Desktop Video Tools and Resources, Desktop and Portable Projectors, Electronic Whiteboards, Desktop Presentation Tools, Presentation Recorders and Projectors
Desktop Video Tools and Resources
Adobe GoLive 5.0
Adobe GoLive 5.0 simplifies web production. Unlike with traditional web authoring
tools, users visually lay out web pages using a grid and rulers for precise
positioning of images, tables, and text. A QuickTime movie editor helps users
create movies, import sound and video, add special effects, and link to external
files. Using the QuickTime timeline editor, users can combine video and audio,
create transitions, and perform every action needed to bring movies into a web
site. Go Live 5.0 features new code enhancements such as 360Code, which allows
users to make changes to the file without reformatting code. Other new features
include seamless integration with Photoshop. LiveMotion, and Illustrator. Contact:
Adobe Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA; (408) 536-6000; http://www.adobe.com
Analog Way
Analog Way offers a complete range of image converters, including scan converters,
scalers, line multipliers, up/down converters, switchers, interfaces, boosters,
and cables. The seamless Graphic Switcher fades and mixes instantaneously between
6 high-resolution sources from 29KHz to 130 KHz with no synchronization dropouts.
Studio Scan XTD 820R is a converter compatible with incoming computer images
up to 1600 x 1280. The Trans-Scaler line multiplier improves image quality by
increasing the standard TV/Video resolution and allows video sources to be displayed
full screen on multi-sync monitors, LCD/plasma flat screens, and data projectors.
Contact: Analog Way, New York, NY; (212) 269-1902; http://www.analogway.com.
Applied Magic
Applied Magic's ScreenPlay is an editing tool for videography, education, corporate/industrial,
and government applications. ScreenPlay offers broadcast quality video, DV IEEE-1394,
a PC-Card interface, and total envelope control of audio, transitions, and graphics.
With ScreenPlay's real-time features users can cut and edit video; add titles,
including outline, drop shadow, and character extrusion; add transitions and
special effects, including slow motion; add color effects, including solarize,
posterize, and sepia tone; and edit four stereo channels, including full audio
envelope control. ScreenPlay is compatible with all major systems and offers
over 50 transitions and effects. The software can handle multiple projects simultaneously,
and files can be organized in a variety of ways. Contact: Applied Magic, Carlsbad,
CA; (760) 931-6417; http://www.applied-magic.com/.
ATI All-In-Wonder 128
ALL-IN-WONDER 128 PRO features RAGE 128 PRO graphics technology and 32 MB of
memory. This all-in-one AGP 4X/2X upgrade provides powerful 128-bit 3D graphics,
125-channel TV-tuner with Digital VCR, still image and MPEG-2 motion video capture
& editing, hardware DVD video playback, video output to TV or VCR, and more.
TV-ON-DEMAND lets you watch TV on your PC when you want it and the GUIDE Plus+
Interactive Program Guide searches for programs at the click of a mouse. The
product is appropriate for educators looking for multimedia application tools,
graphics and digital video solutions in one package. Contact: ATI Technologies
Inc., Thornhill, Ontario, Canada; (905) 882-2600; http://www.atitech.com.
Communications Specialties' Scan Do Select
Scan Do Select video scan converter converts computer video signals at resolutions
up to 1280 x 1024 to NTSC and PAL video signal in composite and S-video outputs.
Features include RS-232 remote control, image freeze, advanced three-line flicker
reduction, adaptive computer sync processing, input zoom processing, and a built-in
color bar generator. Contact: Communications Specialties, Hauppauge, NY; (631)
273-0404; http://www.commspecial.com.
Dynamics Graphics Stock Footage
Dynamic Graphics Inc. offers The Professional Series, broadcast-quality, royalty-free,
digital stock footage. The new 32-title collection gives producers and directors
shots for attention-grabbing openers, suspense-filled cutaways, and more, without
the hassle and expense of licensing fees. It is available in formats for every
video purpose. Catalog and a browser CD are available free by calling (800)
255-8800. Contact: Dynamic Graphics, Peoria, IL; (800) 255-8800; http://www.dgusa.com.
Fiber Options
Fiber Options 601B series of digital video fiber optic links transmit digital
video one way over one fiber optic cable. They are available as multimode units
with LED emitters or single-mode laser emitting versions with ST or FC/PC connectors.
Contact: Fiber Options, Bohemia, NY; (800) 342-3748; http://www.fiberoptions.com.
