Abstract: A bitstream quality analysis system includes a demultiplexer, a bitstream quality analyzer, and a graphical user interface. The demultiplexer receives a bitstream and separates from the bitstream at least one elementary bitstream that includes a video elementary bitstream. The bitstream quality analyzer receives the video elementary bitstream from the demultiplexer and parses the video elementary bitstream to extract parameters characterizing the video elementary bitstream. The bitstream quality analyzer provides the extracted parameters to the graphical user interface, which displays the extracted parameters characterizing the video elementary bitstream. A user can monitor the video elementary bitstream at varying levels of detail, and can perform varying levels of quality analysis on the video elementary bitstream.

Abstract: A method and a test instrument are provided for measuring program clock reference (PCR) jitter in a data stream, such as an MPEG-2 transport stream. The test instrument includes a line interface circuit for receiving the data stream, a digital computer for processing the data stream and a local clock for generating timestamps. The digital computer extracts from the data stream a PCR sample value which represents a count of a system time clock used to generate the data stream. The timestamp is obtained from the local clock and is associated with the PCR sample value. The digital computer determines a reconstructed system time clock from a set of values including the PCR sample value and the timestamp, and previously-received PCR sample values and associated timestamps within a window representative of a predetermined time interval. The window is shifted as new PCR sample values are received.