Press Release

Gepco, a General Cable company and industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of professional audio and video cables, is highlighting its new field-deployable and expandable HMS & HMD Modular Hybrid Fiber Distribution Racks at HD World 2009 (Stand 940). Simplifying and improving the cable installation process, the HMD and HMS series of distribution racks deliver an on-site termination solution for SMPTE 304M format camera connectors which are typically challenging to field terminate.

Designed for modularity and expandability, both the HMS and HMD feature a new internal cable management design with configurable ports for multiple cable formats, including 9.2mm SMPTE hybrid cable, discrete electrical and fiber cables, or the HDC3R three-channel hybrid cable. The internal management design delivers a streamlined breakout for interconnecting cable between racks by eliminating the need for excessive heat shrink, furcation tubing and additional cable strain relief. Mounted in nonconductive, electrically isolated modules, the HMS and HMD can be configured with Lemo SMPTE 304M or Neutrik OpticalCon connectors, which can easily be expanded, interchanged or serviced.

Available in two versions, the HMS Fusion Splice and HMD Internal SC Breakout, both deliver the same modularity and cable management designs.

The HMS features an internal fusion splice tray for direct fusion splicing to the fiber in the hybrid connector. The direct splice method delivers the lowest attenuation to maximize the loss headroom of the signal chain. Unlike other conventional splice systems, the HMS splice tray was designed specifically for the management of larger cables such as 3mm breakout and 900 µm tight-buffered fiber, allowing for a cleaner and more robust splice management. To eliminate the need for specialized fusion splice equipment, the HMD can be spliced with almost any type of fusion splicer and does not require custom jigs or fixtures.

The HMD features an internal SC breakout with optional fusion splice mating connectors. The internal SC breakout design provides a quick disconnect for the hybrid modules, enabling for both faster servicing and modularity. The interconnecting fiber between racks can be terminated with conventional polishing methods or with optional fusion splice SC connector kits.

“Gepco first introduced the original standard for hybrid fiber distribution systems in 2003, and we are very proud to introduce our latest generation of hybrid products,” says Scott Fehl, Product Marketing Manager for Gepco & Isotec Brands. “The new Gepco HMD and HMS systems deliver the best solution for hybrid fiber cable management and expandability, in a format that accommodates the latest technology used in field terminating optical fiber cables.”