Focus TV View Pro AV
TV View Pro AV video scan converter enables users to easily and economically
record high-resolution computer-generated images on videotape recorders, project
them on large screen projectors, and transmit them across a videoconference
link. The Pro AV 1600 extends the capability of the Pro AV Professional scan
converter product line to include resolution inputs up to 1600x1280. The Pro
AV 1600 family also adds FOCUS Enhancements' proprietary 2D Auto Filter technology
which reads the video pixels horizontally and vertically and automatically sharpens
the video image for fine font point content. Users can set the flicker filter
to toggle through seven application specific settings. What's more, users can
program 16 presets for all aspects of the video image. Control over independent
horizontal and vertical scaling, image pan, image zoom, flicker filter, and
picture positioning is easily accessible from the front panel backlit keypad
controls, a supplied IR remote control, or the on-board RS232/422 interface.
Contact: Focus Enhancements, Wilmington, MA; (978) 988-5888; http://www.focusinfo.com.
Gentner AP800
The AP800 performs the combined functions of several audio devices in one box,
including an eight-channel automatic microphone mixer, a 12 x 12 matrix mixer,
Distributed Echo Cancellation, audio processing, equalization, and audio control.
When connected to the AP10 digital telephone hybrid, the system can be used
for a variety of teleconferencing applications and is expandable to eight units
for a total of 96 inputs and 96 outputs. Contact: Gentner Communications Corp.,
Salt Lake City, UT; (801) 975-7200; http://www.gentner.com.
Inscriber CG/FX
Inscriber's CG/FX character generator was built with Inscriber's popular user
interface, and then powered with a comprehensive character generator, which
gives users complete control over text styles. CG/FX offers real time stills,
rolls, and crawls. With the text import functions users can move information
quickly into their CG module for editing and design manipulation. This decreases
production time and increases productivity by restricting the amount of typing
the operator has to do. CG/FX comes with numerous fully-editable text styles.
Multiple layers offer endless design potential for graphic artists. CG/FX allows
users to add an unlimited number of objects and create layers to organize those
text and graphics. Contact: Inscriber Technology Corp., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
(519) 570-9111; http://www.inscriber.com.
Interlink Electronics Freedom Writer Pro
Freedom Writer Pro hardware and software allow users to annotate projected
slides to underscore a point, handwrite notations over documents, or draw freehand.
The user's mouse pad converts to a graphics pad at the touch of a button. An
on-screen keyboard allows users to type Web addresses, enter messages, and edit
documents. Alternatively, the user can write characters on the pen pad and let
Freedom Writer Pro convert the printing to text. Contact: Interlink Electronics,
Camarillo, CA; (800) 340-1331; http://www.interlinkelectronics.com
Numonics Podium Pro
Podium Pro is a small-format multifunctional computer interface controller
that connects to a PC and a LCD projector to allow the creation and execution
of multimedia presentations. The Presentations Tools software permits live color
animation and features various emphasis tools for delivering a point. All program
functions are transferred to an electronic pen, enabling the instructor to operate
a computer while standing at a podium. Touching definable Softkeys, located
across the top of the board, with the electronic pen, allows the user to launch
video, graphics, text, animation, and audio. At 12.5" X 14" and weighing
2.5 pounds, Podium Pro is very portable. Contact: Numonics Corporation, Montgomeryville,
PA; (800) 523-6716; http://www.numonics.com.
Pointmaker PVI-X100
The Pointmaker PVI-X100 notebook marker allows users to annotate images with
brightly colored highlights. The PVI-X100 scales low-resolution, interlaced
video into high-resolution computer video, selects any of up to 4 inputs at
a touch, feeds up to 6 high-resolution display devices, reduces component and
cable clutter, and saves rack space. Users can mark video several ways, including
a touch screen or touch panel, digitizing tablet, or light pen. Contact: B'eckeler
Instruments, Tucson, AZ; (520) 745-0001; http://www.b'eckeler.com.
TV One Corioscan Pro
This computer-to-video tool designed for workstations, PCs or Macs, enables
the user to project an image from a computer screen onto other displays, such
as video projectors or TV screens.
Simultaneous display makes conversion from
computer to video seamless. Features include flicker elimination, 2X zoom, pan,
freeze, dual composite, and brightness control. The Auto set feature automatically
sizes and positions the computer image to fit the video screen. Contact: TV
One Multimedia Solutions, Erlanger, KY; (800) 721-4044; http://www.tvone.com.
