Cablers_JonPaul

We are not tied to one brand, we are independent unlike some companies who need to sell a certain volume of one particular brand in order to qualify for preferential pricing discounts. We sell BenQ, Smart, Promethean along with some Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, Hannspree and LG. We work closely with our customers to provide the best option for their specific needs and not just what we want to sell them. I can hand on heart say that we have had no problems with the SMART E70's and even if you did they are backed by a robust education warranty. What screen do this other company recommend?

We do those too. Shipping in time for summer installations. SMART Board® 6065 interactive flat panel | Cablers

Its nice to see you looking for a local or regional supplier. Make sure who you use don't only supply the kit but also do the installations themselves, they are more likely to pop back if you have any issues without any haggling. A local installer will want to develop a relationship with your school and they tend to work harder for you as your much more important to their business model. They might cost you an extra few quid because they don't always have the bulk buying power of a national but you normally reap the rewards with installations and customer service. Unfortunately we only cover the South East and most of London and although could supply we would not trust sub contractors with our installations. Many nationwide suppliers (Not all) will organize for subcontractors to install their products which is great until you want to get them back to deal with little niggles or issues. The large box shifters are not always best for your school.

We have installed well into the 100's of these SMART E70's into primary's and secondary's. The anti glare works really well to reduce glare considerably but you will never eliminate it completely. You will notice a huge difference between a screen with and without anti glare though. The low friction glass is also a feature that has been well received by teachers who spend all day running their fingers over the screens. The E70 has a extremely responsive screen and it seems to track much better that the current market leader. SMART did not rush the E70 into production and by taking their time have produced a highly polished product. The internal speakers are not very powerful but you can get a sound bar from LG that looks great with the E70 (Others available too) and works well or you can continue to use the audio from your previous Smartboard installation. We have not had any issues with the screens since they came out. We may be lucky but i am convinced that they are robust reliable units that compare very well to the competition. We do sell other screens too so i know whats out there. You will not get a lemon if you buy the E70. They are no longer the expensive option but that will depend on who you purchase from. In my opinion they are still the Rolls Royce of touchscreens currently available. SMART E70 fact sheet from Cablers | Cablers

We stopped selling Casio when they stopped offering 3 year de/re education warranty's. I do have a nice Casio slim line DLP above me in the office which we use. Its started getting a little noisy of late but its too good to swap out yet. I hate it when my pictures do that!

Whats your budget? The Epson EB 570 is one we bundle with many of the interactive white boards we install now. EB-570 - Epson The NEC's are pretty good as well. The best thing about Epson and NEC are the education 3yr de installation/ re installation warranties. Both companies are very good at service and honoring their obligations. I would check first that if installing them yourself it wont affect the warranty in any way. They sometimes stipulate that only certified installers carry out installations.(Not always) Although UST projectors can be a little fiddly to set up its not impossible to do a great job on them yourself providing you have installed a few short throws in the past. You can PM me for price or stick a request on the quotes thread.

Ive gone with TP Link at home and it works a treat. I would not use it outside of a domestic environment though. TP-Link TL-WPA4220KIT AV500 Powerline WiFi Booster/Extender with two LAN ports (WiFi Clone No config Req) http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WPA4220KIT-Powerline-Extender-Configuration/dp/B00DHB2T44

You should be okay with a projector that has filters just so long as you clean them each half term. Most education units can cope with challenging environments and the cleaning is very superficial. Either hoover or used compressed air to blow the filters through and use a soft cloth on the lens. If your still worried about the build up of debris i would opt for a DLP. Since most DLP projectors are filter free, you do not have the hassle of cleaning, maintaining and replacing filters. You can then maybe put those woodworking skills to use by building a surround with some sort of gauze material to add an added layer of protection to the unit. Saving it from sawdust and high flying hammers.

You know how to get hold of us if we can help ever help David.

Sorry for the delay in coming back to you on this one. It will use another activation if you re image a machine. Notebook comes with 4 activations per license but if you don't want to waste one of them you can call Steljes directly and explain your predicament they will be able to deactivate and reactivate a license for you. Steljes are adamant that you wont be penalised in anyway due to a hardware fault. If you have Smart throughout your whole school you can apply for a reduced rate deal on a site wide license which provides unlimited activations so it wouldn't be an issue.

