THATCHAM, U.K.—Leader Electronics of Europe will highlight its ability to provide test and measurement equipment regardless of format, application or market during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

Leader will showcase solutions from its PHABRIX and LeaderPhabrix brands, including the LPX500 multichannel 4K waveform monitor and the ZEN-W Series advanced analyzers for the production market. It also will show the LT4670 sync pulse generation and NDI Checker, an NDI signal troubleshooting and monitoring software solution, the company said.

The LPX500 is a four-simultaneous-input waveform monitor with 100G-IP and 12G-SDI toolsets. Its feature set includes: simultaneous display of four 4K inputs, 4K and 2K inputs, HDR and SDR inputs, or SDI and IP inputs; optional extended 8-inch touchscreen; multiple screen layouts; and advanced an SDI Physical Layer Analysis (Eye and Jitter) option with support for SD/HD/3G/6G/12G-SDI.

Its new V1.1 software release will be demonstrated on the stand, adding 10G/25G/100G IP interfaces with SMPTE 2022-6, SMPTE ST 2110-10/20/20/31/40 with ST 2022-7, and AMWA NMOS. Optional software licenses are available supporting UHD/4K, HDR, 25G IP, 100G IP, EUHD (47.95-60p RGB YCbCr 444 formats) and SDI/IP AV test signal generation, it said.

The ZEN-W Series of advanced analyzers incorporates the Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) interface, enabling secure remote control and monitoring from a web-connected desktop or laptop computer. The series consists of two products: the LV5600W waveform monitor, which is a 3U high half-rack-width unit with an integral 7-inch touchscreen; and the LV7600W rasterizer, occupying a compact 1U and providing SDI as well as TMDS monitor outputs, Leader said.

The company will also show its LT4760 sync-pulse generator for broadcast applications. The unit is suitable for the full spectrum of SDI, IP and hybrid workflow requirements. The 1-rack-unit, full-rack synchronous signal generator is compatible with Black Burst/tri-level sync/PTP signals for both SDI and IP systems. It outputs PTP, GNSS, 4K/HD IP, 4K 12G, 3G/HD/SD SDI, analog synchronous signals, AES/EBU, audio word clock and LTC synchronized to analog video sync signals, it said.

Leader’s NDI Checker signal software is designed to troubleshoot and monitor NDI signals. It enables complete visibility across NDI networks. Visualization tools and diagnostic capabilities allow for the detection of issues before they become problems and for the maintenance of optimal signal quality and flawless production delivery, the company said.

“The extent to which broadcast is now a truly hybrid workplace in terms of its core technologies was underlined throughout last year’s IBC,” Leader CEO Hiroshi Kajita said. “With migration towards IP continuing to accelerate as we head toward IBC 2025, we look forward to presenting a range of T&M products that exemplifies our ability to support customers regardless of their current workflow needs or stage of business transformation.”

See Leader Electronics of Europe in IBC 2025 Stand 10.C01.

More information is available on the company’s website.

THATHAM, U.K.—Test and measurement specialist Leader Electronics of Europe will make the European debut of its ZEN-W Series of advanced analyzers at IBC 2024, Sept. 13-16, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

Consisting of the LV5600W waveform monitor and LV7600W rasterizer, the series offers many new features as well as a WebRTC interface that enables secure remote control and monitoring from a web-connected desktop or laptop computer, the company said.

Developed based on the company’s LV5600W and LV7600W, the ZEN-W Series is designed to meet the needs of media companies transitioning from SDI to IP, HD to UHD and Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) to High Dynamic Range (HDR), it said.

The LV5600W is a 3U-high, half-rack-wide unit with an integral 7-inch touchscreen display. The LV7600W is a compact 1U unit and offers SDI and TMDS monitor outputs. The series supports all of the T&M tools and options available with the original ZEN Series, including traditional picture, waveform, vectorscope and ancillary data display, IP traffic analysis and JPEG-XS analysis. The series also provides all of the support required to monitor 4K, UHD, 2K, HD, SD SDI as well as video-over-IP signals, the company said.

The ZEN-W Series includes several new production and post-production capabilities, such as: full range SDR of black error, CIE, gamut error, histogram, level error, audio/video timing offset, noise level, test signals as well as vector and waveform, it said.

