Epson Interactive Projector Claims to Replace Whiteboards

Epson today unveiled the Epson EB-450wi, an ultra short throw projector that allows teachers and business presenters to turn any standard whiteboard or smooth wall  into an interactive learning and presentation area.

The Epson EB-450wi can project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, hard surface. It also features a digital infrared pen that allows users to write with “virtual ink” on the projected area, manipulate interactive onscreen objects and features, or use it as a computer mouse. The interactive projector comes with a wall mount. 

The Epson EB-450wi can be mounted as close as 2.8-inches away from the wall to accommodate smaller classrooms or meetings rooms, and can project a 60-inch diagonal image with the lens only 18-inches  away; new high performance optics virtually eliminate hardware and shadow interference.

Epson’s 3LCD technology offers full-time colour projection with three separate LCD panels (Red, Green and Blue) thus ensuring projection of image without colour breakup (commonly known as rainbow effect), distorted image patterns and visual fatigue.

The device can be connected via RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity for remote monitoring and control via an IT network.Through the integrated 10-watt speakers of the projector, users can play sound from video or animated presentations. Using Epson’s E-TORL lamp technology, the projector’s lamp life can last up to 3,500 hours in economy mode.

The Epson EB-450wi will be available for order from July 2010 at a recommended price of Rs. 1,86,000.

Update - We attended the demo and got a few more bits of information. The software bundled with the WB-450wi doesn't support handwriting recognition. A virtual keyboard is however available. You can use any other third party software with the system.

The system set-up is designed to be mobile and can be set up in 30 minutes or so is what we were told.
The idea is to facilitate schools and boardrooms with an interactive way to learn and interact better with presentations respectively.