Omnitek PQA

in Video Test & Measurement

Full Reference Picture Quality Analyzer and Broadcast Status Monitor

In today’s multi-media digital broadcast environment, a wide variety of different image compression techniques are being used in order to maximise the payload capacity of the chosen transmission path. Picture quality assessment on the resulting broadcast images is an essential task, to ensure that the best use is being made of the available channel bandwidth. Traditional test and measurement equipment is wholly inadequate for this task: what is needed is an integrated quality assessment system, capable of establishing objective picture quality in addition to measurement of gross technical characteristics of the input video signal.

Here we introduce the revolutionary OmniTek PQA - a full-reference picture quality analysis system that provides all the tools necessary for R&D laboratories, broadcasters, and transmission engineers to make deterministic measurements of picture quality.

Picture difference graph, comparing two sets of stored results

Download product brochure in pdf format

The main features of the system include:

Flexible Signal Processing Architecture

• Compare 2 live HD or SD video inputs in real-time
• Compare 1 live video input with 1 stored video sequence
• Compare 2 stored video sequences
• Automatic input signal timing delay compensation
• All standard-definition and HDTV formats supported
• Full remote control via SNMP protocols

Picture Quality Measurements

• Real-time PSNR calculations on luma & chroma
• Edge-compensated picture difference analysis
• Macroblock artifact detection
• Average picture level calculations
• User-configurable combined quality assessment

General Signal Integrity Tests

Real-time picture difference display

• SDI transport errors (EDH, CRC, TRS, ANC)
• YCbCr and RGB gamut / range checks
• Picture freeze, black, & monochrome detection
• Blanking width measurement
• 16-channel embedded audio PPMs and level alarms
• VITC and ATC timecode reading & checking

Audio / Video Delay Measurements

• Loop delay measurements on audio and video
• Relative A/V (lipsync) delay measurement

Comprehensive Results Analysis

Full time-stamped data logging to XML files

• Graphical presentation of all measurement data
• Compare results from different tests
• User-selectable error trigger thresholds
• Configurable SNMP network alarms
• All data stored in XML format time-stamped data files

PC-Based System

• Advanced PCI signal processing plug-in card
• Application software running under Windows® XP
• Cost-effective, flexible, programmable architecture
• Available as card-and-software only, in 1RU chassis, laptop expander or "luggable" PC

Using the OmniTek PQA

The PQA system can be used in a variety of different application areas for assessing picture quality and signal integrity:

• R & D engineers can evaluate the relative performance of different image compression codecs, in order to optimize the processing algorithms.
• Broadcasters can compare the quality of different tape & file server formats,to achieve best performance for acquisition, storage, playout.
• Multi-channel playout centres can use the PQA for operator-less monitoring of picture quality, with alarms fed to station automation software.
• Transmission engineers can measure end-to-end quality degradation through an entire process path.

Overview of Picture Quality Measurements

There are two principal methods of video quality assessment used by broadcasters. Subjective measurements are the result of human observers providing their opinion of the video quality. Objective measurements are performed with the aid of instruments, either manually or automatically using a mathematical algorithm.

Subjective testing suffers from several major disadvantages including the selection, screening and payment of observers; variability of test results; and overall time taken for performing the tests. In general, subjective test techniques do not lend themselves to operational monitoring or transmission system troubleshooting, and the need for an objective testing method of picture quality is clear. However, since it is the observers' opinion of picture quality that counts, the main goal of any objective measurement system is to provide good correlation with subjective results for the same video system and test scenes.

As with subjective testing, most objective testing methods do not claim to measure picture quality directly. Instead, they provide an indication of how much degradation of a picture there is compared to a reference picture. Such “full-reference” comparisons help to eliminate faults or artefacts which are already present in the original source material.

There are a variety of methods available for objective testing of picture quality in video systems. Some of these techniques are described in the documents ITU-T J.144 and the final report of the Video Quality Experts Group (VQEG). Probably the best known technique is the PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) calculation, which is a measurement of the mean-square-error difference in pixel values between reference and test frames, expressed as a ratio in dB. This technique has the advantage of being repeatable, uses a public-domain algorithm, and is supported by several different equipment manufacturers. The disadvantage of PSNR is that the results do not correlate particularly well with the results of subjective picture tests.

