I want a perfect touch screen - Page 2

hithere · 06-26-2007, 08:11 AM

You know, it's just that after shopping/comparing/installing my own carputer, it strikes me as odd that so few of our needs are being met...I know there's transreflective monitors out there, but they cost an arm and a leg, and there are myriad other problems with the touch screens, such as the lack of EDID in a product with non-standard resolution, etc.

It seems as if all there is to choose from is the same product with minor cosmetic changes from a host of vendors. Add to that the fact that the car audio industry is too busy trying to lock up business with their own proprietary, interconnected solutions that they wouldn't dream of offering a touch screen with a PC interface without making it exorbitant...offering a way to control a PC would be shooting themselves in the foot, due to the number of components the PC replaces.

It's not that I'm unaware that technology takes a while to percolate down to niche products for niche groups such as ourselves...but from a business standpoint, if I wanted the hobby to really take off, and open up the flood gates for lucrative, high margin accessory sales, I'd make offering a good touch screen interface PRIORITY #1. Think about it: Which of us, when thinking about what makes a carputer the kick *** solution that it is, is not thinking about navigating on the in-dash display? How many of us, when showing another potential customer our own setups, start with the shutdown controller instead of the display? Of course you don't, you start with sitting the person in the front seat of the car, and you say, "Look what you have access to from this screen..." It has everything to do with the cool factor involved in attracting new customers, and, imho, is one of the main obstacles behind making a carputer a mainstream upgrade.

We're now to the point where, as a hobby, we're routinely getting exposure in trade shows, competitions, and more mainstream publications like Car Audio and Electronics magazine. Now is the time for the industry to step up, and I think the display is one of, if not the key component that is lacking in the marketplace. The first to offer a reasonably priced solution in this regard, I feel, will gain a significant leg up in a growing market.

wywywywy · 06-26-2007, 09:18 AM

While I agree with what you said, the only problem is costs...
If a "low spec" transflective Lilly costs over $600, how much is this

Quote:

1. EDID
2. transreflectivity
3. no smudges
4. a higher resolution than 800 X 480
5. a variety of sizes
6. a 16 X 9 screen to at least match one standard aspect ratio for
movie content
7. decent drivers

gonna cost? $1500??

hithere · 06-26-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by wywywywy

While I agree with what you said, the only problem is costs...
If a "low spec" transflective Lilly costs over $600, how much is this
gonna cost? $1500??

I agree that's part of the problem. I do, however, have a real hard time believing there isn't a significant amount of margin built into that product, especially considering all that was upgraded was the optics (and no, I don't believe that upgrade should nearly double the price of the unit...but so long as people will pay it...).

GoHybrid · 06-26-2007, 01:50 PM

you could always talk to the suppliers directly.... i've seen some 6.3" XGA screens designed for integration with optical enhancements, touch screen etc...

odds are if you're only buying one, they'll charge you something outrageous. I remember asking vartech about a 7" sunlight readable touch screen and they said they'd make me a deal at $2695 a piece.

i think it's probaby cheaper to consider alternative solutions to your problems rather than trying to fight them on the most expensive front you have.

ccsnet · 06-26-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MaxPeck

... and sharks with frickin lasers on their heads...

/ sorry, had to.

I had to smile.....

Terran

nickgailloux · 06-27-2007, 02:18 AM

I also need the perfect screen and I'm having so much trouble finding resources.

I need something in the 6.3-6.5" range. Has to be 16x9, transflective, and as high a resolution as possible (ie 800x480 would be nice). I dont think this is TOO much to ask, and I'm surprised there is not such a product out there... (if there is, let me know!!!).

If anyone has any resources as to how to build such a screen as cheaply as possible, please post info. I would be looking to spend under $700 but even if its more (much more) than that, I want to know whats involved.

ironfinger · 06-27-2007, 04:36 AM

the only other transflective alternative to mp3store seems to be motorcitytech, slightly cheaper prices, but still, it would be great if there were at least a half dozen more alternatives to really get prices to drop.. But that would be cutting the consumer base really thin wouldn't it. I went ahead, bit the bullet, and bought a trans screen. Did a couple quick and extra side gigs to pay for it. I just can't seem to enjoy my carputer with these glare issues. Too many hours and money spent to let it be ruined by this.

hithere · 06-27-2007, 08:07 AM

Has anyone attempted a DIY transreflective screen? As in, put a piece of reflective window tint between the light and the tft panel? Probably won't work, but just wondering.

DarquePervert · 06-27-2007, 08:27 AM

For those of you clammoring for more options in transflective screens, I highly suggest reading the threads about how the transflective screens came about in the mp3car.com store and what hoops had to be jumped through to even make these available for sale.

Yes, DIY has been attempted... Searcht he forums.

hithere · 06-27-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Yes, DIY has been attempted... Searcht he forums.

All I see is DIY-non-transreflective.

TBAPb · 06-28-2007, 09:19 AM

Here you go

hithere · 06-28-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by TBAPb

Here you go

Not to be a stickler, but...there's no link there.

I did, however, find the thread on the application of that 3M film, but pics links were down. Thanks, everyone, for the replies!

sebberry · 06-28-2007, 07:13 PM

Part of the price of the transreflective screens covers the films, etc.. that are removed in the process of making it transreflective. Sure, there were big hoops that had to be jumped through to get the mp3car lilliput to market, but how hard can it possibly be for Xenarc to manufacture a transrefctive screen from scratch?

I do find it kind of odd that companies like Xenarc and Lilliput, who cater primarily to the carPC market still haven't come out with the ultimate carputer display.

The technology exists, just make it already!

The big thing tho for me is easy integration into the car. I don't want a screen with a bunch of cables hanging out of the back to dangle around behind my dash. Make all of the connections receptacles for me to plug other wires into. I need power, touch, VGA and maybe a composite RCA for a backup camera, nothing else. And I don't want cables dangling around. Why can't it be like the back of a TV?

hithere · 06-29-2007, 07:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

For those of you clammoring for more options in transflective screens, I highly suggest reading the threads about how the transflective screens came about in the mp3car.com store and what hoops had to be jumped through to even make these available for sale.

Darque, I'm not complaining about mp3car.com, nor am I remiss to give credit to the excellent service you provide via this forum. I'm disappointed in the manufacturers, who seem to have gotten a bit complacent in their offerings...it seems as if the R&D isn't being spent, and they're going for the fast buck, remaining as close to a clearing house as they can with minimal assembly, and minimal changes to established product. Yeah, I know it's a niche market...but it's growing, and I think more opportunity is there than is being exploited. Guess what I'm saying is, someone should step up.

mmenefee · 07-02-2007, 08:58 PM

These guys can get you pretty close: http://www.vartechsystems.com