Virtual RF tests cut down on field work

Digital TV Labs has dramatically cut the cost of DVB-T testing with the launch of the world's first virtual radio frequency (RF) field testing service. The unique service, based on an extensive library of actual RF field recordings across Europe, enables virtual field testing to be carried out in the lab for the first time. As a result, manufacturers can minimise lengthy and costly field testing, significantly reduce time to market and guarantee a high quality experience for digital viewers.

Europe has an extensive variation in broadcast parameters and a wide variety of network characteristics.

Whereas traditional laboratory RF testing is a necessary prerequisite to ensure good RF performance of DVB-T receivers, field testing was always required to ensure proper reception in challenging RF conditions.

The launch of Digital TV Labs' virtual field testing service means that, for the first time, receiver manufacturers can eliminate the need for full field testing - a long and expensive process.

Using its wide experience of field testing across Europe, Digital TV Labs has built an extensive knowledge base of Europe's challenging RF sites.

DVB-T and DVB-H front-ends can now be tested against a huge library of RF recordings in hours rather than weeks, ensuring that receivers operate correctly in marginal signal conditions.

Tests are completely repeatable to allow any issues to be quickly understood and resolved.

Working in partnership with Adivic of Taiwan, manufacturer of the vector recording and playback instruments, Digital TV Labs RF recordings are a minimum of 20 seconds.

Using spectrum analysis at the test sites, analogue and digital interferers are also measured, so these can be played back simultaneously with the RF recording to ensure a faithful reproduction of the real RF spectrum characteristics.

Digital TV Labs' special purpose field test vehicle constantly tours Europe so new RF vector recordings are continuously added to the company's extensive library.

The Digital TV Labs virtual RF field testing complements the capabilities of the company's new Evora pan-European test suite, which manufacturer can use to fully test software conformance in each country.

Keith Potter, CEO of Digital TV Labs, commented: 'The unique virtual field testing service now enables Digital TV Labs to deliver lab-based field testing that will help to guarantee full RF performance for all broadcast conditions in Europe'.

'Combined with pan-European software conformance tests, delivered through our Evora Test Suite, manufacturers now have repeatable, in-depth test coverage that can radically improve product quality and the user experience, as well as saving weeks in time to market - crucial in such a highly competitive industry'.