FireBeetle Covers-OSD Character Overlay Module

If you love tinkering with Electronics and playing around with audio/video, then you are simply going to love this awesome module that we’ve added to our catalogue. This seemingly simple module is called the FireBeetle Covers-OSD Character Overlay Module, and is very unique compared to all of the Modules and even the FireBeetle Covers that we stock, as it is designed to take in video (or AV), do some clever processing with the onboard AT7456E OSD chip, and then output the same video, but enhanced with an OSD overlay.

This is quite a marvellous little module, as it can perform live video enhancement with the help of one of the FireBeetle Boards, and can intercept almost any AV signals to produce an OSD Overlay on a live feed, or an OSD Overlay on a recorded playback of the feed too. This means that it can not only perform functions like adding a timestamp to a CCTV security system, but it can also be used to retro-actively overlay videos to add extra messages or useful information for viewers.

The FireBeetle Covers-OSD Character Overlay Module achieves this feat by incorporating the AT7456E IC, which is equipped with video driving capabilities, a sync separator, a sync generator, 512 bytes of EEPROM storage, as well as support for both NTSC and PAL. All of these features are then capable of producing an overlay of 540x192 resolution for up to 16x30 characters, which can be used to add text, symbols, dates and times, borders for data blocks, and even arrows pointing in various directions, all thanks to the relatively large preinstalled EEPROM character set.

Finally, what we perhaps love most about this module is the fact that, like other FireBeetle Covers, these can be stacked on top of each other for even more AV channels. Of course, this means that it can also be used alongside a variety of other Covers, letting you really get creative with all of the projects you enjoy doing.

Additional Resources:

• Although we know that this module is awesome, and you probably just want to jump straight into the action, we suggest taking a look through this handy DFRobot FireBeetle Covers-OSD Overlay Module Wiki to find out more insights, information and resources on how to use this awesome module to the best of its abilities.

As self-proclaimed “Robo-holics”, DFRobot is a company comprised of over 100 staff members, of which 30% are engineers who love to build robots. It was started in 2008 with the goal of embracing and promoting open-source hardware, with a core focus on Arduino, Raspberry Pi and their very own LattePanda development boards. Since then, DFRobot have manufactured over 1300 unique modules, sensors and components that all work together and complement each other, allowing users like us to enjoy a full spectrum of cutting edge robotics and electronics without having to pay premium prices.

With the primary goal of developing and manufacturing great quality products, while making them accessible to as many people as possible, DFRobot are rapidly becoming one of the most common-place brands in the world of open-source robotics and electronics. With more than 1300 products developed in-house, and an impressive range of different categories and specialisations, there are few brands in the world who can compete in terms of quality, accessibility and genuine innovation.