Technographic news

LARS is specifically aimed at sports stadia wishing to show live action replays on their big screens, although many other applications are possible. LARS is a single-board solution, incorporating solid-state memory as a simple and reliable replacement for hard disk drives.

The printed circuit board has been designed by Technographic Displays' hardware designer Jonathan Clift. Firmware for the board is under development, and the system will be complemented by a fast and simple PC user interface. The board will be housed in a 1U rack-mount enclosure or an alternative desk-top unit would be possible. Either way, the system will cost a fraction of the price of TV broadcast action replay systems incorporating hard-disc-based video servers.

The input can be SDI, YPbPr, YC or CV and the same options are available as outputs, or else RGB can be specified to replace YPbPr. JPEG2000 compression is employed to achieve professional-quality replays. As well as the video outputs, a high-speed USB(2.0) port is provided that will enable replays to be transferred to PC-based systems such as Technographic Displays' own TechEvent at speeds that are faster than real-time.

Initially, up to 5 minutes of video can be stored (and simultaneously replayed) by the system. Future versions could see storage increased to 20 minutes. The board does not handle embedded audio, but an audio daughter-board has been catered for in the design which could handle a separate (stereo) audio channel.

The LARS board and software are fully customisable and Technographic Displays would welcome OEM enquiries.

Technographic Displays can help you develop new products, too. Please contact us now to discuss your ideas!

Revamp of the Bloids

No, not an episode of Dr. Who, but a custom project for the Who am I? gallery at London's Science Museum, which opened on 26th June 2010. Check back here soon, or visit the Museum's Who am I? web page.