Given the variety of channels through which television is now transmitted and the range of devices that are used to receive digital and interactive services (set-top boxes, PVRs, digital TVs and PCs) there is a growing need for effective testing and monitoring. RedRat solutions can help automate some of the most awkward and repetitive operations releasing your development and test engineers to concentrate on higher value tasks.

The core elements of RedRat's technology are devices that give your computer control of audio-visual equipment via transmission of infrared remote control signals. The USB RedRat3-II and the TCP/IP irNetBox-Pro can be programmed to operate your equipment, performing the same task on banks of equipment, simulating user interaction or running long and repetitive sets of test sequences.

Several free software applications are available that can be used to construct sets of remote control operations, schedule tasks, provide on-screen remotes and integrate infrared remote control functionality with third party applications such as web servers or in-house test programs. In addition, the TestManager application, developed in conjunction with the BBC, controls banks of equipment such as set-top box farms. It provides the advanced control features required in large scale testing facilities.

For a more custom approach, the RedRat software development kit (SDK) can be used to incorporate RedRat devices into current test and control setups. RedRat Ltd. are also able to efficiently develop bespoke software applications for situations where such work is difficult to resource using in-house engineering teams.