Common theme in LCD screens..

spectrumzz · 09-05-2003, 04:07 AM

It's sad, but I'm noticing a common theme here after many days of reading. I started my project a couple of months ago and have yet to buy an LCD. First I wanted the Xenarc, but discovered the cables are usually flakey and they are too expensive. Then I discovered dscustoms, but same cable problems and people have trouble getting ahold of the guy and many DOAs, and finally on top of this, he is chronically out of stock until what may turn into October. So I couldn't get one, even if I ordered it. Then I find digital WW, which sells what look to be Lilliput screens, but the prices seem high and nobody actually seems to get their order (even though the website says they are ready to go, first come first serve). On top of this, it would appear the touchscreens are actually just kits and not built-in units for the digital WW. The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape. Ok, so now I can't find any other options. It's either Digital WW, Dscustoms, or Xenarc direct. Only Xenarc is a commercial-level dealer with a good reputation, units in stock and a service department (but I'll end up paying big $$ for it).

See the common theme yet? There ISN'T A GOOD SOLUTION. I want a reliable, warranteed, 7" VGA-only screen, preferrably dash-mount for a reasonable price. Apparently this does not exist, and it's sad because my project is starting to stall because of it. I've even considered wireless floating displays because of their apparently quality and size for comparable prices.

When is the technology going to mature enough to make this a reality? Does anyone have a better alternative?

Blop · 09-05-2003, 07:52 AM

you could get a piece of cloth and put a torch behind it and do finger puppets....

Thats a cheap alternative.....

Are the xenarc cable flaky i have read a 100+ posts saying there really good all round monitor may of missed the cable bit......
On a more serious note if you dont want to spend cash on a screen whats the point in starting the project in the first place.... i for one worked out how much it was going to cost approx before i started.

And its not going to get cheaper until these screens increase in demand.....simple.

Mitokondria · 09-05-2003, 10:09 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by spectrumzz

The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape. Ok, so now I can't find any other options. It's either Digital WW, Dscustoms, or Xenarc direct. Only Xenarc is a commercial-level dealer with a good reputation, units in stock and a service department (but I'll end up paying big $$ for it).

I bought my screen directly from xenarc a year ago and I was suprised when I opened the case and things (wires etc) where attached by scotch tape, not electrical, to other boards. Besides I had to send my back beacuse it had dead pixels and had it exchange. I guess it just comes down to service. And the screens have come down in price, I remember when they where in the 560 ball park for a screen w/ touch.

digitalww · 09-05-2003, 11:31 AM

Couple of questions for you:

Prices are high compared to what?
Where did you get that nobody is getting their orders?
Which photos look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape?

All touch screens start off as kits and what is wrong with that?

Xenarc does exactly what we do except with more money.

Some how you made everything look so bad and unattractive. I am just not sure why there are so many satisfied customers

Quote: Originally Posted by spectrumzz

Then I find digital WW, which sells what look to be Lilliput screens, but the prices seem high and nobody actually seems to get their order (even though the website says they are ready to go, first come first serve). On top of this, it would appear the touchscreens are actually just kits and not built-in units for the digital WW. The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape.

HomeSpecial · 09-05-2003, 11:44 AM

I don't think I see "slapped together" on the website pics but there was a comment here about "I was suprised when I opened the case and things (wires etc) where attached by scotch tape".

I have seen a theme of "When is it coming" as well in the posts lately.

I have difficulty in getting a real good comparison between brands because the model numbers are slightly different between companies. I would order from the local here if I could get a real good fix on how and why they are really that good for less. There are no local stores I've found in the Bay Area to see what I am getting.

Expense is not an issue or I wouldn't be doing this in the first place. However I do think a solid touch screen, with a nice removeable shade to keep the light out, should be $350 tops. If the light takes away the screen image then why don't they make a Shade? Can't be that difficult.

Just want to be cautious as I need a touch screen, GPS, and inverter to complete the package.

Not to be too negative, I have heard some good comments but I do see the point made here.

John

freestyler · 09-05-2003, 11:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by spectrumzz

It's sad, but I'm noticing a common theme here after many days of reading. I started my project a couple of months ago and have yet to buy an LCD. First I wanted the Xenarc, but discovered the cables are usually flakey and they are too expensive. Then I discovered dscustoms, but same cable problems and people have trouble getting ahold of the guy and many DOAs, and finally on top of this, he is chronically out of stock until what may turn into October. So I couldn't get one, even if I ordered it. Then I find digital WW, which sells what look to be Lilliput screens, but the prices seem high and nobody actually seems to get their order (even though the website says they are ready to go, first come first serve). On top of this, it would appear the touchscreens are actually just kits and not built-in units for the digital WW. The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape. Ok, so now I can't find any other options. It's either Digital WW, Dscustoms, or Xenarc direct. Only Xenarc is a commercial-level dealer with a good reputation, units in stock and a service department (but I'll end up paying big $$ for it).

