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Explorer HD ATSC (Prodig 9B)

The TV Explorer HD ATSC is the first instrument of its kind to meet the requirements to be called a true HD field strength meter for the North American market. This spectrum analyzer / field strength meter is compatible and can display MPEG-4 / H.264, AAC audio and 1080i / 720p formats.

Overview

The TV Explorer HD ATSC incorporate a transflective 6.5" color LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio. A transflective screen combines the advantages of transmissive and reflective displays. Transmissive displays are illuminated from behind (ideal for indoor use), while reflective displays use the reflection of external light such as the Sun (ideal for outdoor use). The result is an stunning picture indoors and outdoors.

The large 6.5" screen makes it easy to see even small details and with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 720p/1080i capability you can view true HD content in native format as it was intended to be seen by the broadcaster. The screen has an operating range of -40°C to 80°C (beyond the instrument's operating range), so you can be assured of a stunning picture regardless of the environment around you.

The TV Explorer HD ATSC's compact and rugged construction makes it ideal for field use. Its 6.5" color LCD screen shows all measurement results and can also display the picture of analogue and digital channels.

This instrument is compatible with the new DVB-S2 format in QPSK and 8PSK modulation and it can analyzer off-air digital broadcasting (8VSB encapsulating standard of HDTV programming) as well as digital cable (QAM Annex-B).

For more information, you can watch Promax videos on YouTube.

All our Promax spectrum analyzers sold in the North American market come pre-loaded with the latest North American Ku-Band transponder maps of FSS and DBS satellites from 129°W, all the way to 61.5°W.

the TV Explorer HD ATSC online.

 

Built for the North American market!

The Prodig 9B was built for the North American market. This model features off-air HD digital (8VSB), cable digital (US QAM), DVB-S and DirecTV (DSS) digital measurement capability!

Promax US Explorer II 8VSB Screen

Promax US Explorer II QAM Annex 2

Promax US Explorer II DVB-S2 reception

Promax TV Explorer II+ SpectrogramBuilt for all DVB standards!

The Prodig 9B was built to support all DVB satellite standards, namely: DVB-S & DVB-S2.

Mergram & Spectrogram Functions

The MERGRAM function is an evolution of the MER by carrier function that exploits the enormous processing power of the HD Explorer meter to show in a live display, how MER values for each carrier (shown in different colours) change with the time in a DVB-T multiplex.

The SPECTROGRAM function is an evolution of the spectrum analyzer function that shows similarly how the peak levels of any signal under test vary with time.

Constellation Function

The constellation diagram is a graphic representation (called I-Q) of the digital symbols received over a period of time.

There are different types of constellation diagrams for the different modulation modes. With the HD Explorer it is possible to display constellations for DVB-T/H, DVB-C, DVB-S and DVB-S2 signals.

In case of an ideal transmission channel, free of noise and interferences, all symbols are recognized by the demodulator without mistakes. In this case, they are represented in the constellation diagram as well defined points hitting in the same area and forming a clear dot.

Noise and impairments cause the demodulator to not always read the symbols correctly. In this case the hits disperse and create different shapes that at the end will allow to determine at a glance the type of noise in the signal.

Every modulation type is represented differently. A DVB-C 16QAM signal is represented on the screen by a total of 16 different zones, and a DVB-C 64QAM is represented on the screen by a total of 64 different zones.

The constellation shows in different colours the density of hits and includes zooming and scrolling possibilities and also a clear button to clean the picture. QAM 256 constellation.

Promax TV Explorer II+ Constellation Screen
[click for larger view]

Easy to use

The TV Explorer HD ATSC is easy to use. Most functions can be accessed within the touch of a single key and these functions can then be controlled via the push dial and the arrow-keys. There are no complicated sub menus to navigate to get where you want...

Example: Hit the S/T button to switch between Satellite and Terrestrial or the D/A button to switch between Digital and Analog.

First of its kind, the TV Explorer also includes an Auto-Identification and an Explore key to search for information about a particular channel/frequency or to scan all bands to search for signals.

The following screen shots were taken doing terrestrial analog and satellite digital measurements:

Promax Explorer HD, Satellite Spectrum Analysis Promax Explorer HD, Satellite Digital Analysis
Spectrum mode in L-Band Digital measurement of DVB-S2 carrier
Promax Explorer HD, Terrestrial Spectrum Analysis Promax Explorer HD, Terrestrial Spectrum Analysis
Channel 6 (FCC) at 16MHz resolution
(centered on the chroma)
Channel 6 (FCC) at 8MHz resolution
(centered on the audio)
Promax HD, Analog analysis Promax HD, Analog analysis
Channel 6 format selection Channel 6 signal analysis

Auto Identification

The TV Explorer HD ATSC is designed for use in terrestrial, satellite and cable-tv environments in both digital and analogue.

