Comnet Digitally Encoded Video Receiver + Bi-directional Data Up-the-Coax + Fast - FVR10D1EM

Comnet FVR10D1EM 10-Bit Digital Video Receiver with Bi-Directional Data

Overview

The Comnet FVR10D1EM is a 10-bit digital video receiver designed for surveillance systems that require simultaneous video, control data, and Ethernet transport over a single fiber strand. This unit pairs with the FVT10D1EM transmitter (or equivalent) to carry broadcast-grade composite video plus real-time device control and network connectivity across distances up to 3 km on multimode fiber or 48 km on single-mode fiber — a significant reach advantage over coaxial cable, which tops out at 100 meters for 6 MHz bandwidth retention. The FVR10D1EM is housed in ComNet's ComFit modular enclosure, supporting wall, rack, or DIN-rail mounting without modification.

Key Features

• 10-Bit Digital Video Transmission: Maintains RS-250C broadcast-level video fidelity over fiber. Signal-to-noise ratio of 67 dB ensures detail retention in low-light scenes without introducing digital artifacts — critical when evidence footage is cross-referenced in forensic review.
• Single-Fiber Connectivity: One ST optical connector reduces cable runs and splice points compared to dual-fiber systems. Multimode (MM) reaches 3 km (2 miles); single-mode (SM) extends to 48 km (30 miles) — choose based on your backbone infrastructure and cost constraints.
• Bi-Directional Data Channel (DC–250 Kbps): Supports RS232, RS422, and 2/4-wire RS485 protocols plus up-the-coax (UTC) control from major camera manufacturers. This means PTZ commands, iris adjustments, and alarm triggers flow both directions on the same fiber pair, eliminating separate control runs.
• Fast Ethernet Port (10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3 Compliant): Automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover means you don't need crossover cables — connect directly to a switch or daisy-chain to another device. Full-duplex operation supports simultaneous inbound management traffic and outbound video metadata.
• Extreme Temperature Tolerance (-40°C to +75°C Operating): Rated for warehouse loading docks, outdoor utility boxes, and HVAC plenums without climate control. Storage rating extends to +85°C, protecting the unit during hot-truck transport or warehouse peak seasons.
• Broadcast-Grade Video Fidelity: Differential gain <2%, differential phase <0.7°, and tilt <1% — these specs mean color rendition and luminance linearity stay true across long cable runs. Exceeds NEMA TS-1/TS-2 and Caltrans traffic control standards, a requirement for DOT-certified systems.
• Voltage Transient Protection: All power and signal lines include protection against surge events. Automatic resettable fuses on power lines prevent nuisance shutdowns from brief overcurrent spikes — valuable in industrial or outdoor environments prone to lightning-adjacent voltage noise.
• Compact Footprint (6.1 × 5.3 × 1.1 inches): Weighs under 2 lbs, so it fits inside small junction boxes or mounts flush on a wall-mounted patch panel. Hot-swappable design allows field replacement without breaking the entire fiber link.
• Conformally Coated Option: Add suffix '/C' to extend humidity tolerance to condensation-prone environments (electrical closets, coastal installations, refrigerated facilities). Consult factory for cost and lead time.
• Included Power Supply (90–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz): Ships with a benign-environment (0°C–50°C) plug-in supply. For harsh ambient or 24/7 duty in uncontrolled spaces, order the hardened supply separately.

Integration & Compatibility

The FVR10D1EM receives video from its paired FVT10D1EM transmitter (multimode) or FVT10D1ES (single-mode). Both transmit and receive must use the same fiber type — mixing MM and SM requires external mode-conditioning cable. Video input is 1 volt peak-to-peak into 75 ohms via gold-plated BNC, compatible with any NTSC, PAL, or SECAM composite camera output. Operating voltage ranges 8–15 VDC at 350 mA, so a standard 12V industrial power supply covers the unit. LED indicators (Link, Video, Data, Ethernet Activity) provide at-a-glance status without needing a terminal connection — useful for rapid troubleshooting in the field.

The bi-directional data channel supports most major manufacturer protocols (Pelco, Honeywell, Bosch, etc.), and the Ethernet port integrates seamlessly into hybrid systems where you need both legacy composite video and modern IP network access. Maximum coax distance before the unit is 100 meters at 6 MHz bandwidth — plan coax runs from camera to the FVT transmitter accordingly.

