Perceptual Video Quality measurement method for satellite broadcasting

Perceptual Video Quality (PVQ) is the main parameter in television (TV) broadcasting, since the best subjective video and audio quality for the viewers is the aim of any TV system. PVQ in TV satellite broadcasting is a major concern not only for satellite Direct to Home (DTH) TV providers, but it is also an important parameter for cable TV and DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) providers, since most of their broadcasted television channels are received at their headends through a satellite link. Most of the TV service providers measure and monitor the Quality of Service (QoS) in their networks. This is not enough since QoS and PVQ are not always related in a simple manner. This paper describes a general application for TV providers that can measure and monitor in real time the viewer´s PVQ, in order to specify the influences on PVQ score of the transponder broadcasting plan and receiving earth station parameters. The measurement platform is able to measure both the QoS and PVQ, thus allowing the engineers to identify the cause of a possible low quality for video and/or audio in a broadcasted TV channel.