IP Television Testing - IPTV Testing
IPTV testing is the
performing of measurements or observations of a device, system or service
that provides television service through data networks to validate its
successful operation and/or performance. IPTV testing can be complicated
because there are many interrelated processes which all can reduce the
quality of the media and processes that are used to control the media
flow.
IPTV systems differ
from broadcast television systems as they use transmission systems that
provide varying levels of performance. Broadcast systems are designed for
controlled continuous transmission while IPTV systems use packet
transmission that is subject to varying transmission patterns and packet
losses (burst errors).
IPTV systems use
switched video service (SVS) that dynamically setup (on demand) video
signal connections between two or more points. SVS services can range from
the setup of data connections that allow video transfer to the
organization and management of video content and the delivery of video
programs.
This
figure shows how a basic IP television system can be used to allow a
viewer to have access to many different media sources. This diagram shows
how a standard television is connected to a set top box (STB) that
converts IP video into standard television signals. The STB is the gateway
to an IP video switching system. This example shows that the switched
video service (SVS) system allows the user to connect to various types of
television media sources including broadcast network channels,
subscription services, and movies on demand. When the user desires to
access these media sources, the control commands (usually entered by the
user with a television remote control) are sent to the SVS and the SVS
determines which media source the user desires to connect to. This diagram
shows that the user only needs one video channel to the SVS to have access
to virtually an unlimited number of video sources.
IPTV
Switched Video Diagram
IPTV systems can be
divided into multiple layers ranging from a layer that physically
transports data to the layer that presents the media to the viewer. The
divisions of the hierarchy are referred to as layers or levels, with each
layer performing a specific task. In addition, each protocol layer obtains
services from the protocol layer below it and performs services to the
protocol layer above it.
The physical layer
is responsible for converting bits of information into data packets that
are transferred on a network. The MAC layer is responsible for requesting
and coordinating access to the physical channel. The Internet protocol
(IP) layer is responsible for adding the network address to packets so
they can travel through the network to reach their destination. The
transport layer is responsible for transferring packets (such as UDP/RTP)
between the sender and the receiver. The session layer coordinates and
oversees that transfer of the media components for the program channel
(such as MPEG). The packet elementary stream (PES) layer maps and
coordinates the media components to the transport streams. The application
layer coordinates the information interface between the communication
device and the end user or the program they are using.
This figure shows
an IPTV system that has been divided into multiple layers. The physical
layer is responsible for converting bits of information into data packets
that are transferred on a network. The MAC layer is responsible for
requesting access and coordinating the flow of information. The Internet
protocol (IP) layer is responsible for adding the network address to
packets. The UDP/RTP (transport layer) is responsible for transferring
packets between the sender and the receiver. The MPEG transport stream
layer combines multiple media streams (audio and video) into a single
program transport stream. The PES layer assigns media components (such as
audio and video) to specific packet streams. The application layer
presents the media to the viewer.
IPTV
System Layers Diagram
The operation of IPTV systems
is commonly measured by a combination of objective quality of service (QoS)
and quality of experience (QoE) evaluation processes.
Quality of service
(QoS) is one or more measurements of desired performance and priorities of
a communications system. QoS measures may include service availability,
maximum bit error rate (BER), minimum committed bit rate (CBR) and other
measurements that are used to ensure quality communications service.
Quality
of experience (QoE) is one or more measurements of the total
communications experience or the entertainment satisfaction from the
perspective of the end user. QoE measures may include service
availability, audio and video fidelity, types of programming, ability to
use and the value of interactive services.
Related IPTV Testing Terms
Mixed Media
Content Dependent
Multiple Conversions
Content Protection
Error Concealment
Loopback
Testing
IPTV Testing Books
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details
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IPTV
Testing
This
book covers quantitative (packet loss, error rate) and qualitative
(perceptual) quality measurement and control processes used in IPTV systems.
Quality measurement processes such as MDI, V-Factor, synchronization,
interaction (control), and other measurable values are explained. Network
probes, STB test client software, and multilayer testing are described.
$1 9.99
Printed, $16.99 eBook
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