Desktop and Portable Projectors
3M 9700 Model Projector
3M's model 9700 projectors provides 4300 ANSI lumens of brightness, allowing
users to switch from LCD projection panels to colored transparencies. A flip-in
magnifier enlarges images up to 30%. The unit, which weighs less than 20 lbs.,
can be ceiling mounted but is designed for easy portability. Legs flip up and
the model folds down for travel; a hard shell case protects the unit. Contact:
3M Corp., Austin, TX; (800) 328-1371; http://www.3m.com/ohp.
Canon LV-7525 Projector
The LV-7525 delivers 2750 ANSI lumens. Users can combine traditional presentation
formats with video (HDTV or digital), digital photography, or any other format
they can mount on a PC. The LV-7525 can also take direct input from camcorders,
VCRs, and digital cameras. Offering true XGA output (1024 x 768 pixels), SVGA,
VGA, and compressed SXGA output, the LV-7525 delivers maximum image quality
with plug-and-play convenience. When connected to a PC or any audio-visual device,
the LV-7510 automatically determines the proper horizontal and vertical scanning
frequency, type of video signal and tracking settings. Digital keystone correction
compensates for projection at angles up to 40 degrees. Contact: Canon, U.S.A.,
Inc., Lake Success, NY; (516) 328-5960; http://www.canondv.com/.
Christie Digital Vista X3 Projector
The Vista X3 from Christie Digital offers 300 ANSI lumens of brightness, fast
and easy lamp accessibility, auto setup, greater lens offset capabilities, lower
sound level, increased controller remote control options, and upgradable resolution
and brightness, which allows users to go from XGA to SXGA and/or higher brightness
without buying a whole new projector. Contact Christie Digital, Kitchener, Ontario,
Canada; (800) 265-2171; http://www.christiedigital.com.
Digital Projection HIGHlite 6000sx
At 5000 ANSI lumens, the HIGHlite 6000sx offers ultra-bright ANSI light output,
SXGA resolution, and simple functionality. It also operates on 110v main power,
eliminating the need for a 220v power source. Contact: Digital Projection, Inc.,
Kennesaw, GA; (770) 420-1350; http://www.digitalprojection.com.
Dukane Image Pro 8750 Projector
The ImagePro 8750 Data/Video LCD projector delivers 1300 lumens of light output,
features a contrast ratio of 400:1, and weighs only 6.7 lbs. It features true
1024 X 768 XGA resolution (compressed XGA resolution) and digital keystone correction
up to an angle of 12 degrees. The 8750 includes a high performance zoom lens
with unique wide-angle capabilities and produces a large image at a short throw
distance. In addition, the 8750 has a super quiet fan that permits meetings
to occur close to and around the projector. Contact: Dukane Corp., St. Charles,
IL; (630) 584-2370; http://www.dukane.com.
EIKI LC-SX1U Projector
EIKI's LC-SX1U liquid crystal data/video projector delivers 2,300 ANSI Lumens
brightness with 85% uniformity and a 400:1 contrast ratio, at 1280x1024 pixel
resolution. The 39-lb. LC-SX1U is built around 1.8" diagonal polysilicon
panels and a 400 Watt Metal Halide lamp, and capitalizes on the latest developments
in microlens technology to transmit more light, more evenly from a transportable
liquid crystal projector. The LC-SX1U's native resolution is 1280x1024 pixels,
for true SXGA/MAC21 display. It projects lower resolutions, down to 640x480,
either normal or expanded to full screen. Higher resolutions, up to 1600x1200,
are projected panned or compressed to full screen. With a dot clock of 200 MHz,
the LC-SX1U is compatible with most workstations. It comes configured with both
VGA & DFP ports and a 5 BNC input, and a 13W3 adapter is optionally available.
Equipped with a 1:1.29 power zoom and focus lens as original equipment, the
LC-SX1U projects images up to 40' / 12.2m wide over distances up to 101' (30.9m).
Optional telephoto, midrange, and wide-angle accessory lenses permit longer
and shorter throws. Power lens shift minimizes keystoning in both directions,
permitting offset ratios as high as 10:0~0:10, and eliminating the need for
projector inversion in ceiling installations. Contact: EIKI International, Lake
Forest, CA; (800) 322-3454; http://www.eiki.com.
