PANORAMAdtv, the video products division of Wohler Technologies Inc., announced the release of the award-winning Touchstone 3G portable signal test generator for digital video and audio. The palm-sized, battery-operated device serves a growing market need for flexible testing of signals including 3Gb/s serial digital signals.

"As bandwidth-intensive applications demand increasing performance levels, broadcasters and other media companies require a practical tool with which they can test the integrity of their digital video and audio signals, regardless of format," said Wohler President and CEO Carl J. Dempsey. "Disk-to-disk backup, video editing, nearline data storage, and other media-focused applications involve a greater volume of data than ever before, and our Touchstone device makes it easy to test and confirm signals for even the newest video formats."

The Touchstone 3G unit can generate 37 different 10-bit video test patterns with embedded audio signals that provide programmed tones for up to eight stereo pairs. Video test patterns include motion zone plates and a pathological signal for 4:2:2 digital signals including 1080-50/60P at 3Gb/s.

Touchstone 3G can be powered by rechargeable or single-use batteries, in addition to an included universal AC supply. Touchstone 3G is extremely portable and may be carried as easily as a mobile phone. An optional carry case with integrated belt clip allows for convenient, hands-free transport.

When first introduced in 2007, the Touchstone 3G system earned a TV Technology STAR (Superior Technology Award Recipient) Award celebrating its technical innovation. Now shipping, the Wohler product is available for purchase from more than 300 Wohler dealers and distributors worldwide.