The History and Present of OSD in FPV Drones

The History and Present of OSD in FPV Drones

Introduction: What is OSD?

In FPV (First Person View) drones, the On-Screen Display (OSD) is a critical component that allows pilots to monitor real-time flight information. OSD overlays text or graphics onto the drone’s camera feed, displaying data such as battery status, altitude, speed, and GPS coordinates on FPV goggles or monitors. Its purpose is to enable pilots to grasp the drone’s condition at a glance, ensuring safe and efficient flights. Beyond mere information delivery, OSD has evolved into an indispensable tool that enhances convenience and aids strategic decision-making during drone operation.

Late 2000s to Early 2010s: The Dawn of OSD

Voltage Display in Analog Cameras

The concept of OSD predates drones, originating in aviation and video gaming, but it was first widely adopted in FPV drones starting in the late 2000s. During this period, OSD offered only basic functionality. Since flight controllers (FCs) lacked built-in OSD chips, early systems relied on analog video cameras to display simple data. For instance, around 2008–2010, some analog FPV cameras (e.g., early Fat Shark models) could read the FC’s VCC (power voltage) and overlay battery voltage onto the screen. This feature allowed pilots to monitor battery status without additional hardware, as the camera module itself converted voltage data into text. However, it was limited to voltage alone, unable to provide additional details like altitude or speed.

Emergence of Standalone OSD Modules

During this time, standalone OSD modules like the Remzibi OSD also emerged. These modules inserted text into analog video signals but required complex installation and setup, with limited data display capabilities. Resolution was low, and text often appeared blurry.

2012–2015: The Era of Standalone OSD Chips and Early Integration

MinimOSD and Personal Experience

As the FPV drone community grew in the early 2010s, demand for OSD increased. Most FCs still lacked built-in OSD chips, so pilots turned to small boards equipped with OSD chips, such as the MinimOSD. Paired with platforms like ArduPilot, MinimOSD enabled the display of battery voltage, altitude, speed, and GPS coordinates. For example, I recall using an early KISS FC, which didn’t have an integrated OSD chip, requiring me to attach a MinimOSD separately. Wiring it up and configuring the firmware was a hassle—mistakes in connections sometimes left the screen blank. Yet, the effort paid off, as it allowed me to view voltage and GPS data mid-flight, significantly improving safety and control.

Limitations of Analog Cameras and the Start of Integration

Analog cameras continued to serve as a low-cost solution during this period, displaying VCC voltage, but their lack of precision and inability to fully reflect battery conditions became apparent. By around 2014, some FCs began integrating OSD functionality, simplifying installation and reducing reliance on external boards.

2016–2019: The Rise of Open-Source and Advanced Features

Evolution of Betaflight OSD

Around 2016, open-source flight controller software like Betaflight and iNav gained popularity, driving significant advancements in OSD. Betaflight OSD introduced real-time display of detailed data such as battery capacity, motor status, RSSI (signal strength), and artificial horizon indicators. Configuration became more user-friendly, adjustable directly via FPV goggles.

OSD Font Customization

A notable milestone came in 2017 with Betaflight 3.2, which allowed users to customize OSD fonts. Previously, fixed fonts often compromised readability or layout flexibility, but this update enabled pilots to upload various font styles, creating sharper, more personalized displays. This shift, blending functionality with individual preference, left a lasting impression as a turning point in OSD evolution.

Improvements in Analog Systems

To overcome the limitations of analog FPV systems, camera and transmitter quality improved, enhancing OSD text clarity. As the racing drone scene boomed, OSD solidified its role as an essential tool for strategic decision-making during competitions.

2020–2023: Digital FPV and OSD Optimization

Early Limitations of DJI FPV Systems

The 2020s marked a new chapter with DJI’s introduction of digital FPV systems. Digital signals offered higher resolution and stability compared to analog, integrating OSD with menu interfaces. However, early DJI FPV systems (launched in 2019) had shortcomings. The initial DJI FPV Air Unit and goggles, even when paired with Betaflight, couldn’t display all FC data—items like CPU usage, PID values, and some sensor data (e.g., gyro status) were unsupported until early 2020. DJI gradually addressed this with firmware updates (e.g., v01.00.05.00 in 2020).

Home Position Display Feature

One standout feature of DJI’s FPV system during this period was the real-time display of the Home Position on the FPV feed. Enhanced through post-2020 firmware updates, this allowed pilots to intuitively track the direction and distance to their starting point. Shown as an arrow or icon on the DJI FPV goggles, it paired with the Return-to-Home (RTH) function to boost flight safety.

Integrated OSD Interfaces

DJI FPV goggles enabled control over camera settings, drone diagnostics, and flight mode switching via OSD, elevating it beyond simple data display to enhance overall user experience (UX). Competitors like Fat Shark also optimized OSD for digital systems, intensifying industry competition.

2024–Present (2025): The Advent of Smart Features

Enhanced Compatibility and Functionality

As of 2025, OSD is indispensable in FPV drone piloting. DJI’s O3 Air Unit (released in 2022) improved compatibility with Betaflight OSD, overcoming early limitations. Modern OSDs now display real-time data, diagnose drone conditions, adjust camera settings, and even store flight logs.

Early Adoption of AI and AR

High-end models have begun incorporating AI-based features, such as battery consumption predictions, into OSD displays. In the racing drone community, OSD is used to analyze real-time race data and refine strategies. Initial applications of augmented reality (AR) technology suggest OSD is evolving into a three-dimensional information tool.

Future Outlook

OSD is poised for further advancement with full AI integration and AR technology. Potential features include real-time obstacle detection, optimal flight path suggestions, and interactive displays linked to a pilot’s gaze. As autonomous flight technology progresses, OSD will likely evolve from a mere data display into a vital communication bridge between drones and pilots.