Projector vs. Whiteboards in the training room – Part 1

It is a technological “Royal battle”. The struggle between electronic whiteboards and projectors might determine how a whole generation of college students will be taught. Imagine a cage match with five rounds, where advantages and disadvantages compete.

In one corner we have the old champion, the traditional classroom projectorprojector that has always done a good job. It traditionally projects readable texts and pictures onto the canvas. The prices for a projector have never been lower and are currently starting around 300 Euros for a device with scalable projection size and adaption to different light conditions. In other words, it carries the weight of the video based doctrine in classrooms and auditoriums.

JtouchIn the other corner, we see the upstart: a large interactive whiteboard. It is more expensive, but allows an additional level of interactivity and especially connectivity to the modern media. Equipped with the right whiteboard software and a Android Whiteboard Box, teachers and students have auto forms, pens in every conceivable color, text marker and much more at their disposal. Touch screens never cast a bad light on the lecture or the teacher. Explanation: When using a projector, you usually stand in the light oft the projector. This is most a bit nerve-racking for the speakers. Only in case of larger set-ups / installations the speaker ist standing or sitting far away from the projection screen. Mostly the lecturer stands close to the projection screen an thus fully in the projector light.

So, “let’s get ready to rumble”!

Preliminary round: Installation

There are a lot of preparations to be made before the fight can begin. Both devices have to be installed first. A projector has to hang from a ceiling or wall or to be placed on tables (including sub-tables). This may involve wiring, mounting hardware and oftenly stand -along audio.

Large displays are not easier when it comes to the setup. The InFocus 65-inch JTouch requires two persons to safely hang it up. Likewise, a special hardware installation, often including in-wall wiring, is required as well as the installation of the whiteboard software. But it’s worth it: The InFocus audio systems can easily fill a medium-sized training room with sound.

Winner: drawn

Round 1: Image size

The bell rings and round 1 begins. Here, the image size matters. In this aspect, the projector that can scale an image to a size of 380 cm (or 3.8 m) is clearly advantageous, especially in large rooms. So, the whiteboards fall back.

Winners: projectors

projector

Round 2: Contrast and Quality

The InFocus JTouch 65-inch can show more contrast and image quality than the InFocus projector, providing a clear and sharp image on the entire surface. With the projectors, the shaprness at the edge of the picture can differ slightly from the center of the image. A better contrast brings more detail to the screen, especially at fine shapes of the color in the picture.

Winner: whiteboards

JTouch

The two parties are now allowed to have a break to prepare for the last 3 rounds. Read next week wich one can expand its leadership!

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