By hitting the Explore key, the instrument will search for any type of signal available and display its parameters such as Standard (Pal / Secam / NTSC), modulation type (QAM / QPSK / COFDM), transponder parameters (Symbol Rate, FEC) and channel parameters (PIDs).

Once transponders and channels are identified, the Explorer creates a registry of all the available channels for easy navigation of the entire network by the installer. Sessions can be stored and recalled at any time, to save time and organize your work.

You can also search for specific signals by manually entering the channel parameters.

Signal Measurement

All measures about a particular channel / transponder can be seen in one screen.

The TV Explorer HD ATSC can also measure signal in the 5MHz-65MHz band to troubleshoot of the Return Path in modern cable systems. Combined with the NG-281 / NG-282 Noise Generator or the RP-250 Multicarrier generator, you can insert multiple carriers in your cable system at frequencies ranging from 5MHz to 2500MHz (3x UHF / VHF, 3x SAT, 1x Sub Band, 1x ISM with the RP-250).

The display adapts itself to the type of signal being measured:

Promax Explorer DVB-T & DVB-H Reception DVB-H / DVB-H Power, SER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
Promax Explorer DVB-C Reception DVB-C Power, BER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
Promax Explorer DVB-S Reception DVB-S (QPSK) Power, CBER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
Promax US Explorer II DVB-S2 reception DVB-S2 (QPSK/8PSK) Power, CBER, MER, C/N, PER and LBER

Spectrum Display

To give the installer absolute control over his work, the TV Explorer HD ATSC is also a powerful spectrum analyzer. This function is easy to use and allows the installer to control key parameters such as resolution, sensitivity and sweep time.

The TV Explorer HD ATSC comes with several user-selectable color models or "skins". There are a number of possible combinations between colors and lines. Skins can help to improve the display in different light conditions and can make the user feel more comfortable with the instrument.

Signal Demodulation

If you are locked on a digital satellite, cable or terrestrial signal, the TV Explorer HD ATSC will display the channel whether it is free-to-air or scrambled* and the following information when the Demodulate key is pressed:

Channel Information:

  • Channel number and channel plan
  • MPEG-2 detection flag
  • Service
  • Network Identification
  • Video PID
  • Audio PID
  • Picture format
  • SID
  • ID
  • Free or Encrypted
  • Type of signal (DVB-T / C / S)

Portability

The TV Explorer HD ATSC is small and rugged. It weights less than 2Kg (5Lb) including the battery, which makes it ideal for installers that must climb ladders and carry lots of equipment on the job. The TV Explorer HD ATSC comes complete with a carrying bag & pelican case, which allows you to strap it around your waist or shoulder and protects it from shocks and the elements when traveling.


Antenna Installation

The TV Explorer HD ATSC has an "Easy antenna alignment" function which give a very fast spectrum display, ideal to locate hard to find satellite signals. Once the signal is found, you may peak your antenna using the same spectrum display or you can concentrate on the signal bar located on the right side of the screen.

The TV Explorer HD ATSC allows you to control all types antennas and LNBs (13V/18V switching for polarity selection, 22Khz tone, DiSEqC control, etc.).

Battery

The TV Explorer HD ATSC uses a high performance Lithium-ion battery. This batteries can provide a Max. operational time of over 4 hours. The battery can be charged in 2 to 3 hours and does not suffer from memory related problems common with Ni-Cad instruments.

A battery charge indicator () lets you know when it's time to plug the instrument in the A/C for extended use or re-charge the battery.

Light Sensor

The TV Explorer HD ATSC would not be complete with another unique feature: a light sensor.

In addition to its extra-bright LCD display (320 candles / square cm), the TV Explorer HD ATSC includes a light sensor that can automatically adjust the contrast and brightness of the screen.

This is not only useful to always get optimal visibility of the screen, but it can also extend the battery life of your instrument.

