Touch Screen Device Adds Value to Pioneer Plasma. Combine touch-screen with 50-inch PureVision plasma for the ultimate presentation tool

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today launches its touch-screen device for 50-inch PureVision plasma displays. The touch-screen device uses a high-speed infrared scanning system that operates at resolutions above WXGA (1280 x 768) to capture input from either a finger or dedicated handwriting pen in the same manner as a PC receives input from a mouse. The result is a highly interactive touch panel that opens a virtually limitless range of applications for plasma displays. The PDK-50HW2 touch-screen device, which fits over the frame - but not the glass of the plasma display, will be on display at this week's InfoComm 2002 trade show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

The touch-screen device makes presentations, lectures and meetings much more interactive and efficient. Presenters can open and close files, add handwritten or illustrated input, emphasize important points and deliver graphically dynamic content without moving away from the display. In addition, touch-screen plasmas can be used for a wide array of purposes such as digital signage at public facilities, promotional tools for point-of-purchase advertising or visually striking kiosks.

"Along with the open architecture and expansion slot interface of our plasma displays, the touch-screen capability is another example of how our plasma products are designed to be as innovative and customizable as possible for our customers' application needs," said Craig McManis, vice president of marketing for the home entertainment division at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

The lightweight touch-screen device is installed on Pioneer's PDP-503CMX 50-inch plasma display and connects to a data source (e.g., PC, laptop, or handheld) through a standard RS-232 terminal. Mobile-cart, wall-mount, and ceiling-mount options enable the touch-screen plasma to be installed in almost any location.

Because the glass of the plasma display is not covered as with touch-screen overlays, there is no luminance degradation, focus blurring or parallaxing. Images retain their brightness and clarity, which is especially important with handwritten input.

Calibration of the plasma touch screen is only required during the initial setup of the device or when the PC output resolution is changed, making the product easy to maintain and highly reliable. There is no slippage in the calibration even when the plasma is moved. In fact, the calibration is so stable and precise that pen coordinates when handwriting do not slip even when used for long periods of time.

The PDK-50HW2 comes with a dedicated handwriting pen that incorporates a mouse button feature (left, right, and middle), which enables it to be used with various PC applications. The pen includes a roll-prevention feature to avoid drift of the image, battery-check function, and loop string attachment.

The PDK-50HW2 is compatible with multiple versions of Microsoft Windows, including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT (SP3 or higher), Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP (Professional/Home Edition).

The PDK-50HW2 is available for a suggested retail price of $3,999.

The Industrial Display Group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is the leading provider of plasma and video display products for business use. Pioneer introduced the industry's first 50-inch high definition plasma display in 1997 and continues to deliver innovative third-generation display solutions for professional audio/video, information technology, trade show, broadcast, legal, medical, education and transportation applications. In an effort to provide the highest quality of customer care, Pioneer professional plasma displays that are purchased through an authorized dealer, include a one-year warranty with convenient on-site service and technical support.