[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0vDd76nGs8I]
I have been fortunate enough to design 3 museums and a bunch of exhibits. I have always tried to incorporate digital signage and hands-on technology into our designs, but was often limited by what was available (and cost). Now, I see the following: Ideum has taken the wraps off the latest addition to its growing family of multitouch tables, with the release of the MT55. The table, originally announced late last month, boasts a handsome 55-inch LCD display, which beams LED-backlit graphics in 1920×1080 HD resolution.
As with its predecessors, the MT55’s screen comes coated with a 5-mm layer of sturdy, tempered glass, and sits atop a pedestal made of aluminum and steel. Within that pedestal lurks an Intel Quad Core i7 CPU, with 4GB of RAM, a pair of 250GB SATA hard drives, and an NVIDIA Quadro 600 video card. The system runs Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, and comes packed with GestureWorks multitouch software for both Flash and Flex. The MT55 also features an integrated Bose Audio system, and can support up to 32 simultaneous touchpoints — not quite as many as the 50 that its 100-inch counterpart can handle, but definitely enough to enthrall any class of 4th-graders on a field trip to the museum.
Here’s the official press release:
Ideum Releases New HD LCD Ruggedized Multi- touch Table
CORRALES, New Mexico (April 20, 2011) Ideum has announced the release of its new MT55 HD 55″ multitouch table. A newly released video shows all of the table’s features.
http://www.youtube.com/user/multitouchexhibits
The MT55 HD is a fully integrated system with an LCD, multitouch overlay, ultra clear tempered glass, powerful computer, UPS battery backup, and integrated cooling cell. The table even has an integrated Bose Audio system. It has single- ‐ button operation. The MT55 has a large 55″ LCD with full 1920×1080 HD resolution. Its unique pedestal design houses a powerful computer while the surface is only 3″ inches thick. The pedestal and top surface are built with aluminum and steel. The entire unit stands 31″ tall, matching ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.
The integrated HP computer system is packed with power. The CPU is an Intel® Quad Core i7 with 4GB of RAM, dual 250GB SATA Hard Drives and NVIDIA Quadro 600 PCI video card. The system is multitouch- ‐enabled from start up and runs Windows 7 Professional 64- ‐bit. The computer system is backed with a three- ‐year HP warranty. The LCD has an LED backlight and is rated for 50,000 hours. The screen is protected by hardened, 5mm tempered glass. The table supports up to 32 simultaneous touch points. A lockable cabinet protects the computer and all of the other components.
The table comes complete with WIFI, Bluetooth, and Ethernet capability. It also has HDMI output to allow you to easily mirror the table’s display. “Hidden” Ethernet (CAT5), HDMI, and USB 2.0 ports are included. “A large, maintenance- ‐free, all-in-one solution is what our customers have been asking for,” said Jim Spadaccini, Director of Ideum. “The MT55 HD–which comes with a huge LCD display, a full warranty, and integrated software and is a complete package that cannot be found anywhere else.”
The MT55 HD ships with GestureWorks for Flash and Flex. With support for more than 200 gestures, GestureWorks is the most advanced multitouch SDK available. The package includes nearly a dozen pre-built Open Exhibits multitouch components. The new video features music by Moby, the track Lacrimae will be released on his upcoming album, Destroyed, to be released on May 17th.