To improve on the accuracy of the PSNR, OmniTek have developed an algorithm which combines the picture-difference calculation with compensation factors based on the overall brightness of the image (because errors in dark parts of an image are not visible) and an edge-enhancement facility which localizes ‘mosquito noise’ around sharp edge transitions. The result is the compensated signal-to-noise ratio measurement, or CSNR. This technique aims to provide a more accurate real-world assessment of picture degradation.

The OmniTek PQA provides real-time picture quality measurements using both PSNR and CSNR algorithms, plus several other assessment methods including DCT macroblock counting, picture YCbCr range and RGB gamut excursion checks, plus gross transport errors in the input SDI streams. All these errors may be saved in time-stamped XML format log files for later analysis.
 

Internal Test Mode

In this mode, the PQA is used completely stand-alone, comparing the outputs of the two internal full-motion signal generators.

One generator plays out a reference video sequence, and the other plays out a test sequence (which can either be loaded over data network, or captured from the live SDI input).

This mode is very useful for R&D engineers developing new codec algorithms, some of which may involve non-real-time rendered images.
 

Internal / External Mode

In this mode, one of the PQA internal signal generators is used to source a reference video sequence. This signal is taken to the analyzer module and an SDI output connection to external equipment.

After external processing, the signal is returned to the PQA where it is compared with the original reference generator. Horizontal, vertical, and temporal delays due to the external equipment are automatically compensated inside thePQA.

Broadcast engineers can use the PQA in this mode to obtain quantitative measurements of the picture degradation related to a specific compression bit-rate, when using a variety of different reference source materials.
 

External Test Mode

This mode is used for in-service assessment of picture quality degradation through an entire transmission path, studio output to consumer receiver.

The PQA accepts two live external inputs: A reference signal from the studio output, and an input from an off-air receiver or consumer set-top box. Time delays between the two signals can be manually compensated inside the PQA.

This mode of operation may be used by broadcast engineers to ensure the integrity of the transmission path, and the network-based SNMP alarm mechanism inside the PQA may be used to automatically trigger a warning at the station automation system if a minimum quality threshold has been violated.

PCI CARD CONNECTIONS
WARRANTY
OmniTek systems are warranted for one year from date of purchase. This includes all feature upgrades and bug fixes to the application software, plus repair or replacement of the hardware (at the discretion of OmniTek). Extended warranty agreements are also available, please consult your local OmniTek dealer.

Omnitek LAB

in Video Test & Measurement

Signal generator window

Advanced Signal Generator and Waveform Monitor for Video Engineers

Introducing OmniTek LAB, the world's most advanced digital TV test signal generator and data analyzer. Supporting all SDTV and HDTV serial digital video formats, the LAB is unique in providing all the functions of a high-end signal generator totally integrated with a full-featured waveform monitor and audio/video data analyzer. With the LAB, video engineers now have access to a complete test and measurement system in a single, easy-to-use, PC-based package. The system is completely software-programmable, to allow new features and formats to be installed via a download.

Download product brochure in pdf format

Digital Signal Generator

Internal Line Patterns

The advanced signal generator in the LAB contains 64 industry-standard test patterns including bars, sweeps, ramps, pathological, pulse & bar etc. Up to 6 patterns may be on-screen at once.

Zone Plates

LAB contains a full-motion zone plate generator, providing a complete set of X, Y, and T adjustments. The basic waveform is adjustable to sine, square, or triangular. User settings can be saved in custom setup files.

Frame Images

The PC internal hard disk can store thousands of full-frame images, which can be read by the generator in any standard PC file format (.bmp, .jpg, .tif, .gif, .avi, .wmv, .yuv, .yuv10, .dpx, etc.). The images can be re-sized to fit the current video format, and the correct colour matrix is used when converting from RGB (i.e. BT.601 or BT.709).

