HDMI installations are notoriously hard to troubleshoot. Transmission length, device compliancy, resolution, handshaking and a myriad of other complexities go into a successful connection, and a single out-of-sync signal can mean the difference between ultra high-definition performance and a service call.

Murideo was created to satisfy the need for modern testing tools in the audio-visual market. Through a depth of knowledge brought on from years’ of experience in the electronics industry, Murideo delivers easy-to-use, cutting-edge HDMI testing equipment at an affordable price.

This article examines popular fiber optic testers, including a summary of features and testing capabilities. A complementary PDF is available for download in the Future Ready Solutions Literature Library.

Fox & Hound Testing & Troubleshooting Kit

The Murideo Fox & Hound testing and troubleshooting kit addresses common 4K and 8K issues, including bandwidth, signal continuity, EDID irregularities, HDCP handshaking, metadata quirks with HDR and 2 – 8 channel audio confirmation. It’s an essential tool for rapidly detecting and resolving issues between HDMI cables, active optical cables and audio-visual electronics in the field.

Though the Fox & Hound is Murideo’s least expensive testing kit, it still boasts an impressive complement of features and capabilities:

• Analyze and generate any VESA, 720, 1080p, 4K or 8K signal with up to 40Gbps video bandwidth
• Hot plug detect, HDCP and EDID management & analysis
• Full HDR, HDR10+, and HLG Support
• HDMI 2.1 compliant
• 2 – 8 channel audio confidence testing
• 2-inch LCD color display
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

The Fox & Hound kit includes separate signal analyzers and generators designed for ergonomic use. Simply put: if you install or service HDMI cables and equipments, the Fox & Hound should be in your tool kit.

Six Series Testing, Troubleshooting & Calibration Kit

The Murideo Six Series testing, troubleshooting and calibration kit delivers end-to-end signal generation and analysis of 4K and 8K audio-visual signals. The Six Series expands on the popular Fox & Hound system with advanced bandwidth, EDID, HDCP, resolution, timing, HDR metadata, TMDS and multichannel audio tools and ISF test patterns. Plus, the Six Series analyzer (SIX-A) and generator (SIX-G) connect to any PC with free Murideo software.

At roughly double the price of the Fox & Hound, the Six Series offers additional features, capabilities and independent industry certifications:

• Analyze and generate any VESA, 720, 1080p, 4K or 8K signal with up to 40Gbps video bandwidth
• Full hot plug detect, HDCP, EDID, TMDS, HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, timing, frame rate & color space management and analysis
• Advanced EDID reading, writing and analysis
• Audio confidence test tones
• Display emulation
• USB control and free PC software
• Built-in pattern library
• Download and upload up to 10 custom test patterns
• HDMI 2.1 compliant
• ISF Labs and DPL Labs certified
• 3-inch LCD color display
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

The Six Series testing and troubleshooting kit is a must-have for any HDMI specialist, system calibrator, high-end integrator and developer of content. It will streamline HDMI system troubleshooting and ensure installations perform according to spec.

Seven Series Laboratory-Grade Reference Generator

The Murideo Seven Series delivers Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Audio™ approved signal generation, testing, measurement and calibration. Designed for demanding environments and mission-critical applications, the Seven Series provides over 1,000 test patterns and customizable audio-visual signals that can be logged, exported and analyzed. It’s the definitive tool for bench technicians, engineers and equipment manufacturers alike.

As expected from Murideo’s most expensive tester, the Seven Series delivers extremely high-end capabilities and third party certifications:

• Generate any 480, 720, 1080p, 4K or 8K signal with up to 40Gbps video bandwidth
• Supports all HDMI and HDCP versions, including HDM1 2.1 and HDCP 2.3
• Advanced EDID analysis
• Over 1,000 test patterns & video demo clips from Diversified Video Solutions, ISF, Bill Wetzel, PVA, Sony Pictures, Spears & Munsil & Spicy Pixels
• Custom video and pattern upload
• ARC and eARC transmitting and receiving
• Upload and playback of custom audio streams
• PC control software with data reporting & export
• ISF Labs & DPL Labs certified
• Dolby Laboratories, Inc. approved
• 7-inch LCD color display with OLED data readout

The Seven Series isn’t as portable as the Fox & Hound or Six Series; however, it does include a hard case for occasional trips into the field. Most integrators will benefit by bench testing and calibrating high-end products before they’re deployed onsite. Ideal use patterns include:

• Test cable performance up to 40Gbps
• Verify HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG
• Verify HDMI Deep Color and Wide Color Gamut
• View HDMI image impact on active devices
• Test and confirm ARC/eARC including Dolby Audio
• Test for EDID and CDS transmission
• Calibrate 4K and 8K video walls and high-end displays
• Verify HDMI installations for 9K, HDR, contrast ratios, audio performance and more
• Test and confirm audio back channels for smartboards supporting ARC/eARC
• Verify proper aspect ratios and scaling for RGB systems
• Identify compression and motion artifacts in repeaters or sink devices with a multitude of test patterns
• Determine actual system latency
• Properly sync audio and video with Lip Sync readout in milliseconds
• Identify compression and motion artifacts

Ultimately, though higher in cost than other Murideo solutions, the Seven Series pays for itself through less truck rolls and higher customer satisfaction — especially if you target high-end installations.

The below chart compares the Murideo tester features discussed above. Additional information is available at FutureReadySolutions.com or by emailing info@futurereadysolutions.com.