Platform tests A/V interface functionality, compliance

Rohde & Schwarz has unveiled the VTC platform for testing A/V interfaces of consumer electronics such as smartphones, tablets and STBs. The platform tests the functionality of digital video interfaces such as HDMI and mobile high-definition link (MHL) and determines compliance with required standards.

Suited for R&D, the R&S VTC provides combined real-time protocol testing and A/V analysis including difference picture analysis, offering user equipment manufacturers the most flexible test platform on the market. It is a modular platform designed for testing video and audio interfaces that offers a wide variety of functions. The all-in-one solution provides real-time 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, which is what makes it such a flexible solution.

The platform accommodates up to eight test modules. Separate options are available for the HDMI and for the MHL interface that are commonly used in consumer electronics equipment. An analog A/V interface module and a modulator module for broadcasting standards are currently being prepared.

In combination with the HDMI option, the R&S VTC performs extensive realtime analyzes 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. The R&S VT-B2361 HDMI RX option also makes it possible to test ultra definition resolutions up to 4k x 2k as used in high-end screens.

Automatic analyzesThe company also has several options for the automatic analysis of media content. These options can be used for MHL and HDMI signals. 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. The R&S VT-K2110 AV inspection and R&S VT-K2111 AV distortion analysis options assist users in performing difference picture analyzes. In addition to the graphical result display, objective measured values such as PSNR, SSIM and MOS are also displayed in realtime. Bit errors in video content, for example, can be identified as well. One option even 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 has an 11-inch touchscreen. It can 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. Customers can modify the R&S VTC for their particular test environments and upgrade it later to comply with new standards and technologies. This gives customers an investment that is ready for the future-guaranteed.

The R&S VTC video test center and the new R&S VT-B2360/2361 HDMI RX options, as well as the variety of software options will be available from Rohde & Schwarz by August 2012. All options are also suitable for the R&S VTS compact video tester and R&S VTE video tester.