ELMO EDP 6100 Projector
The EDP-6100 multimedia LCD projector offers true XGA, along with SVGA and
compressed SXGA/UXGA resolution, at 1900 lumens. It is compatible with NTSC,
PAL, and SECAM video formats and incorporates the latest UHP 150W lamp. Additional
features of the EDP-6100 include power zoom and focus, step-in motion display,
electronic magnification with image scroll, and a wireless remote control with
laser pointer. An optional tele-conversion lens is available. Contact: ELMO
Corp., New Hyde Park, NY; (516) 775-3200; http://www.elmo-corp.com.
Epson PowerLite 5600 Projector
Epson's portable projector model 5600 weighs only 14.9 pounds and offers 2200
ANSI lumens for projection in full daylight. It features a manual zoom, keystone
correction up to a 30-degree angle, and a contrast ratio of 300:1. Contact:
Epson America, Inc., Torrance, CA; (800) 463-7766; http://www.epson.com.
Fujitsu LPF-4800
The Fujitsu LPF-4800 offers high quality images with high brightness of 1500
ANSI lumens. The compact LPF4800 has dimensions of 9.2"(W) x 3.5"(H)
x 10.8"(D) and weighs only 7.9 lbs. The unit is compatible to next-generation
digital transmission standards (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) such as DTV and HDTV.
The LPF-4800 offers digital keystone correction up to an angle of 40 degrees,
an optional keypad with remote mouse function, Kensington Lock system, and digital
zoom (20x). Contact: Fujitsu, Fairfield, NJ; (888) 888-3424; http://www.plasmavision.com.
Hitachi CP-X960 Projector
Hitachi's new LDC projector offers 2000 ANSI lumens and produces a picture
bright and clear enough for comfortable viewing even in well-lit rooms or conference
halls where larger screen size is required. The 13-lb. 960 comes with power
zoom, picture-in-picture feature, digital keystone correction, and a remote
control with laser pointer. The contrast ratio is 200:1. Contact: Hitachi, Inc.,
Brisbane, CA; (800) 225-1741; http://www.hitachi.com.
Megapower Projector
The Megapower SVGA Poly-Silicon ML-228 projector is a lightweight projector
with 700 ANSI lumens and resolution of 800 x 600. The unit weighs less than
17 pounds. The ML-228 features over 80% uniformity from center to corner. Other
features include a 2000-hour lamp, color-coded cables, power zoom lens, auto-synching,
and handheld infrared remote control with integrated wireless compatible mouse
and built-in laser pointer. Contact: Megapower Technologies, Carlsbad, CA; (760)
929-7750; http://www.mega-power.com.
Mitsubishi Ultra-Portable SVGA Projector
Mitsubishi's S120 LCD projector weighs ten pounds and offers multiple features,
including a built-in PCMCIA card slot for computer-free presentations, true
plug-and-play capability, 800 ANSI lumens, a 2000-hour bulb, laser pointer remote,
and digital magnification and manual zoom. Contrast ratio with this model is
200:1. With its polysilicon three-panel system, the unit features 800 x 600
SVGA resolution, compressed resolution of 1280 x 1024, and 1024 x 768 providing
workstation compatibility. Contact: Mitsubishi, Cypress, CA; (714) 220-2500;
http://www.mitsubishi-display.com.
Navitar Hi-Lite
The Navitar Hi-Lite videoconferencing light fixture sharpens and clears on-screen
video images. The light plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet and attaches to
existing acoustic drop-ceiling t-bars, making it simple to remove for portability.
Variable light intensity allows users to adjust the amount of illumination for
optimal resolution. The flicker-free lighting has a Class A sound rating and
produces little or no audio noise, reducing movement of the codec and making
the entire video system seem sharper. Contact: Navitar, Inc., Rochester, NY;
(800) 828-6778; http://www.navitar.com.
Panasonic PT-LC50U Portable Projector
This new ultra-portable projector from Panasonic has a very small footprint
and weight of only 5.5 lbs. The unit features bright 700 ANSI lumens, SVGA (SXGA
max.) resolution, a detachable swivel stand and keystone correction, DTV-ready
design and picture mode selection. Also includes are a 5X digital zoom, advanced
shutter function, freeze function, full-function remote with laser pointer,
and optimal picture model selectable for either PC or video input. Contact:
Panasonic, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; (800) 528-8601; http://www.panasonic.com/presentations.
