Projector Meetings

If you remember a little while back, you will recall that Microsoft, along with Carnegie Mellon University, was working on a little something known as the “Skinput” interface. This technology registered touches made to your skin, essentially allowing you to use your body as an input device.

Well, it appears that Skinput wasn’t the only thing this collaboration was working on as it has just been revealed that the two powers are working on a device known as “OmniTouch” which will project interfaces onto any surface.

As cool as this technology sounds, it is, unfortunately, still in the research phase of production, otherwise known as the proof-of-concept phase. That means you shouldn’t expect to mosey on into your local tech store and pick up your very own OmniTouch anytime soon.

The device, which is a shoulder mounted rig, includes a pico projector as well as a 3D scanner to pick up your movements. In addition to that, it is also capable of detecting whether or not the user’s fingers are actually clicking or touching the projected interface or if they are merely hovering over the surface.

Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft have stated that the technology does not require any type of special training, expertise, or calibration to operate, which basically allows you to take it out of the box, fire it up and start using it.

OmniTouch has already passed several tests that show it is capable of pinpoint crosshair accuracy as well as drawing on multiple surfaces that range from hands to books to even walls. Needless to say, when this technology finally hits stores, we just may see a whole new turn in the world of projection.

Source: TechnoBuffalo – Experimental “OmniTouch” Projector Turns Any Surface Into A Multi-Touch Interface

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Panasonic, one of the leading providers of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, just announced the new Panasonic Tactical Video Teleconferencing (VTC) solution.

The Panasonic Tactical VTC solution combines the HD imaging found in a Panasonic plasma display with Polycom’s HD videoconferencing and JELCO’s custom mobile lift case for a mobile product that has significant advantages over a rolling cart or wall-mounted VTC option.

The Panasonic Tactical VTC solution is perfect for rapid-setup applications and provides a direct line of contact from remote locations with the incorporation of high-quality video and audio communications. In addition to that, the inclusion of Panasonic’s PF30 Series Full-HD Plasma Displays within the Tactical VTC solution allows for a clear and precise image quality that comes with a native contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1.

According to Federal Sales Director for Panasonic Tim Collins, “At Panasonic Solutions Company we create the most advanced technology solutions to help our government sector customers do their jobs with greater ease and efficiency. Whether our customers will deploy this product for the purpose of mission planning, training simulations or educational classes, the Panasonic Tactical VTC solution provides a highly mobile, reliable communication system that keeps all parties informed and up to date.”

The solution offers a wide variety of uses and, in addition to its versatility, the JELCO stabilizer plate protects it against tipping over in outdoor environments. Field locking casters also ensure that the VTC solution stays securely in place at all times. In addition, the Panasonic display also fits comfortably into the JELCO shock-mounted mobile lift case for the best protection while in transit.

The Panasonic Tactical Video Teleconferencing solution is available now in the United States from any authorized Panasonic reseller or from Panasonic directly.

Source: Business Wire – Panasonic Unveils High-Definition Tactical Video Teleconferencing Solution

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Ricoh has just announced its most recent entry into the high-performance digital projection market with its all-new line of portable projectors, all of which offer “low weight, brilliant image quality and optional advanced, model-specific networking capabilities” according to Ricoh.

These projectors are being touted as perfect for “business people rushing to meetings or road warriors who present every day,” says Ricoh. Known as the Ricoh PJ Series, these devices add to Ricoh’s long history of manufacturing high-quality business equipment.

According to Dr. William Cogshall, President of Pacific Media Associates, a market research group that specializes in front projectors, “Businesses looking for high-quality mobile digital projection systems would be wise to add Ricoh to their short lists. Ricoh is a formidable newcomer to the U.S. projector market. They bring long and credible background in technology and manufacturing, including excellence in optics. And their well-established, multichannel sales and service approach gives them some important and unique strengths in the market.”

The new Ricoh PJ Series consists of the new PJ X3131, PJ WX3231N, PJ WX3131, PJ X3241N and PJ X3241. These devices are all vastly different and range in price from $800 to $1,200 based on the resolution, networkability, USB options and a few other features.

These new projectors also expand Ricoh’s evolving Managed Document Services offering. This helps customers grow their bottom line via improved document management, streamlined workflow and an increased productivity. In addition to that, these projectors also foreshadow the rollout of more Ricoh business communications solutions for next year, including videoconferencing and short-throw projection systems.

These projectors are perfect for, as Ricoh said, traveling businessman but are also perfect for small to medium-sized meeting rooms. The portability of the projectors make them perfect for the limited space of a meeting room, definitely something to keep in mind the next time you are looking for a new projector for your company’s meeting room.

Source: PR Newswire – Ricoh Introduces Portable Digital Projectors for Business People on the Go

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