Harris Corporation has announced that important firmware upgrades are now available for its Videotek HD-STAR handheld HD/SD-SDI monitor and generator, a portable, battery-powered tool that provides convenient, yet powerful multiformat functionality for monitoring and generating video and embedded audio signals. The new features - input auto format detection and continuous picture motion in test signal generator patterns - are now available via a simple download on the Harris website.

The new input auto format detection upgrade allows for a separate format for the test signal generator and the input monitoring. The monitor automatically detects the incoming format and adapts the unit to display the correct HD format when in HD mode (or the correct SD format when in SD mode), providing significantly enhanced operational capabilities. The continuous picture motion upgrade provides a bouncing block at three different selectable speeds. This feature enhances the test signal generator output and increases the capabilities of testing MPEG decoders/encoders for interruptions in the encoding/decoding processes or wherever continuous motion is required in testing applications.

"The HD-STAR provides both an HD and SD test generator with monitoring at a very competitive price-point and, with these upgrades, the unit provides more value than ever to customers," said Tim Thorsteinson, president of Harris Broadcast Communications. "Part of the popular and award-winning Videotek STAR series of handheld test instruments, the HD-STAR provides multiformat functionality and versatility that set it apart from other handheld test and measurement products on the market. This PDA-sized test monitor offers the convenience of portability without sacrificing function and performance."

With a powerful array of features and functions that include a video test signal generator, colour monitor, waveform monitor, vectorscope, serial data analyser and an audio analyser/monitor, the HD-STAR also features an integrated 320x240 color LCD display, utilising touchscreen technology and a provided stylus to control and configure each operation. The unit weighs less than one pound and runs on a Li-Ion battery pack, providing continuous operation for more than six hours.

www.harris.com