Full-Motion Capture & Playback

LAB contains a real-time uncompressed video capture and playout system capable of storing up to 45 seconds of SD, or 7 seconds of HD source material. Image sequences may be loaded as individual frames, .avi or .wmv files, or captured from the live SDI input.

Playlists

LAB can play out a user-defined sequence of images or motion segments. Each image has programmable duration, and can have different embedded audio tones or engineering settings such as gain or noise. The playlist can be executed in a continuous loop or as a single sequence, and is fully remote-controlled via SNMP network commands.

Embedded Audio Generator

LAB contains a programmable tone generator supporting 8 channels (2 groups) of embedded audio, with 20- or 24-bits per sample at 48kHz. Frequency and wave shape is user-selectable, and the generator can create single-frame "blips" synchronized to the video sequence playout.

Timecode, Video Index & Widescreen Signalling

Captured full raster image

LAB contains VITC and ATC timecode generators, which may free-run or be slaved to timecodes from the SDI input. When set to 525 or 625 line formats, the LAB can also generate user-configurable Video Index (SMPTE RP186) and Widescreen Signalling (EN 300294) codes. Protocol extensions from ARDSPEC1 are also supported.

Raster Video Files

A unique feature of the LAB is the ability to capture, edit, and playout “full-raster” video files, which contain the entire video signal including all blanking and ancillary data. This allows the user to analyze all aspects of a signal, or to create signals containing data errors or proprietary ANC data packets.

Waveform Monitor & Data Analyzer

LAB contains an advanced, high-resolution waveform monitor and data analyzer. This provides a full range of real-time video and audio status monitoring displays, plus SNMP network alarms may be configured to alert external systems to detected errors.

...

Waveform Displays

Vectorscope with 100% graticule

High-resolution waveform displays are provided in both YCbCr and RGB colour spaces. Each video component may be displayed individually or together as a parade, using a single selected line or integrating all raster lines together. ?A vertical frame-rate display is also available. Horizontal timebase and vertical amplitude gain controls are provided, plus adjustable interpolation, colour, persistence, and decay of the display traces. A range of graticules are provided, and accurate timing and amplitude cursors are available for detailed measurements.

RGB parade with user-adjustable gamut error highlights
 

Proxy in “pulse-cross” mode

Vectorscope

LAB provides a high-resolution vectorscope display, available with 75% or 100% graticule and luma-masking capability. Graticules are automatically adjusted for the appropriate 601 or 709 colour matrix.
 

Mini-Pic

A high-resolution real-time proxy of the SDI input or signal generator source is provided, with a “pulse-cross” function to allow viewing of the contents of the H & V blanking areas. Timing cursors can be overlaid on the proxy, and there are “burn-in” windows for VITC and ATC timecodes.

The proxy can also display closed-captions from the built-in EIA 608 and 708 closed-caption decoder modules.

Comprehensive system status display

Video Status Display

The video status display gives a comprehensive, real-time indication of the condition of signals being monitored by the LAB system. Parameters displayed in this window include the SDI input status (transport errors plus content checks), blanking width, closed-caption status, RGB and YCbCr range checks, timecode and widescreen signalling.

Structures such as active format descriptions and RP186/ARD video indexes are also identified and interpreted.

Audio Status Display and PPM Monitors

LAB monitors 16 channels (4 groups) of embedded audio. The AES parameters of all groups are presented on the Audio Status display, with per-channel peak-hold, overload, and silence detection.

A separate PPM display has user-adjustable meter ballistics and a choice of graticules including dBFS, DIN, EBU, BBC, and Scandinavian options.

Pixel Data Display

The pixel data display shows the exact values present on the SDI input in decimal, hex, or binary format. The different display colours indicate the type of video segment: active picture, blanking, ANC packets, TRS words etc. A red bar indicates an error has been detected at this pixel value.

The display can be extended to provide automatic interpretation of TRS and ANC packets detected in the input stream. This includes packet types such as embedded audio, SMPTE 352M payload ID, EDH, ?and RP188 timecode. In addition, the user can install XML-format descriptor files for decoding custom ANC packets.