Philips Hopper SV20
The Philips Hopper SV20 is an ultra-portable projector weighing 4.9 kg. A special
feature of the SV20 is its silent operation. This ceiling-mountable projector
offers 1500 ANSI lumens and includes zoom and focus. Contact: Philips Consumer
Electronics, Atlanta, GA; (800) 504-9978; http://www.pcstuff.philips.com/projectors.
PLUS U2 Series Projectors
The PLUS U2 Series ultra-compact digital projectors weigh less than six pounds.
U2 series models feature Digital Light Processing technology by Texas Instruments,
the enhanced PLUS Optical Engine, and deliver, up to 1300 ANSI lumens of brightness.
They also feature a 800:1 contrast ratio, digital keystone correction, automatic
adjustment set-up, manual and digital image zooming, new advanced compression
technology, direct mouse control, freeze function, pick-mute function, quick-release
adjustable feet, on-screen pointer, and full function remote control with laser
pointer. Contact: PLUS Corporation of America, Allendale, NJ; (201) 818-2700;
http://www.plus-america.com.
Polaroid Polaview 270 Projector
Weighing only 5.3 pounds, the Polaview micro-portable 270 offers an SVGA 800
x 600 resolution, with a brightness of 800 ANSI lumens. The Polaview 270 features
digital/manual zoom, credit card sized-remote control, plug & play RGB input
with AutoSync. Contact: Polaroid Corp., Cambridge, MA; (800) 343-5000; http://www.polaroid.com.
Proxima Desktop Projector 6860
At 2400 ANSI lumens, the Proxima 6860 desktop projector is bright enough to
use in most lighted environments. It supports all major HDTV signals and full
screen images from PC and Mac computers. The unit features native XGA (1024x768)
resolution, and Fit-to-View display of VGA (640x480) through SXGA (1280 x1024).
Digital keystone correction makes it easy to project a square image regardless
of where the projector is placed. The model comes with ports for up to two data
sources, audio sources, video sources and USB mouse, picture-in-picture feature,
and high-quality video performance. The motorized zoom and focus offer flexibility
in projector placement. Contact: Proxima Corp., San Diego, CA; (800) 447-7692;
http://www.proxima.com.
Sanyo PLC-SU22N
With a footprint less than one square foot and weighing only 9 lbs., the Sanyo
PLC-SU22N is the smallest projector in its class. Digital keystone correction
compensates for angled projector placement. The model provides up to 1200 ANSI
lumens of brightness. Other features include a power zoom, built-in PC-card
slot, 8MB SmartMedia card and PC-card adapter for computerless presentations,
one-button Auto Imaging setup function, and an Image Pause function that removes
the image from the screen without loss of place in the presentation. Contact:
Sanyo, Inc., Chatsworth, CA; (818) 998-7322; http://www.sanyolcd.com.
Sony VPL-XC50U
At just over 8 lbs, the Sony Ultra Personal Projector is extremely compact
and portable making it easy to carry and convenient to stow in overhead bins.
This model features true XGA (1024x768) resolution LCD panels, multiple inputs
(including composite video, S-video, component video and RGB), and 600 ANSI
lumens of brightness. The product was constructed with a strong, lightweight
magnesium alloy body and a built-in lens shutter keeps the 1.2X zoom lens protected
during road trips. Contact: Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, NJ; (201) 930-7436;
http://www.sony.com.
Sharp Notevision PG-M15X
The Notevision PG-M15X weighs only 3.5 lbs and has a very small footprint,
making it appropriate for portable as well as stationary use. Delivering 1100
ANSI lumens, the model includes native XGA resolution, and is compatible with
PCs and Macs. Included with the product are a manual zoom and wireless mouse
control. Contact: Sharp Electronics Corp., Mahwah, NJ; (201) 529-8731; http://www.sharp-usa.com.
ViewSonic PJ350 Projector
The ViewSonic PJ350 is ideal for larger, well-lit presentation rooms. The micro-portable
product is compact and weighs 3.3 pounds. The PJ350 features XGA resolution,
high brightness and contrast as well as digital keystone correction, wireless
remote, and zoom. It provides 1100 ANSI lumens of brightness and true XGA resolution,
and is capable of displaying DV-I and HDTV signals as well as other video and
data sources. A soft carrying case is provided, but users can order a hard case
as an accessory. Contact: ViewSonic Corp., Walnut, CA; (800) 888-8583; http://www.viewsonic.com.
