The Densité HCP-1801 probe now allows detection of macro-blocks on HD and SD SDI signals which can arise from the decoding of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 compression.

The proliferation of television channels is continually stressing the bandwidth of video transmission and distribution networks, especially with the current rapid transition to HD signals. A method commonly used by broadcasters and TV Service Provides seeking to transmit and carry more HD signals within the confines of limited bandwidth is to force extended compression levels in MPEG. Unfortunately, compression of signals is often too severe, sometimes causing the introduction of macro-blocks in the image once the signal is decoded for viewing.

The HCP-1801 provides a robust, repeatable and affordable way for broadcasters and TV Service Providers to perform real-time monitoring of image blockiness on SD or HD SDI signals. Using a unique algorithm, the HCP-1801 performs a pixel-by-pixel, frame-by-frame analysis of the video signal, detecting the presence and measuring the severity of image macroblocks. This advanced measurement results in the calculation of the Block Artifact Index (BAI), ranging in levels from 1 to 16.