Sensoray has introduced a framegrabber module suitable for use in embedded devices running Linux or Windows. The 2251 framegrabber converts NTSC or PAL composite analog video into compressed MPEG and JPEG digital formats, and interfaces to the host system via high-speed USB, the company said.

(Click for larger view of the 2251 framegrabber)

According to Sensoray, the 2251 implements both capture and compression functions. It reportedly offers adjustable resolution and bitrate selections, enabling quality and storage settings to match specific application requirements.

In addition to its basic capture and compression functions, the 2251 also supports motion detection in three programmable “regions of interest.” Each of these regions can be as small as 16 x 16 pixels in size, and can be configured for differing motion detection sensitivity levels, the company said. Additionally, the module can simultaneously capture audio from a separate line-input connector, and synchronize it to the captured input video stream.

Key specifications, as listed by the company, include:

• Signal inputs:
  Video — composite (BNC), 75 Ohm
  • Audio — line-in stereo (3.5 mm jack)
• Input video formats — NTSC (M), PAL (BDGHIMN)
• Output video formats — MPEG1, MPEG2 ([email protected]), MPEG4 ([email protected] + B-frame support)
• Output resolution — 320×240, 720×480 (NTSC, 30 frames/sec) 320×288, 720×576 (PAL, 25 frames/sec)
• Bitrates — constant and variable, up to 6Mbs
• ODS — 96 characters, 16 x 16 pixel font
• Snapshot — JPG and BMP formats, concurrent with preview/capture
• Host interface — USB 1.1 or 2.0

The model 2251 is provided with a software development kit (SDK) that supports both Linux and Windows-based application development. According to the company, the SDK supports simultaneous preview and recording, snapshot, and OSD functions, and includes several “fully functional” demo applications (including their source code). It also supports the use of multiple 2251 framegrabbers per system.

Availability

The 2251 and its Linux/Windows SDK are available immediately. The module is priced at $226, with quantity discounts available, the company said.

 
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