Pixblasters MS1 Video LED Controller Outputs HDMI Input to 16K+ LED Video Walls (Crowdfunding)

May 31, 2023

Pixblasters, a company focused on LED signage and video display, have started a Crowd Supply campaign for their MS1 Video Controller. The Pixblaster MS1 controller can be attached to any laptop or computer with HDMI output (think Raspberry Pi SBC) and control 16,384 LEDs without any programming, physical modifications or soldering.

The market the MS1 video controller is aimed at is small business and makers, who hadn't before had a controller with this much scalability. The company is saying that the MS1 can be daisy-chained together to control hundreds of thousands of LEDs and act as a full video monitor across hundreds of meters of LED strips.

The unit can easily and with little technical knowledge connect WS212B-Based addressable LED strips together for a complex output of digital displays, even mirroring a video display in some instances.

The ability to use large platform digital signage has been difficult for many small and medium-sized businesses as well as the home and small business DIY project builders. The MS1 Video Controller has solved that problem according to the company.

The MS1 video controller is similar to other video controllers and is FPGA-Based. Whatever type of computer is connected to the controller sees the unit as a simple monitor. This allows any laptop, SBC or other types of computer to control 16,384 LEDs, at 60 fps, without the need for programming or physical changes to the board.

The MS1 Video Controller can be remoted operated and with a few modifications can be installed in an already existing digital sign. There is also a special LED strips feature for easy deployment of large, cost-effective video signs, or any type of illuminated sign.

The functional design is meant to be used for hardware and software – agnostic development. The design of the system is meant to enable extended experimentation of RGB LEDs. The open-source FPGA Demo also supports a subset of other functions within the MS1 Video Controller.

Xilinx Spartan 6 XC6LX9-3 FPGA chip

On-board Microchip PIC18F26J50 microcontroller – The microcontroller connects to the PC, runs the configuration software, and permanently stores the configuration data. It also enables simple firmware updates with any new features.

Output resolutions (H x V) – 512 x 32 (native), 256 x 64, 128 x 128, 180 x 96, etc.

Board dimensions – 95 x 100 mm

LED details:

Connectivity:

Power:

Display controls:

Daisy-chain multiple controllers:

The Crowd Supply Campaign is offering the Pixblaster MS1 LED Controller alone for $219 USD, there is a two-unit choice for $408, a Micro-Sign Offer for $999 and an Array-S for $60

Free USA shipping and $15 World Wide shipping. The products will be shipped from the Crowd Supply warehouse.

Stephen started writing about technology after publishing sci-fi short stories. His first White-Paper, written in 2008, was well received and inspired him to continue writing about technology. Today he writes in the technology space full time, covering a multitude of topics. During the time he wrote part-time he edited hundreds of titles for large publishers, in science and technology. He lives in Staten Island, with his wife and children.

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