IBM Corp has introduced the Ultimedia Touch Activity Centre, described as a self-contained, integrated and tailorable multimedia kiosk. The recent Corot to Monet exhibition at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art featured IBM’s Touch Activity Centre, and visitors viewed a multimedia preview of the exhibition, including music, narration and a video of the French landscape paintings on display. PS/2-based, and supporting the recently announced Ultimedia offerings, the Touch Activity Centre kiosks are available in three versions, each containing several models. Audio/graphic for the Series 100, analogue for the Series 200 and digital video for the Series 300. The audio/graphic models include IBM’s M-Audio Capture/Playback Adaptor/A; the analogue video model includes the M-Motion Video Adaptor/A and a laser disk player; and ActionMedia II adaptors from IBM and Intel Corp are included in the digital video models. The kiosk applications are designed for easy installation and can be shipped from the factory completely configured. Available in eight models, each Centre includes a kiosk cabinet; built-in speakers; an amplifier; marquee lighting; panels for custom graphics and advertising; cooling fans; and smoked-glass privacy panels. Each Centre is available as a stand-up or sit-down version. Also standard, a PS/2 Model 8557 – models 055, 059 or Ultimedia M57 SLC – an 8516 Touch Display and MS-DOS 5.0 or OS/2 2.0. The Ultimedia Touch Activity Centre will be available from June 19 in the US, costing between $12,000 and $24,000.
