Wish they would use the technology to have a dimming translite that would keep an image on it when the game is off instead of having to look at the blank LCD.

I have to agree.

Woz - from the shoulders up - isn't very asthetically pleasing. We spend enough time looking at wide rectangular screens, I don't need it when I'm playing pinball as well.

Still...DMDs are starting to look pretty ancient. A similar-sized color LCD would be an improvement.

I share similar feelings about the LCD. I like the idea of putting it in the middle of the playfield to show me at a quick glance, what I should be shooting for and also become an interactive part of the playing field.

However, the problem comes when you step away (during multiple players) to see your final end of ball score, who is up, and what ball etc. Then, the need suddenly arises for something to be in the back cabinet for all to see.

I'm not a real fan just because of all the time and effort and cost it takes to create all those graphics is time and money I'd rather was spent on the pin, and costs I'd rather not see passed along to me.

I don't think WOZ's graphics look that great even, the stuttery looping witch bugs me.

All that said, I think it's impressive looking, and probably a great idea for on location play etc. I'm not opposed to the idea, just think it's probably not really practical. And it sure does make it easier to see at a glance WTF is going on compared to the standard DMD.

WOZ's LCD is nice for onlookers and attracting people. I wish more machines would integrate a DMD/LCD closer to the playfield a la Cirqus Voltaire.

Looking up is just silly. Jpop is on it with the screen in back of the playfield. Or now that we have LCDs we should look at center of playfield like Proc or the apron.

I completely agree LCD just drives the cost up especially for those of us that can barely afford a machine as it is. Why not do a translite and small LCD screen instead of dmd. Maybe something the size of an iPad mini so that more elaborate animations could be possible but doesn't necessarily break the bank.

It's for the people watching & to create buzz on location.

If you can't afford these games, reducing the size of the screen really isn't gonna make that much of a difference. I have no idea what JJP is paying for their 20 inch screens, but it can't really be that much more expensive than a regular DMD.

A consumer can buy any number of 20 inch LCD tvs right now for $200. A pinball DMD screen will cost you $150-$200 depending on where you get it. Is the extra 50 bucks really keeping you from buying that dream machine you want?

The cost here is time for software, not hardware. That's not gonna change by sticking an ipad in there.

I just think it looks stupid (especially when it's off), and it's pointless from a player's perspective.

Things that look good, don't radically improve gameplay, are of low use to the player, & increase price = Mods.
You don't have any mods on your games do you? So try to get everyone agree that mods are a pointless waste of time and see how that goes

Other than that I'm not super excited aboot LCD screens either. I think WOZ looks awesome, but it's not something I really hope Stern switches to. That may change over time though.

Might even be cheaper. DMDs are expensive, LCDs are cheap. The costs are in the development, not the hardware. It takes time and money to fill a 27" screen with content.

I rarely have time to look up at the screen while playing WOZ but man do people gather around it while people are playing it.

From what I understand WOZ is doing well in the wild. Whether that is a result of having a LCD is questionable. But it does create visual interest. As Taylor mentions, I don't think I have ever looked up while playing WOZ, but I sure do when other players are taking their turn.

LCD necessary? probably not. There are some great early games that don't even have a DMD. But for the average Joe looking at two games to play, (for this example, WOZ and lets say, NGG) Joe will probably put his quarters in the WOZ before the NGG.....just because of all the visual interest that WOZ commands.

Just my opinion.

LCD displays like on WOZ don't do anything for me right now.

But that is not to say that some "killer app" won't emerge in the next few years that will revolutionize the game.

If you have seen the 3D phones that don't need glasses demo from Amazon, then you know what I mean that new apps will be designed to go with the eye tracking that phone has.

The only thing I'm going to say is the cost of woz and the cost of a stern le are the same regardless of a LCD or not

I can see this. While I may not look at the LCD or in WOZs' case even like the game, the truth is its visually stunning and stops you in its tracks. This attractive quality has to draw folks in.

I have WOZ and like the screen. It adds a new dimension to the machine, but agreed doesn't improve or change gameplay that much. It does help keep track of where you are towards your wizard mode, but there are other ways to do this I know. One thing we should acknowledge is it can attract a "new generation" who probably feel everything needs a TV in it to be modern. It's like the argument from purists that hand drawn graphics are needed on the translate/playfield rather than photoshopped screen grabs - rarely happens due to "progress".
I'm happy for Stern to hold out if they want to and resist the LCD, but I also like that others are branching out to be more modern.

I had to chuckle at the OP note because I remember when I first played WoZ at PWA, Sarah had asked me how I liked the backglass, and I remember saying "It's nice but they could be streaming porn on it and I would not notice, I'm too busy playing."

I do think its a great start and a great first step away from DMD. And a lot more possibility.

I dont think WOZ made good use of the LCD. It could be a whole lot more.
A few top games incorporated DMD game play (TOM, Indy, Dracula). If they would have done this with the LCD (with a better modern twist), it would have been a game changer.

It's time for LCD regardless. It takes less power, cheaper to provision, and should prove to be a bit more reliable long term (Compared to DMD Plasma).

