Axiomtek announced an HD-ready digital signage computer that includes a 46-inch touchscreen with a 4000:1 contrast ratio and IP3X/IP65 protection against dust and water. The DSH-146 features a removable board with a choice of Intel Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors, an optional motion detection sensor and infrared touchscreen, Mini PCI Express expansion, and up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, the company says.

Axiomtek's 46-inch DSH-142 is designed for digital signage and self-service kiosk applications in train/subway stations, education, financial services, retail stores, restaurants, and airports, says the company.

The device is quite similar to the 42-inch DSH-146 announced in November, again offering an IP3x-rated enclosure and an IP65-rated front panel compatible with wet or dusty environments. The main difference appears to be an improved screen with better contrast ratio.

The device accepts up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM and ships with a 2.5-inch hard disk drive of unstated capacity. According to Axiomtek, the DSH-142 may be operated around the clock. A built-in sensor adjusts the device's LCD to match ambient lighting, while an optional motion detection sensor allows backlighting to be switched on in response to foot traffic, the company adds.

Axiomtek DSH-146, showing removable CPU board

Axiomtek says the fanless device employs a removable CPU board, making configuration and maintenance simpler. The company touted a similar arrangement not only for the DSH-142, but also for the 46-inch DSA-146 it announced in January 2010.

With an IP3X-rated full enclosure and IP65-rated front bezel seal, the DSH-146 keeps pace with applications that require water/dust-proof design. The whole system is protected against water jets coming from any direction, according to Axiomtek.

Like the above-mentioned products, the DSH-146 uses Intel's GM45 mobile chipset, supporting the installation of 2.0GHz Celeron M 575 or 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo T9400 processors, according to Axiomtek. Available with or without an infrared touchscreen, it offers 1920 x 1080 resolution (for HD video compatibility) and a 450-nit brightness rating.

The new model advances from the DSH-142's 1500:1 contrast ratio to a 4000: 1 ratio, and, as before, offers two speakers with five-Watt amplifiers.

DSH-146 display

According to Axiomtek, the DSH-146 has a Mini PCI Express expansion slot that may be used to add 802.11 wireless networking. Wired connectors include a gigabit Ethernet port, VGA or DVI video outputs, and four USB 2.0 ports, the company adds.

Although it offers a larger screen than the DSH-142, the DSH-146 is slightly smaller all around. It also offers a VESA FPMPMI compliant flat panel mount.

Specifications listed by Axiomtek for the DSH-146 include the following:

• Processor — 2.0GHz Intel Celeron M 575, or 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400
• Chipset — GM45
• Memory — up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM via two SODIMM slots
• Display:
  • 46-inch screen
  • 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
  • 4000:1 contrast ratio
  • 450-nit brightness rating
  • Optional infrared touchscreen
  • Optional motion detection
• Storage — 1 x 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive
• Expansion — Mini PCI Express slot
• Networking — gigabit Ethernet
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x VGA or DVI
• Other features — VESA FPMPMI compliant flat-panel mount
• Power requirements — 100 to 240VAC; 450 Watts
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 42.9 x 25 x 4.8 inches
• Weight — 96.1 pounds (43.7kg)

Further information

Axiomtek did not release pricing, availability, or operating system support details for the DSH-146. More information may be found on Axiomtek's DSH-146 page.

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