Low Cost PAL/NTSC Video Title Overlay Generator

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VTG-01 PAL/NTSC PC Keyboard Video Overlay Generator

As published in the October 1999 edition of Electronics Australia Magazine

The Help screen displayed by the VTG-01. A capability of what it can do.

Text can be 4 different sizes, along with special characters.

The VTG-01 with the case open. As you can see, a very simplistic design!
The 5way DIN plug connects to a standard IBM AT keyboard.

Perfect low cost solution for :

Home video titling
SSTV transmitters
HAM Amateur TV systems
Security video installations
Scientific experiment recording

The VTG-01 is designed to display user defined text over a composite video signal. This is useful in a multitude of different applications such as adding titles to home movies and adding custom text to security videos. Text can be displayed in different sizes almost anywhere on the screen. Text entry and editing is done by way of a standard IBM AT keyboard.

Features :

Lowest possible cost
Completely standalone, only an IBM AT keyboard, no computer required.
Compact size 120mm x 60mm x 30mm (PCB only - 90mm x 48mm)
Powered from a single 9-15V DC (300mA) power source (2.1mm DC socket)
Connects to a standard IBM AT compatible keyboard (not XT compatible)
Clear legible text with transparent background
Selectable black text border for a clearer text image.
4 Selectable text sizes horizontal and vertical (only one text size per screen)
Text can be zoomed in in the X and/or Y directions to four levels
Adjustable horizontal and vertical text window position
11 rows x 27 character display
Selectable on-screen row cursor
Automatic text brightness adjustment, set to 75% white level.
75ohm RCA composite video input
75ohm RCA composite video output (includes a DC offset)
Colour or B/W compatible.
8MHz video bandwidth
Can be ordered in PAL or NTSC versions

Cost & Availability:

Even though the STV5730A chip has been reinstated into full production I will no longer be selling the chip or this project. I do not have any PCB's or chips available.

Another Titler :

Bob Barnes from RCS Radio has designed an alternative PCB for this project which is available now for $14.50AU. He also has an alternative (non keyboard) design. Click here for more details. NOTE - This is not a Tronnort design, I had nothing to do with it and I have not tried it myself so I do not support it.

If you want an RS-232 interface SimmStick platform text generator then take a look at the DT-108 from Dontronics

Want a Time & Date Display? :

Take a look at my VCG-01 video clock.

Is it available fully assembled ? :

I do not sell this kit, so unfortunately cannot supply it ready assembled.

What if it Doesn't Work? :

NOTE : There is a chance that the VTG-01 firmware will not be compatible with some AT keyboards. I haven't found one yet that doesn't work but every keyboard is different so I cannot guarantee it 100%

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