Leaders expanded product range attracts high interest at 04 NAB Show

Leaders expanded product range attracts high interest at 2014 NAB Show 25 Apr 2014

Leader Instruments reports very strong interest in its expanded range of broadcast-quality test and measurement solutions and third-party-distribution products at the 2014 NAB Show. Held in the Las Vegas Convention Center April 7-10, the exhibition and accompanying conference attracted 93,850 registrants, more than four per cent above the 2013 equivalent.

One of two strongest themes at this years show was the growing interest in 4K production thanks to the availability of high-quality 4K cameras at very affordable prices, comments Leader Japan president Noboru Kitagawa. Creating content in 4K offers the best way to future-proof new productions given the growing interest among broadcasters in 4K and the 2016 scheduled commencement of 8K transmission trials. Our LV5490 picture and signal monitor gives television and digital film creatives the ability to ensure precise focus which is absolutely essential when shooting in 4K.

Leaders LV5490 picture and signal monitor incorporates test-pattern generation, support for two-sample interleaved 4K image transmission and an HD-SDI output. New options include eye-pattern, jitter measurement and ITU-R BT2020 based chromaticity diagram. 8-channel Dolby-encoded audio analysis is optional. With its new pattern generator function, the LV5490 can generate 75% and 100% color bars, limit ramps, 10-step and variable raster.

The second issue evident at NAB was the accelerating demand for video and audio analysis tools for use at the point of content ingest into post-production systems or playout archives. Our new FS3140 quality-control software combines powerful automated final analysis plus the waveform and vectorscope displays which experienced video engineers and creatives rely upon. It can be deployed on a web-based Windows server, allowing easy rollout across Windows, OS X or Linux environments.

A key feature of the FS3140 is its ability to identify issues which can be seen and heard. This is achieved using perception-based artifact detection, multi-level block-noise analysis, black-frame detection, freeze-frame detection, silence detection and filtered audio noise sensors. Other file characteristics which can be checked include metadata, macroblock noise, letterboxing, pillarboxing, profane captions, blurring, comb artifacts, field swaps, peak audio levels, test tones, audio transients, channel phase, average loudness and mono-in-stereo.

HD file-checking is real-time or faster on approved PC hardware with multi-core CPU support and NVIDIA CUDA graphic technology. SD files can be processed at 2 to 5 times faster than real-time. The FS3140 can be expanded without limit by adding verification units on the same physical machine or on separate physical or virtual machines.

Third-party products demonstrated on the Leader booth included the latest version of the Eyeheight LEGAL-6 video and audio legalizer. This incorporates extended audio capabilities including eight loudness level control channels configured as four AES stereo pairs. The LEGAL-6 provides automatic real-time control of perceptual loudness and true peak level using multi-channel loudness and true-peak computations. This is coupled with industry standard and proprietary correction algorithms as the embedded stereo or surround audio loudness are continuously monitored, system gain being seamlessly adjusted across all channels to stay within the loudness limit while preserving audio imaging. Also demonstrated was Eyeheights BroadcastSafeMC, a complete plug-in legalizer, safe-area generator and graphic measurement toolset for use with Avids Media Composer 7 and Interplay nonlinear editing systems. It works seamlessly with Media Composer, enabling users to verify and conform content prior to submission to any file-based quality control system.

Also on display was the new PHABRIX TAG, a hand-held instrument developed within the same form factor as the Sx range. In addition to SDI and AES generation and analysis, the TAG incorporates composite analysis and generation for regions supporting the transition between analogue and digital switchover. A small form-factor pluggable electro-optical cage has been integrated into the TAG, principally for optical infrastructure testing (single and dual SFP modules). Reference input with waveform view and a useful reference generator output have been included. AES waveform display allows visual check for levels and reference lock. Advanced audio features have also been incorporated into the TAG. PHABRIX has worked closely with Dolby to provide support for Dolby E, Dolby D and Dolby D plus.

The latest version of Trilogy Communications Mentor XL master reference generator was exhibited. This provides independently timed SD and HD references with appropriate test signals to resolve specific system design challenges. Mentor XL includes enhanced features using 3G, GPS and even PTP for distribution of all sync and timing references for testing IP-compliant networks.

Leader Instruments Corporation

Established over 40 years ago in the USA by Leader Electronics (Yokohama, Japan), Leader Instruments Corporation (www.leaderamerica.com) provides customer support, sales and marketing services for a select number of high-technology manufacturers with specific focus on the broadcast and professional video market.

Leader Instruments operates a fast, efficient and highly experienced sales and support channel. LeaderInstruments has offices with local representation in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and Louisville plus warehousing in Los Angeles.

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