Colour Gamut Display

The LAB monitors colour gamut in both RGB and YCbCr colour spaces. The results are displayed on a custom gamut display, which indicates the total excursion of the signals and also the percentage of pixels that are outside recommended limits (as specified, for example, in EBU Recommendation 103).

Event Logs

All the video and embedded audio parameters monitored by the LAB may be entered into an XML-format event log file, with time-stamping from input timecode or the PC internal clock. Thresholds and timeouts for each monitored parameter are adjustable.

Closed Caption and Teletext Subtitle Decoding

The LAB system is capable of decoding Line 21, EIA-608-A, and EIA-708-B closed caption data and OP-47 teletext subtitles from SD or HD input signals. The decoded captions may be “burned in” to the mini-pic proxy window. They can also be saved to an XML-format log file for archival purposes.

OmniTek full-motion test sequence

Audio/Video/Reference Delay Measurements

The LAB system has the capability to measure SDI loop delay through an external processing path, for both video and embedded audio signals. In addition, the LAB can also measure relative audio/video “lip-sync” delay when displaying the standard OmniTek full-motion test sequence. The LAB can also measure the time delay between analog sync reference and SDI input signals.

“Timeshift” Event-Based Video Capture

A feature of the LAB is the ability to capture live video sequences from the SDI input, based on detection of input errors or particular timecode ranges. The user may select which errors trigger a recording, and multiple recordings may be made up to the total memory capacity of the system. It is also possible to capture full-raster data including all blanking areas.

System Options and Configurations

The OmniTek LAB is a PC-based system, comprising a state-of-the-art real time signal processing PCI plug-in card plus application software running under the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems.

OmniTek can supply the LAB system as card-plus-software only, for the user to install in the PC system of their choice, or alternatively LAB can be supplied pre-installed in a 1RU rackmount PC chassis, portable PC with integrated screen, or “Magma” laptop expansion chassis.

There are a range of options available with the LAB system – please contact your local dealer for more information.

PCI CARD CONNECTIONS
WARRANTY
OmniTek systems are warranted for one year from date of purchase. This includes all feature upgrades and bug fixes to the application software, plus repair or replacement of the hardware (at the discretion of OmniTek). Extended warranty agreements are also available, please consult your local OmniTek dealer.

Omnitek TQ

in Video Test & Measurement

Graphics display with high-resolution video proxy;
Surround Sound Audio PPMs, Phase and Lissajous;
YRGB waveform monitor; Vectorscope

Complete Video and Audio Monitoring for Broadcast and Transmission Quality Control

The OmniTek TQ was designed specifically for all SD and HD broadcast monitoring applications. The feature set combines state-of-the-art XR waveform generation technology with a comprehensive range of audio and video monitoring features. The main graphics display is completely configurable, to enable the user to present the exact information required for their monitoring application, while user-defined presets allow rapid switching between configurations.

The TQ is available both in a standard version and as the entry-level TQ Lite. A range of optional packages are available both to bring TQ Lite up to the level of the standard TQ in specific areas and to add additional functionality such as Dolby-E support to either system.

Download product brochure in pdf format

Video Proxy

Video proxy in pulse-cross mode

A high-resolution real-time proxy of the SDI input can be displayed alongside the waveform data. This ‘Mini-Pic’ has a real-time update and displays SD images at full resolution and full frame rate. HD images may be displayed at half resolution. A “pulse-cross” function allows viewing of the contents of the H & V blanking areas. Timing cursors can be overlaid on the proxy, and there are “burn-in” windows for timecodes, closed captions and teletext (see below).

Timecode Display

Where required, the Mini-Pic can display the timecode associated with the video, positioned to the left, in the centre or to the right at the top, at the bottom or in the middle of the display. The TQ is able to read and display VITC and ATC timecodes. When fitted with a suitable LTC reader, they can also display LTC timecodes.

