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Tameside LEA conducted research into the advantages and disadvantages of interactive whiteboards and plasma screens. They discovered that:

Reported disadvantages of interactive whiteboards

  1. Pupils experienced problems with their shadow.
  2. Pupils did not always understand the importance of not staring at the projector beam and there were health and safety concerns.
  3. The fixed position at the height considered appropriate for pupil use was inappropriate when the board was used for whole class teaching.
  4. A portable interactive whiteboard was being asked for so that it could be used to support learning in different zones.
  5. The image on the whiteboard is grainy and presents a certain amount of glare.

Positive outcomes of the plasma screen

  1. The Plasma can be used effectively for a number of activities involving different numbers of participants.
  2. Very popular with all pupils using it during 'free choice'.
  3. Motivated pupils during group work
  4. Creates no shadows
  5. Presents no health and safety concerns in respect of projectors.
  6. Can be height adjusted to accommodate any situation or user.
  7. Can be moved around the classroom setting so it can be used in different zones.
  8. Has a clear image with no glare.

Heather Truelove
Primary ICT Consultant, Tameside LEA

Questions to ask when selecting a screen

Interactive Technology
Infrared surround
(as used by Inclusive Technology)
Camera detection with overlay
Resistive Membrane Overlay
Which plasma screen is used? Panasonic TH-50PH9BS or TH-42PH9BS Professional Plasma Screen Various Various
Is the view of the screen compromised? Perfect view, no blurring or parallax error* - as no overlay is fitted View is interrupted by fitted overlay which also causes limited viewing angle and possible parallax error* View is interrupted by fitted overlay which also causes limited viewing angle and possible parallax error*
How robust is the screen? Commercial grade screen so will withstand repeated bangs and knocks Dependent on the screen used Dependent on the screen used
Is the screen height adjustable? Mobile or wall mounted stand included as part of package Optional (at extra cost) Optional (at extra cost)
How much pressure is required to activate? None – infra-red beam detects placement of finger or pointer None – cameras detect placement of finger or pointer Resistive membrane needs pressure to detect a finger press. Pressure must be maintained when ‘dragging’ an object on screen

*Parallax error – when viewing sections of the screen from the side, the image does not quite correspond with the area that should be touched because of the distance between the touch sensitive panel and the screen.

Comparison between Plasma and LCD technology

 
Plasma
LCD
Contrast Intense blacks, realistic colours and tones Bright whites, greyish blacks
Colour Widest gamut of colours Vivid colours
Screen Size Best suits larger screens Best suits smaller screens
Response Time Best crisp, detailed motion Not ideal for handling fast motion
Resolution HDTV Ready HDTV Ready
Sharpness Very naturalistic Unnatural rendering
Image Processing Focuses on picture enhancement Focuses on countering LCD weaknesses
Screen Uses screen-savers, durable surface (eg. glass, Perspex) Susceptible to damage such as touching
Viewing Angle Widest viewing angle without loss Widest viewing angle without loss
Value Best for big screens Best for small screens

More information on the differences between plasma and LCD technology.

Also see:

Overview
Case Studies – and what our customers have to say
Related Products – ideal software for the plasma and some useful hardware too
Technical Specification
Demonstration/Training – see the Plasma Screen at a venue near you!
Purchasing and Pricing

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding our Inclusive Interactive Plasma Screen, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01457 819790 or e-mail us on inclusive@inclusive.co.uk