Tektronix Portfolio Addresses Broadcasters’ Top Challenges on the Way to 4K
Tektronix (Booth SU9121) is showcasing its portfolio of solutions for ensuring picture and sound quality, including expanded options for 4K analysis and monitoring. Highlights include comprehensive 4K/UHD monitoring using WFM/WVR8000 series waveform monitors and rasterizers, a recently expanded lineup of 4K-capable file-based analysis solutions, and 4K-picture–quality analysis.
Other areas of focus include a new dual-input option for the Sentry Video Network Monitoring solution to meet the latest FCC closed-captioning rules, and the expanded diagnostic capabilities of the portable WFM2300 waveform monitor.
Another major topic at NAB is the transition from SDI to IP-based infrastructures, which enable more-efficient and cost-effective distribution of 4K/UHD signals. Tektronix is among the industry leaders collaborating with Sony on its video-over-IP initiative, including support for Sony’s IP Live Production system.
4K Monitoring Solution
The WFM/WVR8000 series products, with quad–3G-SDI inputs, offer a comprehensive monitoring and measurement solution for quad-link 4K/UHD formats for camera lineup, color grading, color correction, QC, and facility maintenance. To future-proof the platform, the WFM/WVR8000 waveform monitors and rasterizers have an internal architecture that can handle 4K data rates, allowing the addition of 4K/UHD formats as an existing product upgrade. This effectively eliminates the need to purchase new monitoring equipment and incur unnecessary capital expenses when transitioning to 4K.
New capabilities include ITU-R BT.2020 color-space support in waveform, vector, picture, and Tektronix patented gamut-display mode, square division and 2-sample interleave 4K formats support, and 4K video session display. Also included are the Tektronix-patented Timing display with new 4K link timing measurements and audio loudness monitoring and ancillary data support for 4K content.
Expanded File-Based Monitoring Solutions
With the industry moving toward 4K, Tektronix is showcasing a comprehensive set of file-based QC solutions to address such customer needs as faster test times, an integrated video player, comprehensive codec support, and easy integration with workflows.
In addition to its Cerify and QCloud offerings, attendees can see the latest additions to the Tektronix QC Validation Suite as the result of an exclusive licensing agreement with Digimetrics. These include the scalable, easy-to-use Aurora file-based QC tool; Hydra, a frame-accurate file-based player (which can be used for 4K content playback); and AutoFix, a suite of file-based correction tools.
Sentry Dual-Input Option
Under FCC guidelines released in March, broadcasters and cable operators must meet standards for television closed captioning for accuracy, synchronicity, completeness, and placement. In addition, the FCC has imposed new requirements around record-keeping and handling viewer complaints.
With dual-input capability, the Sentry Video Network Monitoring solution gives broadcasters a low-cost, self-contained, single-unit solution for monitoring compliance with FCC rules, along with an integrated alert system and 60-day history. It can be further combined with a Tektronix MTS4000 MPEG analyzer to diagnose and resolve more serious problems.
Faster Troubleshooting With the WFM2300
Tektronix is also featuring the expanded diagnostics and troubleshooting capabilities of the portable WFM2300 waveform monitor. New features include asynchronous-serial-interface (ASI) confidence monitoring, a broader range of test signals (including Dolby E test-signal generation), A/V and propagation delay measurements, and HDMI connectivity through SFP modules. To take the guesswork out of fault diagnosis, the WFM2300 automatically determines the format of the signal connected to the active input (ASI or SDI) and displays the appropriate measurements.