I am not too bothered by the cameras being there but i am uncomfortable not knowing how that data and footage is managed and by whom.

I thought this was interesting. Surveillance and biometric technology has been creeping into schools for quite some time. There are more than 100,000 CCTV cameras installed in secondary schools alone, with a ratio of one camera for every five pupils in some. Scarey or necessary? What are the privacy implications? http://lnkd.in/d2tcAHf … Is it time for compulsory cameras in the classrooms?

FREE 5 year projector warranty on the EPSON EB-X20 A great projector for the classroom. Key Features Exceptional value No quality compromise, on a budget Very bright output 2,700 lumens White Light Output and 2,700 lumens Colour Light Output Sharp detail 10,000:1 contrast ratio Easy set-up Automatic vertical keystone correction Eco-friendly Eco tab setting and auto lamp dimming function Purchase an EPSON EB-X20 projector between 16th June and 31st August 2014 and receive a 5 year extended warranty free of charge. FREE 5 year projector warranty on the EPSON EB-X20 | Cablers

I am not sure but i will speak to Smart on Monday to find out and let you know. It will definitely be a question that pops up with many of the ICT support companies and schools we supply too and i had not even considered it. Thanks.

onBoarder is one tool for B.Y.O.D deployments Integrating a BYOD solution into a school can be a daunting and complex undertaking. Cablers onBoarder is a secure, high performance BYOD in a box solution with low cost of ownership. With onBoarder schools can have the confidence to embrace their BYOD deployment without major changes to their existing infrastructure. Cablers BYOD in a box allows the school to pick the services they need for their BYOD solution including; DHCP DNS NAT Transparent services Radius authentication BYOD dashboard Bonjour gateway services NAC services Network services Client device network services are all delivered by onBoarder, no modifications to live or third party managed servers are required. IP ranges can be expanded and integrated into the existing network without complex modifications. Local proxy services allow the school to host an upstream proxy without delivering proxy IP or port details to end users or having to deploy a single school wide wpad configuration. Secure and simple onBoarders Radius server connects to the schools active directory ensuring uncompromised network security and reducing IT administrators workload with its single point management and unique client onboarding management interface. User and device management Cablers BYOD dashboard instantly gives the network managers access to a range of statistics including logged in users, bandwidth hoggers, backbone and internet bandwidth use. Check this blog out on edugeek for more details: BYOD - The Transparent Proxy Headache Solved - Blogs - EduGeek.net If you would like to discuss how onBoarder can help your school with a BYOD deployment then contact our helpful education team for some advice or PM me directly.

onBoarder for B.Y.O.D deployments Integrating a BYOD solution into a school can be a daunting and complex undertaking. Cablers onBoarder is a secure, high performance BYOD in a box solution with low cost of ownership. With onBoarder schools can have the confidence to embrace their BYOD deployment without major changes to their existing infrastructure. Cablers BYOD in a box allows the school to pick the services they need for their BYOD solution including; DHCP DNS NAT Transparent services Radius authentication BYOD dashboard Bonjour gateway services NAC services [h=3]Network services [/h] Client device network services are all delivered by onBoarder, no modifications to live or third party managed servers are required. IP ranges can be expanded and integrated into the existing network without complex modifications. Local proxy services allow the school to host an upstream proxy without delivering proxy IP or port details to end users or having to deploy a single school wide wpad configuration. [h=3]Secure and simple [/h] onBoarders Radius server connects to the schools active directory ensuring uncompromised network security and reducing IT administrators workload with its single point management and unique client onboarding management interface. [h=3]User and device management [/h] Cablers BYOD dashboard instantly gives the network managers access to a range of statistics including logged in users, bandwidth hoggers, backbone and internet bandwidth use. For more details about how it can help the schools you work with contact our helpful education team or PM me.

