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Acer Ships Interactive Short-Throw Projector

The S5201M interactive short-throw projector offers dual HDMI inputs and networking capabilities.
The S5201M interactive short-throw projector offers dual HDMI inputs and networking capabilities.

Acer has started shipping a sub-$1,000 DLP short-throw projector that can act as an interactive whiteboard and project images from 19.2 inches from the screen.

The Acer S5201M projector offers a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), a contrast ratio of 4,500:1, and a brightness of 3,000 lumens. With a throw ratio of 0.61:1, the 3D-capable unit can project a 77-inch (diagonal) image from a distance of 37.4 inches from the screen (an image with a size of 61.54" x 46.27").

But beyond its short-throw capabilities, the new projector also offers interactive functionality via the Acer SmartPen, included with the package. The pen, which can be used from up to 32 feet from the projected image, acts as both a stylus for writing and drawing over the image and a remote for controlling the projector.

Networking functionality also allows it to be used in conjunction with Crestron Network Control Software over wired and wireless LAN.

Other features include:

  • ±40 degree manual vertical keystone correction;
  • Closed captioning support;
  • Support for importing multimedia resources via the Web using NXBoard software;
  • Dual integrated 5 watt speakers;
  • 2x digital zoom;
  • Wall color compensation and a variety of other color correction and enhancement tools;
  • High-altitude mode;
  • PIN security; and
  • 4,000-hour lamp life in economy mode.

AV inputs on the S5201M include dual dual HDMI, RGB/component ports (mini D-sub 15-pin), S-video, composite video, dual stereo minijacks, and 3.5 mm mic port. Outputs include analog RGB (mini D-sub 15-pin) and a single stereo minijack. Networking, multimedia, and control ports include LAN (RJ-45), dual USB type A ports, USB type B, RS-232, and IR.

The Acer S5201M projector is available now for $999, including the SmartPen, 90-day lamp warranty, and three-year DLP chip warranty. Additional details can be found on Acer's site.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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