TV programming is moving more and more towards High Definition content and events. To adapt the performance of reception systems, the installer must be supported by suitable and up to date instruments that comply with the latest technological innovations.  Rover offers a wide range of SAT, TV and CATV analysers that satisfy these requirements.  The new ATOM HD completes the range and has all the essential features required today, such as fibre optics, IPTV and, because of a market demand, the return of Analogue SAT, for simple and precise antenna pointing.

Compact, light & easy to use

The ATOM HD is in the top range of professional analysers with reduced weight and dimensions: it is compact (its measurements are 115x245x180 cm) and light (weighing only 2.5 Kg). The ATOM HD has a dual function encoder (rotate and press) to navigate simply and quickly in the OSD menus. The keyboard, which is rainproof, facilitates access to the measurements thanks to easy-to-understand graphic icons.

Dual display

The ATOM HD has two displays, side by side:
– The colour TFT screen, 16:9 4.5″ is back lit with LED’s, it has high brightness and can reproduce picture sharpness and details even in direct sunlight;
– The 2.5″ 16:9 graphics display can also show all the measurement parameters that, together with picture and spectrum selection, allows full measurement verification.

“Traditional” measurements

One of the strong points of the ATOM HD is the number of functions and measurements that it provides:  it can measure any HD television signal distributed via terrestrial, satellite and digital cable networks, supporting all standards: DVB-T (digital terrestrial), DVB-H (Mobile TV) , DVB-S and -S2 (digital and analog satellite), DVB-C (cable TV) and analog PAL, SECAM and NTSC. It can carry out analog measurements in real time, including level and signal-to-noise ratio C/N, showing the terrestrial and satellite pictures of the program (including analog).

It can also make all digital measurements, for example the power, Noise Margin, EVM, the BER before and after Viterbi, the MER, PER, etc.  It is possible to install and check GSM telephone repeaters thanks to the extended terrestrial frequency band, 4 a 1.000 MHz.  Among its advanced measurements there is the Noise Margin, which calculates the dB margin available before the received digital signal goes below the standard threshold and not be able to show any pictures. There is also automatic quality analysis   (FAIL-MARGINAL-PASS), a useful function because it provides a performance evaluation of the distribution system, indicating “PASS” if the system is working correctly.  If the performance is critical the meter shows “MARGINAL”, or “FAIL” in the absence of minimum working conditions.

Optical signal measurement

In public installations such as hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, holiday villages etc., and in residential systems, fibre optics are beginning to be used to deliver all the satellite programs received by the system’s satellite dish.

In this context, the ATOM HD is very helpful to the installer because it adapts to any optical signal source showing great versatility.  Using the HD-OPT-Optic Module, the meter can measure optical signals with a maximum input level of 10 dBm, selecting two optic windows 1.310 and 1.550 nm to obtain at the output, an RF converted optic signal in the frequency band from 4 to 3.900 MHz. It also automatically measures the level (optic attenuation with an accuracy of 0.1 dB) and is suitable for FTTH, PON and hybrid FIBER/COAX cable systems.

The optic input module is interchangeable and can adapt to the more commonly used FC, ST and SC connectors, unique in its kind.

Testing IPTV systems

Also in this case, for communities, hotels, hospitals, etc, a structured cabling may deliver many services using the IPTV protocol including TV programs, at a relatively low cost.  With the new COFDM digital terrestrial and QPSK/8PSK satellite head ends, that transform the signal received from the antenna in IPTV protocol, it is also possible to distribute television programs in a structured cable network.  These networks also have IGMP switches that guarantee an extended bandwidth up to 1 GB/sec.  Using the ATOM HD, through the RJ 45 socket on the side panel, you can test IP television signals in the data stream both at the output of a head end and at the port of the switch, checking the correct operation of equipment and the quality of the cabling.  Once you have carried out the control of the parameters of the encapsulated channels in the IPTV stream, channels/programs can be seen on the meter’s display, the installer can certify the quality of the IPTV signals.

Special functions

The ATOM HD has many features typical to Rover meters such as SAT, TV and CATV for the direct selection of measurements of the relative signals, SPECT for spectrum visualization (the fastest digital SAT spectrum with memory), PLAN to recall the memory plans and BARSCAN to visualize the bar spectrum of the terrestrial band.  The information about all these measurements, the program list of a DTT multiplex or a SAT transponder, the A/V PID’s, the settings and pictures are all shown on one screen for immediate access to the most important information.  With the Autodiscovery function the ATOM HD can see if the TV signal is analog or digital and set the respective measurements.  For installations in areas where there are reflected signals, a real-time analysis is available for ECHOES, through the impulse response and the ATOM HD is the only meter that can show up to 16 echoes in real time.

The newest feature of the meter is the DIGIANALYSIS, that can analyse interferences in Terrestrial Digital signals that do not lock and try to understand what they are and how to resolve the problem.  The installation of dual-feed SAT systems is fast:  the ATOM HD can simultaneously measure signals from both LNB’s or from a dual LNB without having to move the coaxial cable from one LNB to another.  The ATOM HD can store spectrum images and recall them at a later stage as a mask, for the next time that you need to point the antenna towards the same satellite:  simply superimpose the stored spectrum on the one generated by the LNB of the satellite dish to be pointed.  The constellation diagram shows the graphic of the modulation of the digital QPSK, 8PSK, COFDM and QAM signals.  Among the numerous functions provided we must not forget the handling of single cable SCR systems to check the signal at the input of each decoder in the system and, with the new SCR AUTO function, stores automatically the various type of current and future SCR’s.  A fundamental part of the new generation of Rover analysers is the Data Logger, which is simple to use and allows, together with the SMART PRO computer software, the generation of documentation necessary to commission a system with a complete set of measurements, required mainly in public buildings.

Extensive connectivity

Even though the ATOM HD is a compact meter, it has many connectors on its side panels. The HDMI output allows the transfer of images to a High Definition TV, whereas the video input/output, accessible via SCART, allows you to visualize pictures from a closed circuit camera, or from external audio/video sources.  This meter decodes the encrypted channels through a common interface slot throughout a CAM and relative smart card.  It has a battery with good autonomy: up to three hours with only one display.  The USB socket allows you to update the instrument to future software versions, this is free of charge via web and in case of assistance you may count on the help of a fantastic ROVER service and repair department, operating from 8 to 18 hours on working days.

The optic input module is interchangeable and can adapt to the more commonly used FC, ST and SC connectors, unique in its kind.

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