Tag Archives: test
Uses and Benefits of Video Test Pattern Generators
Video test pattern generators provide a convenient and effective way to calibrate, test and troubleshoot video display devices such as HDTVs, projectors, LCD (liquid crystal display) screens and CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors for the ideal viewing experience.
Specific patterns are produced by the video test pattern generators to determine a variety of performance criteria, including: video resolutions, brightness and uniformity, purity and color saturation, linearity, edge geometry, sharpness, stability, etc. By comparing the video input pattern to the video output on a display unit, it is possible to determine how accurately a monitor displays the video it receives and if any defects can be rectified. Some video test pattern generators also allow a user to test digital and/or analog audio signals through generated frequency waves. Using the corresponding video cable needed, simply connect the video test pattern generator to the supported display unit to run the test patterns on the screen. No other video source, such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box is needed for the testing process. If multiple display units are to be compared, the use of a video splitter can ensure that the same pattern is displayed on all desired monitors and subsequently calibrated so that the video output is identical on all screens.
Three of the most common video test patterns are: color bars, grayscale charts and crosshatch, with each serving a distinct function. Several variations of the color bar test pattern exist, with the most well-known being the SMPTE color bar, which are used to test analog NTSC video. All color bar test patterns serve the same purpose of testing and calibrating color saturation, balance and brightness. Most grayscale charts consist of a gradient of monotone bars with the goal being to obtain a smooth range of neutral grays from pure black to white. Adjustments can be made to brightness and contrast to achieve the optimal display. Crosshatch patterns are used to check and calibrate centering, aspect ratio, convergence, and both vertical and horizontal linearity. Other test patterns can range from focusing on one or two specific issues to universal patterns that cover most key aspects.
Most video test pattern generators are compact, portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing and maintenance of many applications such as: production line quality assessment; studio equipment for both installers and users; television sets by TV engineers or technicians; digital signage configurations with extenders, switches, splitters or video wall processors; and discerning home theater users. High-end models tend to support multiple video signal types while lower-end models offer a more limited and specific selection. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a wide selection of video test pattern generators that can fulfill the needs of varying applications.
VPI’s MONTEST-HDMI and MONTEST-HDMI-LC respectively provide a high-quality and low-cost option for testing HDMI or DVI display units. The low-cost unit can generate 34 video test patterns, 48 timings and a single audio tone. In comparison, the MONTEST-HDMI provides 39 distinct test patterns, 35 resolution and timing settings, and a range of analog and digital audio signals via a built-in sine wave tone generator. It can also be controlled via the IR remote control or RS232 in addition to its front panel buttons. Both units can test for HDCP compliance and support HDTV resolutions up to 1080p.
The MONTEST-LCD signal generator supports analog computer monitors, LCD displays and video projection systems with the following four connectors: VGA, MAC II, SUN and RGHHV for BNC. It can generate four video patterns with 16 colors and intensity control, and over 100 frequencies that cover a wide range of monitor types.
The MONTEST-HDSDI can generate eight video test patterns and seven timings up to 1080p resolution at full broadcast quality, making it ideal for testing and maintaining studio equipment such as monitors, cabling and recording equipment. It also supports single-tone audio testing and dual SDI output for side-by-side comparison of displays.
All encompassing, the MONTEST-DA supports both analog and digital video signals, including: HDMI, DVI, NTSC, PAL, component Y/Pb/Pr, S-video, VESA, and more. It not only provides a variety of video test patterns, but also allows a user to play stored video and audio files from an embedded 80G hard drive. Remotely control the unit via its RS232-port. Supporting stereo audio test signals, DDC2B, and HDCP, the unit can scale a source to fit a display based on its EDID data. The MONTEST-DA is an ideal, comprehensive solution for applications that need to test, calibrate and maintain various display types.
Video test pattern generators are necessary for achieving optimal displays in many different settings and VPI’s range of MONTEST video test pattern generators can help both consumers and businesses achieve the highest quality their display units can deliver.
Uses and Benefits of Video Test Pattern Generators
Video test pattern generators provide a convenient and effective way to calibrate, test and troubleshoot video display devices such as HDTVs, projectors, LCD (liquid crystal display) screens and CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors for the ideal viewing experience.
Specific patterns are produced by the video test pattern generators to determine a variety of performance criteria, including: video resolutions, brightness and uniformity, purity and color saturation, linearity, edge geometry, sharpness, stability, etc. By comparing the video input pattern to the video output on a display unit, it is possible to determine how accurately a monitor displays the video it receives and if any defects can be rectified. Some video test pattern generators also allow a user to test digital and/or analog audio signals through generated frequency waves. Using the corresponding video cable needed, simply connect the video test pattern generator to the supported display unit to run the test patterns on the screen. No other video source, such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box is needed for the testing process. If multiple display units are to be compared, the use of a video splitter can ensure that the same pattern is displayed on all desired monitors and subsequently calibrated so that the video output is identical on all screens.
