DNF Controls today announced that the Streaming Media, Video and TV Technologies Division of the Computing and Communications Department at the University of Washington in Seattle is using the Analyst RS422/RS232 Tester to troubleshoot communications links in the UWTV control room between the studio's automation system and its switcher, and also between an NLE and VTR.

"The Analyst is a wonderful tool to have in your back pocket, especially when you are broadcasting in an RS422 environment like ours," said Jerry Morin, video network engineer at the University of Washington. "Without the Analyst, it can be very difficult to locate communications problems. Now that we've been using it for a while, we're looking into adding the logging option to provide us with an automatic record of its findings."

Launched in 1994, UWTV is an award-winning television channel that offers original, non-commercial educational programming covering a variety of topics, offering viewers of all ages the opportunity to further their practical knowledge in areas such as health and medicine, technology, and international issues. Programming can be viewed via cable in many areas of Washington state, nationwide through the DISH Network satellite service, and worldwide via webcasts and video on demand accessible at www.uwtv.org.

The Analyst RS422/RS232 Tester saves time by ruling out potential problems, allowing resources to be directed at fixing the real problem. The Analyst is simple and intuitive to use for the expert and non-expert alike, allowing them to test in seconds what once took at least 30 minutes and required specialized knowledge.
It makes it very easy to identify cable-wiring errors without opening up cables or de-soldering pins. It can also verify signal paths, identify RS422-to-RS232 adapter problems, and check baud rate and parity.

A compact, hand-held device with an easy-to-read, four-line by 40-character LCD screen, an eight-key keyboard, and separate RS422/RS232 connectors, the Analyst is ideal to use in remote production setups, new studio builds or facility upgrades, or in maintaining existing facilities and systems.