Horizon HD-T2 - TELE-satellite International Magazine

Raport de testareAnalizor de semnal DVB-T2HorizonHD-T2• Scanare comfortabilă a canalelor,care recunoaşte fiecare furnizor deservicii• Capabil de localizareainterferenţelor 4G• Funcţia de export a măsurărilorface posibilă protocoalele demăsurare• Durată mare de viaţă a bateriei• Opţiunea suplimentară ”Stea”face acest instrument potrivitpentru neprofesioniti28 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.comwww.TELE-satellite.com — 11-12/2012 — TELE-satellite International — 全 球 发 行 量 最 大 的 数 字 电 视 杂 志 29

TEST REPORTDVB-T2 Signal AnalyzerOne of the FirstDVB-T2 Signal AnalyzersThe transmission of highresolutionchannels (HDTV)using the classic terrestrialdistribution method in DVB-Tis only possible on a limitedbasis. Thanks to the sub-optimalbandwidth usage onlya few HD channels can bebroadcast on those few frequencies.It’s for this reason thatDVB-T’s successor DVB-T2 is gaining popularity inmany countries: this standardguarantees not only thehighest possible error correctionand thereby a verysmall likelihood of interferencein the transmitted signal,but also very efficientbandwidth usage allowingproviders to achieve muchhigher data transmissionrates on a single frequency.It only makes sense thenwww.TELE-satellite.com/12/11/horizon-hdthat signal analyzer manufacturershave to keep pacewith these developmentsand upgrade their productsto the latest technology.Horizon has once againtaken charge and is one ofthe first companies in theworld to market a DVB-T2compatible signal analyzer.Horizon has stayed true toform in terms of the appearanceof this new signal analyzer;it resembles all of theother analyzers that havebeen made over the years.It consists of a plastichousing 17 x 16.5 x 6 cm insize with a 5 x 2.5 cm LCDdisplay (128 x 64 pixels) onthe front side. Alongside thedisplay are five buttons tooperate the analyzer and an“F” jack on the front servesHORIZON HD-T2One of the world’s first DVB-T2signal analyzerswith exceptional data11-12/2012as the DVB-T/T2 signal input(naturally the analyzer isalso backwards compatibleto DVB-T).Power to the analyzer issupplied by two connections,one is a normal AC connectionon the back of the analyzerthat is rated for 100-240VAC, and the other is a12VDC jack on the right sideof the housing which can beused with the included cigarettelighter adapter. In thisway you can use any poweroutlet with the HD-T2 as wellas the power outlet in yourcar.And while we’re on thesubject of power sources,obviously, power doesn’tneed to be connected whilethe analyzer is in use; it hasan internal Li-Ion batteryrated at 2.4 Ah that reliablypowers the analyzer anywhereyou need it.The rechargeable batteryis located on the undersideof the unit and is easy toaccess behind a flap. Thismakes it simple to swap outthe battery if needed or tocompletely remove the batteryin case of longer periodsof inactivity.Thanks to this intelligentconstruction and the twocharging methods, Horizoncan virtually guarantee thatthe user won’t wake up to adead battery or run into anysurprises while on the job.And last but not least,there’s also a USB interfacefor connection to a PC.The analyzer needs about2-3 hours for it to be completelycharged. Before usingit for the first time, Horizonrecommends chargingthe HD-T2 at least for thistime, perhaps one or twohours more if possible. Thismakes sure that the as-yetunusedbattery can provideits full capacity.At only 1200 grams (2.6Lbs), the new Horizon signalanalyzer is comfortablylight and is delivered fromthe manufacturer in a blacksynthetic carrying case thatcan be fitted with a carryingstrap also included in thepackage.This allows the user to30 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.com

129101718have both hands free whileusing the analyzer. Thanksto the synthetic carryingcase, the HD-T2 is nicelyprotected from rain, sprinklersand dirt.A Quick Start Guide leafletas well as a detailed usermanual describe in detailall of the new HD-T2’s functions.All in all, the shippingpackage and its workmanshipleft us with a very positiveimpression. Horizon hasonce again shown their dedicationto quality.After powering it up, thebackground lighting for theperfectly readable displaycomes on that works greatwhether you’re in a dark atticor on the roof in brightsunshine.The HD-T2 operates with atotal of three labeled buttons(ON, OFF and OK) and twounlabeled buttons wherebyfour of them make up a crossand the OFF button doesmore than meets the eye.Holding down the OFF buttonwith the analyzer turnedoff