The Tektronix WFM90 is a handheld waveform, vector, picture, and audio monitor purpose-built for analog composite video signal analysis in broadcast and field production environments. This four-in-one instrument combines waveform analysis, vectorscope measurement, unprocessed picture display, and audio monitoring into a single portable platform. Battery or AC powered operation enables deployment in studio and remote locations where comprehensive signal quality verification is essential for production workflows and system troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications
Display & Visual Output
• 4-inch (102 mm) color LCD display with adjustable viewing angle
• High-resolution, unprocessed picture representation
• Monochrome waveform, vector, or audio video output via composite video connector
Operating Modes
• Picture Mode: Full-screen NTSC or PAL video with selectable Safe Action and Safe Title area overlays
• Waveform Mode: 1H, 2H, 2V sweep modes; vertical gain options (X1, X5, variable); flat and luminance low-pass filters; alarm mode with color indication above 100 IRE (WFM90) or 700 mV (WFM91)
• Vectorscope Mode: X1 and X5 gain settings; 360-degree phase rotation; 75% or 100% bar amplitude selection for differential gain, phase, and chroma measurements
• Audio Mode: Voltage versus time display with reference levels at 0, 4, 8, 12 dBu; alarm capability for level monitoring and distortion detection
• Waveform-in-Picture: Overlays waveform, vector, or audio displays on picture in selectable corner positions
• Line Select Display: Single-line video isolation and analysis
Signal Inputs & Outputs
• Video input: 1 composite analog
• External reference input: 1 composite analog for timing adjustment
• Audio input: 1 balanced XLR
• Audio output: Stereo headphone jack (mono input drives both channels)
• Video output: 1 composite (monochrome waveform, vector, or audio display)
Power Configuration
• 12 V DC input
• Internal NiCad battery pack or six alkaline C cells
• AC adapter (charges NiCad battery)
• 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter compatibility
Physical & Included
• Handheld and portable form factor
• Carrying pouch with shoulder strap, AC adapter, C cell alkaline batteries
• NTSC (WFM90) and PAL (WFM91) models
– Key Features
• External reference input enables phase and timing synchronization
• Waveform alarm mode provides instant visual feedback on signal level violations
• Line selection isolates individual video lines for detailed analysis
• Dual power options support field and studio deployments
– Typical Applications
Field production signal verification, equipment installation and commissioning, analog composite video system maintenance, camera setup and balance, audio level setting and quality control.
– Compatibility & Integration
WFM90 for NTSC systems; WFM91 for PAL systems. Accepts standard composite video and balanced audio XLR inputs. Composite video output routes processed waveform, vector, or audio data to external monitoring or recording systems.
