Mainstream Projector Blog
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New Interactive Short-Throw Projectors from Epson

February 13th, 2012

Epson has announced six new projectors geared towards the education market. There are three ultra-short throw units in the line – the BrightLink 475Wi, 480W and 485Wi which offer dual-pen interactivity. Further, these models are the first to offer interactivity functionality from a host of devices beyond the PC, including tablets, Blu-ray players, VCR’s and document cameras. New features also include built-in annotation, interactive table capabilities with optional table mount, and auto calibration.

There are also three short throw models in the line – the BrightLink 425Wi, 430i and 435Wi. These projectors come with an included wall mount and two interactive pens. All new BrightLink projectors come standard with iProjection – Epson’s iPhone app capability, speaker and microphone input, network monitor and control features and advanced connectivity, including HDMI.

There are two WXGA and one XGA model in the short throw and ultra-short throw line ups, with lumens ranging from 2500 to 3100 and pricing between $1,299 and $1,699. All will be shipping in Spring 2012.

Recent projector market research done by Pacific Media Associates indicate that interactivity and short-throw capabilities are must have features for teachers today.

You can learn more at www.epson.com/brightlink

 

SMART Launches Interactive Projector

February 7th, 2012

SMART has announced a move away from their traditional IWB products with the launch of an interactive projector. The LightRaise 40Wi projector is a pen-enabled, ultra-short-throw projector based on TI’s DLP Interactive technology, that can turn nearly any surface into an interactive learning space.

The projector also comes with a rechargeable interactive pen, a pen holder, USB and VGA cables and an easy-to-install wall mount. The LightRaise 40wi interactive projector offers educators an affordable option for making classrooms interactive. The projector can produce screen sizes up to 100″ in a widescreen format, making it a flexible solution designed to fit into nearly any classroom or collaborative space.

Projector market information compiled by Pacific Media Associates continues to show that interactive projectors are a strong competitor to traditional interactive white boards due to their mobility and lower cost. This seems to be a smart move by SMART!

You can learn more at http://www.smarttech.com

New LED/Laser Hybrid Projectors at London’s BETT Show

January 27th, 2012

Two new “lamp free” projectors from BenQ and Optoma were on show in the Texas Instruments booth at the BETT show earlier this month. Both models use a new solid-state LED/Laser hybrid illumination system, which eliminates lamp replacements.  The projectors use less than 0.5W in standby, so are claimed to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

The BenQ LW1-ST model is expected to have a brightness of 2000 lumens with WXGA resolution. This DLP, “lamp free” projector can operate for 10,000 hours without maintenance making it well-suited for education use.

Also on display was a new model from Optoma, who announced that it will make the formal introduction of their ZW210ST—a DLP projector with an LED/Laser Hybrid lamp system— at ISE next week. The sub 3kg WXGA Optoma model also has an expected brightness of 2000 lumens. The short-throw lens displays a 60” image from only 68cm away and is designed for classrooms or smaller meeting rooms where space is limited.

Pacific Media Associates market research continues to show that eco-friendly projectors are in high demand, particularly in the classroom where low cost of ownership is very important.

Visit www.optomausa.com and www.benq.us to learn more

Epson to Launch New iPhone App for Wireless Projection

December 19th, 2011

Beginning January 5, 2012 owners of iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices can download a free app which will enable them to connect to 30 different Epson projector models via a wireless LAN.

So now mobile presenters who own these Apple devices and one of the iProjection compatible Epson projectors can leave the laptop behind. Epson iProjection will support Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel files, as well as .pdf documents.  JPEG and PNG image file formats will be supported as well.

Finally, the app will give the user the ability to switch video sources and handle some projector operations (such as volume control) right from their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch units.

Recent research from Pacific Media Associates finds that road warriors continue to embrace the ability to “lighten their loads” as far as technology they travel with, and that wireless abilities are also becoming a must-have feature for projector users. Apple-savvy presenters should embrace this new development from Epson.

Look for more on the iProjection app at www.epson.com