Tektronix Updates Video Monitoring and Analysis with HDR Expertise
Aurora file-based QC
Tektronix has developed new HDR video testing and diagnostic capabilities that are available across its media production monitoring and analysis software, including PRISM, Aurora and Sentry.
The company says the addition of HDR comes at a critical time in the video industry. VOD streaming has radically changed how video content is produced, delivered and consumed, and OTT distribution platforms have increased customer demand for a better quality of experience.
"Viewers expect their content to be delivered for HDR today. Broadcasters seeking to address the HDR opportunity have been working with Tektronix to improve HDR processing and optimise HDR workflows,” said Charlie Dunn, general manager of Tektronix's Video Business. “In working together, we’re able to help them deliver a better viewing experience for content ranging from feature films to live events, mitigating churn and protecting their brand perception.”
Providers initially face the challenge of optimising a workflow for HDR content. To contribute to their efforts to deliver consistent HDR video to customers, Tektronix has developed a dynamic set of tools that apply to all stages of the workflow.
PRISM media monitoring and analysis now has a comprehensive set of HDR measurements and displays that give visibility into the dynamics between different factors that affect content, including standards and network connectivity, and reduces the time to fault isolation and remedy.
With new functions for HDR / WCG workflows, PRISM determines whether jobs are completed in a consistent manner without error. It also reduces complexity in HDR / WCG multi-format content creation, especially for those creating content following Report ITU-R BT.2408-1. With PRISM’s objective measurements should give production teams more confidence.
Built on software that is upgradable in the field, PRISM continues to evolves along with IP and HDR standards. PRISM presents complex information through straightforward graphical displays that are familiar to broadcast operations teams, technicians and engineers.
Aurora is a scalable, file-based QC system that aims to save media providers time and money by balancing efficiency with quality and cost savings in workflows. Now with HDR capabilities, Aurora integrates with external workflow management tools already used in studios to continuously and autonomously check streams of content.
Sentry lived video monitoring
Aurora displays all HDR metadata in the QC report and can generate graphs showing measured Content Light Level and Frame-Average Light Level values. If those measured values exceed the file’s metadata, Aurora will flag the error in the QC report.
Sentry monitors live video quality for delivery networks by cable, broadcast and OTT streaming providers. Adding HDR status monitoring to its range of video and audio reporting confirms HDR services are being delivered correctly. It also alerts operators to HDR data that has been incorrectly set or mistakenly modified, which can result in poor video quality.
Sentry works as a final control determining that content being delivered is free of errors and meets all quality check thresholds. Its tools can be automated to proactively prevent issues so that video streaming engineers can focus more on competitive service provision.
Tektronix is showing its new HDR video production and workflow tools in PRISM, Aurora and Sentry at NAB 2019. www.tektronix.com
