Inexpensive Touch Screen Automation

utvols7

New Member
Ok guys, new to the forum, but I need your input and opinions. My main concern is a Media Center where I can control music. This is what I am planning on doing, why don't people do this more?

I purchased a Elo 15 touch screen monitor which I plan to flush mount into the master bedroom wall above a speaker selector that is already mounted in-wall. I can use the VGA and digital output from the computer to give me video to the touchscreen and run the digital out into the home theater receiver input. Now this will allow me to control my media ( plan on having itunes showing and I/guests will be able to scroll through various artists and play whatever they would like and then click whatever room they want music to be on. When itunes is not running, the screensaver will be used as a digital frame and show pictures. This is an inexpensive way to get a nice look. Touch screen monitor cost $130, and the selector $30. ( plus speakers in whichever rooms)

Just curious if anyone has done something like this? I am also wanting to expand the capabilities of the touchscreen to control lighting as well. Currently master bedroom is hooked to lutron lighting controled to a Sony remote. Any ideas on how to get this to work via the touchscreen? I know I will probaly need to get some X10 gear, but not real familiar with it.
I'll post pictures once I have it complete!!

Any help/suggestions is greatly appreciated!


Ryan
 
A 15" touch sceen is HUGE for most bedrooms and the other draw back is the mobility. The new iTouch is just as affective and can be used from any where in the world not just a single location.
 
A 15" touch sceen is HUGE for most bedrooms and the other draw back is the mobility. The new iTouch is just as affective and can be used from any where in the world not just a single location.

15'' is not too big if one of the things you want to display is your security cameras and you want to see more than one view to a time. Also one has to question the value of controlling the speaker selector from anywhere in the world... If you are not home you can't hear the speakers anyway!
 
Ok guys, new to the forum, but I need your input and opinions. My main concern is a Media Center where I can control music. This is what I am planning on doing, why don't people do this more?

Who doesn't do this would be my question???? One of the most common reasons for HA.
 
Yeah, what frunple said. Pretty much everyone does this, if you want an inexpensive software solution to make life easier, look into NetRemote. Jwilson has a great skin somewhere here about his music control stuff. He's got other stuff there too, i just can't remember what it is.
 
Where did you get the ELO 15" flush mount touchscreen for $130? Thanks.

Dr. Touchscreen on Ebay sells them at $155 for a 15' Elo.

Actually it looks more like $173 when you factor in shipping (if you don't need the stand you can subtract ten dollars). FYI, these are used/refurbished.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ELO-lcd-touchscreen-15...1742.m153.l1262

He also sells them for $99 if it has "light scratch" that you cannot see when video is displayed. I am aware of the refurb, around $130, you can't beat. He includes a warranty and the feedback was all great from other buyers. I ll let you know when I get the screen in on Tuesday.
 
Yeah, what frunple said. Pretty much everyone does this, if you want an inexpensive software solution to make life easier, look into NetRemote. Jwilson has a great skin somewhere here about his music control stuff. He's got other stuff there too, i just can't remember what it is.

I use my Now Playing skin for Netremote/Girder 5 pretty much all day which is centered around my 6 zone whole house audio setup. I am currently working on a new theme for 1024X768 and later one for 800X480 to use with my Nokia 770.

BSR posted the link....


John
 
How do you flush mount these in the wall? Can you order a mounting trim separately? I want to put one of these in the wall in the middle of the kitchen so it needs to look good! Also, does anyone know any good source for the same thing in a 12" size?
 
I saw that and was really bothered. Michael was so responsive, that it seemed strange that he would fall off like that.

But my point was, that there is a lot of good info in that thread about mounting and using said touchscreens.
 
Back
Top