Specs
Banana Pi will use a Quad-core Cortex-A73 processor and a single Cortex-M3 processor, both of which are part of the SoC Senary VideoSmart VS680. The graphics processing unit (GPU) on this board will be an Imagination GE9920; it will also include 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 16GB of eMMC flash storage. There will be one M.2 Key E slot, four USB 3.0 ports, one GbE Ethernet jack, one HDMI input, and one HDMI output on the Banana Pi.
The Banana Pi has both a MicroSD slot that can accommodate up to 256GB of additional storage and an eMMC flash that can hold up to 64GB. Android and Linux will power the device. This board will measure 92 mm by 60 mm and weigh close to 48 grams.
Components
The VideoSmartTM VS680 solution is an innovative system-on-a-chip (SoC) that incorporates a central processing unit (CPU), neural processing unit (NPU), and graphics processing unit (GPU). Smart displays, intelligent cameras, set-top boxes, and media streaming devices may all benefit from the purpose-built intelligence of this new multimodal platform with an embedded neural network accelerator.
Multimedia performance is greatly enhanced with the Synaptics VideoSmart VS680. Features a unique Deep Learning Accelerator in addition to a Qdeo 4K video engine, an audio processor with far-field keyword detection, and speech recognition (DLA).
While earlier VideoSmart products were aimed at the streaming-video STB market, the new VS680 is designed to work with a wider variety of smart gadgets. Additionally, it has a more powerful GPU based on Imagination’s PowerVR Series9 technology integrated inside it. The inclusion of an ISP that supports HDR and can accommodate two 4K cameras is also brand new. It works well with the Facebook Portal and similar intelligent displays that support video calls.
Features
When coupled with the DLA, the audio processor may power an intelligent speaker or sound bar, as well as conduct voice-UI duties locally or act as a front end for a remote digital assistant. The DLA collaborates with the dual ISP setup to process the video feeds from the front and back cameras via neural networks for the purposes of facial recognition, object identification, and surveillance. While the Qdeo engine can power a 1080p touchscreen panel in an STB, it can also send 4K video to a TV.
The BPI-Micro M6’s HDMI 2.1 input allows it to serve several purposes; for example, it may be used as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to capture non-encrypted TV broadcasts or as a game capture card to record the action from your favourite titles. Video and audio signals may be recorded and streamed live between players. Also, the BPI-M6 may be used as a low-cost DVR by connecting a standard webcam to it. One’s creativity and the requirements of a given project are the only constraints on possible uses.
Price and Availability
We anticipate having the BPI-M6 SBC on the market by mid-2023; however, price and availability details are currently unavailable. When more details become available, we will provide an update. Meanwhile, feel free to go on over to the Banana Pi M6’s official AliExpress shop or check out the project’s Wiki page.