Closed Caption Decoding

The TQ is capable of decoding Line 21 and EIA-608-A closed caption data from SD or HD input signals. The decoded captions may be “burned in” to the Mini-Pic proxy window, listed in the closed-caption window and/or saved to an XML-format log file for archival purposes. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Support for EIA-708-B captions is available through an optional extra decoding package. This package checks the validity of all the 708 data embedded in an SDI signals. It also supports the display of 708 windowing commands.

Teletext Subtitle Decode

The TQ can also detect teletext subtitles in the video being analysed. Where the source is PAL format or where OP-47 teletext is used, it is also possible to decode the subtitles and show them on the Mini-Pic display. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Cage Generator

The standard TQ also incorporates a flexible safe-title and safe-action cage overlay system with advanced features such as masks and video wipes. The cages can be displayed on the Mini-Pic and are adjustable in size, position and aspect ratio. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Waveform Monitor & Data Analyzer

Graphics display with 16 channel embedded audio PPM
and phase; Mini-pic proxy; Closed-caption decode; Video
status; Pseudo-composite waveform; Event log;
Vectorscope; Touch Screen Keys

The OmniTek TQ uses the signal processing technology that is used in the OmniTek XR, to give “extreme resolution” waveform and vectorscope displays. The frequency response at 10 bits per pixel is flat to 30MHz and 256 times oversampling is used to ensure the most accurate monitoring.

Waveform Displays

Novel waveform generation algorithms give high-quality, user-adjustable displays. On the TQ, full 1024-pixel high waveforms may be generated, giving true 10-bit resolution (option on TQ Lite.) Arbitrary combinations of components may be displayed simultaneously. The TQ also features low-pass, differential and “bowtie” filters, and can generate psuedo-composite SD waveform displays from HD or SD sources in real time.

A unique region-of-interest control allows continuously-variable H and V magnification and selection of video lines. This enables the user to accurately select different areas of the image to analyse. The zoom works smoothly from a few pixels to a full line, 2 lines, 1 field through to full frame displays. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Vectorscope

The TQ provides a high-resolution vectorscope display, available with 75% or 100% graticule and luma-masking capability. The vectorscope is fully scalable and may also operate on the selected region-of-interest. Graticules are automatically adjusted for the appropriate 601 or 709 colour matrix.

Picture Quality Display

The TQ includes a macro block detector, which looks at the video that is being analysed and assigns every frame a number between 0 and 5. A score of 5 indicates no visible macro blocks, while a score of 0 indicates the likelihood of significant numbers of visible macro block artefacts.

Colour Gamut Display

Colour gamut is monitored in both RGB and YCbCr colour spaces. The results are displayed on a custom gamut display, which indicates the total excursion of the signals and also the percentage of pixels that are outside recommended limits (as specified, for example, in EBU Recommendation 103).

Video Status Display

Input video signals are continuously monitored for errors and changes of state. Transport stream faults such as mis-timed TRS words, EDH, CRC, LIN and ANC checksum errors are all reported. The video streams are further examined to ensure pixels conform to valid YCbCr, RGB and PAL/NTSC composite ranges and structures such as active format descriptions and RP186/ARD video indexes are identified and interpreted. Monochrome, freeze and black video are also detected. Errors are highlighted both in the video status window and in the pixel data display.

Event Logs

In the standard version of TQ, all the video and embedded audio parameters monitored by the TQ may be entered into an XML-format event log file, with time-stamping from input timecode or the PC internal clock. In addition, events may be configured to trigger alarms or as SNMP network traps. Thresholds and timeouts for each monitored parameter are adjustable. The TQ further uses a ‘traffic light’-type system to indicate whether sessions are free from error or errors have occurred. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Pixel Data Display

The standard version of TQ includes a pixel data display that shows the exact values present on the SDI input in decimal, hex, or binary format. The different display colours indicate the type of video segment: active picture, blanking, ANC packets, TRS words etc. A red bar indicates an error has been detected at this pixel value. The display can be further be extended to provide automatic interpretation of TRS and ANC packets detected in the input video stream. This includes packet types such as CRC/EDH, embedded audio, SMPTE 352M video payload ID, and RP188 ANC timecode. In addition, the user can install XML-format descriptor files for decoding custom ANC packets. (Option on TQ Lite.)

