Touchscreen question

[Juniper]

Hi,

Where can I find more about touchscreens? Would it work if I just plug it in my computer? Or does it come with its own operating system? I'm clueless, any information most welcome. Which brand would you recommend?

Thx!

 

[43st]

What's it to be used for?

A touchscreen needs a way to input data back to the PC, this is usually done via a RS232 port.

 

[Juniper]

Thera,

It is for allowing people to take surveys, so a touchscreen would be more natural for this kind of task.

Do I need to buy a special card for this RS232 port? So it means I can just plug it in a normal computer running Windows XP?

 

[43st]

I'm more familiar with pro control systems. We use touch panels for system control of AV systems.

Anyway... I'd recommend Totevision in your case. They make a wide range of touch panels that can be either mounted into a table or stand by themselves. Anything in the product page that ends in a "TS" is a touch screen. The PC input is handled via RS232 (Com port) so you'll need one of those also. You can use a USB com port adapter if that's easier than adding an internal com port card, the choice is yours.

The above solution may require some custom programming, scan converting, and custom cabling to get everything set up right, this isn't really consumer stuff. If you want an easier consumer grade solution I'd go for Wacom Cintiq based system. It can be set up by IT folks without much of a problem.

If this is a big project that requires a semi-perminent or perminent solution I'd recommend you bid the job out to an experienced AV consultant and/or AV integrator. They will be able to tailor make, program, and support any system like this, if that's your need.

 

[Juniper]

Thera, thanks for your time!