brings up the configurationdisplay. This methodhelps to prevent unknowingor accidental changes to thesettings.A multitude of settingscapabilities are available inthe configuration menu. Itall starts with the brightnessand contrast of the display,3456781112131415161920212223242526272829301. HD-T2 Basic Settings2. The Sleep Timer can help to preventaccidental discharging of thebattery; the HD-T2 accepts incomingsignals for measurement starting at39 dBuV3. The HD-T2’s battery is fullycharged, the frequency plan for thetest location Austria has been loaded4. HD-T2 Main Menu5. Selection of available transmitterlocations by means of frequencylists supplied by Horizon6. You either select the broadcastinglocation directly from the entire listor you limit it to your own region7. Measurement of a DVB-T2 signal(UHF channel 60)8. MER and BER of a DVB-T2 signal9. 5 stars signify an absolutely perfectsignal10. Technical details of a DVB-T2signal; note the SISO label for SingleInput / Single Output11. The Physical Layer Pipe conceptis being used on the currently313233measured frequency as identified by theHD-T2 with the PLP label on the display12. Spectrum display for UHF channel 6013. Spectrum display for UHF channel 60and also the adjacent channels14. Detailed display of UHF channel 6015. The constellation diagram shows atight symmetrical example, the recipe foran interference-free signal16. The Log Channel function stores thereception values of the currently selectedfrequency17. One of our artificially generated DVB-T2signals with a significantly attenuatedsignal level and also with errors introduced– the values displayed on the HD-T2are correspondingly poor18. In manual scan mode bars indicateimproved orientation for the active frequency19. The Log All function searches theentire frequency range and stores all ofthe reception parameters of any activefrequency that is found20. The Favorites function allows quickaccess to the most recently selectedbroadcasting location21. Three spectrum modes as well as theconstellation diagram are available22. The Slope Test function displays bothof the active DVB-T2 frequencies next toeach other in bar graph form23. The Slope Test function displays thesignal levels of the two active DVB-T2 frequenciesnext to each other, the user caninstantly see the difference in the signallevels24. The HD-T2 can supply power to externalantenna amplifiers with +5V or +12V25. An artificial DVB-T2 signal generatedby us is measured with perfect signallevels26. Technical details of the artificialDVB-T2 signal we generated27. Artificially induced errors in our signaldid not bother the HD-T2 at all28. Comparison measurement of UHFchannel 24 with the HD-T229. MER and BER of UHF channel 24 withthe HD-T230. Comparison measurement of UHFchannel 24 with a professional analyzer31. Comparison measurement of UHFchannel 34 with the HD-T232. MER and BER of UHF channel 34 withthe HD-T233. Comparison measurement of UHFchannel 34 with a professional analyzer32 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.comwww.TELE-satellite.com — 11-12/2012 — TELE-satellite International — 全 球 发 行 量 最 大 的 数 字 电 视 杂 志 33

an audible confirmation tonewith the push of every buttonand the selection of thedesired signal level units(dBµV, dBmV, dBm) andgoes all the way to settinga level at which the analyzerdefines a signal as acceptableand attenuation settingsthat can be set to 10, 20 or30 dB.Ideally, the analyzershould be left in the factorysetAuto mode in which theHD-T2 automatically sets theoptimal value. An integratedsleep timer that is settablebetween 1 and 30 minutesand can be activated if neededso as to prevent accidentaldraining of the battery if,for example, you should forgetto turn off the analyzerduring a lunch break.In order to make the HD-T2attractive to as many usersas possible, Horizon madethe OSD display available in12 different languages.Once we set up all of thesettings exactly the way wewanted to, we could hardlywait to start using the HD-T2. In no time at all we hadthe analyzer connected toour VHF/UHF antenna onthe roof of our test centerand with excited fingers wepressed and held the “ON”button until the HD-T2 cameto life.Unlike signal receptionvia satellite, the DVB-T/T2 frequencies for a givenprogramme are completelydifferent for each regionaltransmitter (exceptions tothis are countries with asingle frequency network– SFN) so that the samebroadcaster, for example, insouthern Austria transmitson a different frequency,say, in eastern Austria.But Horizon was fullyaware of