Audio Monitoring

Several audio monitoring options are available for both the TQ system and the TQ Lite system.

The Standard Audio option provides 16-channel embedded audio PPM displays plus input group status. The Advanced Audio option gives 16-channel embedded PPMs plus Lissajous and audio phase meters that indicate if any stereo pair contains a mono, inverted mono, or uncorrelated signal. These conditions may be used to trigger an alarm.

The AES parameters of all groups are presented on the Audio Status display, with per-channel peak-hold, overload, and silence detection. The PPM displays have user-adjustable meter ballistics, the option of surround-sound view, and a choice of graticules including dBFS, DIN, EBU, BBC, and Scandinavian options. A user-selectable channel pair may be routed to the PC analog stereo output for easy monitoring. (Note that 1RU chassis require a separate audio output connection, via USB or similar.)

Dolby-E and AES Support

The Dolby-E option, when used in conjunction with the Advanced Audio option, provides PPM displays, frame timing checks, and a full metadata decode package for Dolby-E data streams. The External Audio option, which may be ordered together with Standard or Advanced options, provides a second PCI card with support for up to 16 channels of external AES/EBU digital audio input.

Audio / Video / Reference Delay Measurements

The TQ is able to measure SDI loop delay through an external processing path, for both video and embedded audio signals. In addition, the TQ can also measure relative audio/video “lip-sync” delay, when presented with the standard OmniTek full-motion test sequence on the SDI input. When the Dolby-E option is installed, TQ can also measure relative A/V delay on Dolby-E encoded audio when using the OmniTek test sequence.

The TQ can also measure the time delay between the SDI input signal and the analog sync reference, or between two different SDI input signals.

System Details

The OmniTek TQ is a PC-based system, comprising a ?state-of-the-art real time signal processing PCI plug-in card plus application software running under the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system.

OmniTek can supply the TQ system as card-plus-software only, for the user to install in the PC system of their choice, or alternatively the TQ can be supplied pre-installed in a 1RU rackmount PC chassis, portable PC with integrated screen, or “Magma” laptop expansion chassis.

The application may be used either in a standard “Windows” mode or in a “full screen” mode in which a selection of windows are neatly tiled to give a clear, uncluttered display. All windows are adjustable in size and colour on the graphics display. The user may also customize the selection and position of windows shown in “full screen” displays.?To maximize the resolution and clarity of the display, the TQ can drive up to two DVI or VGA monitors at resolutions of 1920 x1200 and beyond.

The TQ features two SDI outputs and an analog component video output for monitoring purposes. Regions of the image with any gamut error may be flashed on the output displays. In addition, cursors and graticules may be shown.

A range of options are available with the TQ system – please contact your local OmniTek dealer for more information.
 

PCI CARD CONNECTIONS
WARRANTY
OmniTek systems are warranted for one year from date of purchase. This includes all feature upgrades and bug fixes to the application software, plus repair or replacement of the hardware (at the discretion of OmniTek). Extended warranty agreements are also available, please consult your local OmniTek dealer.

Omnitek XR

in Video Test & Measurement

XR is designed specifically for colorists, post-production editors, and digital intermediates working with very high resolution HDTV and Dual-Link images. In 2003, OmniTek produced the world’s first native Dual-Link waveform monitor, and the XR raises the performance of this system to a new standard. Recent additions include support for the XYZ colour space in dual-link mode.

Download product brochure in pdf format

Waveform Monitor & Data Analyzer

OmniTek XR signal processing technology gives "extreme resolution" waveform and vectorscope displays. The frequency response at 10 bits per pixel is flat to 30MHz and 256 times oversampling is used to ensure the most accurate monitoring.

Waveform Displays

Graphics display with 16 channel embedded audio PPM
and phase; Mini-pic proxy; Closed-caption decode; Video
status; Pseudo-composite waveform; Event log;
Vectorscope; Touch Screen Keys

Novel waveform generation algorithms give high-quality, user-adjustable displays. Full 1024-pixel high waveforms may be generated, giving true 10-bit resolution.Arbitrary combinations of components may be displayed simultaneously.

