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

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

jagowar — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:05:04 GMT

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.

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

jbworks — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:24:34 GMT

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)..

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

chrisl — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:59:33 GMT

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.

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

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:16:26 GMT

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.

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

chrisl — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:53:35 GMT

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.

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

Alfred — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:18:27 GMT

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?