| Wall mount media center runs Windows XP Embedded |
Nov. 28, 2007
 Crestron has announced a touchscreen panel PC customized for use as a home media center. The Isys i/O TMPC-8L includes Windows XP Embedded and a wide variety of preinstalled, media-oriented applications, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of the Crestron TMPC-8L)
Available in almond, black, or white, the TMPC-8L is designed for wall or lectern mounting, according to Crestron. It has a 8.4-inch touchscreen display, plus additional features not found on a typical panel PC, such as a fingerprint reader, stereo microphones, and 16 back-lit pushbuttons.
These hardware features allow the device to be customized for up to 30 users in different ways, Crestron says. For example, since the pushbuttons are positioned along the left and right edges of the touchscreen, they can be aligned alongside dynamically changing text and graphics, supporting context-sensitive functions such as digital media titles, channels, or lighting presets.
Further, users can log on by simply touching the fingerprint reader, the company says. Then, they will be presented with an individualized interface, with its own set of preferences, access privileges, and even its own look through the use of touchpanel "skins," according to the company.
Creston does not specify the processor used by the TMPC-8L, though the CPU is apparently cool-running enough to allow fanless operation. The device has 512MB of DDR2 SDRAM, and 1GB of flash, with "maximum project size" said to be 190MB.
The source of the graphics circuitry is likewise not revealed. However, Crestron does tout "exclusive Synapse image rendering," said to allow creation of dynamic menu objects, graphics, animations, multimode objects, and PNG translucency with "astonishing speed." An integral light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the display and pushbutton backlighting according to ambient conditions, the company says.
Software preloaded on the TMPC-8L provides "everything needed for accessing most types of digital media ... while controlling your home or boardroom," according to Crestron. In addition to the expected Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, the device includes:- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Axis Media Control
- Crestron MJPEG viewer
- document viewers for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files
- NetMeeting
- RealPlayer
- Remote Desktop
- Skype
- VNC Viewer
Hardware features and specifications cited by Crestron include:- Display:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 600 resolution
- 500:1 contrast ratio
- 200-nit brightness
- Synapse image rendering
- Keys:
- 12 large backlit pushbuttons
- 4 small backlit pushbuttons
- 1 miniature reset button behind front bezel
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB ports
- Audio signals 5-pin terminal block, providing balanced or unbalanced stereo output
- 24VDC input on 2-pin terminal block
- Power requirements:
- 24VDC, 1.5 amps
- 12VDC, 3.5 amps
- Dimensions -- 10 x 7.5 x 2 inches
- Weight -- 2.9 lbs
In addition to the three colors mentioned above, the TMPC-8L is also available with a stainless-steel front bezel that does not include the pushbuttons.
Pricing and availability information was not released by Crestron, but the TMPC-8L appears to be available now. More information can be found on the company's website, here.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy.
Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008
Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is
prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.
news feed