Comnet 4-Channel Digitally Encoded Video Receiver 10-Bit RS250C Medium Haul Quality - FVR4014S1SHR

Comnet FVR4014S1SHR 4-Channel Digitally Encoded Video Receiver

Overview

The Comnet FVR4014S1SHR is a 4-channel digitally encoded video receiver built for long-haul fiber transmission in broadcast, professional video, and high-reliability surveillance deployments. This unit decodes 10-bit RS250C-quality video signals transmitted over single-mode fiber at distances up to 48 km (30 miles), making it the right choice when you need pristine video fidelity and fault tolerance across extended fiber runs without analog signal degradation.

Key Features

• 4-Channel Video Reception with 10-Bit Quality: Receives and decodes 4 video channels at 10-bit RS250C resolution—equivalent to broadcast-grade composite video without the bandwidth bloat of raw analog. Means you preserve detail and color accuracy over distance without intermediate re-encoding loss.
• Dual Optical Port Self-Healing Ring (SHR) Topology: Two ST fiber connectors support redundant ring configuration so that if one fiber segment fails, the network automatically reroutes around the break. Critical for 24/7 broadcast and critical surveillance where downtime translates to lost revenue or liability.
• Single-Mode Fiber with 48 km Range: The FVR4014S1SHR carries signals on 1310/1550 nm wavelengths over a single fiber pair with 16 dB optical power budget. At 48 km max distance, you can span entire metro areas or large industrial campuses without intermediate repeaters.
• 4 Bi-directional Data Channels (RS232/RS422/RS485): Alongside video, you get 4 independent serial data paths supporting RS232, RS422, and RS485 (2-wire or 4-wire). Handles PTZ camera control, telemetry, SCADA, or alarm signals over the same fiber route—no separate cable run needed.
• Ultra-Low Power Consumption (3W): Draws only 3W at 8–15 VDC input, meaning you can power multiple receivers from a modest 24 VDC supply or integrate into battery-backed systems without overload. Ideal for remote sites or equipment racks where power margins are tight.
• Compact 3-Slot Rack Form Factor: At 6.1 x 5.3 x 3.3 inches and less than 2 lbs, the FVR4014S1SHR fits standard 19-inch racks in broadcast vans, headend equipment rooms, or stadium control centers. Three rack slots consume minimal real estate in dense installations.
• Wide Operating and Storage Temperature Range (-40°C to +75°C / -40°C to +85°C): Handles unheated antenna shelters, outdoor equipment cabinets, and arctic to desert climates without climate control. Rated 0–95% non-condensing humidity, so coastal salt spray and high moisture environments won't degrade performance.
• High Signal Integrity (67 dB SNR, <2% Differential Gain, <0.7° Differential Phase): These numbers matter if you're broadcasting or feeding downstream digital compression—minimal distortion means cleaner downstream processing and longer usable transmission distances.
• Daisy Chain Up to 8 Video Channels: Stack multiple receivers in a ring topology to aggregate up to 8 video channels on a single fiber pair. Reduces fiber count in multi-camera routes and simplifies backbone design for large broadcast or surveillance networks.
• MTBF >100,000 Hours: Exceeds 11-year continuous operation mean time between failures, indicating industrial-grade component selection and design margin. Matters in broadcast and critical infrastructure where service calls carry high cost and reputation risk.

Integration & Compatibility

The FVR4014S1SHR integrates into fiber-based broadcast and professional video networks where analog composite video quality and long-distance transmission are non-negotiable. The RS232/422/485 data channels enable bidirectional control of remote cameras, multiplexers, or network devices—no separate serial cable needed. Pair the receiver with a matching Comnet transmitter (FVT4014S1SHR or equivalent) at the source end to complete the encoded video link. The self-healing ring topology works with Comnet's SHR-compatible transmitters to create automatic failover networks; if you lose one fiber segment, video continues on the alternate path. Video bandwidth of 5 Hz to 6.5 MHz supports standard NTSC/PAL baseband composite signals and professional analog video without active equalization. The unit accepts 8–15 VDC input, so it pairs with standard industrial 12 VDC or 24 VDC supplies, UPS systems, or redundant power modules in critical control rooms.

What's in the Box

The FVR4014S1SHR ships as a single receiver unit. Verify with your supplier for rack mounting brackets, ST fiber jumpers, and power connectors, as these may be ordered separately or bundled depending on your purchase configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between RS250C and standard composite video transmission?

