How To Select The Best Touch Screen LCD Monitor

Touch screen monitors seem to be everywhere. The great thing about them is that they are extremely easy to use. They function like an invisible keyboard, but display only as much data and button choices as users need to complete a task. That explains their popularity in devices from ATM's to mall kiosks and hospital operating rooms to complex industrial machinery.
The most important decision in selecting the best monitor for your application will be the type of touch screen technology to use. There are several types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We will cover the three most common types:
Resistive Technology:
A resistive monitor is composed of a glass panel covered with thin conductive and resistive metallic layers, separated by a thin space. When a user touches the screen, the 2 layers touch at that point. The computer detects the change in the electrical field and calculates the touch point.
Resistive screens are generally the most affordable, but they only offer approximately 75-80% image clarity. The touch can be activated with nearly any type of object (stylus, gloved finger, etc.), but the outer surface can be damaged with sharp objects. Resistive screen panels are not affected by dust or water on the surface; they are the most common type used today.
Capacitive Technology:
In a capacitive monitor, a layer that stores a continuous electrical current is placed on top of the monitor's glass panel. When an exposed finger touches the monitor screen, some of the electrical charge transfers to the user. This decrease in capacitance is detected and located by circuits located at each corner. The computer then determines the touch point.
Capacitive screens are a durable technology that is often used in kiosks, point-of-sale systems and industrial machinery. Capacitive screens have a higher clarity than resistive-type (88-92%), and have greater endurance (up to 225 million touches) than a Resistive-type. However, capacitive screens can only be activated with an exposed finger (no gloves, pointers, etc.)
SAW Technology:
SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) monitors utilize a series of transducers and reflectors along the sides of the monitor's glass plate to create an invisible grid of ultrasonic waves on the surface. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. The receiving transducer locates the touch point, and sends this data to the controller.
SAW screens have no layers on the screen, thus enabling over 90% image clarity, and can display high-detail graphics. They can be activated by a finger, gloved hand or soft-tip stylus. However, SAW panels are the most expensive of the three, and contaminants on the surface (moving liquids or condensation) can cause false-triggers; solid contaminants on the screen can create non-touch areas, until they are removed.
Other Considerations:
Other factors to consider in your selection process include:
Interface: Touch screen panels must communicate with the computer. The most common interface types are RS-232 and USB. New HID-compliant touch screen monitors eliminate the need for drivers.
Mounting: Options include panel mount, rack mount and free-standing. If free-standing, be sure that it uses a heavy-duty stand designed for it; standard table top bases will topple over.
Environment: Available in standard, stainless steel and waterproof enclosures for a variety of environments.
Screen Size: Available from 3.5" to 52". The most common sizes are 15"-19", and 32"-42" for large control rooms. The aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) should also be considered.
The type of monitor you select will be contingent upon many factors, including type of data to be displayed (video, graphics, text), the intended users, the operating environment and where/how it will be mounted. Chosen correctly, touch screen monitors will be an excellent addition to your system.

Super Speed S3 HDMI Cables

If you are on the market for an HDMI cable, you could easily get lost into the wide variety of types and get even more confused by the recommendations of the sales clerks. There are quite a few types of HDMI leads, which are suitable for different applications, but all you need is a HDMI cable that works. There is a bit of a difference between the more expensive and the cheapest ones as the former are often thicker and could withstand more misuse and abuse, however, you are unlikely to need a super-tough HDMI lead on a first place. As long as you pick the correct model and length that works for you, you will not need to worry about its model, characteristics, or standards that the cable uses.
One of the excellent HDMI cables, which comes highly recommended is the Super Speed S3 HDMI lead - it is one, which could be used with XBOX 360, Digital Receivers, LCD TV's, BluRay Players, PS3, TV screens, computers, and laptops. It is a cable, which is as universal as they come, supports all features, including the 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 HDMI standard-using applications. Typically, the Super Speed S3 HDMI leads come with 24-karat gold plated connectors and a lifetime guarantee, which is likely to give any consumer the peace of mind that they deserve. You can find these types of HDMI cables in most of the large electronic stores or you can purchase them online from one of the specialized sites. Shopping on the Internet comes with many advantages as it allows you to place your order in a matter of minutes, have the cable delivered right at your doorstep, and you are likely to get a good price as well.
Amongst the main characteristics, which make the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables so popular are their support for all HDMI 1.3a,b,c features, HDMI 1.4 3D features, high speed Ethernet, 15.3 GBPS Bandwidth, up to 2160p resolution, audio return channel, triple Mylar shielding, 3D Over HDMI, Full Deep color, and Dual Stream 1080P. The cables are also suitable for in-wall use, which definitely adds to their flexibility. If you are on the market for a new HDMI cable, regardless of its intentional use, then make sure to ask the sales clerk about the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables and their advantages, or simply get online, and order one from the comfort of your home.

HDMI Matrix - An Easy Solution For Connecting Multiple Devices

What do you do when your high-definition television set has only one HDMI connection, but you have several HD components that you want to connect? In today's digital age people are hungry to have different components to capture or view videos or pictures, watch the latest 3D movie release, play an xBox game or revisit of the baby's first birthday. The problem is that many older high-definition televisions are designed with a single HDMI port. In order to resolve a problem where there are more connections than HDMI ports, you use a HDMI matrix.
The problem with having so many high-definition gadgets is that many HDTVs have a single port. Well, there is another problem: You've run out of space to store all this stuff in your entertainment center. The good news is that using an HDMI matrix switcher, solves both problems. Buying an HDMI switch won't send you to the poorhouse either.
An HDMI matrix acts as a hub for multiple source devices and then relays the audio and video signals to a receiver, typically an HD television. Some HDMI switch devices allow you to switch between the components using a remote control or manually pushing a button on the unit. More advanced HDMI switch devices actually automatically change over to a component when it is powered on or when another is shut down.
The basic implementation allows several HD inputs and outputs which can be conveniently selected in any combination. If you have to extend the distance between the switch box, HD components and the television then choose a more advanced HDMI matrix unit with the ability to transmit high-definition signals over a CAT5/6 cable. This cable is very lightweight and flexible making it an ideal solution for stringing through ceilings or walls. Some HDMI matrix switchers allow you to flip between different components and even select another combination of devices while the first selection is active.
There are a number of different HDMI matrix models the most popular supporting 3 inputs and 1 output. That means you can connect 3 HD devices and switch between each to view on a single output, your television. There are several other input/output configurations available including 4x2 (4 inputs/ 2 outputs), 4x4, 8x8 and even 16X16.
You don't have to be a high-end technology business to benefit from these solutions. Small businesses and the home gadget experts benefit from using HDMI matrix units offering simple and reliable HDMI distribution.