Tektronix Unveils Industry's Only Waveform Monitor with HDMI/HDCP Connection

BEAVERTON, Ore., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix (www.tektronix.com), the market leader in broadcast video test, monitoring and analysis solutions, today expanded its award-winning line of waveform monitors and rasterizers with its new WFM and WVR5250 models, the only products in their respective classes to offer HDMI-HDCP inputs that enable broadcasters and video service providers (VSP) to directly monitor the quality of the video and audio output of set-top boxes (STB) and Blu-ray players for the first time.  This unique capability makes the WFM/WVR5250 the most comprehensive, compact and portable video and audio test tools available for acquisition, post production and compliance monitoring.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130408/SF84791)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130103/SF36616LOGO-b)

Before the WFM/WVR5250 and its HDMI-HDCP inputs, there was no way for broadcasters, and VSPs to monitor the video signal quality output from STBs, Blu-ray players and other consumer devices with HDMI outputs.  The majority of video and audio content provided through the HDMI connector on consumer devices such as STBs and Blu-ray players is encrypted using HDCP for copy protection and only certified HDCP compliant devices can provide the necessary decoding. The WFM/WVR5250 is HDCP compliant allowing users to have direct access to the data they need to assess the quality of the signal output by any consumer device that uses HDMI interfaces.  This is essential for VSPs who are trying to objectively measure the customer Quality of Experience and compliance to broadcast and regulatory standards as seen by their customers.

In addition to checking the output of their STBs, cable operators and other VSPs can use the HDMI-HDCP connectivity of the WFM/WVR5250 to test new STB firmware releases in the lab and diagnose interoperability issues. This eliminates the need for dedicated HDMI protocol analyzers. VSPs can also conduct audio loudness "quick checks" in headends or hub sites which is important for complying with the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act and for ensuring audio quality during live sporting events and other programming.

"As the only waveform monitors and rasterizers with HDMI-HDCP inputs, our new WFM/WVR5250 models are truly state-of-the-art, setting a new standard for the industry," said Eben Jenkins, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. "Adding the flexibility to monitor set-top boxes' outputs with CALM Act compliance 'quick checks' combined with monitoring Blu-ray players video and audio outputs exemplifies our commitment to innovation and continued dedication to helping our customers stay at the forefront of their industries."

Tektronix is an active member to the HDMI Forum Manufacturers Organization which is responsible for the development of HDMI Compliance Testing Specifications.

Pricing and Availability

The WFM and WVR5250 are available now worldwide with a starting price of $6,560 US MSRP.  For more information about the WFM/WVR5250 visit http://www.tek.com/baseband-video-test-solutions

Wonder what else Tektronix is up to? Stay up to date on Twitter and Facebook.

About Tektronix
For more than sixty five years, engineers have turned to Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring solutions to solve design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market. Tektronix is a leading supplier of test equipment for engineers focused on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at www.tektronix.com.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Tektronix