The technological advancement of entertainment equipment does not go unnoticed by educational institutions. The advantages of new technology, which expands operational capabilities, are also highly appreciated in business areas. One of the latest developments that has aroused wide interest of this kind is the interactive projector. These are devices that allow not only to transmit a high-quality image to the screen, taking into account the characteristics of the room, but also provide the possibility of interaction between the “picture” and the audience. The interactive multimedia projector was introduced to the market a few years ago, but the largest manufacturers of digital equipment quickly mastered the technology and today offer a wide range of innovative equipment.
What is special about interactive projectors?
The prerequisite for the emergence of interactive models was the entry into the educational process of computers. As digital media gets strongerwere strengthened as the technical equipment of schools and universities, the demand for more modern means of projecting visual materials also increased. Compared to traditional models, a multimedia projector for school allows you to interact with the image broadcast through a computer. This is done through an electronic pointer pen, gestures and hand touches. Quite popular is the so-called whiteboard mode, in which the teacher or presenter can literally draw on the projected image using various tools. Otherwise, interactive devices have the same capabilities as standard projectors. However, it should be noted that the requirements for the quality of the "picture" in this case are not as important as in entertainment complexes.
Main characteristics of models
Among the key parameters by which the quality of multimedia projectors is evaluated, it is worth noting the luminous flux, resolution and contrast. As for the first characteristic, it is 2600 ANSI Lm in standard devices. This is a good, even high value, since for auditoriums with artificial lighting, a luminous flux of 500 ANSI Lm is quite enough. Matrix resolution ranges from legacy SVGA to ultra-high 4K. But in most cases, multimedia projectors are equipped with matrices that provide a resolution of 1024 x 768. The Full HD format is also found, but it should be noted that there is no need for an increased quality of the educational “picture”, sincethe first plan is nevertheless informative, as well as a way of presenting the material to a wide audience. And in this regard, contrast is more important. In the case of interactive models, it is 2000 x 1. But modifications with a contrast ratio of 500 x 1 should not be ignored if you plan to operate the equipment exclusively in artificial lighting conditions.
Eiki projector reviews
One of the first video projectors with interactive features, the LC-XIP2000 version, was released under this brand. Over the past two years, the device has changed significantly, but its basic characteristics are still considered by many as a standard. The success of the entire segment is also due to user feedback on the first product of this type. In particular, multimedia projectors from Eiki are praised for reducing size while expanding functionality. Users had to pay for the introduction of new options with sound and image quality. The matter is that projectors don't indulge consumers with high-quality sound anyway, and in this case a built-in stereo system with 2 W per channel is used. However, this is enough to provide sound for rooms up to 200 m22. The image is provided in 1024 x 768 format. This is not much by the standards of modern devices, but the company did not plan to compete with advanced entertainment complexes.
Reviews about Casio projectors
Unexpectedly segment of interactiveprojectors replenished with a worthy development XJ-UT310WN from Casio. This model is good not only by the very fact of using new technologies, but also by expanding the possibilities founded by Eiki engineers. In particular, users testify to the advantageous increase in brightness characteristics up to 3100 ANSI Lm, support for 3D video, as well as ultra-short throw distance. Noteworthy is the fact that Casio LED multimedia projectors have a high lamp life - up to 20 thousand hours. And this is against the backdrop of low power consumption. Again, according to the owners, the normal operation of such a projector requires 205 watts. In general, Casio developers have optimized the concept of interactive projection, organically combining it with the functions of entertainment models.
Epson projector reviews
Could not pass by the new fashion and the company Epson, which is one of the leaders in the segment of video projectors. The manufacturer not only repeated, but also functionally improved the existing developments. For example, the owners of the EB-595Wi model note the convenience of using the touch function, due to which you can interact with the displayed material through touches and gestures. By the way, the developers have provided for the use of the mouse, which, if necessary, replaces the manipulation of the fingers. Similar solutions have been used by other companies, but the Epson multimedia projector provides increased accuracy when interacting with the smallest elements of the image. In addition, users note the ease of use of the device itself in terms ofphysical treatment. Light weight (5 kg) and modest dimensions make it possible to install equipment in almost any environment.
Reviews about Sony projectors
Sony works directly with educational institutions to provide them with interactive equipment. In smaller classrooms, teachers are more likely to use the VPL-SW536C, which features an ultra-short throw distance. At the same time, this device is valued for the ability to transmit information to the "board" via wireless channels - that is, the student can broadcast materials via a smartphone or tablet. In large auditoriums, it is recommended to use the Sony VPL-FH500 multimedia projector. In this case, in addition to wide functionality, the user will also receive high resolution. Also, the manufacturer Sony takes into account other nuances of the operation of such equipment in educational processes. Developers supply projectors with intelligent systems that optimize energy consumption. As a result, the cost of using and maintaining equipment is reduced.
How to choose the best option?
To begin with, you should decide on the goals that will be achieved through the projector. For example, who and how will use the device, as well as the image transmitted by it. Epson models have the widest interactive capabilities, which have increased the convenience of interacting with the whiteboard. If the basics come to the foreequipment characteristics, including the “picture” parameters in the form of brightness and contrast, then you should pay attention to Casio brand multimedia projectors. Otherwise, the model lines of each manufacturer allow you to decide on the choice of equipment for solving any problems.
How much does an interactive projector cost?
Modern projectors are expensive, especially with the introduction of the latest technology. But, oddly enough, the interactive technology segment does not differ in a very exorbitant cost. The entry level is represented by models that can be purchased for 40-50 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are devices for small audiences with basic options. In the middle class, you can find a functional multimedia projector, the price of which will be 70-80 thousand rubles. These models are designed for large audiences and equipped with modern communication capabilities.
Conclusion
At this stage of development of the segment of interactive projectors, it is too early to talk about market trends and patterns. Manufacturers, of course, strive to develop original concepts in providing technological capabilities to products, but for the most part, such attempts resemble a creative search mode. And this is logical, because multimedia projectors with interactive features appeared only a few years ago, and today they continue to develop. Almost every model pushes the boundaries of user interaction with the “picture”, adding new options. Along with this, the main characteristics also increase.equipment, image quality improves, etc. A separate area is the desire of developers to minimize the power consumption of projectors.
