May 2004 — Product Watch
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Presentation Products
ACTIVboard, part of the ACTIVboard Classroom Collaboration System from Promethean (www.activboard.com, 888-65-ACTIV). The ACTIVboard uses electromagnetic sensing technology that provides pin-point accuracy. Each purchase of an ACTIVboard comes with six licenses for ACTIVstudio, the software program that enables the ACTIVboard to collaborate with other devices. This optional function allows students to remotely communicate with the ACTIVboard to enable whole group participation. It also lets instructors communicate with the ACTIVboard from anywhere in the classroom.
The BOXLIGHT BV1100 Visual Presenter (www.boxlight.com, 800-884-6464) enables the entire class to take part in interactive learning when there are not enough materials for each student. When hooked up to a projector or monitor, the visual presenter allows teachers to display physical objects for viewing by the entire class. It includes a standard 220X power zoom lens, so displaying science dissections or mechanical parts for auto-shop class is an easy feat. The BV1100 has multiple inputs and outputs that provide educators with the ability to flip between live images on the visual presenter and a Web site or video on a computer. The unit also has the ability to store images. In addition, the BV1100 has a CCD camera head, an integrated base light, auto and manual focus options, and easily folds for transport between classrooms and buildings.
The newest offerings from Panasonic (www.panasonic.com) are the touch-panel modules for its professional 42" and 50" plasma displays. The TY-TP42P6S is the touch panel module for the 42" plasma display, while the TY-TP50P6S touch-panel module works in conjunction with the 50" plasma display. These add-on touch panels allow users to interact with the screen with a light touch of their finger or the use of the optional TY-TPEN6 touch pen. These aluminum panels are equipped with a reliable optical sensor system and offer high resolutions - 1833 x 1033 for the 42" module and 2201 x 1241 for the 50" module.
Samsung Electronics USA (www.samsung.com, 800-SAMSUNG) has a great selection of high-end plasma displays that are loaded with special features. The 42" PPM42H3, the 50" PPM50H3Q and the 63" PPM63H3Q all offer Digital Natural Image enhancement (DNIe) technology that provides improved detail, contrast, 3-D motion and color to ensure maximum image quality. The displays also offer dual analog and digital inputs and picture-by-picture functionality, which is ideal for videoconferencing. In addition, the displays feature advanced Anti-Burn Technologies, including Auto Pixel Shift, which keeps images moving imperceptibly. Rounding out the features are composite video for terrestrial and cable connections; component video for DVD and HDTV that provides 480i/p, 720p and 1080i viewing; S-video for gaming applications; and an RGB input for use with a PC.
