Comparison

Note by Xi vs GEN

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Note by Xi

Features
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NOTE by Xi is an amazing note app :D

About

GEN

This tool generates professional video reference signals and offers display analysis capabilities for broadcast engineers and AV professionals. It helps test, troubleshoot, and evaluate video paths, routing systems, and displays with advanced signal quality features.

Highlights
  • Professional test patterns
  • Video reference clips
  • Multiple video formats and frame rates
  • RasterScope Analysis
  • SWEEP technology
  • External display output
Read full description

GEN-B is a professional broadcast signal generator and display analysis tool designed for broadcast engineers, AV professionals, system integrators, technicians, and anyone who needs reliable video reference signals for testing, troubleshooting, and display evaluation. Built for portability and real-world workflows, GEN-B turns your device into a powerful signal generation and analysis platform capable of producing high-quality video references while providing practical display analysis tools. VIDEO REFERENCES GEN-B includes a comprehensive library of professional video reference signals designed to evaluate displays, video paths, routing systems, converters, switchers, processors, and monitoring equipment. Features include: • Professional test patterns • Video reference clips • Multiple video formats • Multiple frame rates • Geometry references • Grayscale references • Color references • Luma references • Gamma evaluation patterns • Resolution and focus references SIGNAL QUALITY GEN-B was developed with signal quality as a primary objective. The application provides high-quality video references suitable for professional evaluation workflows, including progressive and interlaced formats across multiple frame rates. Selected reference content supports advanced color reproduction, up to 12-bit video precision, and 4:4:4 chroma sampling, helping preserve fine image detail, color fidelity, and signal accuracy throughout the testing process. DISPLAY ANALYSIS GEN-B goes beyond traditional signal generation by incorporating display analysis capabilities. Using RasterScope Analysis and SWEEP technology, GEN-B can evaluate display behavior using generated reference signals and mathematical analysis techniques. Analysis functions help users better understand: • Active display area • Aspect ratio behavior • Image positioning • Display utilization • Side matte detection • Signal-to-display mapping SWEEP TECHNOLOGY At the core of GEN-B’s analysis system is a programmable RasterScope White Box Scanner. The scanner moves through the generated raster while mathematical analysis is used to interpret positional behavior and produce meaningful display evaluation information. Rather than relying only on assumptions, GEN-B generates a known reference signal and analyzes how that signal is represented on the connected display. This approach provides practical engineering insight using a portable mobile platform. TROUBLESHOOTING GEN-B was created to assist with real-world troubleshooting scenarios. Use GEN-B to: • Verify display operation • Evaluate video paths • Test display scaling behavior • Identify aspect ratio issues • Validate system performance • Troubleshoot signal routing problems • Confirm display response to known reference signals FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY GEN-B supports multiple external display workflows, allowing users to work in a variety of environments. Supported workflows include: • Direct external display output through compatible adapters and cables • USB-C display connections where supported • DisplayPort-compatible workflows • Wireless Output using Apple Screen Mirroring when available When using direct external display connections, additional analysis features such as RasterScope Analysis and SWEEP may be available depending on the connected hardware. RasterScope Analysis and SWEEP Analysis require direct output verification and are not available through Screen Mirroring, since mirroring may scale, composite, or reinterpret the image before it reaches the display. A TOOL DESIGNED BY ENGINEERS GEN-B was designed from an engineering perspective. The application combines signal generation, display analysis, mathematical modeling, and troubleshooting tools into a portable solution that remains simple to operate. Generate known reference signals. Analyze real-world display behavior. Transform observations into meaningful engineering information. GEN-B by Precision Broadcast Engineering.

Screenshots

Note by Xi4 screens
GEN4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GEN at Free against Note by Xi's $0.99. GEN also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 8 days). Note by Xi's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GEN is free to download; Note by Xi costs $0.99 up front. GEN sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Note by Xi asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Note by Xi ships an update every 8 days, GEN every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Note by Xi versus GEN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNote by XiGEN
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.617.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB208 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer鉴 郗Precision Broadcast Engineering LLC

In-app purchases

None

Note by Xi

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

GEN

One-time1
  • GEN-B Lifetime Unlock$29.99

Questions

Is Note by Xi free?
Note by Xi costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GEN free?
GEN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Note by Xi or GEN have ads?
Neither Note by Xi nor GEN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Note by Xi or GEN?
Note by Xi ships an update every 8 days, and GEN every 3 days. Most recently, Note by Xi was updated on October 19, 2026 and GEN on October 15, 2026.

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