[h=4]Classroom LED Interactive Displays[/h] Large format touch screens are becoming a regular addition to the front of class these days. They are also a popular choice for businesses and look great in a meeting or board room setting. As a long established supplier and installer of innovative AV equipment we have taken a keen interest in this technology as it has developed. It has taken a few years for it to filter down from the high end, high priced units first available to the more sensibly priced classroom friendly options we expertly install. So how will you go about choosing what type of display is right for you and your working environment? My advice is to get some advice from a specialist installer. Not one of those large box shifting companies that badge themselves as education specialists. You will most likely end up speaking to an operator who will take your order and tell you the product you have chosen is the best thing since sliced bread and fit for purpose even though they have never been inside a classroom since they left school. Too many companies will supply equipment without ever visiting you or your school to see if its going to be right. It’s never going to be as simple as hanging a flat screen on a wall and plugging it in. Most of the large format touch screens suitable for a school environment are quite heavy and you should have a survey to make sure that the fabric of the wall can handle the weight. You do not want one of these falling off the wall three months after it’s installed. Aside from the cost of replacing a screen the health and safety implications don't bear thinking about. You will also need to know whether the electrics are situated in the right place, that all you’re cabling and connections will reach, work and that the planned screen will be able to be seen from every seat in the classroom. A good company quoting for you will not charge for a survey and the opportunity to discuss your plans and requirements. (Get some GOOD advice.) It can be a bit of a mine field so please do your research. Don't use suppliers based miles away when you have great suppliers and installers closer to home who wont have a problem popping in when they are needed. Most of you looking at upgrading to a touch screen will already be well acquainted with your IWB. (Interactive white board) You will also be trained and experienced in using the software that goes with it such as Smart Notebook or Promethean's Activinspire to plan lessons, save and share work with other staff and students. When buying your touch screen please take your software into account. You can not legally use your Smart or Promethean software with your new screen unless you have a license! Offsted will check eventually and if you are caught using unlicensed software on your shiny new touch screen your head teacher will ultimately be responsible for the infringement. We have seen screens demonstrated by lots of manufactures and most come bundled with their own software which when demonstrated will seem easy to use and adequate for for all your planned tasks. Please be wary! Demonstrations are designed to make the software and the screen look good. If you have the time try using the bundled software in ways that will replicate classroom scenarios, the software might well be adequate for your needs. I will say from my own experience of using some of these tools, they lack the finally honed user interfaces, and much of the functionality that are provided with Smart Notebook and Promethean Activinspire. They also cant match the vast array of readily available online resources provided on both platforms. We have worked closely with schools over the last 15 years and have installed thousands of displays and interactive whiteboards, we understand the importance of having great software that supports your teaching. You can get your copy of licensed software from Cablers or directly from Smart or Promethean easily enough. Just remember it will add to the total cost of the screen you are purchasing unless its bundled with the screen you buy. So what may look a great deal initially might not look so great when you budget for your preferred essential software. If you’re teaching you will most likely be used to one of Smart’s or Promethean's interactive white board models, although we do still see a few Hitachi boards around. The smallest screen you will have on a IWB will be 64" and it will be in a 4 x 3 format which is non widescreen. Most of the IWB's we installed in 2013 were the larger sized 77" 3 x 4 format or 87" 16:9 wide format. It can be a little confusing but you need to keep this sizing in mind as you search out a touch screen suitable for your classroom. Large format touch screens only display in a wide screen format which means that a 55" touch screen display which sounds quite large will in effect deliver icons on screen look much smaller than they would if displayed in a 4 x 3 format. The feed back we have received is that icons are not big enough for every child in the class to see comfortably. The bigger you can afford to go with your screen size the better the experience will be for users. Not so much the users at the front of the class interacting with the screen but certainly the children spread around the class following the lesson. We have seen quite a few of the early adopters of touch screens regret not waiting till they could afford a larger screen size. If you have a small class room then a 55" may be adequate. Large format touch screens for schools need to be up to the job, they are going to be used day in day out. Make sure the one you buy is an "A" rated commercial display. These should be guaranteed for 50,000 plus hours use. Another option available on some screens which you may not have considered is low friction glass. You will notice it if you spend your days at the front of the class running your fingers across the screen. Another desirable option on a display that is in use all day long would be AG (anti-glare) glass on the touch panel. It will reduce eye fatigue to protect eyes of both teachers and students by significantly reducing reflection and glare on the screen. Whatever screen option you choose you will benefit from low maintenance costs through low power consumption and eliminating the need for a projector takes with it those expensive lamp replacement charges. Based on our knowledge of the products within the market place and from years of working with schools, local education authorities and IT support providers we make these recommendations for large format touch screens in education. Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

