IDM-Video16 Video Optical Multiplexer
Single-fiber 16-channel video, 4-channel E1 transparent transmission, 4-channel audio, data port lightning protection, no format conversion required
The IDM-Video16 digital video optical multiplexer transmits over an optical fiber transmission medium and uses advanced digital video optical fiber transmission technology to complete 16-channel video service transmission while also transmitting RS232 and RS485 data. The IDM-Video16 adopts
The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer is a digital video optical multiplexer that multiplexes video, data, audio, and E1 services into a single optical fiber for transmission—commonly known as a 16-channel video optical multiplexer. Developed by Beijing Ruiguang Jiyuan Digital Technology Co., Ltd., it is used for long-distance video backhaul between surveillance sites and the surveillance center, and is a frequently featured product showcase in surveillance video optical fiber transmission solutions.
The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer adopts all-digital uncompressed technology and completes 16-channel video service transmission over an optical fiber transmission medium, while also transmitting RS232 and RS485 data, and supports high-quality transmission of high-resolution moving and still images. As a multi-service optical multiplexer, it also accommodates access requirements for data and audio services in addition to video transmission.
The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer carries 16 channels of video in a single optical direction, plus 4 channels of E1 transparent transmission and 4 channels of high-fidelity audio, and is compatible with PAL, NTSC, and SECAM video formats for all-digital uncompressed transmission. The IDM-Video8, IDM-Video4, IDM-Video2, and IDM-Video1 digital video optical multiplexers in the same series support 8, 4, 2, and 1 channels of video service transmission respectively, with other functions identical to the IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer. As a professional optical multiplexer manufacturer, Raytrans provides a unified technical platform and product showcase across this series of digital video optical multiplexers.
Key Specifications at a Glance: single-fiber unidirectional 16-channel video · 4-channel E1 transparent transmission · 4-channel high-fidelity audio · RS232/RS422/RS485 data interfaces configurable · lightning-protected data port · all-digital uncompressed · compatible with all PAL/NTSC/SECAM formats
Figure 1: Front view of the IDM-Video16 digital video optical multiplexer and close-up of video port and data port indicator LEDs
How Does a 16-Channel Video Optical Multiplexer Carry Video, E1, and Audio Simultaneously over One Optical Fiber?
A 16-channel video optical multiplexer multiplexes multiple channels of video with data, audio, and E1 services into the same optical fiber, replacing multiple video coaxial cables and data cables with a single fiber. Raytrans's IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer adopts all-digital uncompressed transmission: the video signal is digitized inside the device and sent directly onto the optical fiber without going through compression encoding, then restored and output at the receiver, so image detail is not lost to compression.
This mechanism delivers three engineering benefits:
- Video is transmitted as a digital stream and is compatible with PAL, NTSC, and SECAM formats, so front-end cameras do not require additional format conversion equipment;
- Optical fiber is an insulating medium, so transmission is unaffected by electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), or common-ground loop interference;
- A digital video optical multiplexer has no intermodulation interference like analog FM, PM, and AM optical multiplexers, so multiple services running in parallel over the same fiber interfere little with one another.
Single optical direction means the transmitter carries 16 channels of video in one direction over the same optical fiber, and the receiver restores and outputs them at the central side. The 4 E1 channels are extended by transparent transmission, and the 4 channels of high-fidelity audio are transmitted over the same fiber as the video, so one optical multiplexer at the site side and one at the central side are enough to connect all services.
What Functions Are Integrated into One IDM-Video16 Video Optical Multiplexer?
The service channels of the IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer are completed under factory configuration, and on site you simply connect cables according to the port markings. The main functions and their purposes are shown in the table below.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Single optical direction 16-channel video transmission | Carries 16 channels of video service in one direction over one optical fiber, sent onto the fiber in all-digital uncompressed form |
| 4-channel E1 transparent transmission channel | Provides 4 channels of E1 transparent transmission; E1 services are extended to the opposite end as-is, with the original frame structure and time slot allocation unchanged |
| 4-channel high-fidelity audio | Provides 4 channels of high-fidelity audio service in a single optical direction, transmitted over the same fiber as the 16 channels of video |
| Multi-format compatibility | Compatible with PAL, NTSC, and SECAM video formats for all-digital uncompressed transmission |
| Configurable data interfaces | Supports RS232, RS422, RS485 and other data interfaces; the interface type is configured on site according to the connected equipment |
| Lightning-protected data port design | The data port adopts a lightning protection design, reducing the risk of lightning surges intruding along data cables and damaging the port |
| Anti-interference transmission | No electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or common-ground loop interference, and no intermodulation interference like analog optical multiplexers |
| Image transmission quality | The uncompressed link supports high-quality transmission of high-resolution moving and still images |
| Selectable family capacity | IDM-Video8/4/2/1 support 8/4/2/1 channels of video service respectively, with other functions identical to the IDM-Video16 |
Figure 2: Close-up of the optical fiber interface and lightning-protected data port wiring on the rear panel of the IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer
IDM-Video16 Video Optical Multiplexer Technical Specifications
The transmission capability of the IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer is based on the figures given in the product documentation: single optical direction 16-channel video, 4-channel E1 transparent transmission, 4-channel high-fidelity audio, and configurable data interfaces. Specifications for the optical interface, power supply, temperature, and structure are not yet recorded in the knowledge base; the relevant engineering parameters are subject to the manufacturer's technical documentation.