I'm hoping that Jack learned a few things from WOZ, and the next one will really make use of the screen.

I want big giant LCD screens. Big giant 3D LCD screens. Crazy video modes. Wish my Metallica had the same kind of LCD thing going on like my woz has.

when it's super easy to pop in big LCD screens in place of my translites, I'll be tossing those translites.

I spend ZERO time looking at my games when they are off, so don't care about that part of it.

I also understand people who only need or care about what's happening on the playfield. Good for you.

Stern probably does not want to look like they are copying or following JJP.

If it's true that last month they sold their 8,000th AC/DC, then it does not look like they have a need to copy JJP.

Really? The only ones that I've seen routed have never worked properly, which leads me to believe they are a VERY difficult machine to maintain on route.

And...I have to agree with OP. I rarely look at the screen, doesn't add much. I think until there's some breakthrough in how it's used, a better use of money is on a DMD sized LCD display. What I'd really like to see is LCD screens integrated as a replacement for DMD's in the orientation that CV has.

Not needed, but a huge improvement on the DMD. Huge. Bigger = better in this case. Plus, it's full color. It's 2014 for crying out loud! Why live in monochrome?

I guess what I was really trying to say when LCD screen is going to cost more is that the whole package I would think would be more than dmd. Development costs to make all the fancy videos that WOZ has, I would think would be considerably more than a dmd. But I'm just guessing.

Put a small LCD in the spot CV had there DMD.

what happened to video modes on a lot of newer titles,does woz of have any video modes on the lcd screen?

I couldn't agree more. It is a pinball machine not a video game. A 26 inch monitor throws off the balance. Not to mention the cost to produce graphics, etc, etc. That said I am glad JJP produces games the way they do because choice is King. Some people like the big screen and some don't. From the looks of the new Stern display panels on Star Trek and Mustang, it looks like Stern is positioning for about a 13 or 14 inch LCD. To me that will be a perfect balance.

But at Least bring something new with technology to the game today.

I like every one of the display technologies that have been used on games. From score reels right up through LCD. Except those little digit displays on the Gottlieb games like Arena (those suck).

No, and I'm happy there are no video modes though. I would not mind them if I could disable them as an option though.

As for WOZ's LCD.... With the price I paid compared to other new games I have bought, the LCD was free. As far as puting that money on the playfield, well...they did that too. People can argue if this game is better than that game all day long, but if we are looking at the BOM only....There is without a doubt more in the playfield than most games.

You mean something like this?

Try and be clever next time.

I think it is still early yet and the technology definitely hasn't been utilized to its full or most practical potential. I too think i would rather the screen be down low where the DMD is now. Whether the speakers stay low or get repositioned is not as critical IMO. I like the display in the back of the playfield but that severely limits the designer's shot layout options.

I'm stunned that this is even up for debate, the DMD should have been dead a decade ago, the LCD as used by JJP is a huge step forward, brings a whole new dimension to the game.

Some of you guys should be in the Nike golf commercials !!

The next time you walk into your game room ask your self do you want all your backglass to be blank screens I do not. I originally thought LCD cool but now feel that it is not worth the loss of the art. dgpinball next time you are playing a game try and look at your backglass it can only be done on a slower stop and start game.It's just not all it was cracked up to be.

If every game I had was as good as WOZ, I'd be more than happy with a room full of LCD screen games.

I like the LCD. It's doesn't help me decide if I like a game or not, but its a nice feature. I owned and sold a WOZ. It's had nothing to do with the LCD. I would love a nice color LCD in the DMD spot. That would be the sweet spot for me.

Would you like WOZ any less with out the LCD.

Hell yes, one of the first things that attracted me to the project was that a company was finally going to do something about the antiquated display.

To me it is rule set , theme , toys , art ,

Amen… been saying this since day one.

My WOZLE had trouble for the first 6 months of its life. JJP worked with me to get it %100 now. Even when it was not working correctly it is the most played game in my arcade. I watch it grab new players every day. It may not be the hard core players fav but it definitely gets new folks into pinball. The cash box does not lie. I personally like the lcd for the game play road map and also when things were going wrong with my lights on play field the display also gives an indicator of what is done and what is left to do so the game was able to still be played with slightly more effort .

Because its new, different and it does have the eye candy… that all wears off eventually.

Im fine with DMD . But I also enjoyed the Pinball2000. As for WOZ the LCD is a unique . And is a major reason it sets JJP apart from other companies . No need to change JJP innovation away for utilizing a LCD screen. I like it .

Watching 100's of people weekly for 11 years come in to play pinball gives me a very different prospective then when I just had a basement full of games and went to the few locations that existed . Yes the new game gets lots of attention at first but no new Stern has come close in earnings or remained as steady for so long. The LCD is not necessary, but IMO does bring new players into pinball.

Absolutely, and WOZ has the rule set, toys and art, and I personally think it is a great theme, but others obviously do not.

As is common with you, you totally missed the point. No one is saying to stick with DMDs! The point it to use a smaller LCD that is positioned to allow a backglass/translite. Best of both worlds. Please read post more carefully before you jump in and compare us to idiots.