If Yamaha added a touch screen and kept the buttons (There is no reason why the buttons need to be removed) everybody would be happy. (Why add an extra piece of expensive equipment (iPad) when there is no need)

Bill
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Bill - drawback is cost. You will be looking at an arranger well beyond the $6k MSRP we have now. So far every TouchScreen arranger I've found does not have all the buttons because it defeats the use of the TS. If you look at the PA3x compared to the T4 or 5, the PA doesn't have all the buttons - everything is done on the TS and the price was and is less than the T4 & 5.

Yes adding the iPad is an expense but you can get them used for fair prices now if you really need that technology and don't want to spend Apple's high prices. For Donnie, they should develop an Android app too - even cheaper solution - as long as it is accessible too.

Ideally, there should be a feature which can be turned on if needed and use voice synthesis to read screen and selections with output to one of the programmable outs. I understand they did try this on one of the CVP600 models but it is very preliminary - no screen reader just playing snipets of recorded menu options played when you press an associated button.

Anyway, it all comes down to what they can put in the board for the minimum amount of cost and keep the revenue high - not that that's bad.

I am all in favor of new technology, but I still prefer buttons. If a button fails, you still can navigate the menus with alternate buttons. (Direct access etc.) If the touchscreen fails your sunk for the rest of the night, plus the cost of a major repair.

regards,

Jerryghr

Never had a touchscreen fail, but I've LOTS of buttons fail.

I never had a button fail, but my GPS touch screen failed - twice.

Gary