4K analysis features at Las Vegas broadcasting event

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, the expanded diagnostic capabilities of the portable WFM2300 waveform monitor and an announcement regarding Tektronix’ collaboration with Sony on its video over IP initiative.

The WFM/WVR8000 series products, with quad-3G-SDI inputs, offer a comprehensive monitoring and measurement solution for quad-link 4K/UHDTV1 formats for camera lineup, color grading, color correction, QC, and facility maintenance applications.

In order to make the platform future-proof, the WFM/WVR8000 series waveform monitors and rasterisers have an internal architecture that can handle 4K data rates, which allows the addition of 4K/UHDTV1 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.

Tektronix is featuring 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 the award-winning Cerify and QCloud offerings, NAB attendees can gain first-hand insights into 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.

The expanded diagnostics and troubleshooting capabilities of the portable WFM2300 waveform monitor will also be on parade. New features include the introduction of 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.

Tektronix has also announced a collaboration with Sony on its video over IP initiative, including support for Sony’s IP Live Production system. This system will allow broadcasters to use an IP infrastructure in their facilities for HD and 4K video formats, and support broadcasters through the transition from SDI infrastructure to IP-based infrastructures.

The adoption of 4K, or Ultra HD, has been limited by the bandwidth available in the widely-used HD-SDI interface. Currently, the increased bandwidth requirements of UHD/4K require four HD-SDI cables, which creates cabling and logistical challenges.

To overcome these limitations, the IP Live Production system offers an AV over IP interface for IP-based networking that provides low latency transport of UHD/4K video, audio, reference, metadata and control data. Low Latency Video Codec (LLVC) technology makes it possible to transmit 4K signals over a single 10G Ethernet cable, improving efficiency and lowering costs.

“We look forward to supporting industry-wide adoption of Sony’s IP Live Production system, which enables efficient and cost-effective distribution of UHD/4K signals across an IP-based network infrastructure,” said Charlie Dunn, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “By working closely with Sony on this initiative, we are well-positioned to help our customers across the industry make a smooth and gradual transition to IP infrastructures and UHD/4K.”

“The support by industry leaders like Tektronix, which offer a broad portfolio of market-leading video test and network monitoring solution, isan important factor for this technology to be widely adopted with assured interoperability among the industry,” said Tetsuya Iwamoto, general manager of Sony.  “Sony is pleased to work with Tektronix and continues to enhance the evolution in Video Over IP network.”