Tektronix has a new version of its Sentry monitoring system available that incorporates two MPEG inputs. The option enables service providers to use a single Sentry to monitor both their primary and redundant video feeds for video and audio errors that can impact viewers’ quality of experience (QoE).
Sentry’s flexible configuration ensures that VSPs can monitor and compare any part of the network to isolate problems. Monitoring both the primary and redundant video feeds at the same time allows for higher density and scalability, less power consumption and space, and ease of use for configuring and managing a single unit as opposed to two units, the company explained.
Equipped with dual MPEG inputs, Sentry provides the flexibility required to monitor two video feeds on two separate networks without having to combine into a single GigE input for monitoring.
Additionally, users can cost-effectively monitor the audio loudness, video and audio QoE on both input feeds with a combined throughput of up to 2Gbps in a 1RU box.
With real-time quality of service (QoS) and QoE monitoring VSPs can detect viewer impacting errors such as anomalies in the network at the IP and MPEG layers, identifying issues including frozen video, tiling/macroblocking, black screen and audio disruptions or audio-level issues, before they impact a large amount of subscribers.
“To ensure our Sentry line addresses the most pressing needs of VSPs, we are continually adding new features, functions and capabilities,” said Eben Jenkins, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. “The newest additions of dual MPEG inputs to Sentry, allows VSPs to cost-effectively monitor primary and redundant video feeds simultaneously on two separate networks, without additional steps or equipment. Not only can our customer’s monitor two input feeds, but they can also monitor audio loudness, video and audio quality of experience on both feeds – all with one device.”
