Electrical/ Network

Portal Gold media stations may provide similar functionality to traditional settop boxes, or even replace them. However, when media stations are used as part of a data network, even if they are connected to televisions, there are fundamental differences in the way they operate, and therefore how they must be installed and maintained.

A normal cable box is only designed to receive RF via coaxial cable. This RF is demodulated and then displayed on the TV’s screen. However, our media stations are designed to acquire IP data from an Ethernet network, making the box more like a network client. Because it is a networked computer, the Portal Gold is much more sensitive to electrical power and ground problems than a cable box.

In a standard Settop Box, electrical ground problems show up as interference in the picture and/or hum in the audio. With a data network, such electrical problems create data problems and can even cause a computer – or in this case a Portal Gold media station – to crash. Therefore, when installing media stations, the same set-up precautions that are normally taken with a data network must be observed.

By adhering to the following electrical requirements, you can help to insure the best performance from your Portal Gold system.

1. All Portal Gold boxes, Servers and network switches must be on the same dedicated AC power circuit, preferably provided via an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or at least filtered by a surge protector. Other devices, including motors, appliances or high power equipment, should be on a completely separate circuit from the IP video network. Such devices generate electrical “noise,” which flows back onto the AC line and creates problems for sensitive digital equipment.

2. All networked digital devices should be connected via a dedicated ground, allowing for the even flow of electricity around the network. Multiple grounds create “ground loops,” which causes the 60hz or 50hz AC frequency to invade the system and can disrupt data transmission.

3. All network cabling must be kept away from devices, which might emit electrical noise or interference. The cabling can pick up these emissions and data can be corrupted. This includes Fluorescent lighting ballast, A/C or Heater motors or even AC cables.

4. Always use Category 5 cabling or better; phone cable is not adequate for transmitting data at the speeds necessary to support Video on Demand.

If these basic requirements are not met, the system may appear to operate well most of the time, but can be subject to sporadic crashes. Obviously it is problematic (and costly) to troubleshoot electrical infrastructure once it is in place.

The “ghost in the machine” could end up being a device that is only used periodically. One example from our “real-life” experience was a network that worked perfectly until the cold winter months arrived, at which point it crashed constantly. In troubleshooting the system, we discovered that the network cabling had been run over a blower that was a part of the building’s heating system. When the weather turned cold, the heat was activated, along with the blower. The noise generated on the network by this blower, affected computers throughout the building because they shared a common electrical system.