GIVE WHITEBOARDS THE FINGER

Epson is demonstrating the first ‘finger touch’ projector specifically designed for business use at Integrate this week, where the screen images can be manipulated and annotated using hand gestures alone.

The functionality is part of the second generation of Epson’s MeetingMate technology and is incorporated in the new EB1430Wi projector. Up to six participants can touch,draw, select and interact using intuitive and familiar gestures with just their fingers on the screen or with an interactive pen. Opening and closing files, scrolling, moving and expanding objects, and annotation are just some of the actions available – images can even be resized and moved as if they were objects so if there is no writing space on the screen, for instance, the contents can be reduced to make room for new annotations.

“The new MeetingMate projectors revolutionise any whiteboard, wall, flat surface or existing dry erase board as it makes them a truly interactive and powerful business tool,” says Epson Australia business division general manager Craig Heckenberg. “Simply turn on the projector and start writing. It’s that easy.”

MeetingMate is a standalone solution that requires no computer, software or training. It offers the ability to capture, save and share everything that transpires within the meeting at the touch of a button, pen or finger. There is no need to transcribe whiteboard notes or take a photo as MeetingMate is set up to print or email directly from the screen. The second-generation models add the ability to save up to 50 fully digital pages, removing the need to erase for more space. A whiteboard-sharing mode enables digitally written content to be shared and annotated simultaneously by both local and remote participants collaborating from mobile devices, computers and other MeetingMates without connecting a PC. This feature can be used for document revision, adding handwritten signatures, modifying charts and highlighting key information.

The networking capabilities of MeetingMate are second to none, Epson says. By attaching them to a LAN via a wired or wireless connection, MeetingMate’s network-connected projectors not only allow users to present visual and audio content over the LAN, but also to annotate on network content with Epson’s instant annotation tools. Using the EasyMP network projection application allows users to project a presentation via a maximum of four network-connected projectors anywhere in the world, and enables individual mouse control from each location. IT administrators can also configure and monitor the status of their Epson networked projectors, including the remote viewing of power status, lamp hours, temperature and filter conditions and maintenance alerts.

Enhanced interactivity is the key feature of the range. By connecting the projectors to a PC via USB cable, users can operate the PC mouse using the interactive pen – or a finger with the EB-1430Wi. When used with Microsoft Office (Windows Vista or later), users can handwrite comments and diagrams directly into the document then save them in the original file format. The Epson iProjection App adds more convenience: users can wirelessly share and display content from their own iPhones, iPads and Android devices to the MeetingMate projectors.

MeetingMate now employs a dynamic video conferencing display enabling users to connect video conferencing equipment for screens up to 100-inches, and uses split screen to simultaneously display people and content side by side. All the projectors use low cost Epson lamps and have a powerful 16W built-in speaker. They boast 3300 lumens white and colour brightness, up to 6000 hours of lamp life in ECO mode, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and increased practical digital connectivity with two HDMI ports for digital connections, one of which supports MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) for mirroring connectivity with Android mobile devices.

Price:
EB-1420Wi:  AUD$3299 (inc. GST)
EB-1430Wi:  AUD$3699 (inc. GST)

Source: media release

More information: www.epson.com.au/meetingmate