Vista Audio Fidelity Test Fee Schedule
Optimal Sound provides audio fidelity testing for complete systems and motherboards. Turn-around time in our testing lab is ten business days. When testing is completed, we will send you a set of DTM audio fidelity test logs for each system we receive. If there is a test failure, we will also provide a basic failure analysis. Systems must be assembled inside a case and must have a bootable Vista OS pre-installed. For 64-bit systems, both X86 and X64 versions of the OS should be installed on separate bootable partitions. Note that as of June 1, 2008, Microsoft requires all systems to pass 64-bit tests effectively requiring both 32-bit and 64-bit OS testing for broad market coverage.
Bare, functional motherboards can be supplied and Optimal Sound will configure these into a host chassis for testing.
The Vista Logo Audio Fidelity tests have become gradually more stringent since the start in June of 2007. At that time, only four render tests were required. As of June 1, 2008, several additional tests have been added to the suite of tests performed including capture tests and additional render tests. The suite now includes six render tests and five capture tests. A new System Activity test evaluates the susceptibility of the system to audio disturbances caused by other system activity such as video activity. With a typical system having two front panel end points, headset and mic, and three rear panel endpoints, mic, line in, line out (speakers), the complete audio fidelity testing suite would include 27 tests for each operating system, significantly more than the typical 8 tests that were required in 2007
Service
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Price Per System
|
|---|---|
Vista Audio Fidelity Logo testing of a system or device |
$1,250 US
|
| Expedited Rush Processing (2 business days turnaround) -- add |
$500 US
|
Build up bare motherboard into complete system -- add |
$1,000 US
|
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| Headphone output testing (manual test of WLP3, GS Mark, & French National Laboratory specs) Testing at high impedance (10kOhm effective), 320 Ohm load, and 32 Ohm load |
$1,000 US
|
| Multi-channel output testing (manual testing to WLP3 specs, per jack beyond stereo L/R out) |
$300 US
|
| Return Air Shipping and Handling (US domestic) |
$300 US
|
| Return Air Shipping and Handling (International) |
$500 US
|
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| Advanced Failure Analysis (Basic failure analysis is included with free test) Includes detailed review of test result failures, schematic and board layout review, expert recommendation for correction |
$2,500 US
|
Here are some examples of what a system device test might cost in total
Example 1: Fully functional system sent for the standard system audio fidelity testing. Both X86 and X64 exported Premium system logs are provided, which can be imported into a system submission. The system is not returned to customer after testing is completed.
| Vista Audio Fidelity Logo Testing of System |
$1,250 US
|
| Total |
$1250 US
|
Example 2: Motherboard with no CPU or memory sent for standard system audio fidelity testing for X64 platform only. Optimal Sound installs motherboard into a test chassis, add necessary components and runs tests. Motherboard is not returned to customer at conclusion of testing
| Build up bare motherboard into complete system -- add |
$1,200 US |
| Vista Audio Fidelity Logo Testing of System |
$1,050 US
|
| Total |
$2,250 US
|
Example 3: Fully functional 7.1 system sent from Asia for an extended test. Tests performed on front stereo pair, surround pait, back pair, and center/subwoofer. System fails test, Customer requests advanced failure analysis and provides schematics and gerber plots. Optimal Sound examines and analyzes failure, reviews supplied documentation, recommends changes that would likely resolve failures. System returned to customer at conclusion.
| Vista Audio Fidelity Logo Testing of System |
$1,250 US |
| Multichannel testing (3 stereo pairs totals, @ $300 per pair) |
$ 900 US
|
| Advanced Failure Analysis |
$2,500 US
|
| Return Air Shipping and Handling (International) |
$500 US
|
| Total |
$5,150 US
|
To get started, please contact us to request a submission application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take after you receive my system until I receive the results?
A. We can usually provide completed test logs within 10 business days after receiving a working system from you. Motherboard-only submissions or other situations where the system under test is not functioning properly when we receive it may take longer depending on our workload.
Q. Is expedited or rush service available?
A. Yes, rush service is available. The turnaround time is shortened from 10 business days to 2 business days. This only applies to fully assembled systems which are bootable into each OS to be logoed (X86 or X64).
Q. Do you run any of the other audio tests?
A. Yes, we run the UAA Test for pin configurations, as well as the KS Topology Test, since systems which fail these tests can experience problems with the audio fidelity tests.
Q. What about the GS Mark and French National Laboratory testing for headphones needed for European markets.
A. While Optimal Sound does not yet provide formal certification for these standards, we perform the electrical measurements required for systems which do not include headphones. We can also perform sound pressure level testing for systems which include bundled headphones, please contact us for further details.
Q. My system is not yet released. Can you guarantee to keep it confidential until the release date?
A. Yes, we take customer confidentiality very seriously. In our contract for the testing service there is a confidentiality clause which describes our responsibility to keep your system confidential. There is also a place to fill in the date when the system is due to go public, after which time the system itself will no longer be considered confidential. Until that date, the system will be kept in a secure location with access limited to Optimal Sound staff bound by the terms of the contract.
Q. When I send you a system for audio fidelity testing, what will I get back?
A. You will receive back a set of audio fidelity test logs which can be included in your system or device logo submission. If there is a failure, you will receive a basic failure analysis report explaining the basic nature of the failure. We will also report any failures in the other tests that we run, and provide you with the failing logs. We also offer an optional advanced failure analysis which goes into much greater depth.
Q. Do you perform the testing with the UAA class driver, with the driver supplied by the codec vendor, or both?
A. Both. You should send the system configured with the driver from the codec vendor. We test the audio fidelity with both the driver from the codec vendor and with the UAA class driver.
Q. Where can I find out more about audio fidelity testing requirements?
A. For more information on WHQL audio fidelity system and device test requirements, see the following articles:
- Audio Fidelity Testing -- Windows Vista Logo Program
- Audio Fidelity tests required for Vista Logo after June 1, 2007
- WLP 3.09 Audio Fidelity Requirements Chart
- Windows Logo Kit 1.0.b Preview Release to Update Earlier DTM Releases
Contact us for more info.
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