I wrote about VATek VMB8202D Enmoder SoC handling both DVB, ATSC, DTMB and ISDB modulation and H.264 hardware encoding earlier this summer, and at the time, the company also planned to launch a crowdfunding campaign for two open source hardware DTV modulation boards in a couple of weeks. Weeks turned into months, but finally V-Bridge Muses boards and video input & RF daughterboards have now launched on Kickstarter where you can get your own live video broadcasting board for $199 and up.
MUSES-α board
MUSES-α board is the cheapest of the two boards, and features a header for the RF daughter board, and a USB port to connect to a computer.
MUSES-α board specifications:
- SoC – VATek A1 32-bit RISC modulator chip
- Storage – SPI flash (unclear whether it can be accessed/modified by user)
- Modulation – DVB-T/C, ATSC/QAM, DTMB; RF header
- Video Encoding – N/A (handled by PC via USB or another board via TS header)
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 port
- Expansion – UART header, Master I2C header, TS header, GPIO header
- Debugging – JTAG pin
- Misc – License MCU
- Power Supply – 5V/2A via power barrel
MUSES-α board is sold with the RF board, and allows you to broadcast video over your chosen modulation scheme, through a GUI and video encoded on your PC via the USB interface. Alternatively, you should also be able to input the video signal via the TS serial/parallel header with video encoded by your own board.
MUSES-β board
MUSES-β board combined with the RF daughterboard, video input board, and an optional STM32 kits with display and buttons, is a standalone solution taking video composite + stereo audio (RCA connectors) or HDMI input, encoding the video to MPEG2 or H.264, and broadcasting using your selected modulation scheme.
MUSES-β board specifications:
- SoC – VATek B2 Enmoder 32-bit RISC chip
- Storage – SPI flash (unclear whether it can be accessed/modified by user)
- Modulation – DVB-T/C, ATSC/QAM, DTMB, ISDB-T/TB; RF header
- Video Encoding – MPEG-2 in full HD resolution, H.264 in SD resolution
- Video/Audio Input – 2x BT 601/605 header, 1x TS header, video input daughterboard header
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 port
- Expansion – UART header, Master I2C header, GPIO header, Ethernet module header, MCU connect header
- Misc – License MCU, audio switch MCU, reset and rescue buttons
- Power Supply – 5V/2A via power barrel
You can also connected to a PC via the USB port to do the same task as you would with Muses-α board. You can more control with the more complete board, as it can be programmed via an host MCU if needed.
You’ll be given STM32 sample code, an MCU Porting Guide, operating tools, PCB layout & schematic, and a user’s manual once the boards are shipping.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1183930497/muses-the-first-open-source-modulator-development?ref=nav_search
Three kits are available on Kickstarter:
- $199 Basic Package – MUSES-α Board, RF Board, Power supply (Design complete)
- $399 Standard Package – MUSES-β Board, Video Board, RF Board, Power supply (Work in progress)
- $559 (Early bird)/$599 Turnkey Package – MUSES-β Board, Video Board, RF Board, STM32F4 MCU Board, Panel & Button, Power supply (Design complete)
While you’ll be paying $169 to $200 for a MCU board with LCD display with buttons for the turnkey package, it should be the easiest way to get started with MUSES-β board. The standard package requires you to connect and program your own MCU board to control the system. The basic package should also be straightforward to use then it just relies on the GUI program (no detailed info yet).
Shipping adds $25 (Taiwan) to $70 depending on the destination country, and delivery is scheduled for January 2017. You may also be able to get some more details on V-Bridge Tech website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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