A: RS250C is a broadcast-grade digital encoding of composite video signals. The 10-bit encoding in the FVR4014S1SHR preserves color accuracy and luminance detail at distances up to 48 km without the signal degradation, noise pickup, or equalization challenges of analog coax. If you're feeding broadcast-quality content or long-distance surveillance video, this is the standard.

Q: Can I use the FVR4014S1SHR with single-mode fiber longer than 48 km?

A: The 48 km range is the maximum with a 16 dB optical power budget over standard single-mode fiber at 1310/1550 nm. Beyond that, you would need intermediate optical amplifiers or regenerators, which are outside the scope of this receiver. For longer distances, consult Comnet or a systems integrator about repeater or amplifier options.

Q: What happens if one fiber in the self-healing ring fails?

A: In a self-healing ring topology, video and data automatically reroute through the redundant path. You lose no signal; the failover is transparent. This assumes you have configured both the transmitter and receiver in a ring—single point-to-point links do not offer this protection.

Q: Can I mix RS232, RS422, and RS485 on the 4 data channels?

A: Yes. Each of the 4 bi-directional data channels is independently configurable for RS232, RS422 (4-wire), or RS485 (2-wire or 4-wire). This flexibility lets you run PTZ pan-tilt-zoom control on one channel, telemetry on another, and alarm signals on a third, all over the same fiber link.

Q: What power supply do I need for the FVR4014S1SHR?

A: The receiver accepts 8–15 VDC input and draws 3W maximum. A standard 24 VDC industrial supply rated for at least 0.5 A will easily power multiple receivers. In battery-backed or UPS scenarios, the low current draw makes this unit practical for extended runtime.

Q: Is the FVR4014S1SHR suitable for outdoor antenna shelter or harsh environment deployment?

A: Yes. The unit operates from -40°C to +75°C and tolerates 0–95% non-condensing humidity. Unheated shelters, outdoor cabinets, and salt-spray coastal locations are within spec. Ensure the cabinet provides basic weather sealing; the receiver itself does not have an IP rating because it is a 19-inch rack-mount unit.

Ted Perry

The Comnet FVR4014S1SHR is a workhorse for broadcast and long-haul video transport. I've deployed these in stadium control rooms, remote broadcast vans, and metro fiber backbone networks. The 10-bit RS250C encoding with 67 dB SNR is the key—you're not just passing signal; you're preserving fidelity for downstream graphics, compositing, or DVE systems that choke on noisy basebands. The FVR4014S1SHR does that transparently across 48 km of single-mode fiber.

Technical Highlights:

• Self-Healing Ring Topology (SHR) with Dual ST Fiber Ports: If you wire transmitter and receiver in a ring with redundant fiber paths, a fiber cut or connector failure triggers automatic reroute in milliseconds—no human intervention, no video dropout. In broadcast, that's the difference between an on-air event and a black screen on the air.
• 4 Independent Bi-Directional Data Channels (RS232/422/485, 250 Kbps): Run PTZ camera control, telemetry return, or SCADA signals alongside video on the same fiber. 250 Kbps per channel is tight for high-speed serial busses, but it handles PTZ commands, encoder/decoder control, and low-bandwidth sensor telemetry. Real time savings on cable infrastructure.
• 3W Power Consumption at 8–15 VDC: You can power 8–10 of these receivers from a single industrial 24 VDC supply. In remote headends or battery-backed critical infrastructure, that low draw extends runtime and simplifies power distribution. No need for chunky 48 VDC supplies or multiple 12 VDC branches.

Deployment Considerations:

• The FVR4014S1SHR is a receiver only—you must pair it with a matching Comnet transmitter (FVT4014S1SHR series) at the source. It won't work standalone; verify your transmitter model supports 10-bit RS250C encoding and SHR topology if you want ring failover.
• The 48 km range assumes standard single-mode fiber with 16 dB power budget. Patch cables, fusion splices, and connectors consume roughly 0.3–0.5 dB each; long runs with multiple connectors will eat budget fast. Plan fiber routes carefully and test optical power at both ends before commissioning. A rough loss budget: -16 dB = 48 km baseline; every 100 m of fiber ~0.25 dB, every ST connector ~0.3 dB.
• The 4 serial data channels top out at 250 Kbps; high-speed device control (Gigabit network traffic, high-frequency analog telemetry) won't fit. Use these for PTZ commands, alarm contacts, and low-bandwidth SCADA—not for DVR/NVR network data.

This is the right pick for broadcast backbone or mission-critical surveillance fiber spans where you cannot tolerate video degradation over distance and you need redundant failover built in. Stadium control rooms, remote production trucks, and large-campus surveillance networks with fiber backbone benefit most from FVR4014S1SHR deployment.