My Picks for the Top 3 Touch Screens for Education. http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/smart-e70-300x193.jpg Smart E70 This is currently the Rolls Royce of interactive touchscreen's. The Smart E70 comes bundled with the latest version of Smart NoteBook software fully licensed for your use in school. It has a 70" high definition display (16:9 aspect ratio) which is big enough for any class room. It's low glare, low friction surface provides a natural touch experience whilst allowing students to see the board from all angles even in sunlight. It has eight points of touch which allows for up to 4 users using control gestures on the board at any one time, enabling more collaborative lessons. The E70 is also compatible with SMART's range of accessories. This touch screen has an excellent build quality, the casing of the screen feels robust and having installed them i can see these units lasting for many, many years. http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BenQ-RP-650plus-300x150.jpg BenQ A perfect solution for 21st century classrooms, the BenQ interactive flat panel RP650 combines the power of touch technology and multimedia connectivity to maximize the learning experience of all types of learners. Designed with safety and flexibility in mind, the BENQ RP650 is easy and simple to install in any classroom setting using a VESA wall mount. It has a massive 65" screen providing a 16:9 aspect ratio and is ample size for most class rooms. You can touch the screen to pan, zoom and scroll images with fingers through the optical 5-point multi-touch technology which allows students and teacher to write on the screen at the same time. Touch eliminates the need for a mouse or keyboard, so you can operate education software or presentations like using a tablet to enjoy an engaging experience. You can also interact with students simultaneously on the big screen. The crystal clear resolution and high brightness display means that images are clearly visible and unlike projection based interactive solutions, there is no shadowing.The dual and multi touch screens allow students to collaborate simultaneously, encouraging cooperation and teamwork in the classroom. The BENQ PR650 (PR650+ Has anti glare glass) comes bundled with a licensed copy of Smart Notebook software. With a industrial grade panel combined with guaranteed 24/7 usage and a durable design makes a BENQ Interactive Touchscreen a very versatile solution for every classroom. http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/activpanel-touch-peacock-300x191.pngPromethean ActivPanel Touch ActivPanel Touch is available in a 65” or 70” touch panel display. ActivPanel Touch promotes active participation in whole-class or small-group lessons by providing vivid interactivity and engaging learning experiences. With a design optimised for the classroom and has superb construction, this interactive flat-panel display will enliven lessons and promote student engagement for years to come. It comes bundled with a licensed copy of Promethean’s ActivInspire for you to use with the screen in school and access to Promethean Planet’s 80,000+ free teaching resources and online professional development provide educators tools and support for active and inspired learning. This screen provides excellent visibility in any room, at any angle. Keeping all learners engaged is the hallmark of ActivPanel Touch. Crystal-clear visibility in virtually any lighting conditions and a wide viewing angle make every seat in the house a great one. Whether you’re in a classroom flooded with warm sunshine or one with no natural lighting, every student will be well placed to actively learn. Exceptionally smooth and responsive interactivity is the norm whether you are writing, pinching, zooming or swiping the edge of the ActivPanel Touch screen. Using a stylus or finger, ActivPanel Touch offers a natural, precise handwriting experience. The multi-touch functionality brings Windows 7 and Windows 8’s tools to life at the swipe of your students’ fingertips. ActivPanel Touch is simple and intuitive for both pupils and teachers. Using technology to accomplish your long list of learning objectives has never been easier. Promethean's interactive flat panel is designed to meet the unique needs and demands of any classroom. Its long-lasting LED interactive touch screen, durable construction and comprehensive warranty ensure a long life of reliable service. While ActivPanel Touch works seamlessly with all Promethean solutions, it's also flexible enough to complement most educational technologies. Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

