Embedded video-over-ethernet software
Since 2005 we have provided embedded software solutions for a range of industry sectors including military and aerospace, industrial automation and telecommunications. From embedded software and system development, to software porting and software optimisation, we can satisfy most requirements.
The following project showcases part of our extensive capabilities:
Customer need
Prototype system to demonstrate capability to stream high-definition video and audio over Ethernet.
Video streaming was to use H.264 encoding in an MPEG-4 Transport Stream.
Custom-designed hardware, based on a TI DaVinci (ARM9-based) processor.
Software to be based on TI’s Linux distribution.
The challenge
Extremely tight timescales with absolutely fixed deadlines.
Hardware was being developed in parallel with software.
High performance targets – could not be supported with the off-the-shelf software distribution provided by the chip vendor.
Capabilities and quality of open-source software were initially unknown.
Our solution
Modified TI’s Linux distribution to support client’s custom-designed hardware:
- adapted the user boot loader (UBL), boot loader (U-Boot) and Linux kernel
- added support for special features of customer hardware (video decoder, audio codec, etc.)
- corrected several defects in off-the-shelf Linux distribution
Developed sample GStreamer pipelines to stream synchronised video and audio to Ethernet.
Carried out performance measurements, determined that off-the-shelf software would not support the required data rates.
Identified alternative open-source software, incorporated that into the distribution and optimised performance.
Identified several defects in client hardware design, and suggested corrections.
The outcome
Prototype was delivered to client on schedule. Performance targets were met or exceeded.
Client’s hardware design was improved.
