VFD for an HTPC

[AstroCreep]

Okay, so I'm working on my setting up an HTPC, and I'd really like to get a VFD for it (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) to display chapter and time info for DVDs, shows, etc.

I found two that look pretty good:

http://www.xoxide.com/vl-system-lis-premium2.html, and
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-fp54.htm.

Here's the thing, the VL one uses a proprietry driver/software system (which I have no problem with), and the SS isn't tied to a particular program (they say it will work with any 'standard' VFD-controlling program); they recommend an open-source program named 'LCD Smartie'.

Now what I am curious of is two things:
-Is anyone familiar with either of these? If so, will either of their programs work with MCE 2005?
-Does anyone recommend a different VFD that will work with MCE 2005?

TIA! 🙂


EDIT: I had to fix the links (never did links here before and they we're broken).

 

[AstroCreep]

Any thoughts? Anyone? 😕

I also heard that the Matrix Orbital is supposed to be pretty nice, but once again I haven't a 'confirm' or 'deny' as to if it can work with MCE 2005.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You might have more luck in the forums at www.avsforum.com

Also check sudhian.com, last I checked they had a fair number of HTPC builders there.

 

[AstroCreep]

Ahhh...very good.

Thanks for the suggestions, Dave!

I did checkout HTPCnews.com during the weekend, and that's actually where I was turned on to the Matrix Orbital.