Electronic Whiteboards
Hitachi StarBoard
Hitachi's StarBoard is an electromagnetic, interactive, whiteboard surface
compatible with both conventional dry-erase pens and projection interaction.
A full handwriting recognition function turns printed words into useable ASCII
text characters, and an ultrafast pen tracking speed of 200 inches per second
and superior resolution (1,000 lines per inch) provide an accurate, high-resolution
interface for any software application. The dry-erase surface itself is replaceable
in case of any damage that might occur to the actual board. The software package
included with the board has annotation and drawing tools, multiple-image file
formats, thumbnail image browser, video annotation, and a multimedia notepad
that acts as a flipchart. Contact: Hitachi Software Engineering America, San
Francisco, CA; (800) 624-6176; http://www.hitachi-soft.com.
Merlin Whiteboard
The Merlin series of electronic whiteboards gives you the ability to teleconference
with remote participants and save written text or ideas in real-time on your
PC. Merlin can also send any printed, e-mailed, or faxed material onto any Web
site with your choice of browser. The Merlin Whiteboard runs on Windows 95/98/NT/4.0
or higher. Coupled with a Polaview LCD projector, Merlin also transforms into
a touch-sensitive projection screen that projects many forms of PC presentation
applications software. Contact: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA; (800) 343-5000;
http://www.polaroid.com.
Mimio Electronic Whiteboard
Mimio attaches to any standard whiteboard, connects to a computer, and uses
infrared and ultrasound technology to track the position of the marker stylus
and eraser on the board. Mimio is lightweight, quickly attaches to different
sized whiteboards, and is small enough to fit in a briefcase. It is both PC-
and Macintosh-compatible, and whiteboard notes can be directly sent to the printer.
Contact: Virtual Ink Corporation, Boston, MA; (877) MY-MIMIO; http://www.mimio.com.
Panasonic Panaboard KX-BP735
The Panaboard KX-BP735 electronic whiteboard features four separate writing
screens. The design allows instructors to continue to convey information without
interruption, improving the ability of presenters to describe complex concepts.
The writing surface is 2'9" x 4'4", and a printing system is attached
to the board allowing users to print while they lecture. The unit uses plain
paper and dry erase markers. Contact: Panasonic Communications and Systems Co.,
Secaucus, NJ (800) 742-8086; http://www.panasonic.com.
PolyVision CopyCam
CopyCam, an active note-taking system, transforms any whiteboard or chalkboard,
measuring up to four feet by eight feet, into a color copyboard. The product
gives users three options: print the materials to a wireless color printer,
save it to a floppy diskette, or save it to the system's built-in Web-hosting
device. The Web-hosting device allows for the sharing of images over a local
area network or Internet. With its single-lens technology, CopyCam captures
anything written or drawn on any whiteboard or chalkboard within a few seconds.
Due to the combination of unique image processing software and lens hardware,
even the smallest text in the corners of the board comes out clearly. The interactive
system consists of a stationary imaging arm that can be easily mounted over
any standard board, and a wall-mounted control pad with a three- button interface
used to print, save to floppy diskette, and save to the Web. In addition to
its ease of use, CopyCam is simple to install and d'es not require a computer.
The system's voice prompt alerts the user when all of the notes have been copied.
It also reports various system conditions, such as paper out or disk full. CopyCam
has the ability to store approximately 10 images on a floppy disk, or up to
40 images on its built-in Web-hosting device. PolyVision's system includes a
color ink-jet printer, which receives its data through a Bluetooth wireless
connection. Contact: PolyVision, (770) 447-5043; http://www.polyvision.com.
SMART Board
The SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard that turns computers and projectors
into powerful tools for teaching, collaborating and presenting. With a computer
image projected onto the Board, users can simply press on its large, touch-sensitive
surface to access and control any application. Using a pen from the SMART Pen
Tray, users can work naturally at the Board to take notes and highlight important
information. Notes can be saved, printed, or emailed. SMARTBoard also comes
in a rear-projection model with an integrated projector. Contact: SMART Technologies,
Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada; (888) 42-SMART; http://www.smarttech.com.
WWWhiteboard
The WWWhiteboard from Link-Systems International Inc. is an interactive graphical
tool for real-time communication of technical concepts. Instructors can import
and annotate GIF and JPG images. Text can be typed on the board or in an attached
chat window. The Internet-enabled, cross-platform whiteboard can be embedded
in different applications. It supports scientific and mathematical notation,
special symbols, geometric primitives, graphing, and freehand drawing. Contact:
Link-Systems International Inc., Tampa, FL (813) 674-0660; http://www.link-systems.com.
