Hamlet delivers test and measurement flexibility at NAB 2006

The Flexiscope from test and measurement specialist Hamlet was an award-winning hit of NAB and IBC2005.
At NAB 2006 the true potential of this uniquely powerful, high-precision digital platform will be underlined with the addition of an even more convenient variant, the Flexiscope Micro. Hamlet will also use NAB to unveil a powerful software-only implementation of its precision test and measurement, and to introduce a new range of audio measurement and monitoring units, capable of handling anything from analogue audio all the way up to embedded multi-channel Dolby-E.
“When we created Flexiscope we knew exactly what today’s engineer needs,” explained Hamlet Director Steve Nunney. “We started with an all-digital processing platform and an attractive and practical form factor: a palm-top with low power draw. And we made it modular so that users could choose the functionality they needed. The first modules launched last year included unique features like support for AES audio and an external reference input. This year we have responded to customer demand with a new, even smaller configuration, the Flexiscope Micro.”
The new Flexiscope family now consists of two portable base units: the standard Flexiscope and the Micro. They are based on a bespoke host processor developed by Hamlet with plug-in application modules, all of which may be controlled over IP. The modules are common to both base units and are readily interchangeable in the field. Modules currently cover all HD, SD and composite formats, with embedded AES/EBU audio and external reference also supported.
Hamlet established its reputation for high quality, value for money test and measurement equipment with its vectorscopes and waveform monitors which either used integral LCDs or on-screen displays. The Flexiscope family brought the same excellence to a portable platform.
NAB 2006 sees the US debut of VidScope-vx, a powerful test and measurement system running entirely in software. Uniquely, it is supplied and run from a USB memory stick, so users can carry a complete quality control suite in a pocket, instantly giving any Windows computer comprehensive waveform monitoring, vectorscope and colour gamut error checking.
Versions are available for DV, HDV, SDI and HD-SDI (these last two compatible with all PC video capture cards). Because test results are captured for later analysis, the VidScope-vx can be used to automatically process content which arrives as a file over IP rather than as baseband video, making it ideal for conformance checking as well as rushes logging.
Dedicated audio monitoring is provided by Hamlet’s new HQ range of self-powered rack mounted speaker sets. These are designed with professional use in mind, and deliver significantly better sound reproduction than is the norm in such devices, which normally deliver no more than confidence checking. Models are available for mono, stereo and multi-channel audio with digital decoding and de-embedding, and with or without integral LCD displays.
See the display in Booth C9319 where there will be a demonstration of the complete Hamlet range.
(SP)