Technology is now well integrated in the classroom environment as an aid to assist teachers to deliver well structured, informative and interactive lessons. It’s clear the technology has enhanced the teaching and learning experience, by moving away from traditional whiteboards and blackboards, and providing endless access to the world of education software and internet resources.
But as with all technology, the range of products has moved on from the traditional projectors and interactive whiteboards which are in most classrooms. The demand for more advanced computer-based resources is constantly increasing and customers are looking for more durable screens with high quality displays.
As the interactive whiteboards throughout your school come to the end of their working lives, the question is whether you should replace them with another interactive whiteboard and projector or upgrade to an interactive flat panel…
So, what’s the difference?
Maintenance
Traditional interactive whiteboards use a projector to project images to the whiteboard. As projectors require a bulb there’s cost associated with replacing the bulb which can last anywhere between 2000-8000 hours. Even lamp free projectors tend to last up to just 15,000 hours.
All interactive flat panels are high quality LED screens which means no lamps! – they have an estimated 50,000 hour life with no loss of brightness. All projectors require cleaning, even the ones without filters - if they’re not thoroughly cleaned the performance of the whiteboard will be affected. Flat panels only require a light dusting to the screen itself.
Image and sound quality
Projectors loose brightness overtime due to the requirement of a bulb. This impacts the quality and delivery of lessons. All projectors cast a shadow on the screen which makes it less user friendly.
Interactive panels do not lose brightness and have an estimated 50,000-hour life. As you’re writing and touching an interactive LED with no projector there’s no shadow.
All interactive flat panels that YPO offer are at least full HD resolution, right through to Ultra HD and 4K. Most screens have integrated speakers and therefore the HDMi audio comes from the screen. We offer a full range of sound bars to complement our Interactive Flat Panels.
Classroom distraction
Due to projectors heating and cooling constantly during use the fans within the projector can create noise which is distracting to both teachers and students alike. Interactive flat panels generate any heat so do not use any noisy fans.
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Interactive whiteboard with projector
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Interactive flat panel LED
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Multi touch
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Dual touch
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4 to 10 point touch
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Lamp life
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2,000 to 8,000 hours per lamp
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No lamp, estimated 50,000 hour life
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Decreasing Brightness
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Degenerative, even when new lamp is installed
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Estimated 50,000 hour life and no decrease in brightness
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Cleaning
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Regular cleaning required to prolong the life of the unit
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Light external dusting
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Shadow
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All projectors cast a shadow even an ultra short throw
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None
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Resolution
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Usually 1024 x 768 0r 1280 x 800
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HD – 1920 x 1080 or Ultra HD -3840 x 2160
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21st Century Connectivity
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Usually VGA and maybe 1 x HDMi
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2-3 HDMi and often Display Port or DVi as well as VGA and video
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We offer a full range of audio visual equipment and can support your needs from site survey, through to installation and aftercare such as training. Contact us at [email protected]
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