Raspberry Pi CM5 TV Stick Lite Adapts Compute Module 5 for HDMI Dongle Use

Key Takeaways

• Direct HDMI plug eliminates external cables
• Supports both Lite (SD) and eMMC CM5 variants
• Two USB 3.0 ports with current‑limited outputs
• Infrared receiver and programmable button for IoT control

Summary

Raspberry Pi has released the CM5 TV Stick Lite, a compact carrier board that turns the Compute Module 5 into a plug‑in HDMI dongle powered by a single USB‑C connection. The board supports both Lite (micro‑SD) and eMMC variants, offering two USB 3.0 Type‑A ports, an infrared receiver, a programmable button, and optional addressable‑LED headers. Priced around $35 through Makerfabs, it targets portable media‑playback, retro‑gaming, and digital‑signage applications. Documentation warns that inserting a micro‑SD card while using an eMMC module can damage the board.

Pulse Analysis

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 has become the backbone of many industrial and consumer projects thanks to its powerful quad‑core ARM Cortex‑A76 CPU and flexible I/O. Yet developers often face a trade‑off between raw capability and form‑factor constraints, especially when building media‑centric devices that must fit behind a TV or monitor. By offering a carrier board that integrates an HDMI Type‑A connector directly onto the PCB, the CM5 TV Stick Lite addresses this gap, delivering a true plug‑and‑play experience that mirrors commercial streaming sticks while retaining the Compute Module’s expandability.

Beyond the sleek HDMI integration, the TV Stick Lite packs a thoughtful set of peripherals. Two USB 3.0 Type‑A ports provide high‑speed connectivity for external storage or peripherals, each with built‑in current limiting to protect downstream devices. A USB‑C power inlet doubles as a USB 2.0 data channel, enabling gadget‑mode functions such as USB mass‑storage or Ethernet over USB. The board also includes an infrared receiver, a user‑configurable button, and a header for addressable LEDs, making it ready for IoT control panels, retro‑gaming consoles, or eye‑catching digital signage without additional hardware.

At roughly $35, the TV Stick Lite undercuts many competing HDMI dongles and single‑board computers that charge premium prices for similar capabilities. Its price point, combined with the Compute Module 5’s performance, positions it as an attractive option for startups and makers seeking to launch low‑cost, high‑volume media devices. While the board is not backward‑compatible with Compute Module 4, its focused feature set and open‑source documentation suggest a rapid adoption curve, especially in markets where space, power efficiency, and quick deployment are paramount. As the demand for edge‑focused streaming and signage solutions grows, the CM5 TV Stick Lite could become a reference design for the next generation of compact, Linux‑based media appliances.