Bitstreams
"Bitstreams” are synthetic test streams popular in the satellite industry—and growing in the cable industry—used to drive the test hardware that simulates over-the-air signals. Generally commissioned by the satellite broadcaster for preliminary and final acceptance testing, bitstreams are also used by STB manufacturers for testing in preparation of certification, as well as in the maturation of a product’s code. During the past five years, we developed most of bitstreams used to test each new DIRECTV set-top box that comes to market.
Bitstream development is a highly specialized capability requiring a unique set of skills and a detailed knowledge of testing, software development, set-top box design and operation—and the multitude of standards involved. In addition, it requires a lab like Solekai’s stocked with internally developed tools that facilitate bitstream testing, a supply of STBs to test on, and racks of bitstream generators.