Broadcast Signal Measurement & Monitoring

  • By David Kirk

Broadcast Signal Measurement & Monitoring

Contributing Editor David Kirk has a fresh look at the developments in the field of and measurement and monitoring…

Video, audio and data measurement and monitoring is one of the fastest advancing areas of the broadcast business. The industry is striving to keep up with higher definition, higher dynamic range, an expanding population of file formats and new modes of data compression. The following summary looks at new developments in this sector announced during the months between InBroadcast’s December 2020 Test & Measurement overview and what would have been the April 2021 NAB Show in Las Vegas. There is quite a lot to cover.

Bridge Technologies’ recently introduced ISM (Integrated Services Monitoring) “provides exactly the set of data gathering tools broadcasters need throughout the chain from production to delivery, uncompressed to compressed,” says the company’s Chairman, Simen Frostad. “No other company in the network monitoring and analysis space can offer such a complete, comprehensive set of automated capabilities that deliver such a high level of understanding throughout any content distribution chain.” A turnkey monitoring system, ISM supports SD, HD, UHD and 8K. It encompasses contribution streams using various encapsulation techniques including TS-encapsulated JPEG2K and SRT in addition to traditional IPTV. ISM includes pre-demodulation signal analytics, pre and post encoding analytics for IPTV, cable delivery and remote physical layer as well as transcoding for OTT distribution. Data is monitored using QoE parameters such as MOS scores, and recorded for instant display on a visual timeline. PDF reports are automatically generated and can be emailed to whoever needs them. Also introduced is Widglets, an API for the VB440 IP probe. This allows video monitoring data to be embedded within any HTML code for access by anyone connected via a web browser, wherever they are. The probe is designed to monitor and analyse of high-bitrate ST2110 and ST2022-6 broadcast data moving between broadcasting networks, production studios, master control centres and outside broadcast vehicles and venues. It enables production teams to continuously survey all layers of media transportation on an IP network and facilitates quick rectification of potential problems.

Interra Systems’ file-based automated QC product, Baton, now includes a Comprimato JPEG2000 decoder supporting automated testing of UHD content. Baton performs QC and compliance checks for video on demand content, online or on-site, for linear and streaming workflows. It supports a combination of automated and manual checks including subtitles and closed caption verification, audio language identification, PSE correction plus loudness detection and correction.

Leader Electronics’ LVB440 allows analysis of SD, HD, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR data flow over media networks of any size. Designed to monitor and analyse high-bitrate media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities, remote production facilities and transmission networks, it supports data rates of 10, 25, 40, 50 and 100 gigabits via dual interfaces. Also supported are SMPTE ST 2110-20/21/30/40, ST 20226/7, SMPTE 2059 / IEEE 1588-2008 and NMOS IS-04/05/07/09 discovery and registration. The core processor is capable of handling up to the 48 gigabit/s data rate required for full bandwidth source 8K. Operators gain the ability to survey every media transport layer of an IP network simultaneously, allowing issues to be rectified before they impact the quality of service experienced by programme viewers

MTI Film’s Cortex range of mastering and validation products includes solutions for use on-set and in post. Cardiff-based film and video post production house Gorilla chose an MTI Film Cortex Enterprise mastering and validation system for its recently expanded GloWorks facility. Supplied by MTI Film distribution partner Big Pic Media, the Cortex forms part of Gorilla’s investment in new 4K HDR technology. Cortex’ capabilities include IMF, DCP, AS-02 and Dolby Vision packaging, multiple quality control modules, video measurement tools, IMF validation and resolution upconversion. Each module includes enhanced editing capabilities. Cortex v5.2 Enterprise Edition is now officially certified for use with Dolby Vision Content Mapping v4. It  includes the ability to package Dolby Vision IMFs and to import/modify/export Dolby Vision XML files and MXF files for both Dolby Vision CMv2 and Dolby Vision CMv4. Cortex runs on Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10 and uses one or more NVidia GPUs.

