AirTies deploys Farncombe OpenTest version 4

LONDON — Leading media technology services provider Farncombe today announced that AirTies Wireless Networks, the innovative wireless networking and OTT-STB vendor, has chosen to deploy version 4 of Farncombe’s OpenTest™ automated consumer device testing system. AirTies can now significantly increase the number and type of automated tests it runs on its hybrid IPTV set-top boxes.

OpenTest version 4 features full AV recording and faster infrared control. With an extended external SOAP interface, OpenTest can now run scripts that have been written for other automated platforms.

“Automated testing will be at the heart of our test strategy moving forwards,” said Ismail Arslan, QA manager at AirTies. “Since Farncombe introduced a number of innovative new features, we feel that OpenTest offers market leading functionality and good value for money. With this latest version and a strong partnership with Farncombe, we are now using OpenTest to almost completely eliminate expensive and inaccurate manual testing, which helps us maintain our competitive edge in the STB marketplace.”

“Although automated testing has been increasing in popularity, a number of CPE vendors, like AirTies, have still continued with some manual testing,” explained Philip Clayson, Head of Operational Advisory and Test, Farncombe. “But several OpenTest enhancements now significantly reduce the need for manual involvement in testing, particularly the AV Jukebox module for automated control of the AV input and the use of serial and Ethernet communications to debug logging capture while devices are being tested.”

OpenTest version 4 also allows customers to record the AV from test devices and keep this with the record of results. Using the GStreamer open source multimedia framework, this facility allows remote users to view the captured AV and results. In addition, faster control of infrared signals is resulting in higher throughput testing. This is particularly important as customers are increasingly testing multiple devices simultaneously.