Desktop Presentation
Tools
Digital Lava
Digital Lava synchronizes streaming video and audio with supporting digital
assets such as text, graphics, animations, PowerPoint slides, and Web links.
The end-result is a fully synchronized and searchable desktop presentation that
can be viewed on-demand via the Internet, over company intranets and extranets,
or on CD-ROMs or DVDs. Digital Lava enables companies to capture, integrate,
and archive interactive experiences in a packaged presentation that can be viewed
on-demand. Digital Lava supports any media that can be viewed in a Web browser,
including slides, animations, Web pages, Web applications, and even software
demonstrations. Full text transcripts accompany all video-based content and
a collapsible table of contents enables users to easily reference where they
are in a presentation. The format also supports testing and assessment, as well
as online survey and feedback mechanisms. End users are provided with a host
of new user control features. In addition to traditional features such as pause,
rewind, and fast-forward, users can now bookmark specific areas in the presentation,
as well as enter and save personal comments or notes. By enlarging or minimizing
the video window and showing or hiding the transcript text, end-users can tailor
the delivery of the presentation to a format that best suits their individual
learning preferences and styles. Contact: Digital Lava, Marina del Rey, CA;
(888) 222-LAVA.
NEC ConnectED
NEC's ConnectED program is designed to deliver benefits such as special pricing,
extended warranty coverage, service training, and Web support to NEC's educational
customers. Products that qualify for the ConnectEd program include MultiSync
XV and XM/XP Plus Series presentation monitors, MultiSync portable projectors
(MT Series), and Ultra-Portable projectors (LT Series) Contact: NEC, Irving,
TX; (800) 832-6632; http://www.nec.com.
Presenters University
Presenters University is giving away free CDs that include four PowerPoint
presentation templates, content development and presentation advice for teachers,
and links to further resources. Presenters University is a free, online resource
that provides easy-to-use information and tools for developing and delivering
effective multimedia presentations. The award-winning website offers presentation
courses, instructional articles featuring technology tips and advice, online
"Ask The Professor" discussion forums and free, downloadable templates
to create exciting, dynamic presentations.
Designed for both novice and experienced
presenters, Presenters University addresses all components for a successful
presentation including content, delivery and visuals. Presenters University
is sponsored by InFocus Corporation. Contact: InFocus; (503) 685-8474; http://www.presentersuniversity.com.
Presentation Recorders
and Projectors
Canon Video Visualizer RE-350
Canon Video Visualizer RE-350 is designed to offer high-quality images for
distance learning, presentations, remote diagnostics and 3D imaging, desktop
publishing, and videoconferencing applications. The RE-350 can view and capture
3D objects, flat art, documents, photos, slides, and X-rays. All of the controls
are located on the front panel for easy access and use. An IR Remote Control
Box and Controller are available as accessories. Contact: Canon Visual Communications,
Irvine, CA; 1-800-OK-CANON; http://www.canon.com.
EV-6000AF Visual Presenter
ELMO offers the EV-6000AF visual presenter for multimedia presentations. Designed
for educators and distance learning applications, this presenter features a
second camera for 3D realism and Digital Signal Processing camera technology
for sharp imagery. Users can store JPEG images and transfer them to and from
a PC for presentations or for Web page development. Contact: ELMO Corp., Plainview,
NY; (800) 947-ELMO; www.elmo-corp.com.
Hitachi DVD Camera
Hitachi DZ-MV100ADO is a tapeless, optical disc-based full-motion video and
mega-pixel still camera. This digital camcorder is a single chip camera that
can record up to 2 hours of full motion MPEG2 video at 352 x 480 resolution
or up to 1 hour of full motion MPEG2 video at 704 x 480 resolution or nearly
2000 mega-pixel still images at 1280 x 960 resolution using both sides of the
disc. The DVDCAM uses Maxell's 8 cm DVD-RAM disc, which is compatible with the
new generation of Hitachi's DVD-ROM (GD-7500). The camera's random access capability
enables easy editing and viewing. Included is a Hitachi GD-7500 DVD-ROM drive
for instant uploading of still images and videos to your PC and PowerDVD-VR
software for viewing recordings on a PC. Contact: Hitachi America Ltd., Brisbane,
CA; (800) 816-2364; www.hitachi.com.