A unique region-of-interest control allows continuously-variable H and V magnification and selection of video lines. This enables the user to accurately select different areas of the image to analyse. The zoom works smoothly from a few pixels to a full line, 2 lines, 1 field through to full frame displays. The XR also features low-pass, differential and “bowtie” filters, and can generate psuedo-composite SD waveform displays from HD or SD sources in real time.

Vectorscope

The XR provides a high-resolution vectorscope display, available with 75% or 100% graticule and luma-masking capability. The vectorscope is fully scalable and may also operate on the selected region-of-interest. Graticules are automatically adjusted for the appropriate 601 or 709 colour matrix.

Colour Gamut Display

Colour gamut is monitored in each of the different colour spaces. The results are displayed on a custom gamut display, which indicates the total excursion of the signals and also the percentage of pixels that are outside recommended limits (as specified, for example, in EBU Recommendation 103).

Real-Time Histogram

The XR system provides unique real-time histogram displays in each of the colour spaces it supports. For each display, the mean value is also shown. These displays are invaluable for accurate colour analysis.

Dual-Link Option

This option enables 4:4:4 RGB/YCbCr/XYZ inputs and "2k" format images to be monitored. The option also includes programmable input look-up tables that enable real-time conversion of logarithmic or other non-linear data inputs. The system also provides real-time output of 4:2:2 data from 4:4:4 dual-link input or 4:4:4 output from 4:2:2 input.

XYZ Support

The Dual-Link option also adds support for XYZ format – both in the colour spaces for which information is displayed, and in the formats in which video can be output.

Video Status Display

Input video signals are continuously monitored for errors and changes of state. Transport stream faults such as mis-timed TRS words, EDH, CRC, LIN and ANC checksum errors are all reported. The video streams are further examined to ensure pixels conform to valid YCbCr, RGB and PAL/NTSC composite ranges, and structures such as active format descriptions and RP186/ARD video indexes are identified and interpreted. Monochrome, freeze and black video are also detected. Errors are highlighted both in the video status window and in the pixel data display.

Event Logs

All the video and embedded audio parameters monitored by the XR may be entered into an XML-format event log file, with time-stamping from input timecode or the PC internal clock. In addition, events may be configured to trigger alarms or as SNMP network traps. Thresholds and timeouts for each monitored parameter are adjustable. The XR further uses a ‘traffic light’-type system to indicate whether sessions are free from error or errors have occurred.

Pixel Data Display

The pixel data display shows the exact values present on the SDI input in decimal, hex, or binary format. The different display colours indicate the type of video segment: active picture, blanking, ANC packets, TRS words etc. A red bar indicates an error has been detected at this pixel value.

The display can be extended to provide automatic interpretation of TRS and ANC packets detected in the input video stream. This includes packet types such as EDH/CRC, embedded audio, SMPTE 352M video payload ID, and RP188 ANC timecode. In dual-link input formats, the RGB and XYZ colour space data is assembled into to full pixel values. It is also possible for users to install XML-format descriptor files, for decoding custom ANC packets.

Audio Monitoring Options

Several audio monitoring options are available for the XR system. The Standard Audio option provides PPM displays for 16 channels of embedded audio, plus input group status. The Advanced Audio option provides 16-channel embedded audio PPMs plus group status, Lissajous and audio phase meter displays. These indicate if any stereo pair contains a mono, inverted mono, or uncorrelated signal. The AES parameters of all groups are presented on the Audio Status display, with per-channel peak-hold, overload, and silence detection. The PPM displays have user-adjustable meter ballistics, the option of surround-sound view, and a choice of graticules including dBFS, DIN, EBU, BBC, and Scandinavian options. A user-selectable channel pair may be routed to the PC audio output for easy monitoring. (Note that 1RU chassis require an external audio output connection.)

Dolby-E and AES Support

The Dolby-E option, when used in conjunction with the Advanced Audio option, provides PPM displays, frame timing checks, and a complete metadata decode display for Dolby-E inputs.

