I'm posting this image to make a point. What you see here is the new Yamaha DisKlavier Mark IV... note the touch pad display on the left and the PDA on the right. These are used for programming and controlling the Disklavier from anywhere in the house via WiFi. Ironically the touchpad for the Disklavier happens to sit where I place my own laptop when I play a grand piano, which I use for SMF playback. This isn't the first time I've seen display screens on a Disklavier either, but this picture is the latest example and comes from Yamaha's NAMM 2005 press release.

My point is that I think we'd better all get used to seeing LCD displays on stage. I use a laptop on stage as warranted already and I'm in the market for a Music Pad Pro. Obviously new keyboards will have large color displays that are prominent (ie: Korg's new OASYS) and performers are already there as Scott's pix demonstrate. Many other performers here besides UD use laptops also; and I see no difference between using a laptop or using a Music Pad Pro or using a Disklavier or Korg's OASYS touch screen.

We are seeing a trend - LCD displays are growing in usage and visibility. The only question seems to be how they are being used, not if. As we all have different needs, we all will have different applications. But I'm betting that there's an LCD display in just about all of our future stage setups in one way or another.

Did I just make a bridge over troubled waters or what?

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 01-24-2005).]