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Interactive projectors
August 12, 2011
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Epson's BrightLinks tabletop projector

By Ralph Niekamp

I penned a CM&E article last fall giving an overview of interactive technologies: audience response systems, videoconference and webcasting, 3D projection, as well as touch screens. We all know that technology advances quickly but even I’m surprised to be writing an update on interactive projectors.

Interactive projectors have caught on in a real big way. My first contact with an interactive projector was in the spring of 2010 when Epson introduced the BrightLink.  With a price tag starting at under $2,000.00 we knew that the education market was going to love this. No need for an interactive whiteboard and projector combination; just the interactive projector.  We have also seen interactive projectors becoming a popular choice for corporate boardrooms and training facilities.
 

  

The interactive projector marketplace has many more options available. Hitachi, the manufacturer of the StarBoard interactive whiteboards has launched the iPJ-AW250N interactive projector. Other interactive projector brands now include InFocus, Dell, ViewSonic, DLP and Optoma. This is a major shift in the marketplace and this technology is here to stay.  

These projectors use infra-red technology to track the interaction with the person using the “screen” to annotate. I say “screen” because interactive projectors do not use a traditional projection screen. They project onto a regular whiteboard or a wall.  The annotation tool can be with a wireless infra-red pen or in some cases a finger. When the pen touches the hard surface that the projected image is on the projector knows where the point is in relation to the image and processes the information.

One of the reasons that interactive projectors are becoming popular is that they are generally ultra-short throw. The projector can be mounted very close to the “screen.” This is important because it avoids the shadow puppet effect of the person’s body blocking the projected image from the projector. An ultra-short throw projector also eliminates the projector’s light shining in the people’s eyes. A 60” image can be projected from a distance of only 18”.

Many people considering using an interactive projector opt for one that utilizes and “open architecture solution.”  This means that the projector runs the software that is already on the person’s computer system. The user can work with the software they are comfortable with and do not have to learn or be restricted by proprietary software of the interactive manufacturer.

The interactive technology can also be incorporated into existing projectors. Epson offers the BrightLink Solo and Hitachi just released the StarBoardLink. The BrightLink Solo sensors are mounted above the screen as illustrated above. The Hitachi StarBoardLink has a sensor that mounts at the top of the screen and reflective bars that are mounted around the perimeter of the screen.

The latest innovation is that some projectors can be mounted to project on a tabletop. People can now sit around a table and collaborate interactively on projects.

About the author

Ralph Niekamp, Inland AV Saskatoon general manager, addresses audiovisual considerations important to event planners. As a branch manager, Ralph brings a unique perspective as he is involved in both permanent systems design and integration and AV rentals applications.

 

Filed under: Features 

  

  
 
 
 
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