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        Wireless touchpad controller/mediaplayer runs Windows XPe

        Doug | Date: Sep 20, 2006 | Comments: 1



        Crestron used Windows XP Embedded to build the latest member of its family of wireless-enabled touchpanel controller/mediaplayer devices. The TPMC-8X is based on an "embedded PC" platform, enabling it to run standard PC applications while providing intuitive control of audio/video distribution, lighting, climate control, and...


        security, the company says.

        (Click here for larger image)

        The TPMC-8X is based on an AMD Geode LX 800 processor, and is equipped with 512 MB of DDR SDRAM and 1 GB of flash memory. The unit has both 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth wireless built in, plus a biometric fingerprint sensor that not only provides security, but offers an easy way to personalize the device to multiple users, according to Crestron.

        Other key features and specs of the TPMC-8X, according to Crestron, include:
        • 8.4-inch SVGA (800 x 600), 18-bit color TFT LCD with resistive touchscreen
        • Built-in stereo speakers, dual microphones, and a stereo headphone jack
        • USB 2.0 port for wired peripherals
        • CompactFlash slot for flash storage expansion
        • Dimensions -- 8.21 x 9.69 x 0.92 inches (208 x 246 x 23 mm)
        • Weight -- 1.9 lbs (0.86 kg)
        With Windows Media Player 10 built in, the TPMC-8X supports a wide range of video streaming formats, and also features native support for wireless streaming video from a variety of third-party web cameras and servers using the motion-JPEG format, according to Crestron.

        Other applications included on the device, according to the company, are: Microsoft Internet Explorer (with Macromedia Flash plug-in), Word, Excel, PowerPoint, NetMeeting, Remote Desktop, and DirectX; Crestron MJPEG viewer and MediaMarker; RealPlayer; Acrobat Reader; Skype VoIP communications; and a Java Runtime.

        Both desktop and in-wall docking stations are available to recharge the field-replaceable Lithium Ion battery pack. Both stations offer Ethernet connectivity and VGA output. Crestron says the wall-mount station features a motorized latch and programmable pass code for security.

        Crestron previously embedded Microsoft's Windows CE operating system in the TPMC-10, a somewhat similar device based on a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor, and boasting a 10.4-inch display. Windows XP Embedded allows the TPMC-8 to benefit from a much broader array of PC-compatible software.

        Availability

        The TPMC-8x was introduced at last week's CEDIA Expo in Denver. Price and availability were not officially disclosed, but the device is rumored to be priced at around $3,800.



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