[h=2]Out Now! SMART Notebook™ 2014.1[/h] The next update for SMART Notebook is now available. SMART Notebook™ 2014.1 focuses on enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom with an improved pen and touch experience in SMART Notebook. Notebook 2014 is only available to customers with a valid SMART Notebook Advantage subscription and provides them with access to the following new features and performance improvements: Maths Editing for SMART Notebook allows users to edit complex maths equations with pen or finger. Pen ID support for SMART Board 6065 interactive flat panel enables multiple students to independently change tools. Enhanced ink editing performance with improved recognition accuracy, speed and types of handwriting recognized with additional support for those right to left languages supported by SMART Notebook. Improved user experience for Notebook Maths powered by Geogebra including new types of function recognition and additional pre-built Geogebra content (now 100,000 pieces). Improved product activation enables IT administrators to deploy Notebook Classroom Licenses via system imaging. Using this feature activation is consumed when the teacher starts SMART Notebook rather than at the time of imaging. SMART software downloads are available via: https://www.smarttech.com/Home+Page/Support/Browse+Support/Download+Software [h=3]For more information on SMART Notebook and SMART Notebook Advantage please call us at Cablers and talk to a member of our education technology team.[/h]

SMART LightRaise™ 60wi2 to launch later this month (June) My last post for interactive projectors has had quite a few views which indicates that schools are seriously considering them as viable option for delivering multimedia resources in the classroom. Steljes will be adding the new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 interactive projector to the product range in June to provide a choice of interactive projector models this summer. The new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 should captivate users, providing interactivity on virtually any solid flat surface or dry erase board. The improved model is brighter at 3000 lumens and enables up to four people to simultaneously write, touch and interact within the inclusive SMART Notebook collaborative software (with one year SMART Notebook Advantage subscription also included). The unit also introduces compatibility with the Crestron® RoomView® room management system. The new unit will complement the existing SMART LightRaise 60wi Interactive projector, which provides a dual touch experience at 2500 lumens brightness. If you have not read my previous blog about interactive projectors you can find it here: Interactive Projectors - Blogs - EduGeek.net For details speak to our helpful education team or PM me direct.

UPDATE! Interactive Projectors SMART LightRaise™ 60wi2 to launch later this month (June) My last post for interactive projectors has had quite a few views which indicates that schools are seriously considering them as viable option for delivering multimedia resources in the classroom. Steljes will be adding the new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 interactive projector to the product range in June to provide a choice of interactive projector models this summer. The new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 should captivate users, providing interactivity on virtually any solid flat surface or dry erase board. The improved model is brighter at 3000 lumens and enables up to four people to simultaneously write, touch and interact within the inclusive SMART Notebook collaborative software (with one year SMART Notebook Advantage subscription also included). The unit also introduces compatibility with the Crestron® RoomView® room management system. The new unit will complement the existing SMART LightRaise 60wi Interactive projector, which provides a dual touch experience at 2500 lumens brightness. If you have not read my previous blog about interactive projectors you can find it here: Interactive Projectors - Blogs - EduGeek.net For details speak to our helpful education team or PM me direct.

Out Now! SMART Notebook™ 2014.1 The next update for SMART Notebook is now available. SMART Notebook™ 2014.1 focuses on enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom with an improved pen and touch experience in SMART Notebook. Notebook 2014 is only available to customers with a valid SMART Notebook Advantage subscription and provides them with access to the following new features and performance improvements: Maths Editing for SMART Notebook allows users to edit complex maths equations with pen or finger. Pen ID support for SMART Board 6065 interactive flat panel enables multiple students to independently change tools. Enhanced ink editing performance with improved recognition accuracy, speed and types of handwriting recognized with additional support for those right to left languages supported by SMART Notebook. Improved user experience for Notebook Maths powered by Geogebra including new types of function recognition and additional pre-built Geogebra content (now 100,000 pieces). Improved product activation enables IT administrators to deploy Notebook Classroom Licenses via system imaging. Using this feature activation is consumed when the teacher starts SMART Notebook rather than at the time of imaging. SMART software downloads are available via: https://www.smarttech.com/Home+Page/Support/Browse+Support/Download+Software For more information on SMART Notebook and SMART Notebook Advantage please call Cablers and talk to a member of our Education Technology Team.

