Turn a Raspberry Pi CM5 into a TV stick with this carrier board

The Raspberry Pi CM5 TV Stick Lite is a $35 carrier board that transforms the Compute Module 5 into a direct HDMI plug-in device, eliminating cable clutter while providing full computer functionality for your TV.

Direct HDMI Connection Eliminates Cable Clutter

Most carrier boards for Raspberry Pi Compute Modules require separate HDMI cables to connect to displays, but the CM5 TV Stick Lite takes a different approach. This innovative carrier board features a built-in HDMI connector that plugs directly into your TV or monitor's HDMI port, creating a clean, cable-free setup that's perfect for living room use.

The direct connection design makes the CM5 TV Stick Lite function essentially like a high-end streaming stick, but with the full capabilities of a Raspberry Pi computer. This means you can run Kodi for media center functionality, RetroPie for gaming emulation, or even a full desktop operating system like Raspberry Pi OS directly on your television.

Technical Specifications and Features

The carrier board supports the full range of Raspberry Pi CM5 modules, which are compact 55 x 40 x 4.7mm computer-on-a-module systems featuring:

• BCM2712 quad-core processor running at 2.4 GHz
• 2GB to 16GB of LPDDR4-4267 memory options
• Up to 64GB of eMMC flash storage
• WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

Beyond the direct HDMI connection, the CM5 TV Stick Lite includes several useful ports and features:

• USB Type-C port for data and power delivery
• Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, gamepads, or external storage
• MicroSD card reader for additional storage options
• IR receiver for remote control functionality
• Fan connector for active cooling when needed
• Power and user buttons for convenient operation
• Connector for adding a Raspberry Pi CM5 module

Pricing Considerations and Availability

While the carrier board itself is reasonably priced at $35, potential buyers should be aware of the current Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 pricing situation. Recent price increases have significantly impacted the cost of CM5 modules:

• A CM5 with 16GB RAM and 64GB storage now costs up to $325
• Lower-spec models start at $67.50
• The CM5 TV Stick Lite does not include a Compute Module, which must be purchased separately

For those with existing CM5 modules or looking for more budget-friendly options, the lower-spec models provide a more accessible entry point. The carrier board also has a version available for the Raspberry Pi CM4, though that model appears to be currently out of stock.

Use Cases and Applications

The direct HDMI design opens up numerous possibilities for home entertainment and computing:

Media Center Setup: Run Kodi or Plex directly on your TV without additional cables or boxes

Gaming Platform: Use RetroPie or other emulator software to play classic games with USB controllers

Desktop Computing: Access a full Linux desktop environment on any HDMI-equipped display

Development Platform: Test software and projects on a dedicated display without tying up your main computer

Smart Home Hub: Run home automation software and control various smart devices

The compact form factor and direct connection make this particularly suitable for fixed installations where space is limited and a clean appearance is desired.

Comparison to Traditional Streaming Devices

Unlike dedicated streaming sticks from Amazon, Google, or Apple, the CM5 TV Stick Lite offers complete flexibility and customization. While traditional streaming devices are limited to their respective ecosystems and app selections, this Raspberry Pi-based solution can run any compatible software, including:

• Custom media center applications
• Game emulators from multiple platforms
• Web browsers with full desktop functionality
• Development tools and programming environments
• Specialized applications for specific use cases

This versatility comes at the cost of increased complexity and potentially higher price, but for users who value flexibility and the ability to customize their experience, the trade-off may be worthwhile.

The Raspberry Pi CM5 TV Stick Lite represents an interesting middle ground between dedicated streaming devices and full desktop computers, offering the simplicity of a plug-and-play device with the power and flexibility of a complete computer system.