Aurora

Fast access Help files
Aurora provides Help files for every test, instantly accessed from test templates or reports, providing an explanation of each individual test, how the test is performed, recommended correction(s), and where to in the workflow may be the best location to perform the fix.

Email notification
Aurora email notifications ensure that regardless of the receiving email device there is appropriate information provided for decision making or further action. Emails contain summary info and a HTML link to the full QC Report, and optionally the PDF version.

Unrivaled, scalable speed
Aurora was the first file-based QC product engineered to dynamically allocate compute threads across a user-specified number of CPU cores, enabling performance and scalability in high density virtual and blade environments. Using high CPU allocation or a lower CPU allocation combined with Aurora’s unique GPU accelerated processing capability, QC throughput approaching wireline limits can be achieved, rather than being constrained by a legacy decoding, buffering and testing architecture.

QC report analytics
Aurora includes QC Analytics to enable media organizations to analyze results of multiple QC Reports and search across reports for specific criteria. Aurora can identify QC artifact trends and compare results from QC done at different workflow stages, pipeline issues and trends or identify vendors for KPI and SLA documentation.

4K production work flow
Aurora can test and play back the Interoperable Master Format (IMF), the distribution master format agreed on by major motion picture studios, and the supplemental IMF packages. Aurora has the ability to QC and play back complex Composition Play Lists (CPLs) and can test 4K at real-time or faster in any other container or codec, including JPEG 2000, DPX, DNxHR, HEVC, H.264/AVC/AVCI/XAVC.1

Optional codecs are available for access to Canopus and HEVC decoders, and to enable GPU acceleration to the native capability of the JPEG 2000 decoder.

Enhanced Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) support
Aurora is the first file-based QC solution on the market capable of both testing and playing back HLS/HSS/HDS/DASH and CableLabs intermediate ABR playlist file sets. Aurora includes tests that have been specifically designed to catch the most common causes of adaptive bit rate streaming problems.

Minimal false positives
Aurora algorithms are designed to reduce false positives, ensuring an accurate QC report. Tektronix operates a unique machine learning loop that ensures that continuous accuracy improvements of test algorithms based on customer supplied files with known QC artifacts.

Video essence tests
Aurora video essence tests include Macro-block Noise, Up-conversion, Picture Quality (TekMOS, Perceptual Video Quality), Comb Artifacts, Field Order Swaps, Tape/⁠Digital Hits, Perceptual & Film Artifacts, Black/Freeze Frames, Letterboxing/Pillarboxing, Dead Pixel Detection, Color Bars, PSE/Flash Detection (Harding FPA), and Cadence Change.

Audio essence tests
Aurora audio essence tests include Silence, Drop-outs, Peaks (dBTP, PPM, dBFS), Average Levels (R128, ATSC, ARIB), Clipping, Snaps/Clicks/Pops, Test Tones, Phase Swaps and Hiss/Hum. Aurora also applies a user-defined Audio Service Map for processing AES wrapped tracks or when mono channel audio essence tracks are tested together.

Metadata tests
Aurora metadata tests include Container Syntax, Video Essence Syntax, Caption Syntax, Container Essence Contents, Cross-Check Container-Essence, Rude Word Detection in Text, Start Time code, Time code Discontinuity, Video Resolution and Run-times. Additional metadata tests for Dolby Audio Syntax and Dolby E Guard Band Alignment are included with the optional Dolby codecs.

Distribution constraint tests
Aurora has predefined tests for most popular distribution formats, including CableLabs VOD, CableLabs ABR/EBP, iTunes, Netflix, ATSC, DVB, ISDB-⁠T/TB, XDCAM/RDD-9, AS-02, AS-10, AS-10 French PAD and DPP/⁠AS-11.

Automated workflows
Aurora includes tools for implementing end-to-end workflows, including Smart Test Plans for automatically applying test plans to your incoming files, and a Decision Engine that enables automated post QC test file movement and corrective actions.

Systems integration
Aurora QC includes an easy to use SOAP API, as well as the legacy CeriTalk API, allowing leading vendors to seamlessly integrate Aurora QC into their solution workflows. Major partners include Amberfin, Aspera, Astec, Imagine Communications, Telestream, iBroadcast, DataMiner, Vidispine, Dalet, and FileCatalyst.

Supported formats
Aurora supports the following file formats. Please contact Tektronix for the latest listings.

Container wrappers
MXF (All OP, including AMWA defined AS, RDD-9, P2, SxS), Transport Stream, Elementary Stream, Program Stream/VOB, AVI, WMV/ASF, QuickTime/MOV, GXF, MP4, LXF, R3D, DPX, DXW, HLS, DASH, Smooth Streaming, IMF, and DCP (unencrypted).

Video codecs
H.265 (HEVC), H.264 (AVC/AVC-Intra/XAVC), MPEG-2 (including XDCAM, IMX and D-10), ProRes, JPEG 2000, DNxHD and DNxHR (VC-3), Cineform (VC-5), VC-1 (and WMV), DV/DVCPro, Flash VP-6/7, RAW (Huffman, YUV, RGB, Blackmagic), EXR, DPX, RED, Canopus, and MPEG-4 (SStP).1

Audio codecs
Standard codecs include PCM Audio (WAV/AES/BWF), AAC, HE-AAC, WMA Standard Pro, MPEG-2 (L1,2,3) and MPEG-1. Audio correction is available on constant bit rate codecs only. Optional codecs are available to support Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (EAC-3), Dolby TrueHD (MLP), and Dolby E.

Captions / subtitles / text
CEA-608/CEA-708 in Line 21 video, ATSC 53, DVB-Teletext, SCTE 20, SCTE 128 and SMPTE 436M; SMPTE Timed Text and variations, including DFXP; EBU Subtitles, including STL; SRT; SCC.