DekTec recently focused on upgrading its software for testing and measurement of OTA and CATV DTV signals from ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 to DVB-C, -C2, -T, -T2, and ISDB-T. 

One new upgrade allows StreamXpert to analyze DEPI (Downstream External PHY Interface), often used in CATV networks. DEPI is an IP tunnel between DOCSIS core equipment and a "Remote PHY" device that transmits the DOCSIS frames on the coax cable. Many CATV headends are optimizing their system architecture by moving to such "Remote PHY" solutions, minimizing the amount of hardware at the endpoint and centralizing the heavy processing.

StreamXpert can help cable operators with this transition. The DEPI analysis module unpacks TS packets from the L2TPv3 layer and (optional) UDP protocol. Different 'MPT' sessions can be present, each containing a single Transport Stream. 

PCAP Offline File Analysis

In addition to real-time IP analysis via any network adapter, StreamXpert now also supports PCAP offline file analysis. So, if you have made a Wireshark PCAP recording, you can start analyzing your UDP, RTP or DEPI streams containing video feeds right away.

The new DEPI and PCAP functionality is included in StreamXpert v2.15 and freely available to those users that have a StreamXpert license with a current maintenance agreement.

Remote Monitoring DVB-T

Many broadcasters are looking to deploy addressable advertising solutions using interactive TV standards such as HbbTV over DVB-T. These nationwide networks are typically managed from a central location in the country, creating challenges in monitoring the behavior of the new services.

Recently, Justin Gupta of Google undertook a proof-of-concept project to demonstrate the technical feasibility of rebroadcasting a DVB-T signal over the Internet from one location to another. This project could be used as a recipe for those wanting to either send or receive a DVB-T signal over IP.

Gupta’s PoC project demonstrated three concepts. One was that it is technically feasible to use hardware and software from DekTec to rebroadcast a DVB-T channel over the Internet, with all Interactive data tracks intact. The second showed it is possible to minimise the bandwidth (<4 Mbps is required for a standard definition channel).  The third demonstrated that interactive services (in this case the MHEG ‘BBC Digital Text’) work on a consumer TV, so HbbTV services should also work, although not explicitly tested in the project.

The test used a DTA-2138B and MuxXpert to receive DVB-T and rebroadcast the service over the Internet with all interactive data tracks intact. A DTU-315 also with MuxXpert software was used to recreate the DVB T transmission. It proved possible to minimize the re-transmission bandwidth to less than 4Mbps for a single SD channel with interactive services.

Triveni Upgrades StreamScope XM

Triveni Digital is enhancing its StreamScope XM Analyzer by integrating the DTA-2139C, allowing simultaneous analysis of twelve ATSC 1.0 and/or 3.0 streams. 

Triveni Digital’s StreamScope XM Analyzer is integrated with a 12-channel PCIe receiver from DekTec, offering support for 12 receivers on one card, including a mix of terrestrial (ATSC 3.0, ATSC 1.0, and 8VSB) and cable (QAM) signals. All 12 channels are demodulated simultaneously, allowing users to monitor a complete network in real time. As broadcasters transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, they can seamlessly switch over each receiver within the software, future-proofing their operations.

The new 12-port input version of the StreamScope XM eliminates the need for customers to use a separate input card to analyze multiple ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 streams. This version of StreamScope XM is perfect for stations transmitting multiple ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 signals, duopoly broadcasters, and cable operators needing to analyze numerous broadcast signals in a single designated market area (DMA).

The 12-port input card has also been integrated seamlessly into Triveni Digital’s StreamScope Enterprise solution, enabling broadcasters to consolidate their video quality management operations and simplify analysis for multiple DMAs.

The DTA-2139C is DekTec's flagship multi-channel receiver card, offering 12 independent VHF/UHF tuners and hardware demodulators. In addition to ATSC 1.0/3.0, each receiver also supports QAM, DVB-T/T2 and even ISDB-T reception. RF measurements, including lock status, RF level, MER and BER are available for monitoring on each channel.

Auton Uses Atsc3Xpert

ATSC 3.0's main goal is to optimize terrestrial video distribution. However, ATSC 3.0 can also be used creatively for new applications, such as delivering IP data to an entire city using existing broadcast towers. IP over ATSC 3.0 is applied by Auton Inc., a developer of broadband solutions for connected cars, to transmit secure software updates to cars on the move. 

Auton is pioneering the use of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) technology to provide mobile broadcast internet services. Auton accomplished this with an IP multicast of the complete ATSC 3.0 protocol stack, originating in a Seattle data center and sent over the internet to the broadcast tower. The ATSC 3.0 multicast was received by Auton's telematics control unit ("TCU"), the in-vehicle appliance that includes the ATSC 3.0 receiver, LTE, WiFi, GPS, and the company's patented security overlay that uses the Iridium satellite constellation.

Testing included DekTec’s DTA-2131 and Atsc3Xpert used for real-time RF measurements in the field. They support all ATSC 3.0 modes, allowing Auton to experiment with new ideas on the fly. They confirmed Auton’s ability to deliver mobile video streaming content and broadband data to moving vehicles in a wide range of environments.

This field testing of the new NextGenTV mobile network included monitoring the quality of internet hosted streaming video in high-speed highways, hills, valleys, forested areas, dense urban, suburban and rural environments. The test demonstrated the utility, efficiency, signal quality and the unique capabilities and advantages provided by the new FCC authorized broadcast internet services that will enhance the public's access to mobile broadband services.

Robert Foster, CEO of Auton, said "The DTA-2131 receiver performed admirably. It's amazing how beat up the signal can get and still play decent video."

2021 Dektec Updates:

VF-REC, Advanced TS/SDI/4K recording v3.5.12, January 2021.

Atsc3Xpert, ATSC-3 reception and analysis v1.20.2, February 2021.

SdEye Real-time SDI analyzer v3.8.0, February 2021.

T2Xpert, DVB-T2 analysis software v1.9.1, February 2021.

StreamXpert, Real-time transport-stream analyzer v2.15.0, March 2021.

StreamXpress, DekTec stream player v3.28.0, March 2021.