Projectors

Epson Debuts 5 Short-Throw Projectors for K-12

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 11/04/14

Epson has unveiled five new short-throw projectors designed specifically for use in K-12 classrooms.

Featuring Epson's Monitor device management software and the ability to connect to an optional LAN module, the projectors allow up to 50 devices to connect at once and can simultaneously display as many as four.

"Students are bringing more and more devices into the classroom, and our projectors provide the connectivity to promote and facilitate collaborative learning opportunities through the sharing of student work," said Jason Meyer, senior product manager of Projectors at Epson America, in a prepared statement. "Our new short-throw models deliver best-in-class projection technology, offering high brightness for clear, sharp images even in ambient light, combined with easy-to-use connectivity solutions to meet the BYOD needs of teachers and students."

The new projectors, each capable of displaying up to 116 inches from four feet away, include:

• The PowerLite 520, with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), a 2,700-lumen brightness and a $849 price tag;
• The PowerLite 525W, which features a 1,200 x 800 (WXGA) resolution with 2,800 lumens and costs $949;
• The PowerLite 530 also costs $949 and features XGA resolution and and 3,200-lumen brightness;
• The PowerLite 535W has WXGA resolution, a brightness of 3,400 lumens and runs $1,049; and
• The BrightLink 356Wi, also with a WXGA resolution and the same brightness as the 535W.

The 356Wi is the only interactive projector in the bunch "offering collaborative learning and dual pen-based interactivity that transforms any wall or existing whiteboard into an interactive display," according to a news release. "PC-free annotation tools allow teachers to write on images projected directly from an iPad, iPhone, iPod, Android device, document camera or Blu-ray Disc player. In addition, all BrightLink interactive projectors are compatible with Smart Notebook, Promethean ActivInspire and MimioStudio educational software programs."