External decoders

If the product supports bitstream output over an available digital interface (for example, HDMI or S/PDIF) output, an external decoder is required for testing.

To ensure that expected results of some tests can be correctly verified, the external decoder should be capable of displaying sample rate and channel configuration information for the signal being processed.

You can use an external decoder product (for example, an AVR) with these characteristics:

  • Support for Dolby Digital Plus 5.1-channel decoding.
  • 5.1-channel speaker outputs.
  • Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format (S/PDIF) input that meets the requirements defined in the IEC 60958 and IEC 61937 specifications.
  • An HDMI input for testing products that function as HDMI sources (for example, set-top boxes), or an HDMI output for testing products that function as HDMI sinks (for example, TVs). The HDMI must have these characteristics:
    • Capable of supporting a single IEC 61937 stream with an IEC 60958 sample rate of 128, 176.4, or 192 kHz
    • Implements version C or later of the CTA-861 standard

When testing an HDMI sink product that is enabled to use the HDMI ARC feature, ensure that the external decoder is also Audio Return Channel (ARC) enabled.

An external decoder with these capabilities enables you to use a single product to perform all tests requiring an external decoder.

Ensure that any effects (or other processing) on the decoder are turned off during testing.