R&S^®DVQ Digital Video Quality Analyzer

The unique combination of realtime capability and independence from a reference signal opens up a wide field of applications for DVQ. Longterm recording and evaluation allows quality assessment that is closer to reality than that of short standardized test sequences.

Quality monitoring in distribution networks

DVQ allows monitoring of the picture quality during program transmission and in realtime. Degradations in quality and failures can be recognized at an early stage so that remedial measures can be taken in time. Since the analysis method employed does not require any reference signals, DVQ is suitable for use wherever MPEG2-coded video data are transmitted or received.

- Playout center -

DVQ can be used to document the picture quality versus time at the gateway between two different networks. This could for instance be used as an evidence for the contractual performance of services. The network compatibility of DVQ allows optimum integration into monitoring systems.

- Network monitoring -

DVQ in conjunction with DTV Recorder Generator DVRG (see data sheet DVRG PD 757.5708) and, optionally, Realtime Monitor DVRM (see data sheet DVRM PD 757.5566) forms a complete monitoring system with recording capability even for very rare disturbances. The relay outputs of DVQ and DVRM are connected with the trigger input of DVRG, whose elaborate trigger characteristics make it possible to record a transport stream section of arbitrary length before and after an error event for subsequent detailed analysis.

- Satellite uplink monitoring -

Program quality assessment

Again it is a benefit that the measurement method is based on the analysis of video data and does not need reference pictures. Instead of lengthy observations carried out by a test person, unknown program material can automatically be checked for its picture quality.

Development as well as evaluation and setting of operational hardware

In the following application examples comparative quality measurement is mainly used since the changes in picture quality are of significance. DVQ allows fast and automated evaluation of encoder algorithms and multiplex methods. The advantage here is that the evaluation is made according to subjective aspects under real conditions of use and with real program material. Furthermore DVQ provides the means of optimizing the operational settings so that transmission can be as efficient and with as little resources as possible, whilst maintaining the required minimum quality.

Testing of set-top boxes

The effects of the receiver and internal processing on picture quality can conveniently be determined with the aid of DVQ. If the MPEG2 transport stream is not available at the common interface of the box, an analog/digital converter can be used to determine the picture quality of the MPEG2 decoder. Thanks to the two remote-control interfaces DVQ can ideally be integrated into automatic production environments and systems.

- Production of set-top boxes -