this anomaly withDVB-T/T2 reception andprovides prefabricated frequencyplans for variousregions of the world. Thesefrequency plans, for example,for Ireland, Italy, GreatBritain, The Czech Republic,Poland, Denmark, Germany,Australia, South Africa, Austria,etc., are available fromHorizon’s website www.horizonhge.comand are easilyloaded onto the analyzerthrough its USB port.We’ll explain more aboutthis later, but for now sufficeit to say that these lists canbe transferred from a PC tothe HD-T2.1 25T/T2 broadcasting locationis selected directly from theentire list. For Great Britain,users can even choose theirreception region by enteringin their local postal code;it’s a feature that is not yetavailable for other regions ofthe world.You might be asking yourselfright now why all of thiswork to select a desiredbroadcasting region is evennecessary. The answer is actuallyquite simple: it savesyou a lot of time and effort!In addition to a complete frequencyscan and a manualfrequency scan, the HD-T2also has the ability, thanksto the preprogrammed frequencydata, to perform aquick scan in which only the34active frequencies in a regionare actually read andprocessed.Because of this, an installerwon’t need to havea frequency table with himduring an antenna installationand can instead rely onthe information stored in hissignal analyzer.A complete frequencyscan starts at the lower endof the VHF band and endsat the upper end of the UHFband. In manual frequencyscan mode the user simplyneeds to select the desiredtransmission mode (Analog,DVB-T or DVB-T2) and thenthe desired frequency. Aspectrum overview makesthe selection easier andidentifies with a bar graph1. The HD-T2 is recognizedby Windows via the USBserial port; the necessarydrivers are automaticallyinstalled2. New frequency tables arealways made available in.exe format. The user simplyhas to start the program andthen click on “Transfer”. Injust a few seconds the fileson the PC are transferred tothe analyzer3. The HD-T2 Log Readerworks very simply: justconnect the analyzer to thePC, start the Log Reader andthen click on “Read”4. The data was successfullytransferred5. The Logger data stored inthe analyzer is displayed ona PC in an organized mannerand can easily be exportedwhich frequencies at whatsignal level in the VHF andUHF bands are actually activeand for which it wouldmake sense to run a scan.In complete and quickscan modes, the analyzerstops automatically at everyactive frequency, emits ashort confirmation tone andbegins to analyze the frequenciesjust identified asactive.Shortly thereafter, thename of the broadcaster appearson the screen (assumingof course if a matchingfrequency plan was previouslyuploaded into the analyzer)and shows at the bottomof the display whetherthe signal is analog, DVB-Tor DVB-T2.With the help of the “ON”button the user can nowpage through the variousmeasurement results whichincludes the signal level, signalquality, the MER (ModulationError rate), the BER(Bit Error Rate) as well assome basic signal informationsuch as the name of theMux, the modulation in use,symbolrate and FEC.For those less experiencedusers, Horizon included afive-star signal rating featurewhere one star representsthe weakest signaland five stars the strongestsignal. All of these measurementresults are, of course,Through the first menuselection “Choose Transmitter”,the user has access toprecisely this frequency datafrom which either the desiredregion is first selectedand then the local broadcastinglocation or the DVB-34 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.comwww.TELE-satellite.com — 11-12/2012 — TELE-satellite International — 全 球 发 行 量 最 大 的 数 字 电 视 杂 志 35

available for the manual, automaticand quick scans.We also found the Favoritesfunction very practical.It lets the user storemore popular broadcastersin a dedicated list allowingthe user to access themmore quickly. This greatlysimplifies the work of an installer.Also worth mentioning isthe fact that the HD-T2 inDVB-T2 mode can also readthe service parameters of afrequency so that, for example,Single Input / SingleOutput is identified withthe label SISO, Multi Input/ Single Output is labeledwith MISO and if the PhysicalLayer Pipe concept is beingused, the label PLP appears.The IQ Swap function,that is data streams withexchanged vectors, is alsoquite new. If this function isactivated in the HD-T2, thescan will take a little longer.By the way, IQ Swap isused in only very few regions.In Spectrum Mode, the HD-T2 can provide an overviewof the selected frequencies;Horizon has integrated a totalof three display modes:Spectrum Channel, SpectrumWide and SpectrumNarrow.In Spectrum Channelmode the currently selectedchannel is presented in36 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.com