Supporting full range SDR are CINELITE and CINEZONE, including five-bar, frame capture and image quality adjustment. CINEZONE is further enhanced with new presets specifically for ARRI and RED camera users, it said.

The new range also includes bi-directional HDR/SDR conversion with the ability to import 3D color lookup tables (LUTs) via a plug-in USB memory, thus enabling HDR content to be viewed in SDR and vice versa. This feature simplifies live production, on-set production and post-production workflows, it said.

New audio features include an audio mapping capability that simplifies the task of checking the level of IP audio streams. The audio level display can be flexibly configured for easy supervision, while both instruments also gain support for multilingual closed captions in the CC608, CC708 and OP47 categories, collectively covering most European languages.

See Leader Electronics of Europe at IBC 2024 Stand 10.C01.

More information is on the company’s website.

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics has expanded the capabilities of its LVB440 IP Analyzer with extended support for the latest standards relating to object-based audio metadata.

Software release 6.0.3, now available for download, includes support for decoding Serial ADM in SMPTE ST 2110-31 data channels as defined in ST 2116. These encompass the rendering of Serial ADM presentations and displaying audio bed-channels and object-channels from the related metadata. Experimental support is added for decoding Serial ADM data items sent using ST 2110-41 as well as ST 2127-2 Fast metadata. Newly added support for ST 2110-41 Fast metadata streams includes a feature flag to toggle whether application/ST2110-41 is listed as a capability for NMOS receivers. 

A new video facility provided within software release 6.0.3 for the Leader LVB440 uses deep color drawing buffers when available, supported by Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge 122 browsers and later on suitable hardware. Also new is Canvas which enables simultaneous viewing of video images, waveforms, chromas vectors and audio signal levels from up to four separate services in a user-configurable layout.

Housed in a compact 1 U, the LVB440 allows efficient analysis of SD, HD, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR data flow over media networks of any size, the company said. Designed to monitor and analyze high-bitrate media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities and transmission networks, the analyzer supports data rates of 10, 25, 40 and 50 gigabit/s, extending up to 100 gigabit/s via dual interfaces. The core processor is more than capable of handling the 48 gigabit/s data rate required for full bandwidth source 8K, according to Leader.

The Leader LVB440 is controlled via an HTML-5 browser and provides full support for up to eight local or remote users, allowing production teams to perform real-time checks on large numbers of streams and multiple resolutions in parallel at multiple locations. Operators can survey multiple media transport layers of an IP network simultaneously, allowing issues to be rectified before they impact the quality of service experienced by program viewers.

When connected to primary and secondary networks, the LVB440 can monitor and analyze redundancy within the SMTPE ST 2022-7 standard which is used to ensure seamless protection switching. Tools are also provided for PTP clock analysis, including clock source detection, timing accuracy and individual flow path latency. SMPTE ST 2110, ST 2022-6, and ST 2059-2 PTP standards as well as Networked Media Open Specifications are also supported.

Intuitive packet display analytics including single or multiple stream correlation allow errors to be identified quickly and easily. Media metadata and deep packet analytics can be displayed. Also provided are traditional colorimetry measurement tools, including a vectorscope with ITU Rec. 601, 709 and 2020 compatibility, for checking chroma saturation issues that can arise in mixed standard and HDR environments.

Telewizja Polsat, one of Poland's largest broadcast media companies, has chosen Leader reference signal generators and hybrid IP/SDI test and measurement instruments for a recently completed IP-based 4K HDR outside broadcast camera truck. 

The instruments were supplied by Leader channel partner 4Vision.

"This new vehicle is a powerful and flexible production capability for capturing entertainment and sports events right up to HD-HDR and UHD-HDR," said Pawel Fila, 4Vision's Project Manager. "Leader's LV5600 and LV7600 test instruments support Sony's SR Live for HDR workflow and operational practices. They can analyze and display the SR Live metadata, allowing productions to ensure all HDR sources and SDR conversion products are correctly configured. The LV5600 and LV7600 can also display multiple HDR transfer characteristics with the waveform, vectorscope and picture."

