Education Projectors: Epson Changes The Game With W16SK Passive 3D Projector System – Press Release


January 16th, 2013 admin

Epson PowerLite W16SK projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Until the first shipments in March of Epson’s new W16SK Projector, 3D projectors  have been almost exclusively required active shutter glasses.  That means to equip a classroom you need dozens of expensive glasses.  Even in quantity good 3rd party glasses are likely $30-$40 plus at this time.  With the potential of glasses disappearing, cost can become a very expensive problem for a school district, even after initial purchase.
Epson’s  passive glasses – similar to those  used in virtually all 3D movie theaters in the US  are only $3 each, don’t require batteries or recharging, nor an IR or RF signal for syncing.
The Epson Powerlite W16SK projector system accomplishes this by consisting of two “stacked” projectors.  This is an old trick.  Back in the days when 50 pound projectors could barely produce 2000 lumens, two or more might be stacked to fill a large auditorium or similar venues.
One projector essentially projects the info for your right eye, the other the left.  This is accomplished by the two lenses of the glasses, having opposite polarization.  Bottom line, it works in movie theaters and it works in the classroom.  You also get exceptional brightness 6000 lumens total in 2D, and 3000 lumens to each eye in 3D!
Up until now, to our knowledge, there was no passive system available from a manufacturer.  Some integrators may have been doing stacked projectors on a very small scale.  Epson’s W16SK, though, is a ready to go, manufacturer backed, 3D passive projector solution that can be implemented throughout a school, school district or even state wide through one of the big Education consortiums.
Below is the full press announcement of the W16SK.
Also below Epson is announcing a more traditional active 3D projector, the Powerlite W16.

Press Release

Epson Announces 3D Projectors Designed Specifically for Education

Epson PowerLite W16 and W16SK Deliver Ultra Bright, Affordable and High Quality

3D Projection to Broaden Learning Possibilities in Classrooms

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Jan. 16, 2013 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today introduced two 3D projector solutions designed to enhance the learning experience in classrooms – the PowerLite® W16 and W16SK. Epson is offering two 3D projection choices – one based on active 3D technology and the other on passive 3D technology – which both deliver three times brighter colors than most competitive projectors2, allowing 3D content to be easily viewed in typical, well-lit classroom settings. The projectors also offer a wide range of features including easy setup and connectivity options, bringing ease of use and convenience to the classroom at an affordable price point. The PowerLite W16 and W16SK will be shown at the Epson booth (#709) at FETC in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 28-31, 2013.

“Studies have shown that 3D in education is on the rise and 3D lessons increase student learning and retention3. Epson now offers a solution to help bring 3D into the classroom in a more affordable way,” said Sara Kim, associate product manager, K-12 Education Marketing, Epson America. “For example, whether faced with high ambient light or the need to provide affordable 3D glasses for all students, the Epson PowerLite W16SK addresses these challenges by delivering high quality and incredibly bright images, and leveraging technology that allows for inexpensive 3D glasses to be used for all content for every student.” Read the rest of this entry »

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