elatively full-screen modein the center of the displayand Spectrum Wide displaysa large segment of the entirespectrum.Spectrum Narrow shows asmall segment of the spectrumaround the desiredfrequency. The spectrumdisplay is refreshed at a fastenough rate so that it caneasily be used during thealignment of an antenna.It includes the FM and DABbands as well as the VHF andUHF bands.The HD-T2’s constellationdiagram display turnsout to be especially usefulwhen trying to track downthe source of interferencesignals such as those thatmight be generated by 4Gdata connections. You canrecognize at a single glancewhether the form of the displayedsignal is regular andtight or if it’s a disturbed,irregular signal display asthe result of external interference.The pictures in thistest report show a clean andwell received signal in theconstellation diagram.We also like the fact thatthe HD-T2 can also powerexternal antenna amplifierswith +5V or +12V; a featurethat all too many other■manufacturers forget to includebut that always seemsto create an unnecessaryand avoidable problem forinstallers.The Logger function is anabsolute highlight of thisanalyzer especially for thoseprofessional users that haveto submit a report of theirwork. It can optionally providethe signal measurementvalues of all the active frequenciesand then performsan automatic scan acrossthe entire VHF/UHF bandfor analog, DVB-T and DVB-T2 signals or lets the usermanually select a frequencywhose signal parametersthen end up in the HD-T2’smemory.With the help of specialWindows software (HD-T2Log Reader), this informationcan be transferred toa PC where it can be saved,exported or printed out.And if, for example, the installationinvolves distributingthe signal to multiple users,the installer can checkthe signal levels at all theendpoints (such as at walloutlets) and present an Exceltable as proof of his excellentwork.Professional installers willAn Excel table with the Logger data from our HD-T2 test analyzerdefinitely appreciate theSlope Test function in theHD-T2 when it comes to theinstallation of more complicatedsystems with multipleusers and lengthy cableruns.If the signal varies due tomultiple amplifiers and splittersor if there are longercable runs with less than adequatelyshielded cable, thiscould lead to a sloping signallevel within the frequencyrange to be carried. Thatis, higher frequency signalscould be more attenuatedand lower frequency signalscould be less attenuated ultimatelyleading to receptionproblems in the higher frequencyranges.With the help of the SlopeTest function, this type ofproblem can instantly berecognized. The analyzerutilizes the frequency planselected in “Choose Transmitter”and displays thesignal level values of all thefrequencies in the plan nextto each other. The HD-T2calculates the signal leveldifference between the currentlyselected frequencyand all the other active frequencies.This lets the usersee at a single glance theextent of the signal level difference.The pictures in this testreport show an acceptabledifference is signal level ofjust a few dBµV.Thanks to the USB interfaceon the side of the HD-T2, the user can easily linkthe analyzer to a PC so thatnew frequency lists and updatedfirmware can be uploaded.This interface can alsobe used to transfer storedLogger data back to a PCfor further processing. Thenecessary drivers to establishthis link are availabledirectly from Microsoft forall Windows versions and integratedinto the operatingsystem. All that’s needed isto connect the analyzer to afree USB port on the PC andto allow Windows to automaticallyfind the necessarydrivers.If for some reason thedrivers are not installed automatically,they can also beloaded manually from theInternet via Horizon’s websitewww.horizonhge.com ascan the HD-T2 Reader softwareand any new firmware.This is especially importantsince Horizon is constantlyat work further developingtheir products and regularlyreleases new versions totake care of any bugs as wellas add new features.In our tests, the HD-T2was recognized without anyproblems by our Windows 7test PC and after only a fewseconds was linked to ourPC. Horizon makes new frequencytables and firmwareavailable in .exe format sothat the user merely has tostart the .exe file and thenclick on the “Transfer” button– it really doesn’t getany easier than this.We set