Tektronix - High-Performance 3Gb/s SDI Waveform Monitors

The WFM8300 (with Option PHY) also provides multi-rate HD/SD-SDI and 3Gb/s SDI (with Option 3G) color bar and pathological signal generation capabilities that provide engineers with a simple signal source for quick signal path verification during system and equipment setup and troubleshooting. The new models also feature notable advances in color grading with new patented Luma Qualified Vector (LQV™) and Spearhead Gamut displays.



For broadcasters, the WFM8200 and WFM8300 are designed to help engineering staffs reduce time and effort in equipment qualification and setup and more effectively detect system degradations before they become quality problems which can cause advertising revenue penalties or subscriber loss. This is made possible by the industry’s most comprehensive physical layer measurements including automated 3Gb/s SDI signal Eye pattern parameters and jitter measurements as well as Tektronix jitter waveform display and cable length measurement. Additionally, alarm information helps identify and diagnose video and audio content quality as well as vertical ancillary (VANC) data problems.



For equipment manufacturers, the WFM8200/8300 will help them bring 3Gb/s SDI products to market in less time by providing the fastest and most reliable means to fully characterize product performance and standards conformance. Together with the TG700 advanced 3Gb/s SDI Generator module, Tektronix offers a complete solution to 3Gb/s SDI design and test for equipment manufacturers.



“In order to stay ahead of competitive challenges, broadcasters and network operators need the ability to efficiently and reliably deliver superior signal and picture quality to viewers,” said Eben Jenkins, director, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “With the introduction of WFM8200 and WFM8300 we are delivering the advanced, high-performance tools our customers need to meet these ever-increasing quality demands, while also breaking new ground with automated 3Gb/s SDI testing.”



Due to different stages of digital rollout and different video formats used in various parts of the world, video format conversion is a significant challenge. The WFM8200 and WFM8300 help content providers and post production houses verify the quality of video content and make precise adjustments that reduce the potential for gamut errors during editing and format conversion – enabling them to avoid costly reworks and qualify ingest materials in less time.



The new waveform monitors expand the Tektronix toolkit of patented displays essential in making precise color adjustments to production content. The Luma Qualified Vector (LQV™) display allows users to selectively choose a luma amplitude range over which to isolate color components within the vector display. This enables operators to identify color components in terms of shadows, mid tones and highlights within multiple LQV displays. The patented Spearhead display provides a new tool for color grading allowing operators to view the video signal in terms of lightness, value and saturation. This 2-D representation of the 3-D color space provides operators a simple method to match images from scene to scene, enabling them to present consistent image quality throughout the production process.