Classroom LED Interactive Displays Large format touch screens are becoming a regular addition to the front of class these days. They are also a popular choice for businesses and look great in a meeting or board room setting. As a long established supplier and installer of innovative AV equipment we have taken a keen interest in this technology as it has developed. It has taken a few years for it to filter down from the high end, high priced units first available to the more sensibly priced classroom friendly options we expertly install. So how will you go about choosing what type of display is right for you and your working environment? My advice is to get some advice from a specialist installer. Not one of those large box shifting companies that badge themselves as education specialists. You will most likely end up speaking to an operator who will take your order and tell you the product you have chosen is the best thing since sliced bread and fit for purpose even though they have never been inside a classroom since they left school. Too many companies will supply equipment without ever visiting you or your school to see if its going to be right. It’s never going to be as simple as hanging a flat screen on a wall and plugging it in. Most of the large format touch screens suitable for a school environment are quite heavy and you should have a survey to make sure that the fabric of the wall can handle the weight. You do not want one of these falling off the wall three months after it’s installed. Aside from the cost of replacing a screen the health and safety implications don't bear thinking about. You will also need to know whether the electrics are situated in the right place, that all you’re cabling and connections will reach, work and that the planned screen will be able to be seen from every seat in the classroom. A good company quoting for you will not charge for a survey and the opportunity to discuss your plans and requirements. (Get some GOOD advice.) It can be a bit of a mine field so please do your research. Don't use suppliers based miles away when you have great suppliers and installers closer to home who wont have a problem popping in when they are needed. Most of you looking at upgrading to a touch screen will already be well acquainted with your IWB. (Interactive white board) You will also be trained and experienced in using the software that goes with it such as Smart Notebook or Promethean's Activinspire to plan lessons, save and share work with other staff and students. When buying your touch screen please take your software into account. You can not legally use your Smart or Promethean software with your new screen unless you have a license! Offsted will check eventually and if you are caught using unlicensed software on your shiny new touch screen your head teacher will ultimately be responsible for the infringement. We have seen screens demonstrated by lots of manufactures and most come bundled with their own software which when demonstrated will seem easy to use and adequate for for all your planned tasks. Please be wary! Demonstrations are designed to make the software and the screen look good. If you have the time try using the bundled software in ways that will replicate classroom scenarios, the software might well be adequate for your needs. I will say from my own experience of using some of these tools, they lack the finally honed user interfaces, and much of the functionality that are provided with Smart Notebook and Promethean Activinspire. They also cant match the vast array of readily available online resources provided on both platforms. We have worked closely with schools over the last 15 years and have installed thousands of displays and interactive whiteboards, we understand the importance of having great software that supports your teaching. You can get your copy of licensed software from Cablers or directly from Smart or Promethean easily enough. Just remember it will add to the total cost of the screen you are purchasing unless its bundled with the screen you buy. So what may look a great deal initially might not look so great when you budget for your preferred essential software. If you’re teaching you will most likely be used to one of Smart’s or Promethean's interactive white board models, although we do still see a few Hitachi boards around. The smallest screen you will have on a IWB will be 64" and it will be in a 4 x 3 format which is non widescreen. Most of the IWB's we installed in 2013 were the larger sized 77" 3 x 4 format or 87" 16:9 wide format. It can be a little confusing but you need to keep this sizing in mind as you search out a touch screen suitable for your classroom. Large format touch screens only display in a wide screen format which means that a 55" touch screen display which sounds quite large will in effect deliver icons on screen look much smaller than they would if displayed in a 4 x 3 format. The feed back we have received is that icons are not big enough for every child in the class to see comfortably. The bigger you can afford to go with your screen size the better the experience will be for users. Not so much the users at the front of the class interacting with the screen but certainly the children spread around the class following the lesson. We have seen quite a few of the early adopters of touch screens regret not waiting till they could afford a larger screen size. If you have a small class room then a 55" may be adequate. Large format touch screens for schools need to be up to the job, they are going to be used day in day out. Make sure the one you buy is an "A" rated commercial display. These should be guaranteed for 50,000 plus hours use. Another option available on some screens which you may not have considered is low friction glass. You will notice it if you spend your days at the front of the class running your fingers across the screen. Another desirable option on a display that is in use all day long would be AG (anti-glare) glass on the touch panel. It will reduce eye fatigue to protect eyes of both teachers and students by significantly reducing reflection and glare on the screen. Whatever screen option you choose you will benefit from low maintenance costs through low power consumption and eliminating the need for a projector takes with it those expensive lamp replacement charges. Based on our knowledge of the products within the market place and from years of working with schools, local education authorities and IT support providers we make these recommendations for large format touch screens in education. Check our our recommendations for the best 3 touch-screens currently available. Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/smart-e70-300x193.jpg Smart E70 This is currently the Rolls Royce of interactive touchscreen's. The Smart E70 comes bundled with the latest version of Smart NoteBook software fully licensed for your use in school. It has a 70" high definition display (16:9 aspect ratio) which is big enough for any class room. It's low glare, low friction surface provides a natural touch experience whilst allowing students to see the board from all angles even in sunlight. It has eight points of touch which allows for up to 4 users using control gestures on the board at any one time, enabling more collaborative lessons. The E70 is also compatible with SMART's range of accessories. This touch screen has an excellent build quality, the casing of the screen feels robust and having installed them i can see these units lasting for many, many years. http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BenQ-RP-650plus-300x150.jpg BenQ A perfect solution for 21st century classrooms, the BenQ interactive flat panel RP650 combines the power of touch technology and multimedia connectivity to maximize the learning experience of all types of learners. Designed with safety and flexibility in mind, the BENQ RP650 is easy and simple to install in any classroom setting using a VESA wall mount. It has a massive 65" screen providing a 16:9 aspect ratio and is ample size for most class rooms. You can touch the screen to pan, zoom and scroll images with fingers through the optical 5-point multi-touch technology which allows students and teacher to write on the screen at the same time. Touch eliminates the need for a mouse or keyboard, so you can operate education software or presentations like using a tablet to enjoy an engaging experience. You can also interact with students simultaneously on the big screen. The crystal clear resolution and high brightness display means that images are clearly visible and unlike projection based interactive solutions, there is no shadowing.The dual and multi touch screens allow students to collaborate simultaneously, encouraging cooperation and teamwork in the classroom. The BENQ PR650 (PR650+ Has anti glare glass) comes bundled with a licensed copy of Smart Notebook software. With a industrial grade panel combined with guaranteed 24/7 usage and a durable design makes a BENQ Interactive Touchscreen a very versatile solution for every classroom. http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/activpanel-touch-peacock-300x191.pngPromethean ActivPanel Touch ActivPanel Touch is available in a 65” or 70” touch panel display. ActivPanel Touch promotes active participation in whole-class or small-group lessons by providing vivid interactivity and engaging learning experiences. With a design optimised for the classroom and has superb construction, this interactive flat-panel display will enliven lessons and promote student engagement for years to come. It comes bundled with a licensed copy of Promethean’s ActivInspire for you to use with the screen in school and access to Promethean Planet’s 80,000+ free teaching resources and online professional development provide educators tools and support for active and inspired learning. This screen provides excellent visibility in any room, at any angle. Keeping all learners engaged is the hallmark of ActivPanel Touch. Crystal-clear visibility in virtually any lighting conditions and a wide viewing angle make every seat in the house a great one. Whether you’re in a classroom flooded with warm sunshine or one with no natural lighting, every student will be well placed to actively learn. Exceptionally smooth and responsive interactivity is the norm whether you are writing, pinching, zooming or swiping the edge of the ActivPanel Touch screen. Using a stylus or finger, ActivPanel Touch offers a natural, precise handwriting experience. The multi-touch functionality brings Windows 7 and Windows 8’s tools to life at the swipe of your students’ fingertips. ActivPanel Touch is simple and intuitive for both pupils and teachers. Using technology to accomplish your long list of learning objectives has never been easier. Promethean's interactive flat panel is designed to meet the unique needs and demands of any classroom. Its long-lasting LED interactive touch screen, durable construction and comprehensive warranty ensure a long life of reliable service. While ActivPanel Touch works seamlessly with all Promethean solutions, it's also flexible enough to complement most educational technologies. Check out Interactive Touch Screens for Classrooms for more information. Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

Start with the vision of what the SLT want to achieve and how they want to use technology in your new school and work backwards. A robust network will be the key to everything anyway. Make sure you over-spec the network as in our experience consultants, builders and M&E's will always pair it back to what they think they can get away with installing during the build process whilst keeping within budget. Any cost savings they can make normally add to their profits if they have won the job by bidding a set price.