The 14 meter long vehicle conforms to the latest SMPTE ST 2059, SMPTE 2110, SMPTE 2022 and AMWA NMOS suite of standards, enabling interoperability with current and future systems that Telewizja Polsat will create around this truck. 

It incorporates Leader’s latest technologies including an LT4610 IP/SDI video sync generator, LV5600 IP/SDI waveform monitors, an LV7600 rasterizer and an LT4448 emergency changeover unit. LV5600 waveform monitor displays have been integrated into the vision engineering positions plus the LV7600 rasterizer for the engineer in charge.

Leader's LT4610 IP and SDI video sync generator will be used to generate traditional black-burst/tri-level sync and PTP reference. These signals remain locked together even if external GPS reference is lost. The LT4448 emergency changeover unit adds resilience for traditional SDI and audio references and the PTP best master clock algorithm.

"An OB vehicle built on the basis of IP technology is for us, as one of the largest video content producers in Poland, an entry into a completely new area of production technology," explained Jacek Sierpiński, responsible for the 4K HDR IP OB van project from Telewizja Polsat. "In this exciting challenge, we are glad to have a helping hand from the Leader company which has proved to be strongly committed to the development of IP technology along with its standards."

"Being able to monitor IP and SDI within a single test and measurement environment is a big advantage," added Kevin Salvidge, Leader Europe's Sales Engineering Manager. "Broadcast production teams have long experience with SDI-based test equipment. The LV5600 waveform monitor and LV7600 rasterizer can display IP and SDI video sources simultaneously. They provide the same monitoring and measurement resources irrespective of whether the video signal is IP or SDI. They also give engineering staff the tools they need to monitor and analyze IP network activity."

The 4K HDR IP OB truck's crew additionally have access to Leader’s CINEZONE which uses the color spectrum to represent luminance values. Luminance levels can be confirmed quickly without need for waveform representations. Levels over the adjustable maximum are displayed in white, highlights in red, mid-grays in green, shadows in blue and levels under the adjustable minimum in black. CINEZONE also reveals variations in luminance levels across dark areas.

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics this week unveiled four new features for its LVB440 IP analyzer, including analysis of JPEG XS compressed SMPTE ST 2110-22 standard video, closed captioning measurement, support for 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound and mix down to stereo pair and rolling packet capture measurement.

The LVB440 IP analyzer is designed to monitor and analyze high bitrate media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities and transmission networks. It can analyze SD, HD, UHD and 4K data flows over media networks of any size, the company said.

The analyzer offers production teams the resources needed to perform real-time checks on large numbers of streams and multiple resolutions in parallel at multiple locations. Operators can inspect every media transport layer of an IP network at the same time. This makes it possible to rectify issues before they impact the quality of service experienced by TV viewers, the company said.

The compact 1U chassis analyzer is controlled via an HTML 5 web browser and can be operated by up to eight local or remote users. The LVB440 supports data rates of 10, 25, 40 and 50 Gb/s and can be extended to 100 Gb/s with dual interfaces.

New integration of JPEG XS compression analysis makes the LVB440 well suited for broadcasting networks, production studios, master control facilities, OB vehicles and public venues. Support for up to 100 Gb/s and thus 4K production offers broadcasters the flexibility to monitor complex and varied network configurations consisting of both IP and legacy elements. In this way, they can ensure reliable high quality of service from anywhere in the world simply by accessing the probe through an HTML 5 browser, the company said. 

The LVB440’s new support for OP-47, CEA-608 and CEA-708 closed caption analysis includes on-screen display and technical debugging, it said.

The new support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound and LUFS (Loudness Unit Full Scale) monitoring mix-down to stereo pair enables remote monitoring via a web browser. The new rolling packet capture measurement mode supports continuous capture of data packets in a loop mode to simply fault finding in an error is detected, the company said.

More information is available on the company’s website.

LONDON—Class is in session with Leader Electronics, as the company has announced three new video primers that help explain SMPTE ST 2110 Professional Media Over Managed IP Networks suite of standards for free on YouTube.

The three video primers include an introduction into ST 2110-20, and introduction to SMPTE ST 2110-10 System timing and one on SMPTE ST 2110 Professional Media over IP.

