Magenta Research, a provider of professional audio/video (AV) signal switching, extension and distribution technology, is joining with network cabling infrastructure specialist Siemon to present a demonstration of fiber-optic cable termination technology at this year's InfoComm tradeshow (June 13-15 in Las Vegas). At the show in Magenta's booth #N921, Siemon's fiber experts will use the company's XLR8 fiber termination kit to educate pro AV industry members in how best to terminate fiber connections cleanly, securely, reliably, and "in under a minute."
At InfoComm 2012, Siemon's fiber termination tools are being cast as "an ideal companion" to Magenta's Voyager fiber-optic signal distribution platform. Incorporating an interoperable set of transmitters, receivers and matrix switches, the Voyager platform enables a variety of configurations for the distribution of uncompressed analog or digital video, audio and serial signals over both multimode and singlemode fiber.
The platform offers switching to 640 total ports with flexible I/O capability that allows each port to be used as an input or output. Designed to deliver high-resolution video image quality and 24/7 reliability over distances up to 18.6 miles, the Voyager series is intended for digital signage and professional AV systems integration applications.
"We've found that some in the pro AV industry may have been hesitant to adopt fiber in the past because of their perception that termination can be difficult and time-consuming," comments Magenta's director of North American sales, Andy Fliss. "However, with innovative technology like that offered by Siemon, distributing HD video, audio and serial signals over fiber-optic cabling can be as quick, easy and cost-effective as it is powerful. Fiber is the clear infrastructure of the future, offering more signals, bandwidth, distance and security."
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To maximize fiber termination speed and connector performance, Siemon says its XLR8 system is especially designed to enable a single optimized and intuitive process, combining splicing and crimping into a single step as opposed to the more common multi-step method. The company claims its XLR8 process cuts termination times in half compared to competing systems, enabling faster delivery of fiber-optic cabling links, while also limiting excess operator handling of connections during termination that can negatively impact splice integrity and link performance.
To ensure connector performance, the company notes that the XLR8 fiber termination method is completed with the connector dust-cap in place, protecting the fiber’s critical end-face polish from contamination or damage. The connector‘s pre-polished end-face remains untouched and clean from the factory to the time of insertion into the connector. This optimizes both reliability and mated performance.
"Siemon is excited to be working with Magenta to bring new AV technologies to market that will benefit our mutual customers,” said Robert Carlson, VP of global marketing at Siemon. “Though best known in the telecommunications industry, our cabling expertise makes us an ideal partner for integrators and installers in the pro AV world."
See also:Optical fiber cabling and component specification considerations