Acterna Launches New Interface that Provides Complete Test and Management Support for Satellite Transmissions to and from Broadcast or Terrestrial Points.

LAS VEGAS & GERMANTOWN, Md. -- Capabilities Position Acterna as the Only Test and Management Company able to Provide Complete, End-to-End Validation of the Digital Video Network

Acterna, the leader in test and management solutions for consumer and business broadband communications, today launched a new satellite interface to its DTS product line that will enable the MPEG analyzer to perform thorough analyses of satellite network components and monitor how they react under common stress situations, from ingress via the satellite feed to egress points when entering broadcast or terrestrial destinations. Acterna's digital video broadcast test and management solutions will be on display at NAB, April 17-20, Las Vegas, Booth # SU10043 in South Hall 3.

"With these new interfaces, Acterna's DTS-330 is now the only test instrument that provides complete, end-to-end validation of the digital video network," said Sudeep Bose, product marketing manager of Acterna's DTS product line. "For any network and transmission technologies used today in the cable, broadcast and satellite industries, the DTS-330 now provides the interfaces that ensure accurate validation of satellite content into broadcast and terrestrial points, as well as the support to maintain a pure and reliable signal."

Acterna has anticipated the increased need for customers to ensure reliability by using test and monitoring solutions that can support the entire path of a signal, from the point it enters their network to the point it leaves their network and terminates with the subscriber. The new satellite interface now available in the DTS product line includes 8PSK (turbo-code), QPSK (turbo-code), QPSK (DVB), and QPSK (Digicipher II) modulation support.

In addition, this interface provides a user with the ability to control the satellite antenna either via a 22 KHz tone or by using the DiSEqC standards, as well as a means to perform MPEG transport analysis and monitoring at either an L-Band or 70 MHz I/F interface point. Rudimentary RF analysis of the satellite signal can also be performed.

Bose added, "Even though Acterna's DTS line of products are designed for digital video transport analysis, we understand the importance of providing a means for the user to perform rudimentary physical layer analysis of the satellite signal and conduct root-cause analysis. This new feature enables our customers to conduct a quick check to determine if the problem exists in the digital video service or in the satellite transmission, helping them achieve the increased efficiency of operation critical to success in today's market."

About Acterna

Acterna is the world's largest provider of communications test solutions for telecommunications and cable network operators. A trusted communications test partner for more than eight decades, Acterna offers an unmatched portfolio of award-winning instruments, systems, software, and services that help its customers reduce network costs while improving performance and reliability. Headquartered in Germantown, Md. -- with European and Asia-Pacific operations based in Eningen, Germany, and Hong Kong -- Acterna serves nearly every major communications service provider and equipment manufacturer around the world through a skilled sales and support organization in 31 countries. For additional information, visit www.acterna.com.

All Acterna company or product names mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of Acterna Inc. or one of its subsidiary companies.