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Video channel | Single optical direction 16-channel | Number of video services carried in one direction over the same optical fiber |
| Video encoding method | All-digital uncompressed | Sent directly onto the fiber without compression encoding; compatible with PAL, NTSC, and SECAM formats |
| E1 channel | 4-channel transparent transmission | E1 services are extended to the opposite end by transparent transmission without changing the original service content |
| Audio channel | 4-channel high-fidelity audio | Transmitted over the same fiber as the 16 channels of video |
| Data interface | RS232, RS422, RS485, etc. | Interface type is configurable and matched to the on-site controlled equipment |
| Data port protection | Lightning protection design | Reduces the risk of lightning surges intruding along data cables and damaging the port |
| Anti-interference characteristics | No electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or common-ground loop interference | Optical fiber provides electrical isolation, suitable for strong electromagnetic environments such as substations |
| Optical port type, wavelength, transmit optical power, receiver sensitivity | Not yet recorded in the knowledge base | Subject to the manufacturer's technical documentation |
| Transmission distance | Not yet recorded in the knowledge base | Subject to the manufacturer's technical documentation; engineering calculations are based on optical fiber attenuation and the optical power budget |
| Power supply mode, power consumption, operating temperature, and structural dimensions | Not yet recorded in the knowledge base | Subject to the manufacturer's technical documentation |
Before project implementation, it is recommended to confirm the specific configuration with the optical multiplexer manufacturer based on on-site optical fiber attenuation, site power supply, and temperature conditions, and to calculate the link length section by section according to the optical power budget.
How Are the Data Interfaces of a Video Optical Multiplexer Configured?
How the data interfaces of a video optical multiplexer are configured depends on the interface type of the on-site controlled equipment. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer supports RS232, RS422, RS485 and other data interfaces, and they are configurable: first confirm which type is used by the camera PTZ, control keyboard, decoder, and industrial control acquisition terminal, then configure the corresponding data port to the same type. With both ends consistent, control commands can be transparently transmitted.
Cabling and wiring points are as follows:
- RS422 uses 4-wire and RS485 uses 2-wire; connect according to the port markings;
- Data cables should be routed separately from video coaxial cables with reasonable spacing to reduce crosstalk;
- The data port has a built-in lightning protection design, but outdoor sites should still follow on-site lightning protection codes for grounding and equipotential bonding;
- After wiring is complete, check the image output and data receive/transmit one by one.
How Is E1 Transparent Transmission Used on a Video Optical Multiplexer?
How E1 transparent transmission is used on a video optical multiplexer depends on whether the site already has E1 services that need to be backhauled together with the newly added video. The E1 channel sends the 2.048 Mbps primary group signal to the opposite end as-is, without interpreting the E1 frame content; the interface rate and interface characteristics follow ITU-T G.703.
The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer provides 4 channels of E1 transparent transmission, which can share one optical fiber with 16 channels of video and 4 channels of high-fidelity audio. When a site with an existing E1 link adds a video surveillance requirement, there is no need to lay another optical cable for video; the existing E1 services and the new video are backhauled together to the central equipment room, reducing duplicate investment and construction work.
Why Do Strong Electromagnetic Private Networks Such as Substations Choose the IDM-Video16 Video Optical Multiplexer?
Substations, traction substations, and industrial plants are strong electromagnetic environments. After long-distance transmission over coaxial cable, interference and ground potential differences are easily introduced, causing streaks and distortion in the image. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer uses optical fiber as the transmission medium; the fiber itself is non-conductive, and the transmitter and receiver are electrically isolated, with no electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or common-ground loop interference, and no intermodulation interference like analog FM, PM, and AM optical multiplexers.
The data port of the IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer adopts a lightning protection design, which reduces the risk of lightning surges intruding along data cables and damaging the port and core circuits. Lightning protection is device-side protection; equipotential bonding, grounding resistance, and signal cable blocking at the equipment room and front-end sites still need to follow engineering lightning protection codes.
| Differentiation Point | Practical Significance for Customers |
|---|---|
| 16-channel video: single-fiber unidirectional carrying of 16 channels of video service | Single-fiber unidirectional 16-channel video + 4-channel E1 + 4-channel audio, all-digital uncompressed transmission; one optical fiber replaces multiple video coaxial cables and data cables, and one device at the site side and one at the central side complete the aggregation |
| 4-channel E1 transparent transmission: E1 services extended over the same fiber as video | When a site with an existing E1 link adds video, there is no need to lay another optical cable; existing E1 services and the new video are backhauled together, reducing duplicate investment and construction work |
| Uncompressed transmission: all-digital uncompressed video onto the fiber | Video is sent directly onto the optical fiber without compression encoding, so image detail is not lost to compression; the link introduces no encoding and decoding stages, and both high-resolution moving and still images are restored with high quality |
| Lightning-protected data port: lightning protection design for the data port | No electromagnetic/RF/common-ground loop interference, suitable for strong electromagnetic private networks such as substations; data port protection reduces the risk of lightning surge damage, and RS232/422/485 data interfaces are configurable, compatible with multiple types of industrial terminals |
How to Select a 16-Channel Video Optical Multiplexer?
