The Pondering Pixel

A close-up wide angled but abridged look at projectors and other classroom technology, product reviews and releases, tradeshows, debates and conspiracy theories as well as humble observations on schools and screens.

Look out for two projector series from Epson designed for the K-12 classroom. The Epson® PowerLite® S17, X17, and W17 are said to be bright, easy to use and affordable even with HDMI connectivity and optional wireless connectivity. The other series includes the Epson PowerLite 97, 98, 99W, 955W, and 965 classroom projectors with advanced network connectivitymore

Epson has developed more than 30 “BrightLink Bright Spots” training videos to help teachers and technology trainers get to know intimately all the capabilities of EPSON® BrightLink ultra-short throw and short throw interactive projectors. The videos are free and accessed here. Some of the topics covered are connecting computers and document cameras as well as how to implement software like Easy Interactive Tools or the iProjection app.more

It looks as if Epson has responded to the cry of educators the world over who cite the cost of classroom projector replacement lamps as the greatest downside to bringing a projector into the technology mix. They are now offering replacement lamps for several of their classroom projectors for $99 through their Brighter Futures® program for schools.more

It really does sound like quite a bang for the buck in the realm of classroom projectors. Last week, Epson announced the launch of its PowerLite X15 classroom projector with 3000 lumens of brightness and several convenient setup and operation features for the classroom not least of which are HDMI connectivity and "EasySlide" keystone correction technology.more

One of the highlights of my CES experience last month was a visit to the InFocus suite. There I got a sneak peek at products that reaffirmed my belief in this Northwest pioneer of the industry. Of specific interest on this visit, however, was not a projector but the Mondopad. As my regular readers will attest to, I’ve been ranting about the superfluous nature of pricey interactive whiteboards for a couple of years now—ever since Epson released its first interactive projector. The Mondopad takes that rant to new heights as it puts a lot of other classroom technology tools in the hot seat and positions itself to be the new brain center of any wired classroom replacing white boards, PCs, touch panels, cameras, and video conferencing unitsmore

iProjection is Epson's first projection app that will allow Epson projector users the ability display their photos and documents wirelessly. It was introduced this week at the FETC Conference in Florida and is available for free download in the iTunes App Store.more

In an article earlier this week in her blog on tweenteacher.com, writer/teacher Heather Wolport Gawron addresses an issue I raised in my mind and in an earlier post of my own: Why would schools continue to spend money on a high priced interactive whiteboards (SMARTboard,Promethean or otherwise) in light of current trends and technology options?more

Budget conscious businesses and universities will soon take note of two new projectors announced by Epson last week. The PowerLite 1880 and 1850W (W denoting widescreen) are bright, lower cost portables that still offer advanced functionality. Unfortunately, determining the value of that functionality it is not always easy for every projector shopper as user applications vary so widely.more

There is no doubt about it, classroom technology shoppers look for value above all else. If this were not true, manufacturers would no longer produce SVGA projectors.more