Overview
On-Screen Display (OSD) allows a 2G Series Decoder to display text over the current video output. OSD messages can be used for room identification, notifications, troubleshooting, testing, and system automation.
Unlike newer Just Add Power platforms, 2G Series systems use a fixed 640 × 480 pixel text frame positioned at the center of the display.
Newer Systems: For Omega Series, Ultra Series, and MaxColor Series systems, see How to Use On-Screen Display (OSD).
Before You Begin
- Ensure you can access the 2G Series Decoder using Telnet.
- OSD commands are executed on the Decoder connected to the display where the message should appear.
- For instructions on accessing a Decoder, see How to Access a Just Add Power Device.
Message Appearance
2G Series Decoders display OSD messages within a fixed 640 × 480 pixel frame centered on the screen. The frame position cannot be changed.
Because the frame size is fixed, it occupies a smaller portion of the display as the output resolution increases.
Displaying an OSD Message
OSD messages are configured by setting environment variables on the Decoder before enabling the display.
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
OSD_STR |
Text to display. | export OSD_STR='Doorbell' |
OSD_FONT_SIZE |
Font size. | export OSD_FONT_SIZE='26' |
OSD_FONT_COLOR |
Text alignment and color using the format 0xAARRGGBB. |
export OSD_FONT_COLOR='0x00FF0000' |
OSD_TRANSPARENT |
Transparency level from 1 (nearly transparent) to 15 (opaque). | export OSD_TRANSPARENT='15' |
Other OSD Functions
After configuring the OSD message, use the following commands to display or remove it.
| Function | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Display OSD | osd_on.sh |
Displays the configured OSD message. |
| Hide OSD | osd_off.sh [seconds]& |
Removes the OSD immediately or after the specified delay. |
Examples
Multiple commands can be combined into a single command by separating each command with a semicolon (;).
Display "Doorbell" for 10 Seconds
export OSD_STR='Doorbell';export OSD_FONT_SIZE='26';export OSD_FONT_COLOR='0x00ff0000';export OSD_TRANSPARENT='15';osd_on.sh;osd_off.sh 10&
Display "A Ghost!" for 30 Seconds
export OSD_STR='A Ghost!';export OSD_FONT_SIZE='20';export OSD_FONT_COLOR='0x000000ff';export OSD_TRANSPARENT='3';osd_on.sh;osd_off.sh 30&
