Web app management firm Gomez has launched Active Streaming XF, which "measures" the speed and quality of streaming video and audio over the web.

Features include the ability to:

• Measure the performance of streams as experienced by end-users in different locations
• Verify whether third-party content sources negatively affect the user experience
• Validate the performance claims of hardware vendors or content delivery networks (CDNs) prior to purchase
• Manage service level agreements

Active Streaming XF is part of the Gomez ExperienceFirst platform, a suite of services that test web apps and monitor their production. Advertisers, broadcasters, social networks and retailers may access the interface online. Below, a demo of its audio/video tracking dashboard:

The service is sold on an annual subscription basis. View the pricing information (pdf). Existing Gomez clients include Audi, Best Buy, digg and Travelocity.