Simplay HD™ Testing

Testing Process | Order a Test/Product: [USA] [China] [Korea] | Test Center Locations

Simplay HD testing and verification is designed to give consumers confidence that the components they buy will deliver unquestionable performance, compatibility, and interoperability in real-world usage scenarios, and maximize the delivery of premium HD content. The program consists of testing, branding and awareness initiatives directed at retailers as well as consumers. At its core, the program is based on the Simplay HD Test Specification, which requires high levels of performance for HDMI and HDCP, as well as "plug testing" with devices from a wide range of other manufacturers.

In addition, the privilege of membership just got better - more access, convenient scheduling, and instant feedback for partners. Visit our Access Advantage page to learn more.

Test Program Information

There are four general categories of device testing:

Source - Devices such as DVD/HD/Blu-ray players, cable/satellite set-top boxes, PCs, etc.
Sink - Presentation or display devices such as HDTVs, projectors, monitors, etc.
Repeaters - Devices such as A/V receivers, home theater systems (can be both a repeater and a source), and switches
Cables - HDMI cables: wire, passive equalized and active

Every submitted device goes through a two-stage testing process. In both phases, typical user behaviors are simulated such as switching between input sources, powering devices on and off, and plugging and unplugging cables.

Stage 1: Performance & Compatibility Testing

Our custom-developed testing tools check for protocol adherence and robust signal handling, including failure models not specifically called out in the HDMI and HDCP specifications.

Stage 2: Interoperability Testing

Interoperability testing focuses on plug-testing of multiple device types, where the tested component is connected to a wide variety of other verified components. It identifies configuration and usage scenarios that may cause failures or degraded performance.

Simplay HD™ Test Submission Process

Requirements:

Your product must have passed HDMI Authorized Testing Center (HDMI ATC) compliance testing before Simplay HD compliance testing can begin. Please provide us with a valid Certificate from an HDMI ATC center, or a copy of the courtesy letter received by HDMI Licensing, LLC. If your product has not yet completed HDMI ATC compliance testing, please click here.
Simplay Labs has an annual Membership Program designed for Simplay HD compliance testing. Membership packages/pricing is provided in the table below. A signed Simplay Testing and Membership Agreement is required before ordering any Simplay HD testing services.
Annual signature is required to continue Membership and logo usage.

Membership Levels

Membership Levels	Standard	Preferred Membership	Elite Membership	Cable Preferred Membership	Cable Elite Membership
Annual Fee	None	$40k	$75k	$7.5k	$10k
Test Fee	Standard Pricing	3 free tests, 25% discount off additional tests	6 free tests, 50% discount off additional tests & 25% off on tools	1 Free test	3 Free tests, 25% discount off additional tests
Schedule	Standard	Priority	Priority	Priority	Priority
Logo Usage	Optional	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Web site	Optional	Listed	Listed	Listed	Listed
Test Support/ Consulting	$500/hr	$350/hr	$250/hr	Purchase option	Purchase option

Standard Pricing

Testing Categories	First Submission	Resubmission
Source-Devices such as DVD/HD/Blu-ray Players, Cable/Satellite Set Top boxes, PCs, etc	$15K + $5K per additional output	$7500 + $5K per additional output
Sink-Presentation or Display Devices such as HDTV's, Projectors, Monitors, etc	$15K + $5K per additional input	$7500 + $5Kper additional input
Repeater-Devices such as A/V Receivers, Home Theater Systems (can be both a repeater and source), Switches	$12K + $5K per additional input and $5K per additional output	$6000 + $5K per additional input and $5K per additional output
Cable- HDMI cables: wire, passiveequalized and active	$5K	$2500

Test Submission Procedures:

There are generally four steps in the test submission process.

Simplay HD Testing Program Membership
- Manufacturers become a testing program member by entering into an annual Simplay Testing and Membership Agreement with Simplay Labs. Submit form to contact@simplaylabs.com.
- Manufacturer must first order membership and process payment. Payment must be received before you can begin ordering any tests. Standard members may begin ordering tests, as soon as the agreement has been signed and submitted to Simplay Labs.
Product Submission:
- Manufacturer needs to complete a Simplay service order form.
- Manufacturer needs to complete the Capabilities Declaration form (CDF) prior to product being submitted. Submit form to contact@simplaylabs.com.
- The payment terms for all Simplay orders is cash in advance only. Simplay Labs must receive payment prior to starting product test. Once order is booked an invoice will be emailed with the payment details
Testing
- Manufacturer submits the product to be tested, along with any ancillary equipment (such as signal generators) required to operate the product, to the Simplay Labs Testing Center (SLTC). The product and ancillary equipment must include necessary operating instructions. In the case of cables, three (3) samples must be provided.
- Upon receipt, the SLTC will inspect the product for completeness. Requests will be made for any missing equipment or instructions.
- Upon receipt of payment, SLTC tests the product in accordance with the Simplay HD Test Specification.
- If at any time during the test process the device under test (DUT) requires any firmware or hardware change Simplay Labs will contact the manufacturer and provide them the following two options:
  1. Finish testing original submission, and issue a completed failure report. Manufacturer will then need to proceed to resubmission.
  2. Stop testing original submission, and issue incomplete failure report. Manufacturer will then need to proceed to resubmission.
Test Results
- Once testing is completed, the SLTC will issue a Test Results Form.
- If the product passes testing according to SLTC's standards, the SLTC will send a Confirmation Certificate to the manufacturer acknowledging that the product models declared in the test application may now be shipped with the Simplay HD logo.
- If the product fails testing according to SLTC’s standards. The SLTC will send the test results to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will then have 90 days to process a resubmission test. After 90 days the product will need to be submitted as a new submission.
  1. The return of a failed product requires the manufacturer to provide a Return carrier and account number.
- Tested Certified products remain at the Simplay Labs Test Center for future compatibility testing and interoperability with other submitted products. The Simplay Labs Test Center will return ancillary equipment to the Manufacturer.

Family Model/Multi-listing

Manufacturers can add family models to a Simplay HD certified product within 90 days by submitting the Simplay service order form. Please note certificate number of the certified product must be indicated on the order form.
Pricing is based per model, or cable length addition.
Payment for the family model listings must be paid before Simplay Labs can process a new certificate.

Other Trademark Users

Use of the Simplay Labs or Simplay HD logo by companies and brands other than the original manufacturer will be considered by following the process described in Policies and Procedures, and by completing the Simplay service order form and submitting the documents provided below: