Get the classroom involved with Epson’s first finger-touch interactive projector

22 January 2014 – Epson has announced its new range of ultra-short-throw education projectors at BETT UK today, featuring its first finger-touch interactive product. The EB-595Wi enables users to interact with the projected image just by using their fingers. This allows teachers and students to get hands-on and take control, making lessons and lectures more engaging than ever before; just what you’d expect from the world’s number one interactive projector manufacturer¹ . The EB-5 Series will be available from May 2014, with the EB-595Wi priced at £1,793 RRP exc. VAT.

The EB-595Wi enables teachers, lecturers and students to use up to six points of finger-touch, or either of its two interactive pens, to annotate directly onto the projected image, making it easier than ever to write notes, draw diagrams or illustrate over videos. It’s easy to use the on-screen controls to change slides, choose inputs, or even save an illustration, all with the touch of a finger. The ultra-short-throw design allows users to interact with their presentations directly while minimising shadows and glare.

Paul Wilson, product manager, Epson UK, says: “Finger-touch is all about instant interactivity using natural gestures, and with no learning curve. Teachers will find finger-touch incredibly useful for quickly emphasising a point or providing additional notes during class, crucially without having to find an interactive pen first, and students can head straight to the projected image to contribute. However, the beauty of this product is that you can still use the two interactive pens if you would prefer to do so.” The two new interactive pens are now even more responsive and easy to use, with an improved, lightweight design. They allow teachers and students to write on the screen at the same time, with separate attributes, making collaborative work easier. The EB-595Wi’s unique design means that it’s possible to write, draw and annotate right to the corners of the screen, and with driverless installation and auto calibration it’s easy to get up and running. The PC-free annotation whiteboard mode means that teachers don’t even need to power up their computers.

Part of a new range

The EB-595Wi is part of the new EB-5 ultra-short-throw projector range, featuring both interactive and non-interactive models, WXGA and XGA resolutions, and an improved light output of up to 3,300 lumens compared to the previous series. All benefit from Epson’s 3LCD technology, which ensures high-quality images with equally high White and Colour Light Output for vivid colours and bright images, even in daylight, and three times brighter colours than competitive projectors² . These models have a long lamp life thanks to an eco mode setting, dynamic lamp control and auto brightness adjustment. Dual VGA and dual HDMI inputs provide comprehensive connectivity.

All of the EB-5 series projectors have optional wireless capability, making them easy to share content from a range of smart devices using the iProjection App³ . The moderator function allows teachers and students to share their content simultaneously. Teachers remain in complete control since they can choose when to display student content – ideal for interaction in a collaborative teaching or training environment.

[1] Source: Futuresource Consulting Limited, www.futuresource-consulting.com

[2]Compared to leading 1-chip DLP business and education projectors based on NPD data, July 2011 through June 2012. Colour brightness (Colour Light Output) measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4. Colour brightness will vary depending on usage conditions.  For more information please visit www.epson.eu/CLO

[3] iProjection App available on Android and iOS devices