| Device Profile: First Technology FGA-60 multimedia display controller |
(Aug. 16, 2005)
 First Technology's newest offering is the FGA-60, a Linux-based multimedia display controller that outputs still pictures and video clips (plus audio) to single or multiple CRTs, flat-panels, and TVs. The device is intended for use in signage and advertising applications in transportation, hospitality, and corporate environments, according to the Finland-based company.
The FGA-60 is similar to the previously profiled FXA-50 multimedia display controller, but without a built-in display. Instead, it provides ports for LCD or plasma TVs, or CRT and LCD monitors. It supports external displays at 640x480 resolution, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it can drive multiple displays, according to the company.
The FGA-60 displays multimedia files on a variety of external monitors and televisions
The user of the FGA-60 transfers multimedia files into it via a LAN connection, or GPRS, or by plugging in a USB thumb-drive. Multimedia on the device can be managed by means of the company's Embedded Media Server software.
The FGA-60 is offered in three versions, having the following features: - FGA-60-L
- VGA output (640x480)
- USB-host connector for USB-memory stick
- Can load media through LAN connection
- Includes USB-LAN adapter for LAN connection
- FGA-60-G
- VGA output (640x480)
- USB-host connector for USB-memory stick
- Can load media through GPRS connection
- Includes GPRS modem
- No SIM card included
- FGA-60-U
- VGA output (640x480)
- USB-host connector for USB-memory stick
- Can play media stored in USB-memory stick
Embedded electronics
The FGA-60, like its companion product, the FXA-50, is based on First Technology's PXA-3 SBC, which is also offered by the company as a standalone product. The PXA-3 is an expanded verson of the company's PXA-1, and is based on a 200MHz Intel XScale PXA-255 embedded processor along with 32 MB DRAM and 16 MB Flash memory. The board includes 16 GPIO (general purpose I/O) lines, a 20-button matrix keypad input, two serial ports, a USB 1.1 device port, two USB host ports, an audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter), audio input/output connectors, a 33-pin FPC 16b digital RGB interface for TFT displays, and a JTAG debug port.
The PGA-60's PXA-3 embedded computer
(Click image for larger view)
The PXA-3 SBC is also offered with an optional digital RGB to analog RGB converter module. When installed in the FGA-60, this option adds an external VGA port supporting normal SVGA (1024 x 768) displays, as well as LCD, TFT, and Plasma televisions, First Technology says.
Embedded Linux implementation
The company did its own development of the embedded Linux operating system and application software that runs inside the FGA-60, according to Tommi Högmander, a company spokesman. "We use our own implementation of the 2.6.10 kernel as the core OS," he said.
The embedded software stack uses uses a framebuffer-based graphics framework, although using XFree86, Qt/Embedded, GNOME, KDE, Microwindows, Tiny-X, and browsers is also possible.
Why Linux?
"We chose Linux because of the competence the company has with it," said Högmander. "And yes, we'd use it again in a heartbeat."
Availability
The FGA-60 is shipping now. The devices are not sold individually; there is a minimum of five per order at approximately $570 (460 Euros) each. Further details are available on the company's website.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed