Sencore Video Generators — Testing
Solutions for a Changing World!
In recent years there have been numerous industry changes affecting the video testing environment. Digital signals are now part of the video signal chain all the way from production to the consumer display. Multiple signal formats or resolutions from SDTV to HDTV are considered the norm. New signal interface connections have emerged and have been standardized. Simulcast transmission has forced the coexistence and compatibility of both analog and digital signals.
These changes have revolutionized the need for video analyzing signals. Sencore has met these challenges with a wide line of video generator choices and options to fit most testing applications. This article provides an overview of the Sencore video generator testing solutions.
VP400 "VideoPro" Multimedia Video Generator
The Sencore "VideoPro" is a handheld video generator weighing about two pounds, but providing tons of video test signal capability.
Figure 1. The Sencore "VideoPro" Multimedia Video Generator. The VP403C provides moving video clips to highlight the performance of any HD-ready display.
To meet today's diverse signal interface testing challenges, the Multimedia Video Generator provides NTSC-RF, NTSC and PAL composite, NTSC and PAL S-video, SDTV/HDTV YPbPr component video, SDTV/HDTV and VESA/MAC RGB, SDTV/HDTV and VESA/MAC DVI, and SDTV/HDTV ATSC-RF test signal types. A wide range of signal resolutions within the YPbPr and RGB signal types are selectable. In addition to the fundamental testing signals, it offers photo quality still images and motion video test signals via the ATSC RF channel output at various high definition TV resolutions.
Figure 2. The VideoPro offers all the signal types and formats needed for testing, calibrating, and servicing all display types and inputs.
Choose a VideoPro That Fits Your Needs
You can choose the signals you want from a family of Sencore VideoPro models, starting with the base model VP400 and ending with an all signal-inclusive model VP403C. But keep in mind, an instrument such as the "VideoPro" provides years of dependable service, so you may need most (or all) the signals offered by the VP403C.
Figure 3. Select the VideoPro model that provides the signals you need.
If you currently own a VP401 or VP403 and find yourself in need of additional test and analyzing capabilities offered by the VP403C…no problem! Sencore offers upgrade options to retrofit a VP401 or VP403 to a VP403C model.
Innovative video test patterns for accurate testing and alignment, including Pluge, Decoder Adjust, Linearity, Overscan, and Window (selectable IRE level)
The VideoPro contains many innovative analyzing and alignment test patterns including: Pluge, Decoder adjust, Linearity, Overscan, HiLoTrk, and selectable IRE level Window patterns, plus a host of other standard video patterns. The wide selection of signal output types, resolution formats, and video patterns insure the VideoPro is ready to help you with any testing, professional calibration, or show and tell demonstration.
Figure 4. Examples of just a few of the innovative test patterns found on the "VideoPro" generators.
ATSC-RF Photo Image Test Signals (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i)
The VP403C offers photo (still) images with the selection of video test patterns for the ATSC-RF output in the resolutions of 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. The images feature a close-up view of a young lady with a multi-color hairpiece and an outdoor scene of a young couple with backpacks. The images provide an excellent reference for gauging display facial color tone and picture clarity at the various resolutions.
Figure 5. Photo (still) images are part of the video pattern selections on the VP403C's ATSC-RF signal type.
ATSC-RF motion video test signals (720p, 1080i) include movies of hot-air balloons taking flight, and beautiful Hawaii nature scenes - plus stereo audio.
The VP403C outputs two moving ATSC-RF motion video test clips (720p and 1080i) featuring colorful hot-air balloons taking flight or beautiful nature scenes from Hawaii. The moving test signals highlight the performance of any HD-ready display for wowing customers after display installation, calibration or servicing. The motion video test clips are also excellent for testing and identifying artifacts related to digital signal processing. The video clips include stereo audio, bringing the video clips to life.
S802 High Bandwidth 200 MHz Video Test Generator
Models: S802BT / S802R-300 / S802R-400
The S802 generator series provides improved precision and resolution video test signals. Models are available in 200, 300 or 400 MHz video bandwidth to satisfy precision video test signal needs in design, production, installation and calibration of computer, consumer, medical, military and other video products.
Figure 6. The S802BT and S802R Video Test Generators
S802 Features:
Precision high bandwidth analog video generator 200 MHz (S802BT), 300 MHz (S802R-300), or 400 MHz (S802R-400) Analog Video Rate. Programmable, precision HD15, HDTV timings with YPrPb/RGB output.
- Built-in Computer Formats. Over 150 popular video formats including VESA, ATSC, EIA-770, SMPTE, NTSC and PAL.
- EDID configurable through VGA, DVI or HDMI interface. The generator filters formats in accordance with the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) it receives and processes from the display. Uses EDID for DDC auto-configuration.
- Test Images. Over 150 built-in test images let you accurately adjust a display or projector to the same accuracy as the original factory settings. Images test color, size, linearity, convergence, focus and more.
