PC104+ module: Video annotation / overlay controller from Advanced Micro Peripherals

AMP VAC104plus Video Annotation Controller The VAC104plus is a real time video annotation controller for PC/104-Plus (pc104+) systems that accepts live video from 1 of 4 NTSC/PAL analog sources, generates computer graphics and blends them with the video. The output of VAC104plus drives a VGA display or is available as composite NTSC/PAL analog output to drive a TV monitor or as component RGB to RS170 requirements.

The VAC104plus supports per-pixel synchronisation and 256 levels of Alpha Blending between the graphics and live video (from transparent to full overlay). The built-in graphics buffer allows high resolution graphical and alphanumeric information to be placed on the live video stream for real time labelling, titling and annotation applications. The combined annotated information may be recorded on a VCR.

The VAC104plus is also available with an optional auxiliary TMDS output to drive high resolution TFT Flat Panel displays. An enhanced version, the VAC104-I-AB supports 2 simultaneous camera inputs enabling 2 Live Video Windows to be displayed on the VGA, TV or flat panel displays.

Software Development Kit (SDK)

The VAC104plus is available with a comprehensive SDK which provides a high level API to configure and control the embedded video hardware (via more than 500 internal registers). The SDK helps bridge the gap between the TV and computer display technologies and saves a significant amount of time during development.

The SDK consists of support libraries and drivers as well as an extensive range of example applications (including source code). These examples show how the SDK can be utilized to harness the power of the VAC104plus in complex video/graphic applications.

The SDK datasheet if available for download from here.

Product Highlights

Comprehensive SDK for rapid development
Live video input from analog NTSC/PAL
2 Concurrent live video windows (option)
Composite or S-Video input
Up to 800x600 pixels annotation buffer
Up to 24bit color annotation graphics
Up to 256 levels of alpha blending
High performance 2D graphics accelerator
8MBytes memory
Composite NTSC / PAL output
Optional RGB for RS170 requirements
Optional TMDS Output to drive TFT flat panel
Compact 3.6in x 3.8in PC/104-Plus form factor
Single +5V power supply

Applications

Avionics and radar display
Live video labelling
Video annotation and titling
Multimedia displays
Advertising message Insertion
Medical and industrial imaging
Mobile entertainment systems (MES)

Technical Information

Advanced Micro Peripherals provides access to detailed reference manuals to help you select the best product for your application. You can download the hardware reference manual and the software reference manuals including the Programmers Reference Guide, COM Interface Guide and also the Linux SDK Reference Manual for the VAC104plus and related products (quick and easy registration is required).