The test and measurement aspect of IP signal measurement, both in an IP-only and SDI/IP context are also covered in the primers.

PDF documentation based on each primer will be available on request to provide viewers with a copy of relevant diagrams and supporting graphics.

"Leader has always taken its educational role seriously, right back to the pre-digital era, and is building up a reference archive which can be accessed easily by anyone needing to study the technical aspects of video, audio and related data monitoring, and their relevance to creative program production,” said Kevin Salvidge, Leader’s European development manager.

These three primers are the latest in a range of primer videos available on Leader Europe’s YouTube channel. 

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics has launched the LVB440 IP Analyzer, which is designed to simplify QoS monitoring and analysis of high bitrate IP media traffic, such as SD, HD, HD HDR, 4K and 4K HDR data flows over media networks.

The LVB440 can analyze media traffic in broadcast production studios, OB vehicles, master control facilities and transmission networks. The analyzer supports data rates for 10, 25, 40 and 50 gigabits/second and can extend up to 100 gigabits per second via dual interfaces, the company said.

The core processor at the heart of the LVB440 also is capable of handling the 48 gigabits/second data rate of full-bandwidth 8K video, it said.

Controlled via an HTML5 web browser, the LVB440 allows production teams to perform real-time checks of a large number of data streams and multiple resolutions in parallel at multiple locations. Using the analyzer, operators can survey every media transport layer of an IP network at the same time, which makes it possible to correct issues before they affect the quality of service experienced by viewers, Leader said.

The LVB440, which is housed in a compact 1U chassis, can be connected to primary and secondary networks, allowing monitoring and analysis of the SMPTE ST 2022-7 streams to ensure seamless protection switching, it said.

The unit also offers tools to analyze Precision Time Protocol (PTP) clock, including clock source detection, time accuracy and path latency of individual flows. It analyzes the SMPTE ST 2110, 2022-6 and 2059-2 PTP standards, and the Network Media Open Specification is supported, the company said.

Offering intuitive packet display analytics, which includes single or multiple stream correlation, the analyzer makes fast and easy work of identifying errors. Media metadata and deep packet analytics can be displayed, it said.

Traditional colorimetry measurement tools, including a vectorscope with ITU Rec. 601, 709 and 2020 compatibility to check chroma saturation issues that can arise in mixed standard and HDR environments, are also available, Leader said.

The analyzer’s flow-overview function makes it possible to bond any data flow or signal stream on a network into a single viewing configuration made up of video, audio and ancillary data, which can be stored as a preset and later recalled, it said.

The LVB440 supports up to eight stereo-pair audio channels with metering and monitoring as well as the AES67 standard.

The analyzer is offered with the Widgets API HTML5 video monitor. Waveforms from multiple cameras can be supervised via a single HTML5 video monitor view and the resulting data shared among production team members in different locations, it said.

The Instrument View Engine, which allows a user’s 11-inch Apple iPad Pro mobile workstation to be deployed as a color-accurate touch panel, is available as an option, Leader said.

More information is available on the company’s website. 

FORT LEE, N.J.—As HDR becomes the new production standard, Leader has shared that its LV5350 waveform monitor is part of Panavision’s Link HDR On-Set system that is designed to assist with the viewing of HDR images throughout the production and post-production process.

The LV5350 waveform monitor allows productions to measure value beyond the capabilities of HDR reference monitors, according to Leader. It has a HDR Cinezone function that enables cinematographers to see which values are above SDR and determine how to address certain areas of the frame.

LV5350 incorporates a range of production-related features, including PQ, HLG and SLOG3 HDR measurement; a CIE chroma chart for color space issues; focus assist; simultaneous SDR and HDR monitoring; customizable screen layout; a tally interface; and support for 4K/UHD, 12G and 6G-SDI. The unit can be rackmounted and operated on AC or DC power. There is also an eye pattern display with jitter measurements.

For more information, visit www.leader.co.jp/en.  

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics is adding the new LT4611 generator to its lineup of test instruments and signal generators.

