Quick Vbrick network video encoder teardown

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Stuff used in this video:
Vbrick stuff on eBay: ebay.us/hp4NYC
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[@stevec00ps]

I keep seeing these on eBay so this was interesting thanks! That's a lot of hardware!

[@SteveF60]

These are used in some places to deliver standard-definition video to broadcast providers across the internet. One local public-access channel I know of has a VBrick older than that one to deliver their feed to AT&T uVerse via internet for local uVerse cable subscribers. AT&T required that specific device and it could only be purchased and pre-configured from a single vendor. Aside from a handful of generator failures during power outages it's been running 24/7 for at least 12 years that I know of,

[@rarrawer]

Based on the socket on the rear panel labeled "relay", I'm guessing the relays inside run that as a form of electrically forgiving digital output.
Presumably if the unit worked that output could be configured to either remote control from the network or to trigger based on some video signal condition.
e.g. If they were installed as digitisers for security cameras the relay output could operate a door lock, intercom, lamp, etc.

[@orbitwar]

I remember seeing one of these in middle school, it was used to stream the daily announcements around the building. super interesting to see it torn down

[@usagold8]

Interesting, surprised at the complexity of the A/D boards. Noticed a Philips SAA7114H which must be the main A/D IC, so I wonder if the FPGA is just for optional boards or something else (effects or adjustments maybe?). Really does show how far video encoding has come, I still remember when I had a PC that could barely keep up with encoding live TV, and now my current PC can capture 1080p60 video with no sweat.

[@thatLion01]

When you said 2009. I said to my self that's not so old. But then i remember we are in 2023 🎉. Nice video thank you

[@happycube]

The Freescale chip is the 8240, which is a 603e+MPC106 bridge combined. the Intel chip is a rather common pci to pci bridge (the connectors *look* like PMC but there was no obligation for them to actually use the pinout) - the TI chips are DSPs. Looks quite complex!

[@StringerNews1]

Have you checked the serial ports? That might offer a clue.