Tektronix, Inc., a worldwide provider of communications network management and diagnostics solutions, announced the availability of Spectra2|VQM (Video Quality Measurement) version 2.0 for the diagnosis and analysis of Internet Protocol TV (IPTV). Leveraging Tektronix' 60 year heritage in innovation and building on its industry leadership in video and IP network test, measurement and monitoring, Spectra2|VQM v2.0 is the next generation network test tool, providing the industry's most comprehensive real time video Control Plane and video media quality testing solution for network operators and network equipment manufacturers (NEMs). The solution provides a complete platform for Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics.

Spectra2|VQM v2.0, an integrated, multi-user video media quality, signaling and control protocol analyzer, is the latest in Tektronix' best-in- class suite of test, measurement and monitoring solutions to bring triple play and IPTV services to market. Spectra2|VQM v2.0 leverages the market-leading Spectra2 VoIP and converged voice networks testing platform to deliver IP video and network quality metrics, such as presence, accuracy and delivery. This fast and accurate troubleshooting enables network operators and NEMs to ensure network performance and service reliability, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

In an increasingly complex market, network operators and NEMs are under extreme pressure to find ways to leverage their technology infrastructures to support new business growth areas. Coupled with the increasing need for change, the technology requirements to support new, high-bandwidth services in the networks have become a reality. These technological advances are driving the transition to, and investment in, advanced networks. Of all the IP services, video is seen as the key differentiator, which has stimulated a huge interest in IPTV and triple play services.

"Network operators and NEMs need the right expertise and tools to test their IP video service offerings and equipment under real-world conditions, where timeliness and quality are the keys to winning over customers," said Richard Kenedi, Senior Director, Diagnostics, Communications Business, Tektronix. "Spectra2|VQM v2.0 provides a comprehensive platform for QoS and QoE measurements and monitoring in IPTV systems. Tektronix understands the unique demands of IP and video better than anyone else. As a result, our customers can rely on Tektronix' recognized IP and video test leadership for QoS and QoE metrics when they need them to guarantee their customer image satisfaction."

Spectra2|VQM v2.0 Features

Spectra2|VQM v2.0 supports IPTV signaling and media analysis in an easy- to-learn, easy-to-use, graphical user interface (GUI) running on a robust multi-user platform. Its signaling analysis capabilities include support of the two major video control protocols, Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Support for the IGMP (multicast) and RTSP (unicast) protocols ensures the ability to serve the largest possible content market, the largest number of service providers and service offerings, and the largest number of NEMs.

The simplified GUI makes it easy to configure the real-time capture of video stream statistics. Pre- and post-capture packet stream data is displayed in a powerful graphical format for easy detection of errors. Video data capture and on-screen decode displays also ease trouble-shooting.

The solution's discovery function automatically detects which video channels are active, and users can also manually add video stream channels, as needed. The discovery function provides a top-level view of all media channels currently detected and analyzed, including the active state of the channels, real-time bit rates, mode and status. Other features include the display of QoS statistics for real-time monitoring and rapid fault isolation of live video streams. Users can easily view pre- and post-FEC (Forward Error Correction) statistics on one screen, as well as determine QoS and QoE for IP video signaling and video transport.

Spectra2|VQM v2.0 includes support for MPEG Transport Stream (TS) directly over UDP, which helps users track MPEG TS metrics. The solution also supports simultaneous testing and monitoring of a high number of single program transport streams (SPTS). The session trace feature for video on demand (VoD) lets users see associated RTSP and media messages for each VoD session being analyzed, all from a single screen.

Tektronix' Video and IP Monitoring Expertise

Tektronix' deep knowledge and expertise in both broadcast video content monitoring and IP monitoring -- two critical building blocks for high quality IPTV -- make the company uniquely positioned to test the convergence of voice, video and data. Tektronix' integrated, seamless portfolio of best-in-class monitoring and analysis solutions help bring triple play and IPTV services to market. Its latest solutions include Spectra2|VQM v2.0 and the MTM400 MPEG Transport Stream Monitor (Please see August 16 press release, "Tektronix Provides Monitoring Solution for Video over IP and IPTV Applications.") Spectra2|VQM v2.0 is part of a full suite of Spectra2 VoIP and PSTN tools designed to assist in the delivery of video and voice media over modern networks.