See the common theme yet? There ISN'T A GOOD SOLUTION. I want a reliable, warranteed, 7" VGA-only screen, preferrably dash-mount for a reasonable price. Apparently this does not exist, and it's sad because my project is starting to stall because of it. I've even considered wireless floating displays because of their apparently quality and size for comparable prices.

When is the technology going to mature enough to make this a reality? Does anyone have a better alternative?

wow...idiotic post if you ask me

I have had nothing but good luck with both Armen (digitalww) and Dave (dscustoms) when I was looking to order a screen. I ended up getting a DSCustoms 7" touch and when I wanted another cable Dave sent me one for something like $15 or something like that right away.

Cable flakey? Well duh if you are a moron and pull it out of the socket, it's just like anything else, be careful and you are fine.

I think that BOTH Armen and Dave have a good rep when it comes to their products and I for one will be ordering cameras from Armen soon most likely and won't even hesitate when ordering from him.

If you have "read" the board you will realize that out of all of the people that ordered something only a select few have had issues, and for the most part those issues were dealt with quickly.

gork · 09-05-2003, 03:20 PM

Recently, I have seen a lot of people talking about "real" touchscreen LCD's versus "touchscreen kit" LCD's.. This bugs the hell out of me.

THEY ARE THE SAME!

There are very few LCD panels made anymore that have glass fronts. Introducing the problem of putting a piece of glass into the panel enclosure itself is expensive and requires two different designs to accomidate the same LCD without the glass.

All commercial touchscreens that I have ever seen have a seperate resistive or capacitive film on a piece of glass that sits in front of the LCD (even palmtops and whatnot) There really is no such thing as an LCD with "built-in" touchscreen, unless you want to count that the touch panel and controller for it have been put into the casing by the manufacturer instead of someone else.

gizmomkr · 09-05-2003, 06:10 PM

Yeah, I have to side with the gang on this one -
SHUT UP AND STOP WHINEING !

Yes, some people will get doa's - it happens, such is life - The suppliers deal with it quickly and fairly.

I know we all live in the cute little digital fantasy wonderland where everything happens instantly, but in reality issues take time to resolve. Your telling me you never went to the store for something, and found it was out of stock!?

As for the quality and the prices - where the hell have you been - a vga touch for under 500.00 usd is still unheard of - I found them being sold for up to 600.00 (same exact unit)
You open the case and find tape holding boards to boards - Guess what, I have a 4,000.00 Panasonic 250 Digital VCR on my desk with 4 wires held in place with foam tape. LOTS OF MANUFACTURERS DO IT. You really care if its screwed down ? damn! shell out another 25 bucks and you can have a larger case with all the components mounted to something...

You make it sound as if we are on the bleading edge, and everything is a failing experiment.

Guess what - ITS ALL EXPERIMENTAL. if you do your homework , and use your brain, and spend the $$ you get a solid working product, but if you half *** it and cut corners - you deal!. You want something solid and tested with a good house keeping seal of approval - go spend 2,649.00 for an alpine and another 500 on an Ipod. wow im angry....

h_2_o · 09-05-2003, 08:57 PM

I'm going to stand up for digitalww here. I received one of thier monitors and it appeared not to work. I tried it on several different power supplies and nothing. I contacted him and so i ended up sending it back. It in the end was my fault a bit because i didn't want to throw too many ampers through the screen but it did not have the correct specs on the spec sheet. It was not digitalww's fault at all about that. After i figured that out it was perfect. It did not look like it was thrown together at all. all in all digitalww imho is a great place to deal with, cheaper than the other places that offer similar products too.

C4M · 09-05-2003, 11:29 PM

Having bought screens from both Dave & Armen, I can vouch for the fact that although they are small operations, the service from both is fantastic.

If you're unsure about the quality of a supplier to whom you're about to send a chunk of your hard earned cash, take the time to send them an email to ask some questions. If they are serious/interested in their little business, then they'll get back to you. Bear in mind that they are little businesses - they don't have an army of email-bots sitting there waiting to hear from you.

One of the things that royally p155es me off is the fact that people launch their "I ordered via email 3 minutes ago and Armen/Dave hasn't called me yet" threads, simply because both suppliers post here.

Take a pill people, and take your troubles to the vendor - not only does your impatience give the impression of poor customer service (which is wholly undeserved), but it means we have to endure pointless threads like this one.

God I hope someone locks this thread. Deletion would be even better.

Mitokondria · 09-06-2003, 12:07 AM

I have noticed that the most remarkable threads are from newbs with less than 5 posts.