How to select a 16-channel video optical multiplexer depends on the number of on-site video sites and the optical cable routing conditions. Models in the same series have completely identical functions; the only difference is the number of video channels carried by a single device, so you simply match the model to the number of sites.
| Model | Video Service Transmission Capability | Other Functions |
|---|---|---|
| IDM-Video16 | 16-channel video | Same functions as the series |
| IDM-Video8 | 8-channel video | Same as IDM-Video16 |
| IDM-Video4 | 4-channel video | Same as IDM-Video16 |
| IDM-Video2 | 2-channel video | Same as IDM-Video16 |
| IDM-Video1 | 1-channel video | Same as IDM-Video16 |
When sites are concentrated in the same cabinet and the total number of video channels does not exceed 16, one IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer is enough to complete the aggregation, reducing the number of devices and the space they occupy in the cabinet. When sites are scattered across multiple areas and independent optical cables have already been laid between the areas, IDM-Video8 or IDM-Video4 can be deployed by zone, avoiding pulling large numbers of video cables long distances back to the same equipment room. For specific optical port configurations, transmission distances, and interface customization requirements, confirm with the manufacturer based on on-site optical fiber conditions.
Typical Application Scenarios
The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer is suitable for image backhaul projects where video signals need to span relatively long distances or avoid electromagnetic interference. Target industries differ, and deployment location differences come down to site environment and O&M conditions.
Unattended Sites in Electric Power and Energy
Cameras in substations, distribution rooms, new energy stations, and pipeline valve chambers are far from the main control room, the sites are in a strong electromagnetic environment, and the sites are unattended for long periods. The difficulty of anti-interference transmission for substation video surveillance lies in the fact that long-distance coaxial cable laying easily introduces electromagnetic interference and ground potential difference, causing streaks or synchronization anomalies in the image. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, with electrical isolation between the transmitter and the receiver, and can reliably send 16-channel device status surveillance video and 4-channel audio back to the control room; the data port adopts a lightning protection design, which, together with on-site equipotential grounding and lightning protection measures, reduces the risk of lightning surges damaging the ports and core circuits.
Public Security and Traffic Police Video Private Network
The video private network sites of public security and traffic police are distributed at intersections, checkpoints, police booths, and inspection stations, at varying distances from the sub-control center or command center, and optical cable resources often already exist but the number of cores is tight. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer carries 16 channels of video unidirectionally over a single fiber, so one site cabinet can backhaul multiple channels of surveillance video from an intersection at one time, and then use 4-channel E1 transparent transmission to carry the existing private network data channel and 4-channel high-fidelity audio for intercom between job roles. The data interface supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 and can be set according to on-site equipment, making it easy to connect PTZ controllers and signal control devices. From the front end to the sub-control center, one section uses optical fiber instead of coaxial cable, so the image is not affected by interference sources such as streetlights and power cables along the line.
Rail Transit and Expressway Line Monitoring
Monitoring sites along rail transit lines, tunnel portals, and expressways are distributed along the line, with long distances between stations and sections, and cabinets are mostly outdoors with scattered grounding points. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer backhauls 16 channels of video, 4 channels of audio, and 4 channels of E1 from line cabinets to the road section center, and is compatible with PAL, NTSC, and SECAM formats, so camera signals installed at different times along the line can all be connected. The optical fiber link is not affected by electromagnetic interference or common-ground loop interference, and the image stability over long-distance sections is better than that of coaxial cable solutions. Video and E1 services are backhauled over the same fiber, reducing optical cable usage and the number of repeater nodes along the line.
Conclusion
The 16-channel video optical multiplexer aggregates video, data, audio, and E1 services onto a single optical fiber for transmission. The IDM-Video16 video optical multiplexer carries 16 channels of video unidirectionally over a single fiber in an all-digital uncompressed manner, with 4-channel E1 transparent transmission and 4-channel high-fidelity audio added, and is compatible with all PAL, NTSC, and SECAM formats. The data interface supports RS232, RS422, and RS485 and can be set on site according to the equipment, and the data port has a lightning protection design. It is suitable for long-distance image backhaul projects that need to avoid electromagnetic interference, such as public security and traffic police video private networks, unattended sites in electric power and energy, and rail transit and expressway line monitoring. During selection, match the capacity among IDM-Video16, IDM-Video8, IDM-Video4, IDM-Video2, and IDM-Video1 according to the number of on-site video sites, and confirm the specific optical port configuration and transmission distance with the manufacturer based on the actual optical fiber conditions on site.
