Why Test for IPTV - It is important to test IPTV systems to ensure users are receiving an acceptable quality of service level, to help identify when IPTV systems will reach capacity limits, or to assist in the diagnosis and repair of IPTV equipment.

IPTV Testing Challenges - IPTV testing has testing challenges which may include subjective testing, selecting options on where and how to measure, mixed media interaction, content dependent testing, error concealment algorithms, and other complications.

Testing Types - There are many types of testing used in IPTV systems including operational, functional, diagnostic, performance, and stress testing.

IPTV System - Testing may be performed on key parts of IPTV systems including the headend, distribution networks, access system, home media networks, and STB adapters.

Quality Metrics - Testing IPTV systems uses a mix of metrics from data networks or broadcast TV systems plus additional measurement types such as MSE, PSNR, EFS, and CSR.

Testing Models - Testing IPTV systems may involve the use of full reference (exact comparison), partial reference, zero reference models.

Testing Metrics - Content quality, packet loss rate - PLR, packet drop rate - PDR, PDV, control quality, gap loss, frame loss rate - FLR, Sync-loss, zap time.

Content Rating Systems - Measuring the value of content quality. Measuremet systems include MPQM, MDI, VSTQ, VSPQ, and VSAQ.

Test Equipment - Video analyzers, MPEG generators, protocol analyzers, BITE, impairment emulators.

Network Monitoring - Active and passive monitoring, heartbeat systems, test clients