Tektronix updates its Prisma series to support analysis of managed IP networks

Tektronix's popular signal generator and analyzer will now support the recently released SMPTE ST 2110 (-20, -30, -40, -21) standard.

Tektronix has updated its popular Prism signal generator and analyzer to support the suite of SMPTE ST 2110 standards (-20, -30, -40, -21) recently published and which will be key in managed IP network environments.

Along with a series of new tools, Prism now improves its ability to test IP and 12G-SDI signals in hybrid/SDI networks supporting the generation, connectivity and analysis of ST 2110-10 (system timing), ST 2110-20 (uncompressed active video), ST 2110-30 (uncompressed PCM audio), ST 2110-40 (ancillary data), and ST 2110-21 (the traffic that makes up the uncompressed video).

Tektronix's proposal will help broadcast and IT engineers face the challenge of manage complex hybrid SDI and IP environments during the transition period. With its ability to connect to any broadcast signal in a facility and new ST 2110 signal generation capabilities, Prism provides the comprehensive measurement, network analysis and troubleshooting solution needed for a seamless transition to the IP-based infrastructure and workflows of the future.

Charlie Dunn, head of Tektronix's video product line, highlights that "the launch of ST 2110 is accelerating the IP transition, but the transition will never happen if broadcasters do not trust the stability and performance of their network. With Prism, we are delivering exactly what our customers need to move forward in the world of ST 2110: security and trust."

An important challenge in these new environments is find out where the errors start connectivity or other problems. One of the most effective methods to find these errors is to inject known and correct signals into the network to verify signal paths and system redundancy.

The new optional MP-GEN module for the Prism platform inserts ST 2110-20, -30 and ST 2022-7 test patterns for use in IP networks and in 12G-SDI for hybrid/SDI networks showing through graphs and reports any problems in ST 2110 networks including intermittent loss of video data, audio or other incidents. Additionally, the new ST 2110-21 support allows engineers to test the performance of senders and receivers under different traffic flow conditions on their IP network.

Tektronix has also expanded its PTP (Precision Time Protocol) analysis for system configuration and maintenance, and added NMOS Discovery and SDP (Registration/Session Description Protocol) support to simplify system integration. PRISM can perform IP and SDI (12G/3G/HD/SD) measurements and offers simple ways to switch between any input type.