Middleware for Digital TV: It's the intermediate software layer that allows the development of interactive applications for Digital TV, regardless of the hardware platform used by set-top box manufacturers.
Ginga: It’s the specification for the intermediary software layer standard (middleware) developed for the Brazilian Digital TV System by Puc-RJ and UFPB.
Interactivity Component: This is the term created by TQTVD to classify each and every application sent by the open Digital TV signal that allows the user to interact with the application using the receiver’s remote control.
>> Other Terms
AstroATE! (Automated Test Environment) is a powerful testing system, which applies to Brazilian Digital TV System (SBTVD). It establishes a controlled test environment and performs repeatable test procedures. Its main features are:
- Quality assurance support;
- SBTVD Forum test suite compliant;
- Implementation of automated tests;
- Test selection and sequencing;
- Output receiver capture for subsequent evaluation or scrutiny;
- Test result logging;
- Unambiguous result analysis by “pass/fail” criteria.
Test Target
AstroATE! is applicable for most DTV and digital receivers available in the market and can also perform tests over: audio/video streams, DTV program information, DTV applications, DTV data broadcast, user interactivity, and porting development.
Test Scenarios
AstroATE! has a unique set of test scenarios covering the SBTVD Standards (ABNT NBR 15606-2 and ABNT NBR 15606-4). To establish the test scenarios, it is available a complete set of test case files. It comprises more than 10,000 test cases, covering unit tests for Ginga-J, Ginga-NCL, and application cases. The test case file set is updated periodically by TQTVD Test Lab and available for every AstroATE! customer.
Component
AstroATE! comprises four main components:
- Test Manager: this is the “master” system,
corresponding to a server responsible
for test execution and integrating device (DTV or receiver) under test to other AstroATE! test components; - AstroPlay! (Playout Manager): server responsible for generating and transmitting video and audio transport streams, simulating a controlled air transmission;
- Audio-Video test capture module: for DTV tests, it corresponds to a high-definition camera or HDMI board, along with audio input device, which capture screen video and audio resulting from tests; and
- Remote control emulator: device fully controlled by Test Manager, which emulates and transmits remote control commands to DTV or receiver.
Professional Training
TQTVD provides professional training for AstroATE! users, which means not only theoretical concepts, but also operational guide, hands-on practices, test scenario configuration and exercises. Professional training also includes all the configuration and setup features necessary to set AstroATE! up.