Hi There,

I'm researching construction of a serious HTPC as part of my HT. I've always figured a touchscreen would be the way to go, but more recently have started to have second thoughts. I like the idea of activity based control over component.

How many of you use touchscreens over remotes or vice versa. What are the downsides of TScreens.

Some remotes are really expensive here in NZ, while TScreens are more reasonably priced - I'm not talking Crestron or AMX either.

Looking forward to all your comments.

Thanks in advance.

Actually many remotes are touchscreens. The Pronto's are both a remote and a touch screen. It all depends on your requirements. For many applications, a Pronto with RF or without will be more than adequate. For more demanding control you will probably have to consider Crestron or AMX. Either way you look at it, the greater flexibility in terms of control usually translates into higher costs. You can use a lot of less expensive tricks to achieve a lot of control if you put your mind to it, but only to a limited degree. For a home, the Pronto TSU6000 and newer models should allow you to do a lot of control for relatively little money. You also get the freedom to walk around with it unlike a fixed touch panel.

I was thinking more about a fixed panel - 10 to 15 inch. I've been considering a touchscreen remote like the pronto, or more recently, the MX-3000, but I get concerned about the lack of response time and the serious configuration issues (which I suppose I'll get with a fixed panel anyway). I've also read a lot of comments about the number of pages that have to be pushed, equating to multiple button pushes to get the remote to do what you want. As always, there is a lot to consider as each HT is unique, as are the requirements of the owner.

Because I don't have either of these type of remotes, I was hoping to get some feedback from people that do run fixed panel touchscreens - (forgetting Crestron and AMX becasue they are way too expensive in NZ). I recently saw a 15" fixed panel T/screen here for $1500NZ (approx $600US) retail, so I know I can get it cheaper by shopping around. Many of the more serious portable remotes (MX-3000, RTI T2+, Pronto etc,) cost way more.

One plus for these types of remotes is the huge forum base and support (people have already sorted a lot of the issues) while using a fixed panel T/Screen like I planned, could introduce untried issues.

One of the issues with a fixed T/Screen is where to place it. I have seen numerous pics of T/S on coffee tables etc, but that would mean you'd have to lean forward every time to make an adjustment to something, then there is always the supply/com's cable issue - where do they hide on a coffee table?

I was also wondering how difficult a T/S (fixed) is to set up on a HTPC - especially if it isn't one designed specifically for the app like an AMX? I like the idea of running full-motion video on a fixed T/S independent of the montior/TV/Projector.

Further comments please.

Groover, you made specific points.. Any touch screen, remote control or otherwise will be subject to the program design. navigating through screens is part of that. It all depends on how much fine tuning control you want. Typically the touchscreen is only an interface between the equipment and the software that controls it. In a commercial application such as a convention center, or an arena where a central control staion will be located, a fixed touch screen is desireable since a remote can be dropped, lost or stolen. In a home, a remote is more flexible. Any touch screen (fixed or otherwise) will only be as succesful as it's programming. No more, no less. If you are stuck on fixed, consider the ELAN stuff, it's pretty good although a bit proprietary in some ways. Many new products emerging lately. Pick one that's well established

teknobeam1

Thanks for your help. I'll check out that ELAN stuff. One thing I like about a fixed panel is the amount of real estate you have with it - and, supposedly immediate response connected to a puter. For some reason the response lag on many "Pronto" type remotes really makes me shudder.