Created on 2008-04-14 16:28:00
Las Vegas NAB, – April 14, 2008 – Audio Precision, the world leader in audio test and measurement, today unveiled the first audio analyzer capable of testing HDMI and Blu-ray audio.
Engineers working with HDMI can now benefit from the speed and ease-of-use of the APx585 multichannel audio analyzer to measure HDMI audio quality on devices such as surround sound receivers, set-top boxes, HD TVs, and DVD & Blu-ray Disc players.
Troubleshooting component compatibility and downsampling / downmixing / transcoding issues is also easier with APx. Today, engineers typically use one consumer audio device to troubleshoot another, making it hard to tell which device is causing problems. Using an APx as a controlled audio source speeds setup time and eliminates the uncertainty.
The new APx HDMI option for the APx585 includes a fully compliant HDMI 1.3A Source and Sink interface that can generate and analyze test signals in real time on up to 8 channels. In addition to linear PCM audio streams, APx can generate lossless formats such as dts-HD Master Audio, and compressed formats such as Dolby Digital and dts Digital Surround. All signals are available in 24-bit 48 kHz versions; the linear and lossless tones can also be generated at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
The video signal required for HDMI can be passed through from the user’s source, or can be generated by the APx585. Video formats and HDCP encryption can be toggled to test for effect on embedded audio.
Audio Precision has also created a Blu-ray Disc with high-resolution versions of a wide selection of audio test signals for testing Blu-ray Disc players. Formats on the disc are the same as those supported by the APx generator. The 300+ tones are accessible via video menus.
“The days of jury-rigged HDMI audio testing are over and you can hear the sighs of relief across the world,” said Bruce Hofer, co-founder and Chairman of Audio Precision. “APx will significantly speed up the development cycle and allow a degree of confidence that’s only possible with high precision instruments. I can’t see the case for any engineer working on HDMI to be without one.”
Price and Availability The HDMI option can be ordered with a new APx585 or can be installed as an upgrade to a current instrument. All AP Sales Partners will accept orders starting April 14, 2008, and the first orders will ship in mid-summer 2008. Please contact your local AP Sales Partner for pricing.
About HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. By delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable, HDMI dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide consumers with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable. [Taken from HDMI.org]
About the APx585 Multichannel Audio Analyzer
The APx585 is a dedicated multichannel audio analyzer that combines a next generation user interface with AP’s legendary commitment to performance. The APx is capable of taking 14 measurements in as fast as 7 seconds, automatically generating a report of results and saving all test settings in a single, sharable project file. It is the only true multichannel audio analyzer in the world.
About Audio Precision
Audio Precision has been designing and marketing audio test instruments for over two decades. The industry leader in audio test, Audio Precision provides high quality solutions to help engineers worldwide design and build audio products that meet or exceed the highest performance standards. For more information, visit the Audio Precision Web site at https://www.ap.com.
