Interactive multimedia projectors: overview, description, features and reviews

Technological promotion of entertainment equipment does not remain without attention from educational institutions. Advantages of new technology, which expands the operational capabilities, are highly appreciated in the spheres of business. One of the latest developments, which caused a wide interest of this kind, is an interactive projector. These are devices that allow not only to transfer a high-quality image to the screen taking into account the features of the room, but also to ensure the possibility of interaction between the "picture" and the audience. On the market, an interactive multimedia projector became available a few years ago, but the largest manufacturers of digital equipment quickly mastered the technology and today offer innovative equipment in a wide range.

What is the feature of interactive projectors?

The prerequisite for the appearance of interactive models was the entry into the educational process of computers. As digital media became more and more firmly established as technical equipment for schools and universities, the demand for more modern means of projecting visual materials increased. Compared to traditional models, a multimedia projector for the school allows you to interact with an image broadcast through a computer. This is done by means of an electronic pointer, gestures and hand touches. Quite popular is the regime of the so-called white board, in which the teacher or presenter of the presentation can literally draw on the projected image using various instruments. In other respects, interactive devices have the same capabilities as standard projectors. However, it should be noted that the quality requirements for "pictures" in this case are not as important as in entertainment complexes.

Basic Characteristics of Models

Among the key parameters, which assess the quality of multimedia projectors, it is worth noting the light flux, resolution and contrast. As for the first characteristic, it in standard devices is 2600 ANSI Lm. This is a good, even high value, because for audiences with artificial lighting is enough and the light flux of 500 ANSI Lm. Matrix resolution varies from the aging SVGA format to the ultra-high 4K. But in most cases, multimedia projectors are supplied with matrices that provide a resolution of 1024 x 768. Also, the Full HD format is encountered, but it should be noted that there is no need for an enhanced quality of the educational "picture", as information, as well as method Profitable presentation of material to a wide audience. And in this respect, the importance of contrast. In the case of interactive models, it is 2000 x 1. But also modifications with a contrast of 500 x 1 should not be bypassed if it is planned to operate the equipment exclusively in artificial lighting conditions.

Reviews about projectors Eiki

Under this brand came one of the first video projectors with interactive features - version LC-XIP2000. Over the past two years, the device has significantly changed, but its basic characteristics continue to be considered by many as a standard. The success of the entire segment is due to user feedback about the first product of this type. In particular, multimedia projectors from Eiki are praised for the reduction in size against the background of the expansion of functionality. The users had to pay for introducing new options to the sound and quality of the image. The fact is that the projectors do not spoil the consumer with high-quality sound, but in this case the built-in stereo system is used for 2 watts in the channel. However, this is enough to provide sound rooms of up to 200 m ² . The image is provided by the format 1024 x 768. It's a little bit by the standards of modern devices, but the company did not plan to compete with the advanced entertainment complexes.

Reviews about projectors Casio

Suddenly, a segment of interactive projectors replenished and worthy of the development of XJ-UT310WN from Casio. This model is good not only by the very fact of using new technologies, but also by expanding the capabilities built by Eiki engineers. In particular, users testify to the profitable increase in brightness characteristics up to 3100 ANSI Lm, mark the support for 3D video, as well as the ultra-short projection distance. Noteworthy is the fact that the LED multimedia projectors Casio have a long service life of lamps - up to 20 thousand hours. And this is against a background of low power consumption. Again, according to the owners, the normal operation mode of such a projector requires 205 watts. In general, the developers of the company Casio optimized the concept of interactive projection, organically combining it with the functions of entertainment models.

Reviews about projectors Epson

I could not pass by the new fashion and Epson, which is one of the leaders in the segment of video projectors. The manufacturer not only repeated, but also functionally improved existing developments. For example, EB-595Wi owners note the convenience of using the touch function, through which you can interact with the displayed material through touch and gestures. By the way, the developers have provided for the use of a mouse, which, if necessary, replaces manipulation with your fingers. Similar solutions were used by other companies, but the multimedia projector Epson provides increased accuracy when interacting with the smallest elements of the image. In addition, users note the convenience of using the device itself in terms of physical treatment. A small weight (5 kg) and modest dimensions make it possible to install equipment in almost any conditions.

Reviews about projectors Sony

Sony directly cooperates with educational institutions, providing them with interactive equipment. In small classes, teachers often use the model VPL-SW536C, which is characterized by an ultra-small projection distance. At the same time, this device is valued for the ability to transmit information to the "board" through wireless channels - that is, the student can broadcast the material through a smartphone or tablet. In large audiences, it is recommended to use the Sony multimedia projector in the VPL-FH500 version. In this case, in addition to the wide functionality, the user will receive a high resolution. Sony also takes into account other nuances of using such equipment in educational processes. Developers supply projectors with intelligent systems, thanks to which the energy consumption is optimized. As a result, the costs for the application and maintenance of machinery are reduced.

How to choose the best option?

First, you need to determine the goals that will be achieved through the projector. For example, who and how will use the device, as well as the image it transfers. The Epson models have the most extensive interactive abilities, which have increased the convenience of interaction with the "white board". If the basic characteristics of the equipment come to the fore, among which the "picture" parameters in the form of brightness and contrast, then we should pay attention to multimedia projectors of the brand Casio. In other respects, the model lines of each manufacturer allow you to determine the choice of equipment for solving any problems.

How much does an interactive projector cost?

Modern projectors are not cheap, especially considering the introduction of the latest technologies. But, strangely enough, the segment of interactive technology does not differ much above the clouds. The initial 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 are models designed for large audiences and equipped with modern communication capabilities.

Conclusion

At this stage of the development of interactive projectors, it's early to talk about trends and patterns of the market. Producers, of course, tend to develop original concepts in the provision of technological capabilities of products, but for the most part, such attempts resemble the mode of creative search. And this is logical, because multimedia projectors with interactive functions 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. At the same time, the basic characteristics of the equipment are improving, the quality of the image is improving, etc. A separate direction is the desire of developers to minimize the energy consumption of projectors.