Should STERN go back to using Alpha-numeric displays?

[Shockman]

If you can't go to the discussion, bring the discussion to you, I always say.
...actually, I don't think I have ever said that before.

Pete :D
As we know, times are tough for Stern
They brought out a lite version of Batman that removed the drawbridge and the joker drum thing
They also brought out a lite version of Ironman, a game that was fairly light in features anyway

So why not cut costs by replacing the DMD with an alpha-numeric display?
Stern games do not have video modes
Modes can be shown just as easily with a lamp and an insert
Less cost in set up, no animations, no video clips, so less programming time

As a player, it is hard to watch the DMD and the playfield at the same time

My 2c

Bob
They should go back to EM reels, bells for sounds, no ramps and charge me a nickle to play a game.

John
That's pretty much what I was going to post Bob. They could also think of making a few old-style trade stimulators, which might go over well with the weakened global economy.

I doubt that either Bob or John is actually joking,

but Pete :D brought up a really good point. It's not only the cost of the device, but the many man hours of cost to create these things that are rarely even glanced at once a table is very familiar, and never if it's mastered. Especially if that strategy would amount to a redirection of dollars instead of a further cut. It could mean more, or more interesting table elements, and I would be all about that.

Due to supply and demand, and especially stock on hand, these devices could be more expensive than the DMDs in the short term, even in product cost this could be the case, and for all I know about this, it could, I imagine, be more expensive over the long run too, but the man power costs would indeed be much less.

 

[StevOz]

A LED LCD display and the ICs to run it are a cheaper more cost effect measure today with vastly more possibilities.

 

[Pop Bumper Pete]

but Pete :D brought up a really good point. It's not only the cost of the device, but the many man hours of cost to create these things that are rarely even glanced at once a table is very familiar, and never if it's mastered. Especially if that strategy would amount to a redirection of dollars instead of a further cut. It could mean more, or more interesting table elements, and I would be all about that.

.

I posted this on a few forums, you and one other got what I was trying to say

 

[homebrewpinball]

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[homebrewpinball]

An LCD display could very well be cheaper than 7-segment displays (If we're talking about 9" or smaller). Of course it also still requires an art department to create videos (or text for scoring). You really have to wonder why they won't let go of dot matrix displays?