The External Audio option, which may be ordered together with Standard or Advanced options, provides a second PCI card with support for up to 16 channels of external AES/EBU digital audio.

Audio/Video/Reference Delay Measurements

The XR is able to measure SDI loop delay through an external processing path, for both video and embedded audio signals. In addition, the XR can also measure relative audio/video "lip-sync" delay when displaying the standard OmniTek full-motion test sequence. XR can also measure the time delay between SDI input signals and the analog sync reference, between different SDI inputs and between different channels.

Video Proxy

Video proxy in pulse-cross mode

A high-resolution real-time proxy of the SDI input or signal generator source is provided. This ‘Mini-Pic’ has a real-time update and displays SD images at full resolution and full frame rate. HD images may be displayed at ½ resolution. A “pulse-cross” function allows viewing of the contents of the H & V blanking areas. Timing cursors can be overlaid on the proxy, and there are “burn-in” windows for timecodes (see below). The proxy can also display closed captions and teletext subtitles from OP-47, EIA 608 and 708 closed-caption decoder modules.

Closed Caption and Teletext Subtitle Decoding

The XR is capable of decoding Line 21, EIA-608-A, and EIA-708-B closed caption data and OP-47 teletext subtitles from SD or HD input signals. The decoded captions may be "burned in" to the mini-pic proxy window, listed in the closed-caption window and/or saved to an XML-format log file for archival purposes. The EIA-708-B support is provided through an optional extra decoding package. This package checks the validity of all the 708 data embedded in an SDI signals. It also supports the display of 708 windowing commands.

Where required, the Mini-Pic can display the timecode associated with the video, positioned to the left, in the centre or to the right at the top, at the bottom or in the middle of the display The XR is able to read and display VITC and ATC timecodes. When fitted with the optional LTC reader, it can also display LTC timecodes.

Digital Signal Generation/Motion Capture

Frame Images

The PC internal hard disk can store thousands of full-frame images, which can be read by the generator in any standard PC file format (.bmp, .jpg, .tif, .gif, .avi, .wmv, .yuv, .yuv10, .dpx, etc.). The images can be re-sized to fit the current video format, and the correct colour matrix is used when converting from RGB (i.e. BT.601 or BT.709).

Full-Motion Capture & Playback

The XR contains a real-time uncompressed video capture and playout system capable of storing up to 45 seconds of SD, or 7 seconds of HD source material. Image sequences may be loaded as individual frames, .avi or .wmv files, or captured from the live SDI input.

Playlists

The XR can play out a user-defined sequence of images or motion segments. Each image has programmable duration, and can have different embedded audio tones or engineering settings such as gain or noise. The playlist can be executed in a continuous loop or as a single sequence, and is fully remote-controlled via SNMP network commands.

System Details

The OmniTek XR is a PC-based system, comprising a state-of-the-art real time signal processing PCI plug-in card plus application software running under the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems.

OmniTek can supply the XR system as card-plus-software only, for the user to install in the PC system of their choice, or alternatively XR can be supplied pre-installed in a 1RU rackmount PC chassis, portable PC with integrated screen, or “Magma” laptop expansion chassis.

The application may be used either in a standard “Windows” mode or in a “full screen” mode in which a selection of windows are neatly tiled to give a clear, uncluttered display. All windows are adjustable in size and colour on the graphics display. The user may also customize the selection and position of windows shown in “full screen” displays.?To maximize the resolution and clarity of the display, the XR can drive up to two DVI or VGA monitors at resolutions of 1920 x1200 and beyond.

The XR features two SDI outputs and an analog component video output for monitoring purposes. Regions of the image with any gamut error may be flashed on the output displays. In addition, cursors and graticules may be shown.

There are a range of options available with the XR system – please contact your local OmniTek dealer for more information.
 

PCI CARD CONNECTIONS
WARRANTY
OmniTek systems are warranted for one year from date of purchase. This includes all feature upgrades and bug fixes to the application software, plus repair or replacement of the hardware (at the discretion of OmniTek). Extended warranty agreements are also available, please consult your local OmniTek dealer.