Epson, the global leader in projector technology, is on hand at the Florida Educational Technology Conference, the largest educational technology conference in the US. Epson promised to bring great news for classrooms utilizing projector technology, and that they did.
This morning Epson introduced its new line of ultra-short throw interactive projectors – the BrightLink® 575Wi, 585Wi and 595Wi. Designed for K-12 and higher education markets, the series delivers advanced connectivity options, PC-free interactivity capabilities, interactivity over the network, Moderator software for ultimate collaboration, and up to 3,300 lumens of color brightness and 3,300 lumens of white light brightness2. The line also takes interactive capabilities one step further with the BrightLink 595Wi, the world’s first touch-enabled 3LCD interactive projector.
“Epson understands the need for a fresh approach to classroom collaboration, and with the introduction of the BrightLink 595Wi – the very first finger-touch interactive 3LCD projector – students are able to experience a kinesthetic and intuitive approach to learning,” said Tom Piche, product manager, K-12 interactive projectors, Epson America, Inc. “As the classroom landscape continues to evolve, teachers require tools to engage students in the learning process. With functionality to support BYOD initiatives, including Moderator software to control collaboration, the BrightLink series is ideal for creating an immersive learning environment.”
The new BrightLink series delivers WXGA resolution for widescreen performance, as well as brightness and functionality options to accommodate nearly any classroom:
Epson 3LCD projectors deliver three times brighter colors than leading competitive projectors4. By using Epson EasyMP® with Moderator software and Epson iProjection™ app, the new ultra-short throw series is also easy to network and integrate into classrooms adopting BYOD (bring your own device) initiatives. The three models offer PC-free annotation with a range of devices including document cameras, DVD and Blue-ray players as well as tablets and mobile devices, or no source at all. The series also delivers interactivity over the network and two HDMI ports including one with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) support for connecting multiple digital devices, including mobile phones, tablets and other portable devices, for enriched high definition viewing capabilities.
The new BrightLink series also gives teachers more control within multi-device classrooms with built-in Moderator functionality, allowing up to 50 computers, tablets and other handheld devices to be connected via the network. Teachers can wirelessly control which personal devices are displayed, with up to four participant screens shown simultaneously, ideal for comparing students’ work and increasing classroom participation.
Furthering Epson’s commitment to interactive engagement, this family of BrightLink models is also compatible with educational curriculum applications including Promethean ActivInspire and SMART Notebook™ 11, allowing educators to foster greater interactivity among students of all ages and disciplines.
The three BrightLink models share additional easy-to-use and versatile features for the classroom, including:
– Wireless interactivity: Use EasyMP software with a networked BrightLink projector to share and interact with content from your laptop as you move freely about the classroom
– Large Interactive Area: Up to 100” diagonal – at a fraction of the cost of traditional interactive whiteboard systems
– Easy Interactive Tools (EIT) 3.0: Includes a refreshed user interface for increased ease-of-use, hardware control center and editable file format to save lessons and more
– Epson iProjection: Leveraging the Epson iProjection app, teachers can present to BrightLink from most iOS Apple devices running iOS 4.2 or later, including the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®, and most Android devices running Android 2.3 or later
– Redesigned Wall Mount: Offers longer arm for mounting to thicker boards and cover extension for hiding cables when installed
– Speaker and Microphone Input: Dedicated input allows teachers to use a microphone to amplify voice using the internal 16W speaker, saving the teacher’s voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using projector or remote control buttons
– Monitor and Control: Epson EasyMP network software for network monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and email alerts to be sent via LAN; schedule function allows projector to run functions without the need to be connected to a network
– 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy efficient light engine which uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness5
– Dual Interactive Pens: Includes two interactive pens for writing, navigating and controlling interactive functions.
– Long Life Lamps: The lamp life can last up to 10,000 hours6 in economy mode, helping to maximize presentation time; replacement lamps cost $79, providing a lower overall total cost of ownership
Epson supports their educational efforts with the Brighter Futures program a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors.
Their new line of BrightLink projectors should be available beginning in April. You can find out more at Epson.com
