Tektronix WFM5000 Waveform Monitor

The Tektronix WFM5000 Waveform Monitor delivers real-time analysis of video and embedded audio signals in broadcast and production facilities. Built on fully digital processing, it provides drift-free operation and repeatable measurements across SD and HD SDI formats with automatic format detection. The instrument combines waveform, vector, gamut, and audio monitoring into a single platform, enabling rapid signal compliance verification and quality assessment.

– Technical Specifications

Video Monitoring

• Supported formats: SD (ITU-R BT.601), HD (SMPTE 292M)
• Input: SDI (Serial Digital Interface) with two passive loop-through inputs
• Automatic HD/SD format detection and configuration

Waveform Display

• CRT-like traces for sharp visualization
• Parade and overlay modes with RGB, YPbPr, YRGB, or pseudo-composite formats
• Fixed and variable vertical gain with Line Select marker

Vector and Gamut Monitoring

• Traditional and Lightning Vector displays with selectable 75% and 100% targets
• Composite and Component Compass Rose graticules
• Patented Gamut displays: Arrowhead, Diamond, and Split Diamond modes
• User-selectable gamut thresholds with integrated alarm logging

Picture Analysis

• Standard and custom Safe Graticules (Picture displays, Safe Area, Safe Title)
• Thumbnail display with Line-select marker
• Full Tile, TandemVu®, and Quad Tile display modes

Embedded and Digital Audio

• Up to 16 channels embedded audio monitoring (8 channels simultaneous)
• 1 × AES/EBU digital audio input for 2 channels
• Sample rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz
• 24-bit depth
• Audio level meters: 0.056 dB resolution (30 dB scale), 0.20 dB resolution (70 dB scale)
• Meter accuracy: −0.5 dB (analog), −0.2 dB (digital) from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Selectable ballistics: True peak, PPM type 1, PPM type 2, BBC PPM
• Level detection: Mute, clip, user-programmable silence, over
• Audio Bars and Lissajous displays with session recording of true peak, mutes, clips, overs, and silences
• Front-panel headphone port

– Key Features

The WFM5000 integrates multi-format signal analysis into a compact form factor. TandemVu® overlay capability pairs waveform and vector displays simultaneously with picture thumbnail reference. Quad Tile mode displays four independent measurement views. Gamut monitoring with patented display options flags out-of-spec color values in real time.

– Typical Applications

Broadcast master control, mobile production trucks, playout facilities, QC workflows, and signal compliance verification for HD and SD delivery.

– Compatibility & Integration

Automatic format detection enables plug-and-play operation in mixed SD/HD infrastructures. Dual passive loop-through SDI inputs allow non-intrusive signal monitoring in signal chains.