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Testing Services

Simplay HD testing and verification is designed to give consumers confidence that the components they buy will deliver unquestionable performance, compatibility, and interoperability in real-world usage scenarios, and maximize the delivery of premium HD content. The program consists of testing, branding and awareness initiatives directed at retailers as well as consumers. At its core, the program is based on the Simplay HD™ Specification Testing, which requires high levels of performance for HDMI and HDCP, as well as "plug testing" with devices from a wide range of other manufacturers. The Simplay Pretest System (SPS) is a compact, easy-to-use testing system that can quickly identify performance issues earlier in the design process, and help save cycles in the development of top-notch products.

Test Program Information

Simplay Testing Program Agreement
Simplay HD Specification
Simplay Style & Trademark Usage Guide

There are four general categories of device testing:

  • Source - Devices such as DVD/HD/Blu-Ray Players, Cable/Satellite Set Top Boxes, PCs, etc.
  • Sink - Presentation or Display Devices such as HDTVs, Projectors, Monitors, etc.
  • Repeaters - Devices such as A/V Receivers, Home Theater Systems (can be both a Repeater and a Source), and Switches
  • Cables - HDMI cables: wire, passive equalized and active

Every submitted device goes through a two-stage testing process. In both phases, typical user behaviors are simulated such as switching between input sources, powering devices on and off, and plugging and unplugging cables.

Stage 1:

Performance & Compatibility Testing

Our custom-developed testing tools check for protocol adherence and robust signal handling, including failure models not specifically called out in the HDMI and HDCP specifications. Our labs are also fully equipped to evaluate advanced functionality such as CEC, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Lip Sync, and wireless HD interconnections.

Stage 2:

Interoperability Testing

Interoperability testing focuses on plug-testing of multiple device types, where the tested component is connected to a wide variety of other verified components. It identifies configuration and usage scenarios that may cause failures or degraded performance.

Test Submission Process

There are generally four steps in the test submission process.

  1. Simplay HD Testing Program Membership
    • Manufacturers become Testing Program Members by entering into a Testing Program Agreement with Simplay Labs.
  2. Product Submission:
    • Manufacturers complete and send all standard Simplay Labs Test Center (SLTC) forms, including Order Forms to the SLTC.
    • Manufacturers complete and send Simplay HD Test Applications, listing all models to be tested, to the SLTC.
    • Manufacturers complete and send Capabilities Declaration Form (CDF), describing the features of the products to be tested, to the SLTC.
  3. Testing
    • Manufacturers submit the Product, along with any ancillary equipment (such as signal generators) required to operate the Product, to the SLTC. The Product and ancillary equipment must include necessary operating instructions.
    • Upon receipt, the SLTC will inspect the product for completeness. Requests will be made for any missing equipment or instructions.
    • SLTC tests the Product in accordance with the Simplay HD Specification.
  4. Test Results
    • Once testing is completed, the SLTC will send a Test Results Form.
    • If the product passes testing according to SLTC's standards, the SLTC will send a Confirmation Letter to the manufacturer acknowledging that the product models declared in the Test Application may now be shipped with the Simplay HD logo.
    • Tested products remain at the SLTC for future compatibility testing with other submitted products. The SLTC will return ancillary equipment to the Manufacturer.