The LT4611 is a 1U full-rack-width generator designed for use in both SDI and IP that produces analog video sync, audio word-clock signals and SMPTE ST 2059-2 profiles. Based on the LT4610, Leader has introduced the LT4611 at a lower entry point so broadcasters can select features moving forward in the transition from SDI to IP, the company says.

LT4611 has both a 10 GbE and 1GbE PTP interface. It also comes standard with three independent synchronized analog black and burst outputs. There is also support for a stay-in-sync function and a slow-lock function designed to reduce quality-of-service issues when genlock is restored.

All functions of the LT4611 can be managed from the front panel or remotely. There are up to 10 preset configurations that can be saved within the generator to recall. The unit can be set to restart with the same settings each time. In addition, logo data and preset data can be written to and recalled from plug-in memory devices via a front-panel USB port.

Other features include dual power supplies, three LT4610-compatible hardware options and four LT4611-specific hardware options that can be selected based on the specific environment. Additional features can be added when required.

The LT4611 is now available.

For more information, visit www.leader.co.jp/en.  

YOKOHAMA, Japan—A a series of updates have been added to Leader Electronics products, including enhanced IP measurement and enhanced measurement of SDI.

The boost in IP measurement has been added to Leader’s LV5600 waveform monitor and its LV7600 equivalent rasterizer. The video over IP measurement function, which is specified in SMPTE ST 2110 and SMPTE ST 2022-6, provides nine extra tools:

• Buffer measurement based on SMPTE ST 2110-21; 
• Packet error and packet jitter insertion to the IP test signal generator; 
• Addition of lip-sync test pattern to the SER32 option; 
• IP to SDI conversion insertion of payload ID;  
• Simultaneous display of ports 1 and 2 packet jitter and PTP measurement; 
• Event log displayed in PTP time; 
• PTP grand master clock information displayed from the PTP announcement message; 
• Graph data, like packet jitter and PTP, are output as a CSV file; and 
• Audio and ANC displayed on the ST 2110 packet jitter graph 

The toolset is available as a free downloadable upgrade.

Leader has also introduced a new plug-in for the LV5600 and LV7600, the SER31, which provides enhanced measurement of 12G/6G/3G/HD-SDI. With this, operators can check chroma levels beyond the BT.709 or DCI-P3 gamut, simplifying the identification of reproduction errors that can occur when transmitting video content produced in BT.709, DCI-P3 or BT.2020 wide color gamut, or when converting content from BT.2020 to narrow color gamut.

In addition, enhanced measurement of SDI is being introduced for all five models of Leader’s ZEN series that provides two new tools. The first is a BT.709-compatible vector scope scale for color bars to be checked easily and can be used in BT.2020 and BT.709 video content production. The second is enhanced support for EIA-708/608 closed-caption data in 4K, with support for 3G-SDI quad-link and 12G-SDI. This is also available as a free download.

For more information, visit www.leader.co.jp/en.  

YOKOHAMA, Japan—Leader Electronics Corporation has announced the acquisition of test and measurement manufacturer Phabrix.

Financial details of the deal have not been revealed.

Phabrix employs a team of R&D, sales, manufacturing, support and administration personnel, operating from its headquarters in Thatcham, England. The acquisition will see both companies continue with existing product lines and development plans, joining forces to expand sales presence worldwide.

Phillip Adams, managing director, Phabrix, said: “Phabrix is delighted to join the growing Leader team. Both companies have much to gain from each other; both putting design and engineering expertise at the heart of development. With our combined talent and complementary product lines, together with a greater geographical reach, it’s going to be a very exciting future for staff, customers and our global distribution partners.”

Kozo Nagao, CEO of Leader Electronics Corporation added, “With our rapidly evolving industry, it’s important to future-proof our product development capabilities. Uniting Phabrix and Leader’s talented development teams provides the increased momentum required to address the changing landscape of customer needs. Phabrix brings to Leader extensive IP, HDR and UHD knowledge and a highly competitive portfolio of handheld and rack-mounted instruments. We look forward to learning from one another as we look to maximize our growth and our global presence in the competitive Test and Measurement industry.”

YOKOHAMA CITY, JAPAN—Leader Electronics has officially announced it has appointed a new president, as Kozo Nagao succeeded Noboru Kitagawa in the roll as of July 1.

