Inexpensive Touch Screen Automation

[jkish]

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

I've done exactly what you describe - I have an ELO 1545 touch and had a custom frame built for it - mounted in kitchen wall.

Screen displays digtal photos while idle and can control iTunes through a multi-zone setup via CQC.

 

[jwilson56]

I am looking for an ELO that has a full stand with it. I bought one of the 15" ELO that was sold but since I am looking to move in a couple years I decided not to try mounting it in these wet plater walls. I would like a nice one to sit on the end table to use in my living room.

John

 

[politics123]

I am looking for an ELO that has a full stand with it. I bought one of the 15" ELO that was sold but since I am looking to move in a couple years I decided not to try mounting it in these wet plater walls. I would like a nice one to sit on the end table to use in my living room.

John

I just used a standard swing-arm monitor mount (the ELO is VESA compatable)

 

[robertmee]

I just used a standard swing-arm monitor mount (the ELO is VESA compatable)

x2...I have two 15" ELOs, one in the MBR and one in the Kitchen. In the MBR, I use a a swing-arm mount next to the bed, so laying in bed, you can swing it at a right angle to do whatever, and when not in bed, swing it back against the wall as a walk up TS. In the kitchen, I use an under the counter flip-down mount. It stays down most always, but have the ability to swing it up and under the cabinet if we need the counter space.

 

[George M]

For those of you using this touchscreen, what lines are running back to the computer? Are you using baluns over cat 5?

Thanks
George

 

[jkish]

For those of you using this touchscreen, what lines are running back to the computer? Are you using baluns over cat 5?

Thanks
George

VGA via splitter/amplifier and USB w/repeater

 

[keepersg]

On E-bay right now--best deal I've seen on Elo 15" touch screens. You can pickup a lot of 10 at about $65 apiece.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-10-ELO-TOUCH-ET...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[politics123]

On E-bay right now--best deal I've seen on Elo 15" touch screens. You can pickup a lot of 10 at about $65 apiece.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-10-ELO-TOUCH-ET...1QQcmdZViewItem

Group Buy?

 

[Ranger Digital]

123, I thought the same thing. Figured I would buy them then pass them out. But saw you can buy it now for 85 bucks so not really worth all the trouble of buying all ten and HOPING to get rid of the rest.

 

[AnthonyZ]

Well, I'm not currently in a position to front the lot but I would love to see a CT group buy. If someone else runs this, count me in for one. Tuck, you flush?

 

[keepersg]

I'd take two in a group buy.