[Updated: May 20] — Advanced Micro Peripherals announced a PC/104-Plus-format multi-channel video controller board with a Linux-compatible SDK. The VAC2000 PC/104-Plus offers annotation and overlay functions, and can blend images from its dual analog NTSC/PAL channels, mixing real-time video with graphics and text, says… the company.

(Click for larger view of the VAC2000 PC/104-Plus)

The PC/104-Plus format VAC2000 is the latest in a line of video processing boards from Cambridge, UK-based Advanced Micro Peripherals (AMP). Designed to ease host processing load and thereby enable the use of fanless, low-power CPUs, the 3.6 x 3.8-inch VAC2000 is built around a TVIA CyberPro 5202 display processor, which is described as a 2D 64-bit graphics accelerator with an 8MB frame buffer. The board accepts either two S-Video inputs, or up to four composite video inputs from video cameras, DVRs, TV broadcasts or other NTSC/PAL sources, says AMP.

The AMP VAC2000
(Click to enlarge)
The VAC2000 can implement video overlay and annotation processes using up to 256 translucency levels of alpha blending, with the output simultaneously driving a composite or S-Video TV video monitor, analog VGA, and a DVI monitor, says the company. A preview output is also said to be able to monitor the input video channels.

Sample VAC2000 SDK application: Text overlay onto live video source with alpha-blended backgrounds

The VAC2000's dual analog NTSC/PAL inputs can be alpha-blended together, or mixed with computer generated graphics and text. The alpha blending function can also be used to quickly conceal or reveal video, text, or graphics, says AMP. Multiple video windows can also be scaled and displayed on a single screen for picture-in-picture systems, says the company.

Major specifications and features of the VAC2000 are said to include:

• TVIA CyberPro 5202 display processor with 8MB frame buffer
• Either 4 x composite or 2 x S-Video input channels per board
• VGA/TV or flat panel (TMDS) output
• 256 levels of per pixel alpha blending, or by defined rectangular region
• Industry-standard MMCX connectors for video I/O signals
• Optional small panel mount adapter module for single-link DVI-D socket
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C); or optional -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C) version
• Dimensions — 3.6 x 3.8 inches (PC/104-Plus)
• Power — +5V power supply
• Operating system — Linux, Windows, QBX

Sample VAC2000 SDK application: Dual-channel demonstration showing alpha-blended graphics on main video window

Available in Linux, Windows, and QNX versions, the VAC2000 software development kit (SDK)is said to provide a high-level API for configuring and controlling the board via 500 internal registers. Functions are provided for capture and overlay, drawing, alpha blending, TV output, and blitting, says the company. The SDK includes support libraries, drivers, and numerous example applications, accompanied by source code.

The sample applications are said to include:

• Merging of daylight and infra-red video images for military environments
• Text annotation of video for traffic monitoring
• Superimposition of crosshair graphics onto battle zone target area video
• Visible watermarking
• Command and control consoles
• Vehicle telematics
• Medical instrumentation
• Security installations

Availability

AMP did not provide pricing or availability information on the VAC2000 PC/104-Plus, but more information may be found here.

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