Observer RPM (Remote Program Monitor)

Transcription

1 Observer RPM (Remote Program Monitor) Post STB-Monitoring, Logging and Troubleshooting Share Capture Review Comply Monitor Post STB-Monitoring, Logging and Troubleshooting Volicon products support a unified monitoring ecosystem stretching across the cable enterprise, from ingest to head end to hub and beyond. The company s Observer systems offer valuable functionality in specific applications such as compliance monitoring, ad verification, and quality of experience monitoring for both linear and VOD services, as well as a view of the cable infrastructure in its entirety. Based on technology employed in Volicon s award-winning Observer broadcast monitoring system, the Observer RPM allows operators to monitor hundreds of channels, troubleshoot real time video issues and verify broadcast content and ads in a 24x7 log. The Observer Remote Program Monitor (Observer RPM) is for Pay-TV operators that need to remotely know the customers experience. With its 24x7 recording and proactive monitoring of linear, on-demand and interactive services, with streaming of live or recorded video, the RPM allows operators to identify problems before customers do, troubleshoot problems quickly and easily when problems do arise and avoid costly chronic troubleshooting sessions. Key Benefits Simple to setup and use Proactive detection of outages Assurance of all video services Real knowledge of customer experience Improved response time Reduced customer complaints Key Features Proactive monitoring of video services Ad or program verification Real time troubleshooting Chronic troubleshooting Providing visibility of MPEG impairments Comparing content from ingest through to the edge Follow us on

2 RPM Solution Software Post-STB monitoring, logging and troubleshooting SD and HD: HDMI, component, Y/C, composite Channel scanning or real time troubleshooting 24x7 A/V recording for up to 21days LAN/WAN video streaming live or recorded On-screen Virtual Remote Control Low to high density: 1-6 inputs in 3RU Custom quality alert thresholds with SNMP/ alert notifications RPM probe and Central Server hardware RPM Central Server application STB IR control and A/V cabling Observer RPM How it works A network monitored with the Observer RPM has four main elements 1. RPM Encoder Probe Deployed at key handoff points in the network, the encoder probes independently control 1 to 6 STB inputs to monitor video service quality. The probes use IR to control the STBs and monitor HD or SD A/V content over composite, component or HDMI interfaces. The individual STB inputs are used to scan through a channel lineup, periodically testing linear, on-demand or interactive services, perform scheduled recording of advertising or other high value content or be operated in an interactive mode for real time troubleshooting. By recording the incoming A/V content 24x7 for up to 21 days, the RPM provides an accurate record of the customers experience. This continuous, full frame rate log can be used to help avoid chronics, accelerate troubleshooting and provide proof of ad delivery. The RPM utilizes reviewer functionality to allow the probe to isolate faults caused by the STB from faults that are present in the service or network elements 2. RPM Central Server Function The Central Server function can be hosted on one of the encoder probes for small deployments or on separate server hardware for larger deployments. The Central Server function provides for a single user sign-on and centralized probe administration, the web user interface, the centralized fault and status view, and hosts the common system database.

3 3. Web Client Client machines launch the RPM web interface to access the live or recorded content in a LAN or WAN. Because the system uses re-transmissive TCP video streaming directly from the probe to the client, the user is able to reliably watch streaming video over the internet. 4. Alert Management While the central server provides an easy source for reviewing and troubleshooting all faults, the RPM also sends fault notifications over , or SNMP. Observer RPM System Architecture RPM 100, 200, 400 IR Controls 1, 2 or 1, 42 STB or 4 STB RPM RPM 100, 200, 100, , 400 IR Controls IR Controls HD or SD Set-Top-Boxes RPM Encoder Probe Analyzes RPM & RPM stores Encoder locally, d streams remotely Probe HD HDMI or SD or Set-Top-Boxes SD Alert Types Component Analyzes Analyzes & stores & stores locally, locally, No Video S-Video streams streams remotely remotely Composite Black Screen HDMI HDMI Alert Types Alert Types Component Static Screen S-Video Low Audio No Video No Video S-Video Composite Composite No CC/Teletext Black Screen Black Screen Triggered Static Fault Screen Static Screen Fault Restored Low Audio Low Audio No CC/Teletext No CC/Teletext Triggered Triggered Fault Fault Fault Restored Fault Restored Observer Observer RPM RPM at at Remote Remote Hubsite Hubsite SNMP SNMP Fault Fault Mgt. Mgt. Observer Observer RPM RPM at at & & Remote Remote Hubsite Hubsite SMS SMS alerts alerts LAN/WAN LAN/WAN WEB WEB Observer Observer RPM RPM at Head at Head End End Client Observer Observer RPM RPM Central Central Server Server Client Client LAN/WAN LAN/WAN Web Web Client Client Clients Clients