End of my rant.

vairox · 09-06-2003, 03:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by spectrumzz

It's sad, but I'm noticing a common theme here after many days of reading. I started my project a couple of months ago and have yet to buy an LCD. First I wanted the Xenarc, but discovered the cables are usually flakey and they are too expensive. Then I discovered dscustoms, but same cable problems and people have trouble getting ahold of the guy and many DOAs, and finally on top of this, he is chronically out of stock until what may turn into October. So I couldn't get one, even if I ordered it. Then I find digital WW, which sells what look to be Lilliput screens, but the prices seem high and nobody actually seems to get their order (even though the website says they are ready to go, first come first serve). On top of this, it would appear the touchscreens are actually just kits and not built-in units for the digital WW. The photos on the website look like the screens are slapped together with electrical tape. Ok, so now I can't find any other options. It's either Digital WW, Dscustoms, or Xenarc direct. Only Xenarc is a commercial-level dealer with a good reputation, units in stock and a service department (but I'll end up paying big $$ for it).

for $400+ you'd think they would be made of higher quality materials, but then again...are these places REALLY in the business of offering a quality product, or in the business of making money?

Quote:

See the common theme yet?

oh yes.

btw. be aware that because you require a high quality product not made of electrical tape and extra kitty litter box parts, you will be heavily flamed for being a 1 post newbie...as if the two have anything to do with the other. "hey he wants something high quality.....punk *** 1 poster newbie!!!"

frodobaggins · 09-06-2003, 04:56 AM

you two were flamed for speaking on a topic for which neither of you have the knowledge to speak of accurately. Add that to bad attitudes and you have it all in a nutshell.

HomeSpecial · 09-06-2003, 02:30 PM

Look below. I'm not angry with the groups opinion but I think you'll see the proof below that there are real issues and that the post (weather the first or the 25th) is valid. Many of these did not have solutions except to send the unit back or continue to wait for said product without an update. All of these came on the first page of threads and I saw a lot more of these than what I placed below. Don't be saying that its an idiotic post or that your "flaming" someone. Listen to him/her as you do others and respond in kind. I stated my opion as I get into this arena and I agree with some of what is said. No reason to be harsh....just state that DSCustoms is great or WWDigital is great and let it be........ Overall I see a poor customer response for Xenarc than any of the others.

What is great about this list is that you experts/semi-experts have been extremely helpful and literally have saved me thousands of dollars I would have waisted otherwise. So no hard feelings and thanks again for the support.

John, Newbie/Hardcore researcher.

Proof:
1. "I bought my screen directly from xenarc a year ago and I was suprised when I opened the case and things (wires etc) where attached by scotch tape, not electrical, to other boards."

2. “Now my $400 screen has crapped out. I cut the plug to hook up the screen to my vehicle.”

3. “After waiting 5 weeks for the 700TS to arrive plus £70.00 VAT I plugged into my own adapter 240v in 14v dc 0.8a out and all has worked fine for about 3 days then today the picture started flickering and a burning smell followed by smoke, I disconnected the power and am letting it cool down.”

4. “I bought a 7 inch touch screen from digww and when I turned it on all I got was a white screen. I emailed and got no response for 2 weeks, so I finally opened her up and found a ribbon cable that was not holding a secure connection. It took a lot of electrical tape, but it is holding for now... never did hear back though...”

5. “I *just* got my new GAIN 7" touch-screen monitor from Xenarc - ordered from xenarcdirect.com. I ordered the 700-TS (USB version).

It is DOA - I plugged it in, and nothing happens. My multimeter says the power supply is good, my intuition tells me I've been screwed again.
Xenarc's # is busy.”

and so on and so on........

chut · 09-06-2003, 02:47 PM

I expect my RMA'd 700TS back from Xenarc on Monday. When I received it, the overlay didn't cover the entire screen. It was about an eighth of an inch short on the left side and the top side. The monitor could not be calibrated either. It was always an eighth of an inch off from where I touched with finger of stylus. I admit I was ****ed at the quality of a 500.00 monitor as delivered. I have been involved with computer hardware for the last twelve years. I know that sometimes manufacturing **** happens. But I have also noted quite a few complaints about quality from this company. (xenarc) Not any other company!!

I contacted them and as soon as I got them the receipt, they were willing to help me. Especially as I had purchased the monitor less then two weeks before applying for the RMA. I know that they sent the return monitor via UPS Three Day select. I appreciated that. When I get it back on Monday we'll see if they "fixed" the old or just sent me another. Other than those problems mentioned, I really like this monitor. The picture is wonderful. The mounting bracket could be improved, but maybe I just better find a better support for it. Tough in a little two seater. Oh Yea, I didn't open up the casing. I don't know how it was assembled. But I know that using tape to hold wires in place is not all that uncommon. Remember that they have no weight or pressure load placed on them, unless your going to take them out and use them as a leash to walk your dog!

Take Care
Peter

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