General consensus about cases with small LCDs

DDH · **4th August 2008, 01:34 PM**

I've never had the need to look at this until now, and by "this" I mean a case with a built in LCD. The situation is the usual, VMC to go in the cabinet with the other entertainment stuff and not wanting to turn on the big screen when wanting to play some music.

So is it worth trying to get a case with a built in LCD, or am I better off just getting a small flat screen externally and cloning the main display?

I've seen a few cases with the built in screens, ie http://www.silverstonetek.com/produc...d02mt&area=usa but they all appear to run their own software, not just a 16:9 screen clone.

Love to hear some feedback from various experiences.

logifuse · **4th August 2008, 02:03 PM**

I was hoping the 2 way remote controls to do that sort of job would take off (e.g. Philips), but they never seemed to get off the ground.

Justin

dgaust · **4th August 2008, 02:34 PM**

The Ricavision ones are still supposed to be coming.... I'm building an app now that will eventually be able to do it (as well as act like a PC remote).

In the mean time there are applications available that can do it through a pocket pc - salling clicker is my favourite. It can interrogate your WMP database so you can search/play albums remotely.

vlad · **4th August 2008, 10:49 PM**

Hi, DDH
Did you read my articles on VFD/Small LCD/Big LCD's ?
Should I repeat? I will, for you

ricsa · **5th August 2008, 10:25 AM**

No experience with built-in screens but the recent sideshow plugin that is still in beta may be the way to go (if you have a compatabile PDA or mobile).

http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/07...mobile-device/

I haven't upgraded to vista yet so I haven't had a chance to try it.

DDH · **5th August 2008, 12:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlad

Hi, DDH
Did you read my articles on VFD/Small LCD/Big LCD's ?
Should I repeat? I will, for you

Vlad I honestly don't recall them. I probably wasn't thinking I needed the info at the time

I've had a bit of a look around and can't locate the information. A point in the right direction would be appreciated.

vlad · **5th August 2008, 12:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDH

Vlad I honestly don't recall them. I probably wasn't thinking I needed the info at the time

I've had a bit of a look around and can't locate the information. A point in the right direction would be appreciated.

No problems, I will just say it again

I have a case - Thermaltake DH102 http://www.thermaltake.com/product/C.../vh2001bns.asp
It has 7" LCD screen. It is a second monitor and can be configured to be a clone or independent, using your GPU software. It is connected via VGA/composite cable to a second DVI port on my Video Card. You have to have 2 outputs on your video card to use a case with second monitor.
It can run proprietary iMon software, but you can use it without it. You cannot clone it effectively as it is 800x600 only and is you as me have 1080p screen, then you will see only a corner of that image.
IMon will allow you to play music without big screen.
It is expencive and not really practical, but looks terrific and you can put aquarium screen saver on it

It is more of something you badly want, not nesesarily need

It shows time and the weather, and you can see some news on it. Tha's about it - I have got it becase I knew that I will always want it and make exquses to get it anyway.
More reasonable person would not get it

ricsa · **5th August 2008, 01:18 PM**

Some of the newer cases (Origen S16T) run the LCD at full HD which would allow you to better clone your screens. Though at this resolution I'm not sure how useful your 7" touchscreen would be! I'm with Vlad, extremely desirable but probably not that practical.