4 Observer RPM Key Use Cases The RPM may be deployed in many different use cases. Proactive Monitoring of a video services (lineup) This is the primary use case of the RPM. By programming the RPM with a channel lineup and thresholds customizable by service and time of day or day of week, the RPM is able to quickly scan through the channel lineup and verify 100 s of channels per input. The RPM can scan linear channels and, with the addition of the interactive services module, can also test on-demand and interactive services that may require scripting of commands or graphical pattern matching to test. This automated monitoring allows the operator to identify outages before the customers complain, improving service levels and reducing help desk loads. Ad or Program Verification By utilizing the scheduled recording feature, the RPM encoders can be repurposed at select times to change channels and then record and perform A/V quality checks on ad insertions or high value programs. The system allows for easy clipping and exporting of the full motion, full frame rate A/V asset recordings for troubleshooting or proof of delivery. Troubleshooting video services real time By utilizing the manual/remote mode, users are able to stream live video and control the STB with all the buttons on the virtual on-screen remote control or customizable scripts. This enables operators to continuously monitor the health of video services and easily troubleshoot problems. Troubleshooting chronic problems By utilizing the logging recording capability of the RPM, providers are able to have a continuous record of the customers experience. When chronic problems arise, the operator is able to share an A/V record of the impairments, helping to more quickly troubleshoot and isolate the cause of the fault. Providing visibility of MPEG impairments By utilizing the triggered recording in the Proof of the Experience module, operators are able to utilize the RPM to provide a visual proof of experience around MPEG impairments. Utilizing SNMP alerts from an MPEG Transport Stream Analyzer, the RPM dials a channel and provides an A/V clip around the MPEG impairments. This clip allows operators to focus their efforts on impairments affecting the customers experience, raising service levels and saving technician dispatch costs. Comparing Content from Ingest to the Edge If RPMs are deployed at network ingest, local hub points and at the edge of the network, the operator can quickly synchronize the probe views and isolate problems, current or historical/chronic, quickly and easily. In response to a trouble, the operator can bring up an affected edge probe, one at the associate hub, head end and one at network ingest. The probe views then are synchronized to the time of the reported fault and the operator obtains a real record of the resultant customers experience at each location.

5 Standard on all units Ability to host central server function for up to five other probes Windows operating system Dual LAN connections Other Software RPM Central Server Software The Central Server function is required to deploy RPMs. This functionality can reside on the same hardware as the RPM for small scale deployments or can be hosted on separate hardware. It provides web presentation, centralized database and configurations along with user administration and probe maintenance functions. RPM SW Modules Interactive Service Module Allowing providers to scan linear and interactive services simultaneously and automatically, the RPM eliminates the need to perform costly, time-consuming manual spot checks or to wait and respond to customer complaints. Volicon s Interactive Services Wizard makes it easy to capture cues, create a recording, and load custom scripts into the RPM. These scripts are integrated seamlessly into the RPM s 24x7 monitoring and evaluation of linear and interactive services. The RPM system facilitates streamlined and cost-effective centralized monitoring by capturing the problematic content and issuing alerts (via and SNMP) when linear channels do not conform to prespecified limits, when video assets are missing, and when there is an issue with a widget or on-demand server Scheduled Recording Module This module enables the RPM to be directed through an xml schedule import or through a GUI or user interface to continuously record content at specified date/ time/channels. Triggered Record Module Facilitates both ad verification and transport stream (TS) proof of experience and allows operators to log and perform A/V quality checks on ad insertions or high-value programs. With 24/7 recording, users can clip and export full motion, full-frame-rate recordings of A/V ad assets for troubleshooting or proof of delivery, skipping time-consuming troubleshooting sessions. The module also enables operators to gather visual proof of experience related to MPEG impairments. OTT Monitoring Solutions Observer OTT-Cloud and OTT-Device are solutions for logging (recording) and monitoring the over-the-top (OTT) services that stream content to computers, tablets, and smartphones. Observer OTT offers broadcasters, networks, and video service providers a quality monitoring and compliance logging solution for multiplatform media delivery. These solutions assure that content is delivered with optimal quality on a diversity of devices. A variety of encodings, ad insertion, and target devices across multiple OTT services makes logging and monitoring necessary. Observer OTT offers a valuable look into the consumer experience of streamed content. MultiViewer Module The Multiviewer enables users to watch multiple live or recorded programs on a network wall and use the desktop interface to inspect or troubleshoot a suspect stream without delay. The platform captures and stores content from any source and enables users to review that content in real time, from anywhere and at any time, for applications ranging from compliance, quality assurance, and competitive analysis to production and repurposing for multiple platforms and social media outlets. In addition to enabling users to keep their eyes and ears on every channel, the Multiviewer option makes it easy to identify and look past audio and video impairments to examine the integrity of metadata. The addition of configurable layouts to the Multiviewer option gives users even greater freedom in sizing and positioning video windows, graphs, meters, clocks, and other vital tools in ways that best support their operations. Because the option now supports a variety of room, screen, and player sizes, users can confidently present video, data, and diagnostic windows on a broad range of displays, from the high-density monitor walls.

