The 980 Protocol Scope is an analyzer that provides full visibility into the HDMI protocol, timing, control and auxiliary data. It captures and decodes encrypted or unencrypted protocol data (data islands, infoframes, control data, timing, etc.) as well as DDC transactions and CEC messages. Unlike competing analyzers for HDMI protocol testing, the 980 captures all data islands and control data with accurate timestamps.

Previous releases of the product enabled developers to passively monitor timing and DDC transactions for encrypted content between an HDMI source and sink device. The new Encrypted Link Analyzer is a unique test application that enables developers to monitor and analyze protocol data for encrypted content transmitted between an HDMI source device and sink device. This enables developers to investigate HDMI interoperability while the content is encrypted by viewing the protocol data in real time and observing the behavior of the downstream sink device.

In addition to real time monitoring, developers can also capture the encrypted protocol data for detailed analysis. With the capture operation, developers can monitor the downstream HDMI sink device for particular symptoms and then initiate a capture when the symptoms exhibit themselves. This ensures that the relevant data—data related to interoperability—is captured.

Interoperability issues can arise when protocol and control data is transmitted improperly. For example, AVI infoframes may not be transmitted properly or may contain incorrect values. Metadata packets may be transmitted in the “keep-out” region in the vertical blanking region. Audio samples may be transmitted in a pattern that is difficult for a receiver chip in an HDTV to process. These are just a few examples where deep visibility—capturing all packets, assigning precise timestamps and indicating all values—provided only by the Quantum Data 980 Protocol Scope is necessary for identifying the root cause of interoperability issues.

Recently the 980 was able to identify interoperability issues in a 3D application involving THX Media Director™. Media Director uses multiple vendor specific infoframes (VSIF) to communicate information about AV content that reflects the artistic intent of content creators (http://www.thx.com/consumer/thx-technology/thx-media-director/). Multiple VSIFs transmitted in rapid succession can be missed by some commercial chips especially when VSIFs are also used to transmit 3D metadata. Because the 980 can capture all packets transmitted, the root cause of the problem was able to be identified.

The 980 Protocol Scope combines in-depth analysis of HDMI protocol data, source compliance testing for HDMI source devices and now enables you to monitor encrypted protocol data between a source and sink.

About Quantum Data
Headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, Quantum Data, Inc. invents test instruments that help manufacturers bring next-generation video, audio, and control products to market – faster and without interoperability problems. These instruments simultaneously improve a manufacturer's time-to-market and interoperability with other manufacturer's products. Features include signal emulation, signal analysis, troubleshooting and compliance testing. Quantum Data's instruments are used in product development, certification, manufacturing, installation, and service environments. Quantum Data sells and services OEMs and resellers, as well as selling private label test instruments to other OEMs. For more information about Quantum Data please visit: www.quantumdata.com.