I think we should ask for a "modular" approach to a pre-pro.
I would envision a pre-pro that oriented itself around a high resolution TFT (16x9 touch screen). Using an aesthetic bilateral set of hard buttons/knobs for the most predictable and used functions (80/20 rule). The touch screen can accomodate the remaining - as well as be updatable with firmware updates.
The hard buttons would be back iluminated and vary in intensity(and off!). Only the relevent hard buttons would illuminate based on the mode or source selected. With the new and cheap LED's, you can even provide a full range color option!!! Having source based buttons back illuminated would make access easier when the room lights are dim as well as provide a quick visual cue to relevent buttons based on the mode you are in.
Definitley spend money on a good Industrial design team!!! Or have optional faceplates - which would require some easy and universal mounting brackets.
Internally, equip the unit with modular card bays that can accomodate all the options in todays terms of features - then allow for possibly 2 or 3 additional bays for expansion. This will provide some headroom for the future.
Definitely add an OS (Palm or any embedded OS - maybe a realtime OS) and memory (upgradable) to the unit (card based as well) so that you can program it to interact with the TFT and cards used.
The programable nature and touch screen TFT would accomodate card updates, allow for neat features, and provide a level of customization limited only by the imagination.
For example, the base unit will come only with the OS/memory card and the TFT. Then, you order the cards you want - 1)Tuner card, 2) Surround DTS/DD card, 3) Music DVD-A / SACD card , 4)Ethernet client/server access to any storage array of mp4's, etc. When you plug the cards in, the OS will recognize the cards, its feature and then display any relevant features ... Then later, if you decide you want the new "digital AM/FM and RDS tuner card" or even a phono card you simply add or replace. Or, even better, niche oriented cards that can provide realtime calibration and corrections based on your speakers, room characteristics and listening preferences.
One can begin to realize the potential such an approach can have by the division of costs, flexibility, feature requests due to the incremental and market driven card designs... like DVI switching or native rate conversions (all video output at 720p or 1080i)... hmmmm
The TFT can display a DVD-A menu selection without using a monitor. Or provide feedback from the source...
The point with a modular card based system and a unit with an OS, is that now, you pay for a base system that can do anything you want today - and "only" the things you want.
But, more importantly, this approach will also allow someone to purchase the unit they want today - and tomorrow - by slowly adding the features that they decide they need.
Even better, one can take comfort in knowing that you can add the features you didn't realize you needed, or that were not around when you bought the system.
This would be a paradigm shift for shure... and potentially serve Outlaw very well marketwise.
[This message has been edited by trancethereal (edited February 21, 2003).]