Tektronix introduced a new version of its video quality monitors that adds the ability to monitor video post-QAM RF video, complementing the ability to evaluate video quality in the digital domain.

Sentry Edge II detects RF modulation and transport stream errors generated by equipment errors or failures. Service providers can use Sentry Edge II at the hub, headend or wherever a QAM is used.

RF measurements make it easier and faster to pinpoint issues, Tektronix contends. For example, the company explained, high-quality MER measurements up to 41 dB allow providers to detect signal quality degradation sooner, so they can take action before this issue impacts the subscriber’s viewing experience.

The company said Sentry Edge II offers more tuners per unit than competing products, lowering the cost of edge monitoring. Providers can choose from two high-density models – four or eight tuners – both designed to minimize rack space and power costs.

RF signals up to 1 GHz can be monitored, allowing monitoring of the additional services that providers have added to grow their business. QAM A, B and C support meets providers’ requirements worldwide.

“The video and audio errors that can ruin subscribers’ QoE can originate anywhere in today’s increasingly complex networks, so monitoring network-wide is vital for resolving these errors before they impact subscribers,” said Eben Jenkins, general manager of the video product line at Tektronix. “The advanced monitoring capabilities of our new Sentry Edge II ideally complement the other members of the Sentry family, enabling video service providers to comprehensively monitor video content from the ‘source to the edge’ of their networks.”

The Sentry Edge II is available now.