- Video Interfaces. VGA, DVI-I, LVDS, HDMI, Special Sync (S/S), S-Video, Composite video BNC, Component video BNC.
- VGM™ (Video Generator Manager) software. Virtual control panel operation under MS Windows®. Perform all functions including format and image selection and editing, plus control of sync and video gating.
- HDMI 1.1. Output with Type A connector, includes HDCP production keys.
- Computer Interfaces. RS-232 for computer connections; GPIB to generate a programmable video signal source; USB to download bitmap images from a computer, or used in place of the serial interface; PCMCIA to backup, transfer from one generator to another, or store bitmap images.
* DVI, HDMI, LVDS, and TV-NTSC/PAL are signal options available on the S802. (Dual link DVI option is available for the S802R)
881/882 Video Test Generators
The 881 and 882 are the latest generation in high-resolution video testing generators. The 881 provides features for testing video displays in production environments. The 882 provides extended features and options to test video displays for development environments and quality assurance applications. The 881 and 882 provide HDMI test signals for testing HDMI and backward compatible DVI video signal interfaces. The 881 and 882 offer an optional SDI/HD-SDI signal output for testing digital video production equipment or monitors.
Figure 7. The 882 Video Test Generator
881-882 Features:
- DTV ready. Pre-programmed standard DTV formats are ready for immediate use. Digital outputs support YCbCr color encoding. Analog outputs support tri-level composite sync and YPbPr.
- Built-in formats. Over 350 popular video formats are built in, including VESA, ATSC, EIA-770.x, SMPTE 170, 240, 259, 267, 274, 292, 293, 295, 296, Australian, EIA/CEA-861B, SECAM, NTSC and PAL.
- Central administration. Update and configure all networked instruments from a single computer.
- Network control. Fully control instrument from any network location with Web browser or Telnet client.
- Graphics SDK. Create complex patterns based on your specifications using C++ software development kit.
- HDMI and DVI. 882C provides full single-link HDMI 1.1 and DVI (165 MHz) in same connector. DVI requires HDMI-to-DVI adapter cable. 882D provides dual link DVI out of a separate connector.
- HDCP. Production keys with HDMI and DVI output.
- Easy to use. Access powerful features easily using intuitive user interface.
- Multiple configurations. Save and restore different instrument configurations for different applications.
- Local pattern storage. Store multiple custom images (.bmp, .jpg, and .png) in instrument.
- Self-calibrating. Analog video outputs are automatically adjusted against an internal precision reference. This ensures video levels are precise and reliable. Signal levels are auto-adjusted individually.
- 250 MHz analog pixel rate for 882C; 400MHz for 882D. Programmable precision RGB, YPbPr.
- Probe. Trigger a scope or inspection camera using the probe signal. Position a pulse anywhere in the frame.
- PC Card. Clone one generator to another using a standard CompactFlash card.
* 882-CA Option provides analyzing features to dynamically test DVI or HDMI source products such as set-top boxes, repeaters and cables.
882CA CEC-TME Test Suite
The 882CA CEC-TME test suite analyzes, debugs and pre-compliance tests HDMI Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) products. The CEC protocol includes physical address discovery, (product type based) logical addressing, arbitration, retransmission, broadcasting and routing control.
Figure 8. The CEC-TME Consumer Electronic Control - Test Management Environment
The Sencore CEC Test Suite includes all utilities, applications, and test fixtures necessary to design, pre-compliance test, and successfully integrate a CEC device into your HDMI products or fully test existing products.
CEC-TME* Key Features and Benefits
* Includes all 882CA Color Graphics 250MHZ Generator and HDMI analyzer features, including:
* EEPROM emulator - emulates two HDMI CEC sources and one HDMI CEC sink device for Auxiliary Channel testing. Features re-programmable E-EDID.
* Analyzes incoming video, sync and field timing and rates to detect anomalies.
* Converts HDMI video to analog for viewing on a monitor.
* Routes incoming HDMI audio to an S/PDIF output for accurate audio analyzing.
* Frame-by-frame pixel analyzer detects video pixel errors.
* Generates Pseudo-noise test patterns and analyzes them to detect pixel errors. (May be used to test signal for test cables, repeaters, distribution systems)
* Provides HDCP for functionally testing content protection protocol.
- Interactive Troubleshooting Environment (ITE). Provides a set of debug utilities to fully analyze CEC and simulate errors and boundary conditions.
- The Auxiliary Channel Analyzer (ACA). Graphical application logs and displays CEC bus transactions in real time right down to the bits, block and frame to quickly locate and document CEC protocol errors.
- Test Management Environment (TME). Application software performs all CEC-related tests in the HDMI Compliance Test Specifications.
- Test Point Adapters (TPAs). Enable test instrument connection to the unit under test as set forth in the CEC compliance tests.
Sencore Offers Solutions
For more information on Sencore video generator testing solutions, please call 1-800 Sencore (736-2673) or visit the web at www.sencore.com.
