What size plasma for ICT suite

[Jobos]

I’m thinking about about installing a plasma screen instead of an Activboard in our new ICT suite and I was wondering what size plasmas other people are fitting in ICT rooms?

[bossman]

I wouldn't install a plasma as it is old technology now waiting for OLED screens to come down in price as they are the ones to go for if you have the budget i feel.

 

As for the activboards they are now great value for money as opposed to the above.

[Guest Guest]

Id go LCD as its less prone to screenburn, or so im led to believe. Plus you dont tend to find as many plasmas with VGA ports.

[Sylv3r]

Hi Jobos

 

I am interested to hear why your wanting to go the plasma screen route. Obviously the ACTIVboard allows the interactivity through the use of the pen etc. If this is not getting used interactively in your school and that is part of the decision not to install a ACTIVboard, would it not be more cost effective projecting the display onto a whitewall / dry wipe board? Or is more of a clarity issue - i.e. been able to see the display in the classroom anywhere with strong lighting etc.

[Jobos]

Sylv3r, apart from the wow factor the main reason for looking at the plasma was for its small footprint as I didn’t want an IWB taking up valuable floor space. Prices for the larger plasmas/LCDs are quite shocking so I have also been looking at a projector plus screen and that is probably the way we will go.

[Jobos]

A bit off topic, but I'm waiting for these gizmos to come out:

 

Microvision: Accessory Pico Projector Displays

 

They use lasers rather than LED, so they don't need focusing.

 

Here's a youtube news item:

 

YouTube - Laser Pico Projector Microvision "SHOW"

 

 

Looks good, don't you agree?

 

Also check this out:

YouTube - Laser TV predicted to be death of Plasma TV

 

Looks like something I saw on Star Trek a few years back

[dhicks]

I am interested to hear why your wanting to go the plasma screen route. Obviously the ACTIVboard allows the interactivity through the use of the pen etc.

 

If you do decide you need interactivity, mind, you can always stick a Mimio or eBeam on the side of the LCD/plasma screen.

 

--

David Hicks

[Sylv3r]

If you do decide you need interactivity, mind, you can always stick a Mimio or eBeam on the side of the LCD/plasma screen.

 

--

David Hicks

 

Good idea - I never thought of that. The Mimio always looked quite good when I seen them at BETT.

[DarrenC]

You would normally look at using at least a 50" plasma in a teaching environment and the reason the cost is high is due to the fact that you should be looking at commercial panels rather than consumer. These are built for much more sustained use and durability than the consumer panels (and have much better warranties).

 

I would recommend going for the projector/standard screen solution however, this would keep the small footprint and reduce costs.You could always upgrade later using either an activboard upgrade or utilising another form of interactivity such as ebeam, mimio or an activ panel.