| 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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news feed
