The requests: Cheaper, DIY Kit Version Available, Upgradable, User Programmable
ANSI MIDIo: yes, yes, yessss & yes!
Oh, and not just programmable as in load-your-own-pic, instead the MIDIo will have real-time control and programming right from your midi software, controller, or (in my case) a Bliptronome!
What it is:
Kit or pre-built a bit smaller than a business card, and powered & controlled via USB, using the open-source KIT_MIDI driver already available here.
The input is midi from any midi software such as Renoise, Max-MSP or Abelton on OSX or Windows or an external controller patched through KIT_MIDI.
The Output will be NTSC or PAL (separate versions) and give a sweet 32×12 screen where the user can program one of 12 different ANSI Graphics characters in one of 16 different color combination. Yes, 16-color ANSI: as in that BBS you wasted time on in 1992.
Stand-by for more information.