Link to Amazon Store HERE

• Refresh rate doubled and response time greatly decreased
• The frame bezel of the G4 Overlay units are now half the width as the G3 Overlays (2 inch down to 1 inch = same as G4/G3 Integration Kits)
• Overlays come disassembled but with “Smart Assembling” connectors so setup is simple and quick
• Waterproofing option for G4 Overlays!!
• Included glass with G4 Overlays has special low friction coating

Here is the flyer from PQ Labs announcing the G4 units:

The G4 Overlay is shipped in two boxes, one for the glass and one for the frame (no you can’t order it without the glass):

Here are the contents of the Frame Box:

And the glass:

Here is a comparison of the different frames.  First the G3 Overlay, then G3 Int Kit, and finally the G4 Overlay:

Here is the G4 Overlay on top of the G3 Overlay:

Here is the differences in the ports.  The G4 Overlay (top) uses the same as the Int Kits (G4/G3) have used with a “pig-tail” to plug the USB and power into.  The older G3 Overlay had I/O ports on the sides which often became damaged over time:

One thing to note is the G4 Overlay has its “pig-tail” exiting out the side rather than the bottom as the Int Kits do:

Here is a comparison of the Int Kit (G4/G3) (top) to the G4 Overlay (bottom).  Notice the much easier “Smart Assembly” used in the G4 Overlay now.  Setup takes no time at all now:

Just 2 screws to attach the frame in each corner:

Now that you have seen the physical differences, you may be asking what the user experience upgrade is?

We tested both a 40″ G3 Int Kit and a 40″ G4 Overlay (same physical dimensions) on the same computer setup.  The computer was running the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which alone speeds up the Touch Frames response compared to Windows 7 so you may notice a speed increase compared to your own setup.  Differences between the frames was minor but definitely noticeable.  One of the main complaints with Infrared Touch Frames is the delay from the finger interaction and where the computer tracks you.  The higher sampling frame rate of the G4 Frames makes this delay decrease.  Ultimately though it comes down to the user’s computer and OS so keep that in mind when you are building your setup.

Video going over the unboxing, assembly and comparison to the G3 Frames below:

Download Setup Instructions HERE

1.8mm
2.8mm
4.0mm
6.0mm
8.0mm
12.0mm

The 2.8, 6, 8, and 12mm were only previously available by getting the Standard Lens Pack, but now they are available also individually. The 16mm will only be available until the current stock of Standard Lens Packs sell out. Most people don’t ever use the 16mm so it won’t be missed.

The Discount Lens Packs have also gotten an update, now offering more lenses for the same price!

The Multitouch Lens Pack has gotten the new lower focal length lenses, bringing the current total lenses in the pack from 7 to 10.

The Complete Lens Pack continues to include all the fixed focal lenses we sell for one heavily discounted price. The 16mm is no longer included in it as mentioned before, and the total number of lenses is increased to 13.

We have found a different lens supplier so we have decided to replace the Varifocal 2.7-12mm CS lens with a less expensive Varifocal 2.8-10mm Cs Lens. Most optical setups never use a lens above the 5mm focal length so this shouldn’t be a problem for customers. The remaining 2.7-12mm CS lenses will be available until they run out.

As always, there are no filters in any of the lenses so they can be used for any wavelength setup.

In the shots above, you can see the large projection screen hanging behind Filo and Peri.  The screen also went through two versions just like the podiums.  The first screen was made up of 4 panels, each with clear acrylic framing to suspend the projection material.  The projection material used is commonly called holographic projection screen, because it is mostly clear and only stops 10% of the projector’s light.  You can buy the material on the Peau Productions Store here.  The acrylic framing wasn’t sturdy enough, so for the final setup they got the projection material laminated onto some clear mylar and suspended it from a large metal truss system. I had recently created a touch screen podium for myself using a 40 inch Infrared Touch Frame, and when Filo and Peri saw it, they wanted the same.  The black touch frame creates a plane of infrared light over any image and allows the user to manipulate the media onscreen.  The frames work in both Windows and Mac environments, support mouse driver, TUIO and FlashTUIO, and are capable of 2, 6, or up to 32 simultaneous touches depending on which model you get.  Their frame versions were slightly different in that they didn’t have a projector stand.  Here is a shot of mine:

They bought two of them and used them in their show. After using them, they had only good things to say about how accurate and sturdy the frames were.  They have many more shows planned so hopefully they’ll be playing near you and you can see their awesome setup.

After researching frame pricing, available sizes, shipping prices, etc. from a few manufacturers, I decided to become a reseller for touch frames from PQ Labs.  The main deciding factors were the support for both Windows and Mac operating systems and built in export to TUIO/Flash TUIO applications, which their drivers support.  You can see all the different standard sizes available on the store, with custom frames also possible (contact me for custom pricing).  The frames come in two forms: an overlay which includes a layer of 3mm glass, and an integration kit that comes disassembled with cheaper shipping.  All frames have flat rate worldwide shipping which makes it nice because I don’t have to stock the frames and the customer is only paying for one shipping cost, directly to them from the manufacturer overseas.

I filmed a review video which you can see at the end of this post, where I go through everything from the initial unboxing to running applications.  The biggest test was how ambient infrared light affected the tracking.  While it’s best to just watch that portion of the video (starting at 10:42min), some interesting things about the frames can be concluded:

• The frames will work in all lighting conditions except for intense direct infrared light (such as direct sunlight)
• This means they will work outside in the shade or in any room that has ambient sunlight or incandescent bulbs
• Very large frames may have problems though with tracking towards the center in infrared lighting environments
• If the infrared light changes drastically, you may need to recalibrate the screen

The frames perform really, really well at tracking your fingers or any objects placed on the screen.  Pricing and more info can be seen on the store.  Contact me if you have questions.

1.7mm m12

1.9mm m12

2.0mm m12

2.1mm m12

2.5mm m12

2.8mm m12

3.6mm m12

4.3mm m12

6.0mm m12

2.6-6mm Varifocal m12

2.8-12mm Varifocal m12

The touch setup seen in the video is the same box used to make the HOW TO on building a Rear DI setup created previously (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrQ1Gb2vNEk)

Peau Productions website: http://peauproductions.com/
Prolight Fims website: http://www.prolightfilms.com/