Feb 4, 2011 08:34 GMT  ·  By

Given the fact that interactive projectors are really starting to pop up on the market, Hitachi has decided that rolling out such a product of their own is certainly a must, and that's exactly the reason why they've developed and released the iPJ-AW250N, the company's first product able to deliver an interactive experience on any flat surface. This is possible due to the fact that this ultra short-throw projector comes packed with Hitachi's Starboard Soft Duo software, as well as a built-in sensor that uses infrared and ultrasonic waves in order to enable the interactive capabilities.

The PJ-AW250N offers a 2500 lumen brightness level, attained with the help of its long-life lamp (up to 5000 hours of functioning time supported), as well as WXGA resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio, all at a very short throw ratio (images up to 80 inches wide are produced even when placing the projector as close as 53 cm to the projection surface).

Moreover, the device incorporates a hybrid filter that further reduces cost and maintenance requirements and a 10-watt audio speaker, while also featuring a very compact body, that measures just around 345mm x 303mm x 102mm and weighs 4.1kg.

“As the first Hitachi interactive LCD projector, the iPJ-AW250N offers the market a real and innovative alternative to existing complex, bulky or compromised solutions. By embedding full interactive capability with all of the features of the new Ultimate Short Throw models, we are able to offer a high performance solution that works on any wall or with existing standard whiteboards,” said Axel Kutschke, Senior Manager, Presentation Products for Hitachi Digital Media Group.

“In bringing interactivity to existing meeting and classroom facilities to improve productivity and learning, Hitachi is demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation by combining class leading technologies and solutions to meet growing market trends,” Mr. Kutschke added.

The iPJ-AW250N will be available across Europe in April 2011, but pricing for Hitachi's first interactive projector has not yet been provided, unfortunately.