Interactive Projectors

[Joerob]

I was wondering if anyone has any information regarding the hitachi, epson, and dell interactive projectors. I've heard many good things about the hitachi but am curious as to any thoughts you guys may have on this subject.

[broc]

We have a good few Epson EB-450Wi installed, & can highly recommend them. Make sure you know what software you are intending using though, as both Smart & Promethean have some fairly stiff licence fees to use their products on 'alien' devices. I would recommend you take a look at RM EasiTeach Next Generation (Authors are company called Lightbox) as an alternative. We purchased a site licence which was much cheaper. The software that comes with the projector is very basic.

 

Plus points; Image quality is excellent & will switch between 4:3 & 16:9 aspect ratio easily, the network software supplied enables them to be managed remotely( if networked), including being able to do things like wake them up/shut them down on a timer, even send a series of jpg images to every projector as a slide show which is great for broadcasting to the whole school. You can also pick up error messages, monitor lamp life & temperature from a central point & display/switch the input source.

 

Minus points; we have had trouble with pens; the early versions seem fragile, Epson replaced most under warranty. Calibration takes a lot longer, more 'spots' to click on. Room ceiling height can be an issue & may restrict image size, also being wall mounted you need strong walls to take the weight of the projector & bracket.

 

Because the pen movement is detected optically (IR) the projector can be 'spooked' by direct sunlight, especially if used with semi-matt or shiny boards. The mouse pointer will meander across the screen at random, causing some amusement for the audience, less so for the presenter! Matt finish boards are recommended by Epson.

Edited June 9, 2011 by broc

[mb2k01]

I would echo everything that broc has said - very good write up with little else to say!

The latest Epson model is the 455wi. Both models are also capable of 16:10. That's pretty much all I can add!

 

Again, I'd echo the software point too - I've spent months 'discussing' the situation with both SMART and Promethean - at a quite senior level with one of them - neither willing to budge on license cost for alien hardware. All very disappointing and short-sighted in my view!

The Epson software isn't the best, but is somewhere between "ok" and "good"? I'm planning on evaluating the RM universal product which will allow a consistent interface for all staff.

[Little-Miss]

Don't bother with a Sanyo yet....their software is blooming awful. Fine if you want very square letters...

[plexer]

smoothboard.net looks interesting based on johnny chung lees original work.

 

Ben

[irpens]

Yes, makes for a good budget alternative as an introduction for IWBs