Technical Overview

New: COFDM, 8VSB, Turbo 8PSK and QAM-B RF confidence monitoring interfaces.

New: Support for H.264 AVC and VC1 stream types enables stream identification and monitoring where next-generation compression systems are used. New: RF diagnostic mode enables measurements on signals where lock cannot be achieved.

The MTM400 is a real-time MPEG transport stream monitor. Together with the MLM1000 Multi-Layer Monitoring Application,^*1 the MTM400 provides a complete solution for transmission monitoring of MPEG transport streams. The MTM400 uses a single transport stream processor platform packaged in a 1 RU rackmount chassis to provide monitoring of a transport stream at data rates up to 155 Mbps.^*2 The platform is used to provide an extended confidence monitoring product that, with the addition of software options, provides diagnostic monitoring capabilities. The extended confidence monitor provides the key MPEG tests; this basic level of functionality and low cost enable widespread deployment throughout a transmission network, facilitating rapid fault isolation.

The diagnostic monitoring options provide more in-depth analysis of the MPEG transport stream including recording capability, PSI/SI/PSIP/ARIB analysis and unique user-defined template tests to ensure right content, right place and right time. Additionally, optional RF confidence monitoring interfaces including COFDM, 8VSB, Turbo 8PSK, QPSK (L Band) and QAM allow the MTM400 to receive RF inputs and display key RF monitoring parameters including MER, BER and constellation displays before demodulating the signal to provide measurements on the health of the Transport Stream. Deployed at key network nodes, the MTM400 equipped as a diagnostic monitor enables the cause of faults to be pinpointed and solved.

*1 Separate data sheet is available.

*2 Maximum transport stream bit rate is dependent on transport stream content and depth of analysis being performed. Depth of stream analysis is handled gracefully if SI/PSIP max content is exceeded to ensure critical measurements continue to be performed.

Features & Benefits

• Multi Layer, Multi Channel, Remote Monitoring and Measurement at RF and Transport Layers to DVB (TR 101 290), ATSC and ISDB (T&S) Standards
• Comprehensive Confidence Monitoring at the RF Modulated Layer with Optional COFDM, 8VSB, Turbo 8PSK, QPSK (L Band) and QAM Interface MER (Up to 38 dB Typical), BER and Constellation Displays
• Critical RF Measurements, MER and EVM Provide Early Indication of Signal Degradation Before Any Picture Impairment is Visible to the End Customer, Without Additional Costly RF Test Equipment
• MTM400 with RF Interface Can Switch Between RF Monitoring and Transport Stream Monitoring Within the One Probe, Enabling Monitoring of the Input and RF Interface with a Single Unit, Minimizing Down Time and Contractual Penalties
• DPI (SCTE-35) Local Content Insertion Monitoring
• DigiCipher II (DCII) Protocol Support
• User-defined Template Monitoring Option to Ensure Right Content at the Right Place at the Right Time While Content Ratings Checking Ensures Only Appropriate Content Broadcast
• Remote Recording Allows Capture and Analysis of Stream Events for Expert Offline Analysis to Diagnose Difficult and Intermittent Problems, Requiring No Engineer Site Visits
• Scalable, Upgradeable Monitoring Capability Provides Extended Confidence Monitoring, Where You Buy the Capability You Need When You Need It
• In-field Upgrades Minimize Upgrade Time
• Simple User Interface Minimizes Staff Familiarization Time

Applications

• Terrestrial Distribution
• Contribution and Primary Distribution
• Cable Headend Monitoring
• DTH or Network Operator Satellite Uplink Monitoring