The MultiTouch MT550W7 with multiple users
(Click to enlarge)

The MT550W7 is different from its predecessors, the company adds, in that it employs a unique "computer vision through screen" tracking technology, plus infrared emitters built into its backlighting. As a result, it can track an "unlimited number of fingertips, fingers, hands, and objects simultaneously," the company says.

When used singly, the MT550W7 runs Windows 7 on its own Intel Core i7 processor, supporting Windows 7 and Microsoft Surface programming tools. Alternatively, as many as 24 of the systems may also be combined to form a single huge multitouch display, though that obviously wouldn't be cheap. In such a case, a single external PC (running Windows 7, Linux, or Mac OS X, plus software developed with MultiTouch's "Cornerstone" development kit) is required to coordinate operation, according to the company.

Multiple MT550W7 units as a single multitouch screen

Aiding the appearance of a multi-unit array, the MT550W7's bezel is just 0.6 inches wide on top, says MultiTouch. Each PC-equipped unit weighs 88 pounds, measuring 47.4 x 28.1 x 7.8 inches.

According to MultiTouch, the MT550W7 includes 8GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GTS450 GPU. It also has DVI-D and DisplayPort connectors for accepting external video, an Ethernet port, two USB ports, and RCA audio jacks, the company adds.

The 55-inch screen is said to have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 400-nit brightness rating, and a 4000:1 contrast ratio. It tracks touches at up to 200fps, MultiTouch adds.

Further information

MultiTouch did not share pricing, but said the MT550W7, which will be upgradeable to Windows 8, is orderable now. More information may be found on the company's website.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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