Audio Precision Introduces Industry's First HDMI & Blu-ray Audio Test Solution

Verifying HDMI audio performance and audio format compatibility is no longer a challenge [The following is a release from Audio Precision]

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 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." 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. 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.

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