6 RPM SW Modules Loudness Monitoring Easily perform loudness tasks such as monitoring and compliance verification. By adding BS , EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 compliant loudness monitoring into the Observer logger, operators now have unparalleled loudness management tools that combine frame accurate loudness measurement, A/V recording of content, integration with automation/ ad system As-Run-Logs (ARLs), loudness reporting, and graphing and alarming. Quality of Experience Analyze logged content continuously for a variety of signal faults. Includes detection of video loss, black screen, static screen, audio loss, and missing captions. With flexible, individually-settable alert thresholds, notifications are delivered via or SNMP traps. Active Directory Integration Module Allows for single login on the active directory server, thereby eliminating the need for multiple logins, across multiple servers. By integrating Observer into the active directory domain, a transparent user login and pre-assigned user privileges are enabled Digital Audio s/pdif Interface Adapter Module Allows the ingest and processing of single post-stb s/pdif digital audio stream interface (optical or coaxial). Includes support for stereo PCM, as well as stereo and 5.1 Ac-3 (Dolby Digital) processing. Supports component analog video and s/pdif digital audio for interfacing with Observer. Supports following video resolutions: 480i, 576i, 720p, and 1080i. Embedded AC-3 Audio Capture Eliminate not only the cumbersome and expensive task of extracting AC-3 audio, de-embedding, decoding externally, and re-embedding it back as PCM audio, but also the need for additional equipment and cabling. Volicon saves time and money by natively processing AC-3 audio without the need for an external AC-3 decoder and re-embedder. Hardware Options RPM Central server HW This is the server HW needed to host a central server. Set-Top-Box Mounting Shelf This 2RU holds the STB and the IR emitter in a mechanically solid, optically isolated manner to enable reliable operation. IP Controlled Power Switch This power Software Switch provides the RPM the ability to remotely execute hard reboots on the STBs by cycling power. RPM Available Configurations Scout (1 input) Professional 100 (1 input) Professional 200 (2 inputs) Professional 400 (4 inputs) *Requires Set Top Box Shelving RPM Input 1 Set Top Box 1 Shelf RPM Inputs 2 Set Top Boxes 2 Shelves RPM Inputs 4 Set Top Boxes 4 Shelves Observer Scout The Observer Scout is Volicon s latest cost-effective yet powerful video network monitoring device that enables Broadcasters, Networks, as well as Cable and IPTV operators to pro-actively perform quality checks at audio/video (A/V) service handoffs to ensure the highest quality of experience (QoE) for their customers. With an intuitive web-based interface, Observer Scout enables operators to detect issues before their customers do providing peace-of-mind coverage for their valuable content. With linear, on-demand and interactive services, along with Quality of Experience (QoE) based content monitoring solution for recording, remote viewing, and troubleshooting of A/V feeds, Observer Scout is the next-generation of award-winning Voliconbased products that can do more with a much smaller footprint and price tag. Volicon, Inc. 99 South Bedford St. Burlington, MA USA Tel: Fax: Web: info@volicon.com Specifications subject to change without notice. Copyright 2012 Volicon, Inc. Volicon Observer, Volicon Observer Professional, Volicon Observer Enterprise and Volicon Observer Enterprise Plus are trademarks of Volicon, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. 05/16