Tektronix Boosts PRISM Platform Capabilities for Monitoring Hybrid IP/SDI Infrastructure

Tektronix, Inc., an industry-leading innovator of video test and monitoring solutions, today released a series of enhancements to PRISM, the industry’s first software-based hybrid IP and SDI media analysis platform. The new features added to the PRISM platform include support for important industry specifications and help engineers boost IP video network quality, conquer integration and operations challenges and perform deep-dive analysis for troubleshooting. The platform is now also available in a 1RU form factor for use with external displays to complement the current 3RU product which has a built-in display.

New enhancements to be demonstrated at NAB 2017 April 22-27, 2017 in Las Vegas (booth #SU5006) include analysis of PTP synchronization timing, support for SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy, IGMP V3 and new API support for easy system integration into network management systems, and IP stream capture for deep dive analysis. These are in addition to the Packet Interval Time (PIT) histogram and trend graph as well as the trend graph of Time Stamped Delay Factor (TS-DF) as per EBU-TECH 3337 that are currently available on PRISM. These real time IP measurement capabilities assist broadcast and IT engineers quickly and easily troubleshoot the root causes of IP network issues.

“As the broadcast industry goes through the IP transition, engineers need to manage an increasingly complex and evolving hybrid IP and SDI environment,” said Charlie Dunn, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “PRISM is the first software-based platform with field upgradeability that offers customers long-term investment protection as technology and requirements evolve.”

“With easy to understand graphical displays, it helps engineers quickly get the information they need to troubleshoot IP network issues and related content layer issues to assure delivery of high quality content,” Dunn added. “The platform is seeing strong global industry adoption with one example being Globosat who used PRISM to support live IP media production at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”

In addition to the new enhancements for IP production facility applications, Tektronix will also demonstrate at the NAB Show, for the first time, 4K format support over quad-link 3G-SDI and single link 12G-SDI with High Dynamic Range (HDR) on PRISM for content acquisition and post production applications. The demonstration will also include eye pattern measurements for 12G-SDI interfaces for signal integrity verification.

Availability
The PRISM software feature enhancements including SMPTE ST 2022-7, IGMP V3 and new API support, PTP timing analysis, and IP stream capture are available now. The 1RU form factor is available for order now with shipment expected in June. The expanded SDI support as previewed at NAB will be available in the second half of 2017.

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