PiCowBell HSTX DVI Output - HDMI output module for Raspberry Pi Pico

Description

PiCowBell HSTX DVI Output is an advanced expansion module that enables displaying images and graphics from a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller directly on a monitor or TV with an HDMI input. The device supports video output only (no audio) but provides high-quality and smooth display performance. It’s an excellent solution for projects requiring visual data presentation, graphical interfaces, or 2D games.

The module shares the same size as the Pico board and is designed to easily mount beneath it, creating a compact stack. It features a mini HDMI connector compatible with standard HDMI cables, a STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector for fast I2C communication, a reset button, and an additional slide switch that can be customized for user needs. Thanks to the new HSTX interface, display handling is more efficient as the processor and PIO are less burdened.

The PiCowBell HSTX DVI is compatible with both Pico 1 (RP2040) and Pico 2 (RP2350), with the latter being especially recommended due to its improved graphics performance. The board also features gold-plated solder pads, clear GND markings, and the ability to connect a USB host port via dedicated pads. Additional pins are provided for CEC, Utility, and Hot Plug Detect, allowing the module to detect when a display is connected.

In the Arduino environment, the module works with PicoDVI or Adafruit_DVI_HSTX libraries, enabling colorful images at 320×240 or 400×240 pixel resolutions, displayed as 640×480 or 800×480 video. CircuitPython support for DVI is also available but requires more RAM, making Pico 2 the preferred choice. The PiCowBell HSTX is a perfect tool for learning, prototyping, and creating creative graphical projects with the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Features

• DVI output compatible with HDMI monitors and TVs (video only, no audio)
• Mini HDMI connector for use with standard HDMI cables
• HSTX interface support – GPIO 12–19
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico 1 (RP2040) and Pico 2 (RP2350)
• Built-in STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector for I2C communication
• Reset button and slide switch (GPIO3)
• USB host pads for connecting peripherals (e.g., via USB-A cable)
• HDMI pins: Utility, CEC, HotPlug Detect
• Gold-plated solder pads and clear GND markings for easier assembly
• EDID memory reading support via I2C from the Pico
• Supports Adafruit_DVI_HSTX and PicoDVI libraries
• Output resolution: 640×480 or 800×480 pixels
• Compatible with Arduino and CircuitPython
• Power supply: 3.3V (from Pico)
• Dimensions: 52.4 × 20.3 × 4.9 mm
• Weight: 4.5 g

Kit contains

• Adafruit PiCowBell HSTX DVI Output for Pico module
• Goldpin header for self-soldering