Specifications

See below for a full set of specifications for the TV Explorer HD ATSC:

 
TV Explorer HD ATSC (Prodig 9A)
Frequency Range Terrestrial 5-1000MHz
Satellite 950-2150MHz
Resolution Terrestrial 50 kHz
Satellite 200 kHz
RF Input Impedance 75Ω
Connector F, BNC, RCA
Max Signal 130 dBµV
Max Voltage DC to 100Hz, 30 Vrms
Power Range 8-VSB 45 dBµV to 100 dBµV
QAM Annex-B 45 dBµV to 110 dBµV
DVB-S 44 dBµV to 114 dBµV
DVB-S2 44 dBµV to 114 dBµV
Level Measurement Terrestrial 10 dBµV to 130 dBMV (3.16 µV to 3.16 V)
Satellite 30 dBµV to 130 dBMV (31.6 µV to 3.16 V)
Measurement Units dBµV, dBmV, dBm
Measurement Bandwidth Terrestrial 230 kHZ
Satellite 4 MHz
Max. band ripple 1 dB
Measurement Accuracy Terrestrial ± 1.5dB
Satellite ± 2.5dB
Analog Measures Terrestrial Level, Video/Audio, C/N
Satellite Level, C/N, Power (Digital)
Resolution Bandwidth Terrestrial 1 MHz, 230 kHz
Satellite 4 MHz, 1 MHz
Display span Terrestrial Full Band, 500, 200, 100, 50, 32, 16, 8 MHz
Satellite Full Band, 500, 200, 100, 50, 32, 16 MHz
Display Marker Type Single, with Freq. and Level readout (power readout in digital)
Digital Measurements 8-VSB Power, SER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
QAM Annex-B Power, BER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
DVB-S (QPSK) Power, CBER, VBER, MER, C/N, Noise Margin
DVB-S2 (QPSK/8PSK) Power, CBER, LBER, MER, C/N, wrong packets and Link Margin.
Constellation Diagram I-Q Graph DVB-S and DVB-S2, I-Q graph.
Digital Modes 8-VSB 10.762Mb/s, 2/3 FEC
ITU-T J.83/B (QAM Annex-B) 1000 to 7000 kbauds, 16/32/64/128/256 QAM.
DVB-S 2-45Mbps, 1/2-7/8 FEC
DVB-S2 1-45Mbps, 1/2-9/10 (QPSK), 2/3-9/10 (8PSK)
Video Demodulation Image & Sound 480i, 576i, 720p, 1080i video & audio demodulation for analog terrestrial, DVB-S, S2, C, H, T channels.
Video Format MPEG-2 MP@HL: Main Profile @ High Level. MPEG-4 AVC H.264: High Profile Level 4.1
Audio Format MPEG-1, MPEG-2 & AAC
Information Service List, PIDs & data rates for DVB-S, S2, C, H, T channels.
Datalogger Function Analogue Level Video/Audio, C/N
Digital Frequency Offset, Mpeg-2 Detection, power, C/N, MER, CBER, VBER, LBER and noise margin
DVT-T Echoes Analyzer Specs Delay 0.1μs to 224μs. Distance 0.3km to 67.2km. Power range 0dBc to -30dBc
Physical Display 6.5" TFT Screen, 16:9 & 4:3 ratios
System NTSC, PAL, SECAM
Video In/Out RCA, 1Vpp (75Ω) positive Video
Audio In/Out Scart with RCA Adapter
Speaker Built in
USB Port

“USB On-the-go” for datalogger and channel plans transfer; Mass Storage Host (read / write to Flash drives); Serial Port Emulation

Common Interface CI Slot for access to scrambled content (CI module & smart card not provided)
HDMI Output, 1920 x 1080 resolution
TS-ASI 1 DVB-ASI input and 1 DVB-ASI output, Female BNC, impedance 75 Ω, Transport Stream of 188 or 204 bytes (automatic detection), packet or burst mode.
External device control   (via RF Output) Voltage 5/13/15/18/24 V
22KHz 0.6V ± 0.2V, 22 KHz ± 4 kHz
Maximum Power 5W
DiSEqC DiSEqC 1.2 Standard
Power supply Internal Battery 7.2 V 11 Ah Li-Ion battery
> 4.5 hrs in continuous mode
Charging time 3 hours for >80% charge (device Off)
External requirement 12 V
Consumption 30 W
Auto power off Set by user
Environmental Temperature 5° to 40° with auto-off in case of excess heat
Humidity Up to 80% @ 31°C, 50% @ 40°C
Altitude Up to 2000m
Dimensions 230 (w) x 161 (h) x 76 (d)
Weight 2.2 kg (without accessories)
Accessories Included 10dB attenuator, F-BNC, F-DIN, F-F adapters, AC/DC Charger, Carrying bag (yellow), Belt (Black), Car charger.
Included Hard top Suitcase

*: Scrambled channels require the presence of a CI decoder module and smart card with subscription.

Promax TV Explorer Hardtop Case Closed Promax TV Explorer Hardtop Case Open
Hard top transport suitcase