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 chi...