamp or an “F” connector. Junction boxes on the Vision aerials are designed to face downwards so that any moisture falls away from the cable connector.

The IRS installer is catered for with the 2 steel pole mount dishes which have heavy galvanised brackets and a double rim to keep the dish profile in shape. These dishes come in 85cm and 1.0m sizes in a dark grey finish. They are primarily designed for systems use but the more professional domestic installer will realise they are rugged models ideal for motorised systems as well. There is also a 200 extra LNB bracket ideal for multi satellite reception. Vision dishes come individually boxed for easy transportation and storage.

The Vision range also includes some very high quality masthead amplifiers (V20 range) and frequency combiners. Special attention has been paid to screening for digital TV with the use of fully screened, precision die-cast modules with “F” connectors, mounted in a very high quality weatherproof plastic housing. This weatherproof housing is designed in one piece with a latched door to prevent installers accidentally dropping parts off the ladder.

The outdoor housing is specially designed to be ventilated thus avoiding the build up of condensation or moisture ingress and works on the principle of “what goes in must be able to come out”.

The MATV and CATV engineer can choose from 10 models of amplifier designed around digital TV. With features such as inter-stage level controls (V51-104), push-pull amplifier designs and high level screening, the Vision range of amplifiers can provide models for all situations.

Most apartment blocks in the UK only have around 8, 10 or 12 flats and the V52-100 with its 2 outputs, inter-stage level control and split band VHF/UHF amplification, can easily provide signal in systems of this size. It is also fully screened with 13/26dB gain and 105dBuV maximum output, so with a trade price of £9.99 (ex-VAT), it undoubtedly offers exceptional value.

Installers are always looking for value when costing installations. Most installations require at least FM and UHF, which need combining. But now it is becoming common to have DAB radio and security cameras specified on systems as well. The new V51-105 and V51-106 offer multi-input amplifiers at very competitive prices.

The V51-105, a 4 input amplifier with FM, DAB and 2 UHF inputs, 34dB gain and 115dBµV is offered at a low £44.50 trade price (ex VAT).

The 5 input V51-106 has 3 UHF inputs, plus FM and DAB. With 47dB gain and a high 120dBµV maximum out, it offers excellent value at £61.00 trade price (ex VAT). This model also employs push-pull technology for low distortion and excellent linearity especially for digital signals. Both models also have variable level controls for each input.

At the top of the range is the superb V50-100 CATV amplifier for larger systems and networks. This highly specified amplifier uses Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) output devices in a push-pull configuration for super linearity and low noise.

The V50-100 can be configured for reverse-path operation, which is ideal in hotel and cable TV applications that demand active or passive circuitry. A complete range of internal modules can be specified including diplexers, pre-amplifiers, inter-stage level controls and input and output splitters.

The V50 line up also offers mains or line-powered options. The die-cast case ensures superb screening as well as excellent weather protection to IP64 rating.

All Vision amplifiers are fully screened and use the highest quality SMD components for reliability and stability. In all cases the power supply is in a separate section, away from the screened amplifier to minimise interference and impulse noise.

Mains and DC powered 5 input SAT/TV amplifiers for 5 wire IRS systems have also been included in the range.

The V55-100 and V55-101 employ push-pull amplifiers and inter-stage level controls as specified for digital applications. Both models have built in satellite slope and adjustable gain for satellite and terrestrial signals. The V55-100 is designed to power a quattro LNB and the line powered V55-101 when used as a repeater amplifier.

Line amplifiers (V60 range), active splitters (V70 range) and 5 x 8, 5 x 12 and 5 x 16 multi-switches (V75 range) are also part of the extensive product line up. The 12 and 16 way multi-switches have input level controls on the satellite inputs to enable equalisation of signals from each polarity and frequency band.

The range would not be complete without a choice of modulators for SMATV and security applications. The V40-102 VSB modulator comes in a modular format so that the engineer has the flexibility to build a system to suit his needs. Because each modulator is fully agile and employs a SAW filter it can be used in systems where adjacent channel operation is required. The V40 range also includes a power supply, mounting rack and remote control which are required to complete the installation.

If it's a budget cost effective modulator you are looking for then the V40-104 offers remarkable value. This stand-alone unit, with integral PSU, has a LED digital display for setting the required channel and level parameters. This model can be set up easily and can be locked against un-authorised setting. It employs a non-volatile memory should there be a power cut.

The V40-104 is fully agile between channels 21 and 68 and has RF loop through so that a number of channels can be combined. This high quality unit uses DSB modulation and at a trade price of £32.30 (ex VAT), it’s certainly a cost effective solution for smaller systems.

The Vision range currently consists of around 40 models for professional use and will grow over the coming year so its well worth checking out each product for specification and value.

The range is available from Solutions Group and all good aerial system wholesalers. Visit www.vision-products.co.uk for more information or call 08456 444 000.