K12 product Focus: Projectors

Ultra short-throw projectors provide bright images, connect to any number of display sources

Although traditional projectors remain popular, many school districts now opt for ultra short-throw, interactive devicesall-in-one solutions that replace the costs and technological support once needed for whiteboards, flat screen monitors and other display technologies.

Ultra short-throw projectors—which can be mounted above a blank surface or a whiteboard—provide bright, shadowless images and can be connected to any number of display sources, including laptops and tablets.

Like whiteboards, many models let users interact directly with the image being projected.Some of the newest products allow up to 10 users to work together on the same image.

More schools are now choosing laser projectors, which have instant on/off image capability and no warmup wait. Laser projectors offer all the image quality and brightness of traditional lamp-based devices while also lasting longer—up to 20,000 hours. The downside is the cost, both initially and if the light source ever needs to be replaced.

For districts that use traditional projectors, lamp life in that segment is increasing, with some units able to exceed 5,000 hours before needing a replacement. Network connectivity is also improving, allowing IT staff in a central location to monitor hours of usage, shut down projectors at the end of the day and determine when new lamps are needed.

Canon REALiS 4K501STPro AV LCOS

Canon

This projector has an enhanced video interface with two HDMI 2.0 inputs and HDCP 2.2 support. It offers 4K resolution of 4096 x 2400 and 5,000 lumens of brightness for detailed image reproduction. Weighing in at just under 40 pounds, it also features advanced image adjustments and marginal focus to ensure that content on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus.

BenQ MS527E, MX528E and MW529E projectors

BenQ

The latest additions to the M5 Series, these ultrabright projectors feature optimized color rendition and more than 1 billion non-fading colors for long-lasting image quality. This eliminates light burn and color degradation over extended usage. Each projector features 3,300 lumens of brightness and a 13,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as dual HDMI inputs and an easy-access lamp door. All models weigh less than five pounds.

NEC ME-Series

NEC Display Solutions

Slated to launch in December, the ME-Series LCD projectors connect wirelessly to smart devices, such as phones and tablets, and can display up to 16 thumbnail images simultaneously. These NEC projectors offer 3000 to 4000 lumens of brightness, a 20-watt speaker, digital and analog video inputs, and wired network management and control.

Touchjet Wave and Pond

Touchjet

Touchjet’s Wave can be mounted to the top of any flatscreen TV or monitor, turning the device into an interactive touchscreen tablet with remote control. It also has a front-facing camera and dual microphones to allow for videoconferencing. The Pond (weighing less than a pound) is a portable wireless projector with a brightness of 80 lumens that turns any wall, table or desk into an interactive touchscreen with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels.

Panasonic PT-FZ570

Panasonic

Engineered to extend performance and cut costs, the PT-FZ570 features a new dustproof optical drive, long-life lamp, and improved filtering technology to maintain maximum brightness. A 1.8x zoom and joystick-operated, wide-range lens allow users flexibility in placing the projection in different parts of a classroom. A built-in sensor optimizes brightness and halftone color, sharpening details to make pictures easy to see in well-lit rooms.

Casio XJ-F210WN LampFree

Casio

Casio’s newest LampFree projector has an estimated 20,000-hour operating life and consumes half the power of a traditional lamp-based projector. Since it doesn’t require a lamp, replacements are never needed. Maximum brightness is reached in five seconds, and a dust-resistant design helps ensure brightness lasts longer. It is also equipped with a 1.5x zoom lens, two HDMI terminals and a USB power supply.

Epson Pro L1405U

Epson

Epson’s Pro L1405U large-venue projector combines a laser light source and 3LCD technology to produce bright images in large auditoriums and gymnasiums. The WUXGA (wide ultra extended graphics array) projector can accept 4K input and delivers 8,000 lumens of color and white brightness. Its laser light engine provides 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation.

InFocus IN2120x Series

InFocus

The new IN2120x Series network projectors offer high brightness of up to 4,200 lumens, 1080-pixel resolution, 3D capability and flexible connectivity options—and can function even in classrooms with strong ambient light. These InFocus projectors provide room-filling sound and, with a short-throw ratio, can create big pictures with minimal shadows in tight spaces. The IN2120x series can be installed in the classroom or placed on a tabletop.

Boxlight P12 LTH and LTW

Boxlight Mimio

These ultra short-throw laser projectors feature touch-enabled interactivity, making it easy for teachers and students to use. There are no bulbs or lamps to change, and each projector has a 20-year laser life span. Up to 10 users can work simultaneously with images larger than 100 inches. And the projectors work with most mobile devices, offering analog and digital AV ports for easy connectivity.

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