AVRover & ONfinity Portable Interactive Whiteboards

3D - Is it ready for the Classroom?

After displaying a working 3D system at Infocomm and NECC this past June, I have been overwhelmed with interest from all segments of the 3D industry.  I have met with people from the manufacturing segment: glasses, video cards, projectors, and computers.  I met people that produced 3D systems that utilized other technologies.  I met 3D video and object content producers.  I met distributors of 2D content that want to include 3D content in their offering.  I met dealers that want to offer 3D systems and 3D content to their customers.  I also met educators that want to know what is available and how to integrate it into their curriculum.

Based on the incredible interest I have seen in 3D, I believe the availability of more affordable technology will encourage content producers to develop more and more educational content that will enhance the learning experience in certain classes (primarily Math and Science).  It also will enhance the design and engineering process in higher ed and the business world by allowing designers and engineers to better communicate their concepts and designs with decision makers and customers. 

In the entertainment world, film producers of 3D videos are looking for more customers to buy their videos.  Affordable display technologies will encourage producers to develop more videos knowing that more people will buy them and be able to show them in small venue 3D settings. 

3D content can be a computer generated object that is either a static image or an interactive object.  These objects, with the help of some display software, are able to be manipulated for enhanced viewing.  Content can also be in the form of a video, much like what we have seen in 3D movies. 

Displaying 3D content can be accomplished in several ways.  Typically it involves using 3D glasses, but there are some technologies that work without them.  These are quite expensive and are limited to the size of the display device's screen.  The glasses can be active or passive.  Passive glasses use varying technologies such as analglyph or polarized lenses.  Active glasses use LCD shutters that are activated and synched with the image by either an infrared device connected to the video player or a newer technology that links the glasses to the image via DLP-link technology.  This technology does not require an emitter because the image itself is the emitter.

The glasses are basically required, but they differ quite a bit in price.  Active glasses are expensive (typically above $100 a pair) while passive glasses are relatively inexpensive (polarized are under $10 and analglyph are under $2).

Image quality varies quite a bit also.  Analglyph glasses produce poor colors and shadowing.  Polarized glasses have excellent color and very little shadowing, but you need to hold your head level to obtain the best viewing experience.  LCD shutter glasses have both excellent colors, no shadowing, but cost more and require batteries. 

Finally, I have learned that 3D is not easy to accomplish.  In a single projector setup, it takes the right combination of components (projector, computer, video card, software, and glasses) to achieve the proper results.  The settings on the projector, computer and video card also must be correct.  In a twin projector polarized lens setup, the alignment of the two projectors is an added concern.   

3D Rover introduced at Infocomm and NECC

Sound Video Systems, the manufacturer of AVRover portable AV systems designed for classrooms, conference rooms and meeting rooms, has partnered with BenQ, the leader in 3D and short-throw projection technology, to produce the world’s first “Fully-Integrated 3D Education System.”    

“As educators, we all too often are required out of necessity to make students take three dimensional concepts and try to learn them in a two dimensional perspective.  This disconnect creates a gap in learning between those who naturally can map back to three dimensions and those who can't,” said Stan Silverman, Professor, New York Institute of Technology, School Of Education.  “BenQ’s new generation of 3D-ready projectors is a long-awaited innovation that will greatly change the way students learn.  Now, all students can better grasp spatially-related concepts; and the visual impact of all education content is likewise enhanced.”   

AVRover and BenQ designed the 3D rover system; AVRover will manufacture and distribute it through its national dealer network.  The system is a complete turn-key solution that includes 3D projection, great sound, a 3D computer, 3D active stereoscopic eyewear and a storage compartment with sanitation capability -- all in a secure yet portable system that can be easily moved from room to room to allow maximum usage.   Providers of 3D media content and servers, such as Safari Montage, are also onboard with the new BenQ-AVRover 3D system.  Schools can custom-equip their rovers with a variety of educational content selected from vast 3D media libraries.