Kozo Nagao

Nagao began working with Leader in 2014 as an advisor before joining the board in June of 2015. His previous employment includes time at Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), time at Booz Allen Hamilton (now Price Waterhouse Coopers Strategy Company Limited), and Corporate Directions, Inc., which he continues to serve as a partner.

Nagao said in the company’s release that it will continue to serve the broadcast industry and will work on developing technology for IP-based video distribution and 5G technology.

LONDON—Leader Electronics has carved itself a spot in the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), the company announced via a press release. The producer of test and measurement equipment joins a group of other companies that are working to implement IP-based technology to work alongside or replace SDI-based systems.

The AIMS organization works to provide education, awareness and promotion of industry standards for the transmission of video, audio and ancillary information over an IP infrastructure. As a member of AIMS, Leader will now follow the AIMS bylaws, which provide specific guidance to members and to the media industry via its AIMS Roadmaps. The organization officially endorses an IP transition that includes support for SMPTE 2022-6, AES67, VSF recommendations TR-03 and TR-04, and AMWA NMOS IS-04.

Leader currently pushes IP technology with its LV5490 4K/HD/SD test instrument, which is compatible with Sony’s IP Live Video and Network Media Interface technologies.

BOTHELL, WASH.—A quintet of companies have signed on to join the Alliance of IP Media Solutions (AIMS).

The five new companies are Artel Video Systems, a media transport provider; BFE Studio und Medien Systems, a provider of OB vans, studio and other media technology systems; Leader Electronics Corporation, a developer of measuring instruments; Meinberg, which manufactures time and frequency synchronization systems; and Pebble Beach Systems, an automation, channel in a box, integrated and virtualized playout technology provider.

All five companies will now follow the AIMS bylaws, which provide specific guidance to members and to the media industry via its AIMS Roadmaps. The organization officially endorses an IP transition that includes support for SMPTE 2022-6, AES67, VSF recommendations TR-03 and TR-04, and AMWA NMOS IS-04.

LONDON—The roster of European channel partners for Leader Electronics has grown by three, with the announcement of AVC-Systems AG, Unitecnic and VideoPlus as the latest additions. All three companies will have full access to Leader’s product line of monitors and other equipment to spread in their respective markets.

AVC-Systems is based in Switzerland; Unitecnic is headquartered in Barcelona; and VideoPlus is located in Paris. “Each has an excellent understanding of the markets we address and shares our commitment to encouraging the industry’s migration from standard definition and high definition into ultra-high definition and high dynamic range,” said Kevin Salvidge, Leader’s European regional development manager.

The addition of these three companies follows previous announcements of Ireland’s D+P Multimedia Products Ltd and Big Pic Media Limited, Boxer Systems Limited and Thameside in Britain as new channel partners.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2016 NAB Show, Leader Instruments will unveil the new LV 5480 SD/HD/3G SDI 4K-upgradeable multi-format waveform monitor for test and measurement. Based on the popular LV 5490 model, the LV 5480 can be upgraded to a full-featured 4K monitor that’s 3G dual link, 3G quad link and HD quad link compliant.

Leader will demonstrate new LV 5480/LV 5490 options including: High Dynamic Range measurement, 12G-SDI connectivity, support for Sony’s IP Live Video and Networked Media Interface technology and support for the Evertz Aspen IP protocol and Tico.

Suitable for digital cinema (4096x2160) or broadcast UHD (3840x2160), the LV 5480 has an HDR display that supports SMPTE ST2084 (Dolby PQ curve) and ARIB STD B-67 (BBC/NHK Hybrid Log Gamma). The Cinelite II toolset, consisting of Cinelite and Cinezone, allows easy assessment of relative exposure and overall luminance during production.

Waveform, vector and picture monitoring can be viewed simultaneously on the LV 5480's 9-inch, 1920x1080 high-definition LED-backlit XGA screen with in-plane switching, or a larger monitor by virtue of its 1920x1080 HD DVI and HD-SDI rasterized output. Other standard features include: ancillary data viewer, video frame and instrumentation screen capture, and timecode, ID and four-channel timing displays.

The 2016 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 18-21. Leader Instruments will be in booth C5109. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.