Projectors Considered: Interactive Classroom Projectors 1

Casio’s got an interesting ultra-short throw interactive projector.  The leader in solid state light engines introduced the XJ-UT310WN – which does have a solid state LED/Laser light engine, to take on the leader in ultra-short throw interactive projectors – which is Epson with over half of the US market for this type of projector, and has by far the most models in this category

Let’s start with the basics, the DLP Casio XJ-UT310WN is a WXGA resolution (1280x800) projector – the most common resolution for interactive projectors.  It claims a 20,000 hour light engine and 3100 lumens.  Color in brightest mode is definitely heavy green, but step down to better modes and good color starts at about 2100 lumens, and excellent color above 1500 lumens, which is still a healthy amount for an ultra short throw projector.

The 595Wi is very, very, similar to the 585Wi reviewed last year, with the major change being that the 595Wi can use typical pens for interactive drawing, etc., but it can also sense and work based on using a finger, or several.  In fact it supports simultaneous use of two pens and six fingers – which allows multiple people to work interactively on a project simultaneously.  Imagine 4 or 5 kids doing math on the whiteboard at the same time.

All considered the 595Wi offers impressive interactive features, and it supports screens up to 100” diagonal at its WXGA resolution.  Typically larger surfaces (than 100”) are impractical for interactive, since the upper parts of the whiteboard would be too high for most to reach – besides 100” diagonal is far larger than the typical projection screens found in most K-12 classrooms even if that’s a common size in large university classrooms.   Without the need to fill huge spaces, the measured 3176 maximum lumens (3300 claimed), is plenty, even with a healthy amount of ambient light present.  Presentation mode is the brightest with very good color, and still measures 2644 lumens.

While the 595Wi (above) is the top interactive targeting the education market, some university and other applications may favor the more expensive commercial version, the 1430Wi.  It has all the same features, but in addition is more collaboration focused,  Use several in meetings with other offices around the country, perhaps for symposiums or conferences, or just research meetings between teams at different universities.   Up to 16 1430s (or the less expensive 1410s  can collaborate at the same time – draw on any one, it appears on all of them, use it split screen with video conferencing for a just like being there meeting.  Or tie in a mix of phones, tablets and computers - but 16 in all.  This type of extra capability is most impressive, and can be a powerful collaboration tool over distances.