As the world’s top-selling DLP® projector brand, BenQ spearheads the industry in 3D projection technology.  Integrated in the AVRover multimedia system is the BenQ stereoscopic MP772ST projector featuring the newest and most sophisticated advancements in 3D projection currently available. 

“BenQ’s unique 3D processor blows away the older passive 3D technology common in theaters, and the ROI of BenQ energy-efficient, low-maintenance projectors made them the winning choice,” said Mike Rodems, Founder, Sound Video Systems, maker of the AVRover.

“When we were looking for a complete portable solutions provider,” said Juan Alvarez, Director of Education, BenQ America Corp. “we asked our most important customers their opinion, and they pointed us to AVRover.   AVRover has a great reputation in the educational market, and the innovation capabilities we needed to put together a solution as unique and exciting as the 3D system we envisioned.”

From sights to sound, projector to computer, the all-in-one BenQ 3D Rover takes charge of all school 3D learning needs.  The powder-coated, scratch-resistant cart features security screws on all components and panels, lockable storage for the 24 pairs of active 3D glasses (included), a UV-C sanitizer, convenient connectivity for other AV devices, two power outlets, and a 25-foot retractable power cord.  BenQ’s 3D projector is engineered with XGA resolution, a 4000-hour eco mode lamp, HDTV, Mac and IBM compatibility, and numerous teacher-friendly features.  The rack-mounted computer optimizes the 3D experience with NVidia® 3D graphics processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard disk and CD/DVD player.  An exceptional sound system is likewise integrated in the Rover: a mixer amplifier with 25W RMS output, three flush-mounted speakers providing 270-degree sound dispersion, with controls for microphone input, computer input, laptop input, auxiliary input, and tone control. 

The BenQ 3D Rover boasts industry-leading heritage from BenQ and AVRover.  BenQ currently ranks as the world’s #1 DLP projector brand as well as the leader in short-throw advancements.  Filter-free DLP design, an intelligent lamp care system, low energy consumption, and long-lasting lamps further distinguish the BenQ projector brand as a #1 choice for schools.  AVRover is the renowned pioneer of portable AV systems, with patented features for superb durability, security, and total solutions. 

Funding sources are driving schools toward a more expensive solution

I’ve seen where huge sums of money were spent on a district-wide implementation of a 21^st century classroom initiative that is supposed to guarantee improved results in student achievement.  It is supposed to be predicated on using the new technology and buying the required comprehensive professional development plan, provided by the manufacturer, being implemented over a multi-year period. 

These initiatives are typically funded by a long term bond that appears to allow the technology of tomorrow to be bought today.  The reality is that the technology is from today (and yesterday) and it will be paid for tomorrow and for many years to come.  Spreading the cost over a number of years that very well might exceed the useful life of the equipment makes the purchase sound affordable, when it isn’t. 

Portable solutions are typically funded out of an operating budget instead of a huge capital budget, therefore the implementation of a portable solution on a wide scale basis is rarely considered.  The components are basically the same, and they don’t last longer just because they are installed - unless they are sitting idle most of the time.  If this is the case, you purchased more than you needed.

When implementing instructional technology, do the math and you will save money!

Instructional technology is quite expensive, and implementing it in a school can be a huge challenge.  Typically, there will be three types of teachers regarding the use of the technology: those who will use it regularly, those that will use it occasionally, and those that will not use it.  Get a feel for the quantities in each category and "Do the math".  If you have 60 classrooms (or teachers) and the distribution is 16, 24, and 20 respectively, then you will need 28 systems.  16 systems will be dedicated to the 16 teachers that will use the technology all of the time, and 12 systems will be shared by the 24 teachers that will use them occasionally.  Obviously the cost of 28 systems versus a possible 60 is a significant savings.  If more teachers become accustomed to using the systems over time, more systems can be purchased as needed. 

eSchool News: Interactive Whiteboard Faceoff

This month's issue of eSchool News provided a comprehensive comparison matrix of interactive whiteboard technologies available on the market today.  There were 12 manufacturers selected, nine of which were the traditional board type, one was software only, and then there was mimio which emulates an interactive whiteboard on a dry erase board, and AVRover's ONfinity which emulates an interactive whiteboard on any surface.

The comparison covered many attributes and features, but when it came to comparing cost, most of the manufacturers declined.  AVRover's ONfinity was listed as a complete system at $3,440 (list price), but it was the only one that included a complete classroom AV system including the projector, a sound system, DVD/VCR, a secure console which is also a presentation surface. The cost of the ONfinity CM2 Max which includes Freeclass and RM Easiteach software is $895 (list price), which was the lowest price of the ones listed.  The AVRover RoverPad was the only annotation tablet displaying a cost ($325). 

It was noted that larger interactive whiteboards cost significantly more than smaller ones, except for the ONfinity and mimio systems.  The mimio uses a dry erase board only, and the ONfinity CM2 Max will work on any surface, any size, and any aspect ratio.  Wireless capability for all products except ONfinity was an additional cost.  ONfinity is the only system that does not require a connection between the image and the computer, relieving the need for cables or wireless connectivity to the board, because there is no board used.

The AVRover and ONfinity solution is the only solution that does not lose calibration when the projector moves, because calibration is made with the image, not a board surface. 

Six of the eleven products included RM Easiteach with their product indicating the widespread use of this open source interactive whiteboard lesson planning software. 

Finally, the AVRover and ONfinity solution is the only truely portable solution since all of the components, projector and ONfinity receiver are all in one secure console and are able to be moved from room to room quite easily. Setup is the quickest of all the systems reviewed, which saves valuable class time. 

Are interactive whiteboards the "tail wagging the dog"?

The interactive whiteboard is becoming “The tail that is wagging the dog.”  Let’s think about this for a moment.  The real breakthrough in education has been the computer, data projector and the content that is now available over the internet.  The interactive whiteboard is simply a mouse.  This mouse, albeit an intriguing tool that can engage students, has grown to become the “be-all and end-all” in classroom technology as well as the “silver bullet” for superintendants that need results in student achievement.

Even further, since competition has become so fierce in the interactive whiteboard world, the manufacturers of these products have differentiated themselves from the rest by offering their software as the solution, and you can only get it with their whiteboard.  Now the software is selling the whiteboard. 

Once again, the whiteboard manufacturers, in an effort to increase sales, have gone into the projector market.  These projectors are not the relatively inexpensive projectors I mentioned in the beginning of this article, but special short throw projectors that cost more than a comparable projector.  Now you can buy a big mouse with a more expensive projector hanging from it.  This I presume was done to make the system portable and more flexible, but have you tried to get one of these contraptions through a doorway?  After that, it requires an AV technician to re-align and re-calibrate it.

While a whiteboard is not typically associated with sound, streaming media content used in today’s classroom brought in from the web, or videos from DVDs or VHS tapes, will have audio tracks and therefore the system will need an amplifier and speakers, too.  The mouse on you computer doesn’t talk, the sound card does, so the sound system doesn’t have to be part of the whiteboard, but another device that is connected to the computer.  

Next up was the voting system, which of course the whiteboard manufacturers will say needs to be their brand to be compatible with their whiteboard.  There are many student response systems available on the market, and they are all quite nice, but they connect to the computer, not the whiteboard, and are generally an input device, like the whiteboard.  Choose one that you like, buy a few systems, share them and use them only when needed.

Before we realized it, the total solution being presented by the whiteboard manufacturers is now costing a small fortune.  They present it as a total solution and state that the solution is proprietary. Translation – “Now we,ve got ya!”   Future purchases will have to be the same product from the same manufacturer because you are now convinced that competing products are not compatible and the competitor’s systems will not work the same way, so training will become an issue.  “Training to use a glorified mouse?”

AVRover Launches Blog

Today AVRover is launching its Blog to spread the word about Portable Interactive Whiteboard technology. We will offer an alternative viewpoint in the debate over permanent installations versus portable systems. Many school systems are now taking advantage of the ability to share resources, use more flexible classroom configurations and the ability to have an interactive image size that matches the lesson plan.