Date: 13/05/2012

High end testing platform presented by Rohde & Schwarz for audio/ video interfaces (HDMI, MHL)

Rohde & Schwarz has presented a high end platform for testing digital video interfaces such as the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and the mobile high-definition link (MHL). The new R&S VTC video test center can be used to test the functionality of these interfaces and their compliance with the relevant standards. The R&S VTC provides combined realtime protocol testing and audio/ video analysis including difference picture analysis.

The new R&S VTC video test center complements the existing R&S VTS compact video tester and R&S VTE video tester and is suited for use in R & D. The all-in-one solution provides realtime protocol and media content analysis and can be modified at any time to meet the requirements of specific test environments. It can also be upgraded to comply with new standards.

The platform accommodates up to eight test modules. Separate options are available for the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and for the mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface that are commonly used in consumer electronics equipment. An analog audio/ video interface module and a modulator module for broadcasting standards are currently being prepared.

In combination with the HDMI options, the R&S VTC performs extensive realtime analyses of video and audio parameters as well as info frames. To test sources and sinks, the R&S VTC can perform system protocol tests in line with the latest HDMI compliance test specification 1.4c. For the various interfaces, Rohde & Schwarz provides test software that can be used to automate test routines.

Few options offered by Rohde & Schwarz for the automatic analysis of media content are

1. The R&S VT-B2361 HDMI RX option also makes it possible to test ultra definition (UD) resolutions, i.e. resolutions up to 4k x 2k as used in high-end screens.
2. The R&S VT-K2100 video analysis option measures the timing and level of each video signal component in realtime, making it possible to verify whether color transmission is correct.
3. The R&S VT-K2110 AV inspection and R&S VT-K2111 AV distortion analysis options assist users in performing difference picture analyses. In addition to the graphical result display, objective measured values such as PSNR, SSIM and MOS are also displayed in realtime.
4. One option includes a conclusive audio analysis function. The R&S VTC identifies the key parameters such as audio level, frequency response, phase response, S/N ratio, distortion and crosstalk.

The R&S VTC video test center utilizes 11" touchscreen which makes it easy to use. It can also be operated remotely via LAN using a PC or tablet. The video test center supports several languages including Chinese, Korean and Japanese. The VXI-11 interface allows the device to be integrated into automated test setups.

The R&S VTC video test center and the new R&S VT-B2360/2361 HDMI RX options will be available from Rohde & Schwarz as of August 2012.