NEC recently announced their UM352W, an ultra-short-throw, interactive projector for classroom collaboration. The 3,500-lumen projector includes a built-in interactive pen receiver and two interactive pens for white-board use. The new projector includes an auto-calibration feature. Users can make onscreen annotations on any wall, dry erase board or chalkboard without a computer, and the information can be shared immediately.

The projector also works with NEC’s NP01TM touch module, which allows finger-touch white-boarding and interactivity with a connected computer. The UM352W includes NEC DisplayNote Software, an app that lets teachers and students present, share and annotate content from a multitude of devices, including PC’s, tablets and smart phones, and save that information to review later.

Other features include 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, integrated 20 watt speaker, horizontal and vertical keystone correction tools, and a host of connectivity options including dual HDMI, computer, composite video, S-Video and component video.

The UM352W with built-in pen-based interactivity, stand-alone white-boarding and DisplayNote is available now with an MSRP of $2,349. The UM352W-WK bundle includes a UM352W projector and custom wall mount, and is available at an MSRP of $2,449. The UM352W-TM bundle includes a UM352W projector, custom wall mount and interactive touch module, and is available at an MSRP of $2,748.

According to the most recent PMA Research survey of K-12 educators, 77% responded that interactivity in their next classroom projector was an absolute must or very important.