LYNX Technik has additional resources available on our website. This includes some application notes on
the APPolo control system and also two Fiber Primers designed to introduce the basic concepts of fiber to
the broadcast engineer. These can be found by visiting our website
www.lynx-technik.com - Select Support > Application Notes
APPolo Control System Overview
A Fiber Primer
The CWDM Fiber Primer
Additional Resources
Abstract
Today’s modern digital multi-format installations have resulted in the development of an array of new
terminal equipment products designed to address the many needs and demands of such systems.
Many devices are complex multi-faceted and multi-functional modules with an array of options and
configuration possibilities. A comprehensive control system has become an essential component of
any modern terminal equipment installation. LYNX Technik has addressed this with APPolo, a modular
and expandable control system. The two primary building blocks of the control system are hardware
components in the form of a rack controllers (and server option), plus the APPolo software application.
This paper explains the concepts behind the LYNX Technik APPolo control system and shows how to
configure and expand the system from a single rack to multiple installations located in different physical
locations all under APPolo central control
Abstract
Most of us in the Broadcast industry are familiar with fiber optic transmission systems and the solutions
widely used for broadcast applications. These are typically external applications for moving video
signals between distant locations, or hauling distant camera feeds into outside broadcast units.
Signal distribution within a facility is typically copper coaxial cable, which has been used in one form
or another since the inception of television. However, with the transition to HDTV, video bandwidth
increased nearly seven fold from 270Mbit to 1.5Gbit. With the further migration to 1080P, video
bandwidth has increased even further to 3Gbit. As bandwidth increases, the reach of copper cable
reduces and our copper connected world is shrinking rapidly. Cable lengths have been reduced from
350m (1149 feet) at 270Mbit to 140m (460 feet) at 1.5Gbit, and now it’s down to approximately 70m (230
feet) at 3Gbit. If you allow some overhead for cable routing and emergency patch panels etc. then 70m
(230 feet) maximum cable lengths imposes serious issues for facility design and expansion.
Abstract
Typically, CWDM is a technology used to transport multiple signals between distant locations over single
fiber connections. This leverages the utilization and therefore the relative cost of the long distance
fiber cable links. However, with HDTV and the increasing bandwidths required for video production
(3Gbit) plus 4K applications are evolving (which makes extensive use of 3Gbit SDI in the production
environment) we see fiber connectivity increasingly taking the place of traditional copper (electrical)
connections within facilities. As this evolution continues and more and more dedicated unidirectional
“point to point” fiber connections are consumed, then an “in house” CWDM solution is the logical next
step to better utilize the facilities existing fiber cable assets.
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Abstract
Since the APPolo SERVER is a fundamental part of the system, a backup and failover solution may be
required for system servicing and functionality. Users may add a second APPolo SERVER to a system,
which serves as a backup or secondary server. In the case that the Primary APPolo SERVER is not
available on the network, the Secondary APPolo SERVER takes over the active role, with all functionality.
Therefore, even in the unlikely event of a failure of the Primary APPolo SERVER, the system’s functions
are always available.
APPolo Redundant Servers
Abstract
AutoControl for APPolo is a radical advancement for infrastructure control and automation. Most
facilities use automation yet generally do not have the ability to automate static terminal equipment.
AutoControl adds automation and programmable intelligence inside the terminal equipment, which
enables automatic reconfiguration of the modules functions, signal routing and internal signal
processing. This opens up an entirely new layer of power and flexibility to automated facility control.
APPolo Automation
Abstract
The demand for freely definable Control Panels (i.e. which are not pre-defined by LYNX) is satisfied
by LYNX APPolo CustomControl. CustomControl provides a powerful, interactive and intuitive way for
setup and deployment of one or more Custom Control Designs. Any number of custom-made designs
(dedicated GUI pages) can be prepared for all those different applications and operating situations
in a system where only a subset of the full power of the LYNX APPolo GUI shall be exposed. Individual
Designs can then be loaded and displayed from various workstations and mobile tablet computers.
APPolo Custom Control
Vist our You Tube Channel to see some online videos demonstrating the use of the APPolo control GUI
and also Custom Control
www.youtube.com/user/lynxtechnikag