Tektronix unveils waveform monitor with HDMI/HDCP connection

USA: Tektronix has expanded its award-winning line of waveform monitors and rasterizers with its new WFM and WVR5250 models, the only products in their respective classes to offer HDMI-HDCP inputs that enable broadcasters and video service providers (VSP) to directly monitor the quality of the video and audio output of set-top boxes (STB) and Blu-ray players for the first time.

This unique capability makes the WFM/WVR5250 the most comprehensive, compact and portable video and audio test tools available for acquisition, post production and compliance monitoring.

Before the WFM/WVR5250 and its HDMI-HDCP inputs, there was no way for broadcasters, and VSPs to monitor the video signal quality output from STBs, Blu-ray players and other consumer devices with HDMI outputs.

The majority of video and audio content provided through the HDMI connector on consumer devices such as STBs and Blu-ray players is encrypted using HDCP for copy protection and only certified HDCP compliant devices can provide the necessary decoding.

The WFM/WVR5250 is HDCP compliant allowing users to have direct access to the data they need to assess the quality of the signal output by any consumer device that uses HDMI interfaces. This is essential for VSPs who are trying to objectively measure the customer Quality of Experience and compliance to broadcast and regulatory standards as seen by their customers.

In addition to checking the output of their STBs, cable operators and other VSPs can use the HDMI-HDCP connectivity of the WFM/WVR5250 to test new STB firmware releases in the lab and diagnose interoperability issues. This eliminates the need for dedicated HDMI protocol analyzers.

VSPs can also conduct audio loudness "quick checks" in headends or hub sites which is important for complying with the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act and for ensuring audio quality during live sporting events and other programming.