9/24/2009

Crestron unveils its new line of ultra-slim, low profile, high definition touchpanels. Only 2-inches deep, Crestron V-Panels are the thinnest available, and uniquely provide VESA mount installation in addition to desktop and flush wall-mount.

Offered in 12″ (VESA, tilt, wall) and 15″ (VESA, tilt, wall) versions, a V-Panel can function as both a touchpanel control interface and flat panel HD display.  A choice of either the Crestron DGE-1 or DGE-2 external graphics engine enable V-Panels to display both HD (HDMI/HDCP) and analogue video (VGA, component, and streaming media from online videos, digital media servers and Web cameras). V-Panels can also integrate VoIP communications, embedded PC applications, USB-HID control, onscreen annotation and whole house control, delivering a complete digital media, control and communication solution.
“Separating the graphics engine hardware from the display helps make the V-Panel so versatile and flexible,” says Robin van Meeuwen, Crestron UK MD and International Sales Director. “You can choose the most appropriate graphics engine to suit the application, and the hardware can be placed in the equipment rack, simplifying connectivity to control and other AV equipment.”
Today’s modern homes include a variety of digital HD audio and video sources, such as HD cable and satellite, Blu-ray players, iTunes®, Apple® TV, computers and more. Both Digital Graphics Engines feature a Crestron DigitalMedia™ output to provide direct connectivity with the new V-Panels, so uncompressed HD signals may be displayed on touchpanels for the first time. Using the DGE-2, two fully-scalable, full-motion video windows support standard video, HDTV, high-resolution RGB/VGA, and protected HDMI/DVI and DisplayPort multimode.
Other features of the V-Panel include built-in annotation, which gives the user the ability to draw over a moving or paused video image. The native IP intercom can be leveraged to talk panel-to-panel with someone in another room, and Crestron SIP Phone allows 2-way communication between touchpanels, as well as with traditional and SIP/VoIP phones. The USB port provides direct connection to a keyboard and mouse (or wirelessly via an RF dongle) for efficient PC/Internet navigation right from the V-Panel location.