Projectors - up close and personal
Published January 16, 2008 at 2:22 pm · Filed under Office Products
Paul Gardner explains how developments in projector technology enable even the smallest meeting rooms to be used for high impact presentations
Corporate organisations ranging from small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to large multi-nationals have been utilising audio-visual (AV) tools and equipment in their boardrooms, conference rooms, training facilities and office cubicles for decades.
As modern business communication practices have evolved, so too has the technology. New, state-of-the-art super close projection systems and high tech digital annotation tools have been introduced offering the versatility and functionality required to support day-to-day meeting, presentation and collaboration requirements.
Super close projection devices, such as Digital Media System (DMS) 700 Series projectors from 3M, are revolutionising the way in which business managers, team leaders and training officers interact with audiences in meeting spaces of all shapes and sizes.
To ensure a projected image fits into the projection area, projectors have traditionally been installed at a distance from walls, projection screens or whiteboards, either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a desk in the middle of the room. Often, long cords and multiple equipment connections are required, which can be a safety hazard and distract from the presentation.
Now even the smallest meeting room can be equipped with an all-in-one, desktop projector that sits right at the front of the room, virtually eliminating long cords and providing presenter and audience with a more comfortable experience.
Super close
DMS700 and DMS710 (with DVD player) portable projectors incorporate Vikuiti Super Close Projection, a patented 3M technology that allows large image projection from a short distance (50-inches from 24.5 inches away, or up to 80 inches from 40 inches away). The ability to place the projector so close to the screen makes it possible to use projectors in small spaces and minimises projector beam glare and shadow interference while the presenter is working in front of the screen.
Business services group Rentokil Initial plc is using 3M DMS710 projectors at its offices in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Having recently moved from an old office building into a new, high tech facility, Rentokil Initial wanted a projector that would fit in with this environment. The DMS710 impressed the company with its modern design, integrated DVD player, low noise levels and versatility.
The ability to project images from short distances means that the projector can be used in any of the company’s meeting rooms, regardless of size and shape, while its lightweight, compact design enables it to be carried off site and taken as hand luggage on flights when attending meetings overseas. Laptops can be left at home or in the office as content can be delivered via pre-loaded files on a memory stick.
Collaboration tools
Today, many office workers work remotely, are frequent business travellers or are members of geographically dispersed teams, which means regular, face-to-face team meetings are not always logistically possible.
Digital annotation products, such as the 3M Digital Easel, address this issue by facilitating real-time collaboration and brainstorming between participants in virtually any location where internet connectivity is available. Users simply write on a flip chart and the Digital Easel records all notes directly to a PC. Notes can be emailed or printed instantly at the end of each meeting. Absentee colleagues can review brainstorming sessions in sequence at any time using the Playback feature.
The easel’s space-saving design and weight make it portable so meetings and presentations can take place in any appropriate setting - all that’s needed is a compatible desktop PC or laptop with one available USB port and 10MB hard drive space.
UK brick manufacturer Ibstock Brick Limited currently uses the 3M Digital Easel to hold virtual, net-based meetings. In the past, employees had to travel varying distances to get to the office for marketing meetings or training sessions, which took precious time out of their working day. The Digital Easel quickly pays for itself by helping employees save on travel costs, as well as time.
Paul Gardner is Business Development Manager of 3M United Kingdom plc. www.3m.com/meetings 08705 360036