What's in the Box

• 1x Comnet FVR10D1EM video receiver module
• 1x DC plug-in power supply (90–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between the FVR10D1EM and FVR10D1ES?

A: Both are identical receivers except for fiber type. The FVR10D1EM uses multimode (MM) fiber and reaches 3 km; the FVR10D1ES uses single-mode (SM) fiber and reaches 48 km. Choose multimode if your fiber backbone is already MM; choose single-mode for longer distances or if you're running new fiber and want future-proof capacity.

Q: Can I use the FVR10D1EM with other manufacturers' fiber transmitters?

A: Only if they output 1310 nm or 1550 nm wavelengths on a single-mode or multimode ST connector and meet RS-250C video encoding. Comnet gear is cross-compatible within the FVT/FVR10D1E family. Do not mix with incompatible wavelengths or fiber types without consulting the transmitter vendor.

Q: Does the FVR10D1EM support power over Ethernet (PoE)?

A: No. The unit requires a separate 8–15 VDC power supply. The Fast Ethernet port is data-only and does not inject PoE. Plan a dedicated 12V supply run to the receiver location.

Q: What mounting options are available?

A: Wall-mount or shelf-mount by default (four mounting holes on the underside). Rack-mount using the ComFit frame for 1U systems. DIN-rail mount by purchasing the optional DINBKT1 adaptor plate separately.

Q: Is the FVR10D1EM suitable for outdoor use?

A: The unit itself is rated -40°C to +75°C and handles condensation-prone conditions if ordered with conformally coated boards (/C suffix). However, the housing is not IP-rated for direct rain or spray — install it in a weatherproof enclosure or junction box. The fiber connection must also be protected (use appropriate outdoor splice boxes).

Q: What warranty does the FVR10D1EM carry?

A: Comnet includes a lifetime warranty on the FVR10D1EM receiver. Check with your supplier for any terms related to physical damage or modifications.

Marty Allison

I've deployed the FVR10D1EM in several multi-site industrial surveillance installations, and the single-fiber architecture is a real labor-saver. The 67 dB SNR holds up well in low-light scenes without that digital noise floor you get with compressed feeds. When you're running long backbone fiber between warehouses or buildings, the 3 km multimode reach on the FVR10D1EM eliminates intermediate repeaters — a significant cost and maintenance win.

Technical Highlights:

• 10-Bit Digital Video + RS-250C Fidelity: Differential gain under 2% and differential phase under 0.7° mean color and brightness linearity stay true across the fiber run. This matters in retail or forensic applications where color-matching or low-light detail is critical for evidence review.
• Bi-Directional Data at 250 Kbps + RS485 Support: Handles PTZ, iris, and alarm control simultaneously with video. No separate control cable run. If you're integrating legacy Pelco-D or Honeywell PTZ domes, the UTC (up-the-coax) option lets you reuse existing control infrastructure.
• Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps, Auto MDI/MDI-X): Automatic crossover detection means you can patch directly to a managed switch without thinking about cable direction. Full-duplex keeps video metadata flowing cleanly even if the camera link is saturated.
• Wide Operating Range (-40°C to +75°C): Not just a spec — this matters if your receiver sits in an outdoor utility box or an unheated warehouse corner. The included conformal coat option (/C) is worth the upcharge in high-humidity or salt-spray environments.

Deployment Considerations:

• The unit requires 8–15 VDC at 350 mA from a separate power supply. Do not attempt to power this from the Ethernet line — there is no PoE. Plan a dedicated 12V run or UPS backup at each receiver location if uptime is critical.
• Maximum coax distance to the camera is 100 meters at 6 MHz bandwidth. If your camera is farther than 100 m from the transmitter, you'll lose high-frequency detail. Measure your coax runs first, or upgrade to shorter, better-shielded cable (RG-6 or better).
• This is a receive-only module — you must pair it with an FVT10D1EM or FVT10D1ES transmitter (not sold with the receiver). Ensure both use the same fiber type (multimode to multimode, single-mode to single-mode).

The FVR10D1EM is best suited for backbone video transport in hybrid analog-and-IP environments — warehouse or industrial sites where you're consolidating camera feeds from distant buildings onto a central fiber trunk. If your entire system is already IP and you can replace cameras with IP models, you'll gain more flexibility. But if you have dozens of legacy composite cameras and need to reach across campus without re-cabling, the FVR10D1EM saves time and money.