Phabrix has added new features to its Sx TAG portable IP/SDI generator and analyser in co-operation with Riedel. These include NMOS IS-08 Audio Channel Mapping for up to 16-channel 2110-30 (PCM) and 2110-31 (AES3) formatted audio, plus new updates for NMOS IS-04 and IS-05. The NMOS feature set is configurable via Riedel MN SET software which can run on Windows or on Linux platforms. The software allows quick monitoring of devices and signals, configuration and upgrades. An intuitive control panel is also included allowing routing of individual flows or logical sources. 

Rohde & Schwarz has added new IP-related multiviewer features to its Prismon broadcast channel monitoring and multiviewer. This provides any input to any output connectivity through IP proxy networks for up to 36 remote devices. “As broadcasters continue to increase channel numbers and distribution methods to consumers, they need technology that enables them to quickly adapt to everyday changes,” says Andreas Loges, VP of Media Technologies. “This new function provides an extraordinary level of flexibility by allowing you to offer any input signal, decoded on any Prismon within the IP network, to be displayed on any other Prismon output within that same network.”

Telestream has added six new models to its Prism waveform monitor product line. MPS-100, 200, 300 are single screen half-rack-width units. MPD-100, 200, 300 are dual screen full-rack-width units.  

Each model is 5 inches in depth, has four inputs and is equipped to handle 4K/8K HDR/WCG, Dolby Audio, 10/25G-IP and 12G-SDI.  Features include HDR tools, Telestream’s STOP waveform, user-defined false colour, light meter, and CIE charts. Remote production is fully supported, including full feature remote viewing of the display screen. Pairing with Telestream’s Inspect 2110 probe allows detailed monitoring and analysis of ST2110 IP video across a network. When an area of concern is flagged by Inspect 2110, a single button press launches any stream in Prism for ST 2110 video waveform, audio, data, and PTP analysis. “The Prism technology platform has enabled us to create a range of form factors at affordable entry level price points, while retaining a no-penalty software upgrade path to add higher-end features as required,” says Charlie Dunn, Telestream’s Senior VP of Tek Video.

Triveni Digital has enhanced its StreamScope XM analyser with a 12-port input card from DekTec, allowing broadcasters and cable operators to analyse multiple ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 streams simultaneously. The analyser is integrated with a 12-channel PCIe receiver from DekTec, offering support for 12 receivers on one card, including a mix of terrestrial (ATSC 3.0, ATSC 1.0, and 8VSB) and cable (QAM) signals. All 12 channels are demodulated simultaneously, allowing users to monitor a complete network in real time. “Adding a 12-port input card to our StreamScope XM system enables our customers to analyse ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 streams concurrently without having to purchase additional equipment,” says Triveni Digital Sales & Marketing VP Ralph Bachofen. Wohler’s iAM-Audio-2 is a 16 channel multi-source touch-screen audio monitor in a 1 RU chassis.  Input options include SDI (3G, HD, SD), Ravenna, AES67 and Dante IP, and the audio essences of SMPTE ST-2110 and ST-2022-6. 

Analog is included as standard.  AES3 and MADI inputs are also available.  Dolby processing is available as a processing option.  The unit also includes loudness monitoring and phase metering. Three rotary knobs supplement the touch controls, providing access to volume, balance and other control functions such as summing, soloing and muting.  A front mounted USB port is provided for software updates. Multiple units on the same network can be updated, monitored and controlled via a browser-based user interface that supports fast configuration.

Worldcast Systems has introduced version 3.1.4 of its Audemat DAB Probe. New features include the ability to activate a second DAB receiver, allowing reception of a second signal source;  additional measurements for evaluating signal and content quality. Designed to monitor DAB signal quality and service continuity at the transmitter site or in a coverage area, the probe can be used for remote monitoring of a set list of channels, allowing users to verify the conformity of their DAB network. It can also record transmitter impulse response drifts and associate a transmitter name with a detected TII code.