I predict that the Neutrik OpticalCON Transceiver Adaptor will be the biggest news at this year's AES in San Fransisco.

In other predictions: the global commodities markets will recover before we are out of Iraq.

But back to the matter at hand: Neutrik's newest offering in their OpticalCON* line is a Transceiver Adapter. This colorful little guy handles connections between an OpticalCON chassis and a multimode SFP transceiver. Since Neutrik can almost certainly explain it better than we can, here's their press release copy:

"In an effort to ease design integration of its opticalCON chassis connectors in combination with SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers, Neutrik introduces an opticalCON Transceiver Adapter at AES 2008 (Booth 809). The OpticalCON Transceiver Adapter seamlessly connects an OpticalCON chassis and an LC SFP transceiver.

SFP transceivers are compact, optical transceivers used in fiber-optic communications. Neutrik's OpticalCON Transceiver Adapter is compatible with all LC SFP transceivers and enables use of Neutrik's rugged OpticalCON or conventional LC connectors. It features an automatic sealing shutter which avoids any transceiver contamination on-site and also helps users avoid vandalism by "protecting" the transceiver.

Neutrik's newest transceiver adapter is available in several variations depending on signal mode. Each is designated a particular color coding for easy and instant identification on-site. Neutrik's new receiver adapters include the Multimode transceiver adapter (NAO2M-SFP-LC) which features a black color coding, Single mode transceiver adapter (NAO2S-SFP-LC) with a blue color coding and Single mode APC transceiver adapter (NAO2SA-SFP-LC) with a color coding of green.

"At Neutrik, integration is the key to staying at the forefront of connectivity trends and needs," says Jim Cowan, president of Neutrik USA. "Products such as the new OpticalCON Transceiver Adapter enable us to offer our customers an optical solution from Neutrik, to seamlessly integrate with SFP transceivers."

OpticalCON increases the reliability and maximizes the uptime for fiber optic connection systems. While this new system is based on a standard optical LC-Duplex connection; the OpticalCON improves this original design to ensure a safe and rugged connection. It enables up to four copper wires to run power or data signals through. A special SMPTE-version has been optimized for broadcast applications, which provides an additional ground-shell contact.

In order to create a simplified installation, one can connect a conventional LC-Duplex connector on the rear, which causes the chassis connector to act as a "feed-through." The OpticalCON cable connector comes pre-assembled with a choice of three mobile field cables, which can be ordered at almost any length.

The OpticalCON also features a rugged connection, all metal housing and heavy-duty cable retention. OpticalCON uses conventional LC connectors, which are easy to clean, and has a Push-Pull locking mechanism. In addition, the colored labeling plates are included to identify the fiber mode.