Multimedia controller covers all video sources

Kontron's Hamburg-based Flatpanel Solutions Division has just expanded its aFlat product range with the CRTtoLCD-7 multimedia and TV flat panel-controller.

Kontron's Hamburg-based Flatpanel Solutions Division has just expanded its aFlat product range with the CRTtoLCD-7 multimedia and TV flat panel-controller.

Besides offering RGB and DVI input, the CRTtoLCD-7 is of particular interest because of its additional composite and S-video inputs for Pal/NTSC signals, which distinguish it from the recently introduced CRTtoLCD-5 assembly, and its comprehensive video source support.

It is therefore optimally equipped for video sources such as recorders, DVD players, and cable, satellite, and digital television, which are becoming increasingly important in the b-to-b field.

Alongside typical applications such as POS/POI terminals, gaming machines, medical devices etc, the number of multimedia applications implemented with info terminals or public TV in subway stations, airports, businesses, and gas stations is growing rapidly.

Television signal reception is supported by an optional TV tuner with teletext decoder, which is implemented via an expansion board.

For an optimised display, particularly of rapidly moving images, top-of-the-line technology is used with Adaptive Motion Deinterlacing from Faroudja, which has many years of experience with high-end flat panel televisions in the consumer market.

The CRTtoLCD-7 allows the input and display of resolutions up to WUXGA, thanks to the Genesis gm1601 chips.

Thus, it also includes HDTV resolutions (such as 1080i or 720p); HDTV is expected to become very significant in the market by the time of the 2006 World Cup.

The implemented PIP function (picture-in-picture) allows simultaneous viewing of two image sources.

In addition, the multimedia functionality of the controller is underscored by the option of processing component and YUV signals via the 15-pin analogue RGB input.

The feature set is completed by an integrated audio amplifier and the option to include a remote control (corresponding to the Philips RC5 standard).

A feature connector allows the connection of additional modules, for example SCART connectors and the TV-tuner module.

The flat panel controller is available with the FLEX32 (for TTL) or JILI30 (for LVDS) interfaces for TFT.

The JILII30 interface allows the control of single and double port LVDS-TFTs up to a data width of 2 x 24bit; FLEX32 allows the control of 18bit TTL flat panels.

As Kontron already offers a variety of panel cables, complete kits with cables can be offered for most common TFTs.

As a rule, it is possible to adapt other types of flat panel on request and at little expense.

The flexible architecture of the CRTtoLCD-7 makes it possible to control almost any available TFT panel up to WUXGA resolution.

A single 12V power supply is sufficient.

The power sequencing for the panel and the backlight support is generated on the controller.

An OSD (on screen display) keypad that can be used for changing settings and controlling the special properties of the CRTtoLCD-7 is available for adjustments.

OSD configuration can be done very conveniently via the keypad or via the serial interface.

An adapter cable that converts the RS232 commands into TTL signals is available as an accessory.

Once settings are optimised, they can be saved as a file and called up at any time - even for other panels.

The serial OSD control is ideal for use in the production of large series, as it is not necessary to adjust every single controller manually.

Individual adjustment of the different flat panels takes place, as is usual for Kontron, via special "panel files", which guarantee an optimal display.

Individual firmware adjustments can also be made quickly and conveniently with a special tool.

Incidentally, all new controllers in the aFlat series will have the same look and feel, starting immediately.

Control software (Windows OSD) and panel files can be downloaded from the Kontron website.

The CRTtoLCD-7 is available in a variety of versions.

The flagship is the multimedia version, which also has component inputs.

The "slimmed down" versions are designed as optimised successors to the very successful CRTtoLCD-2 and -3, as they are compatible in terms of dimensions, connector locations and functions.

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