FiberEd Logo
Fiber in Action

S-Video fiber system links hospital operating rooms and conference center

When the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh Pa. decided to install a new A/V system for video conferencing and auditorium training, they turned to AV integrator Pro Com Systems for assistance with the design and installation. Account Manager Dan Scullion and Service and Installation Technician Stephen W. Neely were responsible for the conference center project, nicknamed the "O/R Project" because the signals from the conference center auditorium were tied into as many as four different operating rooms.

“As an AV Integrator, Pro Com is always looking for new and improved technology to supply the needs of our customers,” explains Mr. Neely. “For this particular installation, the use of fiber as a transmit media for AV signals seemed to be the best choice for all involved. A fiber cable route already existed and the matrix switchers for the S-Video, RGBHV and SDI signals needed to be located in the fiber network closet. In addition, we were aware that using digital fiber would provide no signal loss and offer complete immunity from electromagnetic interference. So, for all these reasons, the Pure Digital Fiberlink systems made for a great match.”

This installation required a fiber optic transmission system that would send S-video and audio signals between the fourth floor ORs and the hospital’s video conferencing codecs and auditorium in the conference center. A two-way signal path was used to provide outbound video for training and/or video conferencing and return video from the far end. We knew that Communications Specialties had a full line of fiber optic systems, and our ongoing relationship with the company made the system selection easier. CSI’s all-digital Pure Digital Fiberlink 7060 Series for two channels S-Video with four channel audio was exactly the right product for the job.

We used two sets (transmitter/receiver units) of the 7060 Series to transmit the shared signals between the floors. The units were ideal because they are compact with low power consumption. The install was fast and painless. It was just what was advertised, was easy to connect, and worked from power up. The units are buried deep in their racks and unlike larger or more hands-on equipment, they are small and need no adjustments once installed. For this reason, no training was needed for the user.

One of the advantages of using the all-digital 7060 Series to transmit multiple audio and video signals over one fiber is no crosstalk or drifting. The system provides uniform performance of all channels over the entire transmission path. One small improvement I would like to see is in the connections labeling. The size of the units allows them to be “tucked” into tight spaces. However, once installed, it can be difficult to check connections.

The nature of our business requires that we use reliable and trusted components in building an AV solution for our customers. The products from CSI have filled our needs in the past and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.”

Mr. Neely has been with Pro Com Systems for 3 years and was previously employed by a mobile video production company.

Mr. Scullion has worked for Pro-Com Systems for 2-1/2 years and has been employed in the A/V industry for the past 6 years.

Stephen W. Neely Service and Installation Technician

Dan Scullion Account Manager

Pro Com Systems Inc. 412-621-1950 procomsystems.com

 
25th Anniversary
Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence