An interactive whiteboard is a modern multimedia device that combines the functionality of a conventional whiteboard and a touch screen. It displays data from a PC and the Internet, and also provides interaction with content directly on the surface using a hand or stylus. This option is ideal for studying, presentations and teamwork.
A multimedia projector allows you to display an image or video on a large monitor/wall, making content available to a large audience. It is used in a conference room, classroom or home theater to demonstrate media content. Modern models support high resolution, easily connect to laptops, phones and other devices, ensuring a bright picture even in a darkened room. A compact and versatile option for professional meetings, educational activities and entertainment. To choose the right device, you first need to consider certain criteria.
Image quality
The interactive whiteboard uses an integrated screen (LED/LCD), providing stable brightness. The picture is always clear, with rich color rendition and contrast, regardless of the lighting in the room. The device supports Full HD, 4K and higher resolution. The devices do not have the blurring and “graininess” effect, as is the case with some projectors.
In multimedia projectors, this indicator will depend on the specific device, technology (LCD, DLP, LCoS) and resolution. Brightness and clarity often suffer in a bright room, so dimming is necessary for optimal perception. Expensive devices produce a fairly high-quality picture (for example, laser and 4K devices).
If the priority is maximum clarity and brightness of the image, regardless of the lighting, then an interactive whiteboard is the best option. However, modern premium projectors are also able to compete with boards in image quality.
Price
The cost of interactive whiteboards is often higher, especially when it comes to modern devices with a large diagonal and touch control. The price starts from 100,000–150,000 rubles and goes up to 500,000–800,000 rubles, taking into account the brand and functionality. The price usually includes auxiliary functions: touch technology, built-in programs, speakers, etc.
Projectors are available in a wider range – from 30,000–40,000 rubles for standard office devices to 200,000–300,000 rubles for high-quality 4K models. Such a product requires a special screen or a flat wall, but even taking into account such expenses, it will be cheaper than a full-fledged interactive whiteboard.
If you take into account the price, then a multimedia projector is a more affordable option. An interactive whiteboard is more expensive, but has advanced functionality.
Interactive whiteboard and multimedia projector – what is the difference and which is better
Mobility
An interactive whiteboard is a stationary equipment with a large diagonal (55-86 inches and more). A special wall mount or stand is required for its installation. The total weight of such a device varies between 30-70 kg, so it is very difficult to move it between rooms or take it with you to off-site events.
A multimedia projector is lightweight and compact in size – many models weigh 2-5 kg (if desired, you can even find portable equipment weighing up to 1 kg). It can easily be placed in a bag/case, it is ideal for mobile presentations and off-site events. You will not need extra effort to move it between offices or locations.
To summarize, if mobility is a priority, then the projector is the undisputed leader. An interactive whiteboard will be more appropriate for stationary work in a classroom, office space or conference room.
Advantages and disadvantages of a multimedia projector
Garlyn Lumen 4
Before choosing a suitable multimedia projector, you should decide on its main features.
Advantages:
affordable price;
flexible installation;
large image diagonal;
mobility;
compact dimensions;
versatility of use.
Disadvantages:
dependence on lighting;
need for a screen or flat wall;
noticeable fan noise.
The best models of multimedia projectors
Garlyn Lumen 4. A portable model weighing up to 2.3 kg, which is easy to move between rooms and take with you on trips. Its special feature is an LED lamp with a service life of up to 50,000 hours. Thanks to high energy efficiency, you can save on electricity bills. The luminous flux of 4000 lm allows you to use Garlyn Lumen 4 even in bright light. LCD projection technology provides rich color rendering. Full HD resolution allows you to enjoy high-quality images. The model operates on the Android 9.0 OS, providing access to a large number of Internet resources and online cinemas. The device works with many formats, including MP4, AVI and MKV, and easily plays video files from flash drives. Garly
n Lumen 4 has a full set of interfaces: 2xUSB, HDMI, RJ45 audio and video inputs, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;
Xiaomi / Wanbo Projector T2. Another high-quality device with a resolution of 854 × 480 with high detail. Thanks to the keystone correction function, you can adjust the image so that it is smooth even when projecting on an inclined / non-standard surface. Among the features of the product are built-in speakers with a power of 3 W each. The lamp type is LED, which guarantees bright lighting. Xiaomi / Wanbo Projector T2 is equipped with a wide range of interfaces, among which USB Type-A and HDMI ports stand out. You can connect the device to laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, etc. The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty for Xiaomi / Wanbo Projector T2;
Thundeal TD98W Android Version. The projector is equipped with LCD technology, which provides a high-quality picture. The projection resolution is 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD). The aspect ratio is 16:9, which allows you to watch content without distortion and loss of quality. The device is equipped with one LCD matrix / DMD panel, which guarantees continuous and smooth projection. Among the main functions and parameters, it is worth highlighting 3D capabilities, HDR for transmitting a wider range of brightness and contrast. The advantage will be smart television (Smart TV) for access to various content and speakers that provide high-quality sound without the need to connect external speakers. The LED lamp can work for 50,000 hours. Thundeal TD98W Android Version operates on the Android OS, which opens access to many applications from the Google Play Store. The device is easy to carry and use in different rooms. Advantages and disadvantages of an interactive whiteboard
DonView DB-82IND-H03
If you have decided to purchase an interactive whiteboard, then you need to know the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of equipment.
Advantages:
increased audience engagement;
touch control;
high-quality picture;
wide functionality;
integration with other devices.
Disadvantages:
low mobility;
dependence on the dimensions of the room;
inflated price;
need for regular maintenance.
The best models of interactive whiteboards
Panasonic UB-5315. An electronic whiteboard with 2 working surfaces, which is equipped with a printer that prints on A4 paper. The user will be able to draw with regular whiteboard markers, which adds to its overall versatility. Thanks to the USB interface, the device is easily connected to a PC, which makes it possible to save drawings created on the board as graphic files. In addition, remote control is provided, which expands the functionality of the Panasonic UB-5315. The board itself and the pen are passive. The working width of the model will be about 125 cm, the height is 85 cm. The total weight of the model is 25 kg. In the comments, users point out the ease of use, the ability to quickly print images and save the results of discussions; DonView DB-82IND-H03. With a diagonal of 82 inches and a screen format of 4:3, the board guarantees sufficient space for working with content. The model is equipped with 36 buttons for quick access to basic functions, making work more efficient. The device works with different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, Mac OS and Android. The service life of the interactive module is from 60,000 hours, and the panel is 120,000 hours. Aluminum was used to create the frame, ensuring the strength of the structure. The screen size is 170.4 x 122.7 cm without fastening. In their reviews, users note the ease of use, high-quality assembly and wide functionality;
Newline TT-7521Q. An advanced model designed for effective interaction and learning. A 75-inch display with a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60 Hz guarantees high image clarity and detail. 3xHDMI 2.0 and 1xDP provide a wide range of connections. The advantage of the board is the presence of an HDMI port with a switch, which guarantees the comfort of switching between different signal sources. Thanks to 2xUSB-C (1 supports PD up to 65 W) and several USB ports (there is 3.0), you can connect various peripheral devices to the Newline TT-7521Q. Antibacterial protective glass ensures hygiene during operation. The built-in 4K screen and high-performance hardware with pre-installed software allow you to use the device in a modern office. The Newline TT-7521Q also features a built-in whiteboard, making teamwork and learning more productive. In their reviews, users highly rate the functionality, picture quality, and wide range of interfaces.