Three of the most common video test patterns are: color bars, grayscale charts and crosshatch, with each serving a distinct function. Several variations of the color bar test pattern exist, with the most well-known being the SMPTE color bar, which are used to test analog NTSC video. All color bar test patterns serve the same purpose of testing and calibrating color saturation, balance and brightness. Most grayscale charts consist of a gradient of monotone bars with the goal being to obtain a smooth range of neutral grays from pure black to white. Adjustments can be made to brightness and contrast to achieve the optimal display. Crosshatch patterns are used to check and calibrate centering, aspect ratio, convergence, and both vertical and horizontal linearity. Other test patterns can range from focusing on one or two specific issues to universal patterns that cover most key aspects.
Most video test pattern generators are compact, portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing and maintenance of many applications such as: production line quality assessment; studio equipment for both installers and users; television sets by TV engineers or technicians; digital signage configurations with extenders, switches, splitters or video wall processors; and discerning home theater users. High-end models tend to support multiple video signal types while lower-end models offer a more limited and specific selection. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a wide selection of video test pattern generators that can fulfill the needs of varying applications.
VPI’s MONTEST-HDMI and MONTEST-HDMI-LC respectively provide a high-quality and low-cost option for testing HDMI or DVI display units. The low-cost unit can generate 34 video test patterns, 48 timings and a single audio tone. In comparison, the MONTEST-HDMI provides 39 distinct test patterns, 35 resolution and timing settings, and a range of analog and digital audio signals via a built-in sine wave tone generator. It can also be controlled via the IR remote control or RS232 in addition to its front panel buttons. Both units can test for HDCP compliance and support HDTV resolutions up to 1080p.
The MONTEST-LCD signal generator supports analog computer monitors, LCD displays and video projection systems with the following four connectors: VGA, MAC II, SUN and RGHHV for BNC. It can generate four video patterns with 16 colors and intensity control, and over 100 frequencies that cover a wide range of monitor types.
The MONTEST-HDSDI can generate eight video test patterns and seven timings up to 1080p resolution at full broadcast quality, making it ideal for testing and maintaining studio equipment such as monitors, cabling and recording equipment. It also supports single-tone audio testing and dual SDI output for side-by-side comparison of displays.
All encompassing, the MONTEST-DA supports both analog and digital video signals, including: HDMI, DVI, NTSC, PAL, component Y/Pb/Pr, S-video, VESA, and more. It not only provides a variety of video test patterns, but also allows a user to play stored video and audio files from an embedded 80G hard drive. Remotely control the unit via its RS232-port. Supporting stereo audio test signals, DDC2B, and HDCP, the unit can scale a source to fit a display based on its EDID data. The MONTEST-DA is an ideal, comprehensive solution for applications that need to test, calibrate and maintain various display types.
Video test pattern generators are necessary for achieving optimal displays in many different settings and VPI’s range of MONTEST video test pattern generators can help both consumers and businesses achieve the highest quality their display units can deliver.
Can artificial intelligence feel empathy?
For centuries, humans have given a lot of thought to what separates them from the animals. Though there are a lot of differences between us and animals, many argue that it is our superior reasoning abilities that truly sets us apart. In more recent years, weve turned our attention to what distinguishes humans from machines. In a short amount of time, artificial intelligence science has advanced so quickly that computers now seem more human than ever. The greatest obstacle in creating artificial intelligence is not creating something intelligent. The challenge is creating something that seems human. Throughout the short history of artificial intelligence science, a number of tests have been proposed that will differentiate between true artificial intelligence and a wannabe.
The Turing Test
Alan Turing, a British code breaker who inspired the movie The Imitation Game, was one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence science. He proposed a test he called the imitation game, later renamed the Turing Test, that would distinguish whether a machine could be said to be artificially intelligent. The test is simple in concept but extremely difficult to actually pass. The test works by having a machine carry on a conversation with a human acting as judge. If the human cannot distinguish a machine from a human through conversation alone (the human doesnt get to see the machine so it doesnt have to look human) then it is said to have passed the Turing Test.
Tricking the Turing Test
What Alan Turing couldnt have predicted is the devious nature of computer programmers who would set out to devise a machine that could trick his test rather than embody true artificial intelligence. Only in the last couple of years have machines been able to trick human judges into believing theyre carrying on a conversation with another human. The problem with these machines is they can do one thing, and one thing only.
The Lovelace Test
Now that the Turing Test has been bested, a test proposed in 2001 by Selmer Bringsjord, Paul Bello, and David Ferrucci called the Lovelace Test is being used to distinguish man from machine. For the Lovelace Test, a human judge asks an artificially intelligence machine to create some piece of art, either a poem, story, or picture. Next the human judge gives a criterion, for example, write a poem about a cat. If a machine can follow this direction, its said to be sufficiently human.
What about empathy?
Recently, there has been some thought about what society really wants out of an artificially intelligent machine. Its great if they can carry on a conversation or produce art, but what about those human emotions that set us apart from machines. In a recent panel discussion at Robotronica 2015, panelists discussed what human emotions it would be important for artificial intelligence to obtain. Empathy was first on the list. If a machine could feel empathy, humans wont need to fear artificial intelligence as we tend to do.
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