Click Here to visit Embedded Automation - mControl
VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel - Chris Lanier's Blog

VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

WESTBURY, NY – May 15th – VidaBox LLC is excited to announce the new TouchClient12 in-wall touch panel computer.  Featuring a 12.1” color touchscreen and XP embedded computer, it is selling at an affordable retail price of $2499.

“The TouchClient12 is the flush-mount touch panel computer solution that integrators have been asking for,” comments Steven Cheung, President of the company.  “The only connections needed are 12V low voltage power and a network connection with CAT5 cable!  Once installed, integrators can point its internet browser to web-controllable resources like CasaTunes, or install any program that runs on XP embedded, such as control or automation software, and run it right from the touch panel!  With its built-in dual RS-232 and dual USB ports, this opens up the possibility of local automation and control being run directly from the TouchClient12!”

Other unique features on the TouchClient12 include a native 1024x768 resolution screen and dual stereo speakers for local audio playback.  It also comes with its own rough-in box that the primary screen assembly mounts to magnetically.

“With a magnetic mount design,” Cheung elaborates, “integrators can pop the screen assembly into an installed rough-in box in seconds, and not waste valuable time turning screws to access the back panel after the initial install.  This is especially important for installers looking to use TouchClient12’s RS-232 and USB ports for control & automation.”

Cheung continues, “Not only is the TouchClient12 easy to install, but it’s also extremely durable and reliable.  With no moving parts like noisy fans or hard drives that may fail over time.  It also features a write-protected solid state drive, so you can expect to install and leave it running for years.”

Enabled by default, write-protection allows the panel to be foolproof against viruses, spyware, malware, or other misuse.  A quick restart will restore the panel to its original condition.  Write protection can be disabled by installers and integrators looking to add additional software or tweak the panel’s configuration, and then it can be re-enabled before final use.

For more details and specifications on the VidaBox TouchClient12 and their comprehensive line of media servers annex extender, please visit the company website at http://www.vidabox.com, or attend one of their free monthly dealer trainings to see it live and in person!

About VidaBox LLC
VidaBox LLC is a systems integration company focused on manufacturing premium Media Center systems & home AV solutions.  VidaBox is on a mission to create user-friendly, stable high-performance Media Center systems that work right out of the box.  For more information, visit www.vidabox.com or call 1-516-730-7500.

image
Published Wed, May 14 2008 16:05 by chrisl
Filed under: , ,

Comments

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

I checked out this device on their site, and the word affordable is a bit of an understatement. They are asking $2600 for this touch panel...that is more than my HTPC and my laptop cost together!

Can you describe who the intended market would be for a device like this?

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:18 PM by Alfred

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

The intended market would be the custom install (CI) market.  $2500 is not at all a bad price for such a touchscreen.  From another Media Center perspective, Exceptional Innovations Life|touch panels start at $8000 and go up (I believe).  Touch panels for other systems can be more costly then that, but $2500 is low end on pricing.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:53 PM by chrisl

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

Chris is right, but that doesn't make it right.

I have no idea why no manufacturer is willing to step in and provide an affordable in wall touch screen. Every single time they love to point out that Crestron and AMX charge 7k. But fail to note that is why most people have no idea who Crestron and AMX are.

I waste money like it's nobody's business, but even for me $2500 for a in-wall touch screen is a joke. The most I'd pay is $1k, and still be ashamed to tell my friends and family what it costs.

Why these things should cost more than a digital picture frame with a touch screen is beyond me.

Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:16 AM by Ben Drawbaugh

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

I think in-wall touch panels are a bit more complicated than digital photo frames, but good point nonetheless.

I'm hoping that mPanel from Embedded Automation goes in cheaper, but personally I'm expecting $1,000-$1,500.

Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:59 AM by chrisl

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

While cool, even 1k is still be too expensive for what you really get.   There are too many other options out there that cost less and offer more.

Recently some very cool projects have opened up their source code(VMC Controller) so, I think we will start seeing more and more free all in one remote control apps(MCE,Home Automation,Audio) for touch screens in the near future.   This will at least allow us average income individuals to have the same cool things as the rich and famous have(lots of sarcasm there)..

Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:24 PM by jbworks

# re: VidaBox Releases New TouchClient12 - an Affordable In-wall Flush-mount Touch Panel

im going to agree with ben here...  there is a reason most people dont know about these touchscreen models.... they are simply too expensive.  

an iphone is the same basic concept but on a smaller scale (which does a hell of a lot more in the process) runs a fraction of the price of these touch panels.  same goes for bluray players and the ps3.  you cant tell me there is more tech in these panels than a ps3 or xbox 360 yet they are sub 500.

i think somebody needs to pull out a 499 model and they will dominate the media center/diy market.  im hopeful mpanel will turn some heads but the more i hear people talk about potential prices the less excited i am for it.  although im holding out hope since mcontrol is still the best value proposition for media center home automation.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:05 AM by jagowar