Video test and measurement equipment

 

Review contents:
MPEG-2 and measurements TV Network Monitoring Equipment of the the IMOS Company Going digital with program insertion — challenges and solutions Innovative T&M system for MPEG-2 monitoring and analysis Systems from Snell & Wilcox for testing, estimation and checking of MPEG streams Video test and measurement equipment

Test, measurement and monitoring solutions that have led the industry for over 50 years. Providing quality control tools for content production, broadcast network management, installation and maintenance, and video equipment design and manufacturing

MPEG test system

In the development environment the AD953-II is a convenient signal source and powerful diagnostic tool. Its ability to play out the same test stream repeatedly, at data rates of up to 90 Mb/s provides the stimulus source for developers of integrated receiver decoders (IRD) and modulators.

In the production environment the AD953-II provides a source of repeatable test patterns for the test and alignment of IRDs and modulators.

The reliability, embedded diagnostics and modularity of the system provides for the minimum down-time during the unit’s working life.

Features and Benefits

• Mpeg, DVB, ATSC and ISDB compliance testing;
• In depth offline analysis capability to solve problems and isolate faults quickly;
• Real time monitoring to TR101 290 with powerful trigger mode to track down operational faults quickly;
• OpenTV and ViAccess protocol analysis;
• Easy-to-interpret detailed graphical display of real time and offline analysis tools;
• Wide range of industry standard interfaces for plug and play connectivity;
• Modular design allows you to purchase only the performance you require today;
• You can easily upgrade in the future as your needs change;
• Enhanced hardware with Pentium III platform;
• Microsoft NT operating system provides robust performance and functionality.

Applications

• Development;
• Production;
• Transmission;
• Satellite;
• Cable;
• Terrestrial.

Simple, in-the-field diagnosis and quality assurance

The AD954 is a small, portable unit with enough power to debug MPEG-2 systems in the field. It interfaces with the engineers laptop computer running AD954 software to create a cost effective and simple analysis tool for use on the move.

Features and Benefits

• Supports MPEG-2/DVD/ATSC transport streams which enables testing to be performed anywhere in the world;
• Real time monitoring of key parameters gives an immediate indication of major problems;
• Detailed off line transport stream analysis enables full in-depth analysis of the transport stream;
• Transport stream capture and triggered recording provides the capability to send streams back to base;
• ASI, SMPTE 310M, DBD, parallel interfaces for connection anywhere in an MPEG-2 network;
• MPEG-2;
• Small, light and portable;
• Low power consumption.

Applications

• Installation and commissioning of DVB/ATSC transmission chains;
• Testing and debug of MPEG-2 broadcast equipment.

MTM400 MPEG transport stream monitor — right content, right place, right time

The MTM400 is a cost effective solution which can be used for unattended operation for unmanned regional headends. The network monitoring units linked to central operations centre reduces manpower requirements and the QAM interface allows cost-effective multi-channel monitoring.

MTM400 stream monitor

Features and Benefits

• Monitor key measurements with real-time monitoring of TR101 290 first, second and third priority parameters;
• Remotely monitor and control all units in a monitoring network from a central control point;
• monitor contribution and primary distribution feeds at data rates up to 155 mbps;
• User-defined template monitoring;
• Analyze captured streams using industry leading deferred time analysis software;
• Confidence monitoring at the RF modulated layer with optional QPSK and QAM interfaces;
• Error logging — User-configurable alarms.

Applications

• DTTV distribution;
• DTTV contribution and primary distribution;
• Local cable headend;
• DTH or network operator satellite uplink facility.

MPEG recorder and player

The MTX100 MPEG-2 recorder and player offers a flexible, affordable solution for design evaluation and conformance testing of digital video products using MPEG-2 technology. The MTX100 records and plays out MPEG-2 transport streams compliant with ATSC, DVB and ISDB standards at the high data rates needed to verify and troubleshoot designs for high performance video products and systems.

Features and Benefits

• High capacity storage and high data rate recording and playout of MPEG transport streams let you build, maintain and use a large local library of test streams;
• Real-time updating of timestamps and time tables for error-free looping;
• PCR jitter insertion to help you fully stress your product or system design;
• Remote control via ethernet with standard command for programmable instruments (SCPI) command set;
• Sample transport streams provided to get you started quickly;
• Easy integration with Tektronix MPEG analysis tools for transport stream creation to support compliance and stress testing of video products using MPEG-2 technology;
• CD-ROM and 100Base-T ethernet download of transport streams for optimal flexibility in storing and managing transport stream libraries;
• Colour hierarchical display of transport stream components for quick and easy interpretation of complex structures;
• A full suite of electrical interfaces lets you address a wide range of applications.

Applications

• IRD/STB design and manufacturing test;
• Evaluation of professional MPEG equipment;
• Performance verification of MPEG systems.

Material is provided by Tektronix Company