up a total of threetest scenarios for the HD-T2:the first was an adjustmentof a UHF antenna, the secondwas the measurementof DVB-T and DVB-T2 signalsthat we generated using amodulator and thereby wereable to induce correspondingerror bits, the third wascomparison measurementsof analog and DVB-T signalsusing an analyzer from anothermanufacturer.Adjusting a UHF antennawith the HD-T2 was a simpleas it could be; thanks to thepreprogrammed frequencylists we were able to findthe right broadcaster for ourlocation in just a very shorttime and with the help of thevery sensitive signal parametermeasurement the antennawas set to its optimalposition in no time at all.We were then able to identifyall the DVB-T and DVB-T2 signals; even a weakDVB-T2 test signal from theAustrian ORF, that up untilthen we didn’t know about,came into view.Thanks to the sensitive inputof the tuner, even smallchanges to the antenna positionwere instantly registeredon the HD-T2 makingit very easy to optimally positionthe antenna.Next we modulated a DVB-T2 signal with a total of fourHD channels on a UHF carrierfrequency and fed this tothe HD-T2. Even as we intentionallydeteriorated the signal,it did not affect the newHorizon analyzer; it continuedto show the correct andappropriate measurements– even the star ratings givenby the HD-T2 became lessand less until finally only onestar remained.Last but not least, wewere especially curious howthe HD-T2 would compare toanother professional signalanalyzer. Since this otheranalyzer could only processDVB-T signals, we could notperform this comparisontest with DVB-T2 signals.As you can see with thepictures accompanying thistest report, the measuredsignal levels are virtuallyidentical. This speaks highlyof the quality of the Horizonbuilttuner and complementsthe exceptional impressionthat we received from thisanalyzer.Even the transferring ofthe Logger data stored in theanalyzer functioned withoutany problems. It was reallyfun using the HD-T2, especiallythe exporting of datain CVS format, and thus toMS Excel, is an extremelypractical feature.In conclusion we want tocongratulate Horizon on anothersuperb product thatbolsters the reputation ofthe company. The HD-T2 hasall the functions that a professionalinstaller would expect,is exceptionally easy touse and at only 1200 grams(2.6 Lbs) is very lightweight.Thanks to the powerfulbattery the HD-T2 can beused uninterrupted for up tosix hours along with its externalpower sources.In our tests the HD-T2proved itself many timesover.+–ManufacturerTel. +44-1279-417005EmailModelReacts very quickly to signal changes, processesDVB-T, DVB-T2 and analog signals.Its ease of use, low weight and practical carryingcase makes it a joy each time to use theHD-T2. Thanks to the constellation diagrams,interference signals can easily be identified;with the help of the complete scan and thespectrum display even frequencies that wereup until then unknown could be identified, readTECHNICALDATAHorizon Global Electronics Ltd, First Floor OfficeAllen House, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, EssexCM20 2HJ, United Kingdomsales@horizonhge.comHD-T2Function Digital Meter for Analogue, and SignalsInput frequencycompatibleModulationsCarriers48 - 862 MHzyesQPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM: 2k/8k: 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 8k+Ext, 16k, 16k+Ext, 32k, 32k+ExtGuard Intervals : 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32: 1/4, 19/256, 1/8, 19/128, 1/16, 1/32, 1/128Code Rates : 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8: 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6BandwidthPLP Mode5, 6, 7 and 8 MHzSISO / MISOPLP Constellation Automatic and indicated with ( R )RotationDisplayOSD LanguagesRF-InputUSB PortPower supplyBattery128 x 64 PixelEnglish, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Polish,Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Croatian, FinishF-Type (75 Ohm impedance)yes100-240V AC, 12V DC2.4 Ah Li-IonThomas HaringTELE-satelliteTest CenterAustriaand processed. The Logger function makes possible the creationof a complete measurement protocol while the Slope testhelps in the identification of sloping signal levels.NoneExpert OpinionMore about this companywww.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1111/eng/horizon.pdf38 TELE-satellite International — The World‘s Largest Digital TV Trade Magazine — 11-12/2012 — www.TELE-satellite.comwww.TELE-satellite.com — 11-12/2012 — TELE-satellite International — 全 球 发 行 量 最 大 的 数 字 电 视 杂 志 39