Promethean AV bundle to take glare off IWBs

Activboard+2 product is also quick to install and will give VAR margins a boost, manufacturer claims

Manufacturer and distributor Promethean AV has launched an interactive whiteboard (IWB) bundle that it has claimed will increase reseller margins and speed up the installation process.

The Activboard+2 bundle combines the Sanyo XE40 short-throw projector with a height-adjustable stand and a Promethean Activboard.

Steve Dracup, managing director of Promethean AV, said: “We’ve wanted to offer a package like this for some time, but we haven’t been able to get a short-throw projector at a low enough price. Sanyo developed this projector especially for us. It is not available anywhere else.”

The XE40 projector is attached to the IWB by a steel arm, in contrast to traditional ceiling-mounted projection systems.

“Usually resellers have to get an electrician to install a socket in the ceiling for traditional projectors, so our system saves money for the school and makes it easier for VARs,” Dracup claimed. “It is positioned just 1m away from the board, so reduces the effects of shadowing significantly.”

Although Activboard+2 is targeted at schools, Dracup said it is also well-suited to the corporate market.

Malcolm Frow, education division manager at audiovisual VAR Matrix Display Systems, said: “It’s a good combination of products, that will offer strong benefits to both the education and corporate markets.”

Colin Messenger, senior consultant at analyst Decision Tree Consulting, said: “Installation is becoming more expensive because of labour costs, and there are glare and shadowing issues with IWBs. If Activboard+2 alleviates these, that’s good.”

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