What is an Interactive Flat Panel?
An Interactive Flat Panel (IFP) is the newest and most feature rich display type available today. These are typically available in sizes ranging from 65” up to approximately 100” and not only offer touch screen functionality but also an inbuilt operating system containing a range of helpful software applications (apps). In addition to being able to use this display as a whiteboard, you can save lesson/meeting annotations to the cloud, share to absent students, connect with students’ computers in a classroom, collaborate with offices around the world, and utilise a wide range of educational tools.
Is an Interactive Flat Panel the same as an Interactive Whiteboard?
An Interactive Whiteboard requires both a unique type of whiteboard with sensors plus the use of a projector. In the past this was the only way students could interact with a large digital image, typically using special pens to draw on screen. This projector and screen pairing was cumbersome, difficult to calibrate, and often quite expensive.
An Interactive Flat Panel is the modern, highly advanced replacement of an Interactive Whiteboard. Interactive Panels look similar to a household TV but are fully interactive with software already built in. No projector is required, no computer is required, and you can interact by simply touching the screen with your finger.
What is the best interactive flat panel display size?
Interactive Flat Panel Displays are usually available in 65”, 75”, and 86”. A typical 65” panel provides a total panel width close to 1.5 metres, more than adequate for use in small classrooms, tutorial rooms, and meeting rooms. A 75” sized panel width comes to just over 1.7 metres and would be recommended medium sized conference rooms and classrooms, whilst an 86” sized panel jumps you up to over 1.9 metres wide and is perfect for 30+ viewers. There are other factors that will determine panel size too, these could include any installation constraints you may have (such as physical space on the wall), the available budget, and if any portability requirements exist. If you require your flat panel to be placed on a trolley for portable use around your school, then a smaller 65” size will be easier to manoeuvre than an 86”.
What is the best Interactive Flat Panel Brand?
The interactive flat panel market offers a wide range of options, from premium to budget-friendly. At GM Multimedia, we exclusively carry highly respected brands with a proven track record and strong local support in Australia.
Determining the absolute best interactive flat panel brand is subjective. That said, ViewSonic is a longstanding display technology industry leader known for its excellent value. BenQ provides a diverse product line featuring innovative technologies like Germ Protection and Air Ionizer. Promethean specialises entirely in interactive displays and is a global favourite in educational settings.
All three brands are committed to customer satisfaction, offering long warranties and exceptional support. By selecting a renowned brand like ViewSonic, BenQ, or Promethean, you'll not only acquire a top-tier product but also enjoy unparalleled service and peace of mind."
What is an OPS Slot?
The OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) Slot is often featured on Interactive Flat Panel Displays. It allows a Slot-In PC to be ‘slotted’ into the back of the display to offer a wider range of features and a different operating system. At time of writing most Interactive Panels utilise a type of Android operating system included by default. A Slot-In PC could be used to upgrade the panel to a Windows operating system. This upgrade gives you access to a wider range of Windows based apps and can make the device more intuitive to a regular Windows user. Slot In PC’s are normally available as an optional accessory, they can easily be installed by the customer at any time with relative ease.
Are Interactive Flat Panel Displays portable?
Interactive Flat Panels are large and relatively heavy products, however that doesn’t mean the display must stay in the 1 room never to be moved. Specially designed trolleys are available that allow users to easily wheel the display between classrooms or offices with ease. If you plan on using the display only in one room, they can easily be attached to a wall with an optional bracket.
What are the main differences between the Interactive Flat Panels?
Once you have selected the perfect size for your application you may still find yourself staring at a selection of several displays from various brands, struggling to understand what differences exist (if any). This is completely understandable; it can be highly confusing. Our team is always here to help you navigate the tech-babble and find the ideal display for you.
Operating System:
You can expect all interactive flat panel displays to feature an Android based operating system, most with an OPS slot to upgrade the system if required. You can expect them all to have basic applications included, such as a document viewer and a whiteboard. Many modern displays feature a newer Android version that contains the Google Play store too, allowing users access to a massive catalogue of apps.
Wireless
Wireless connectivity is common but not included with all products. Some (mainly cheaper options) will require you to purchase an optional dongle to upgrade to wireless. Wireless is very handy and a highly recommended feature.
Warranty
A 3-year warranty tends to be the minimum most brands will offer however some brands, such as Promethean and ViewSonic offer a 5-year warranty on many of their interactive displays. To provide an even better level of service, the warranty is usually on-site in most major metropolitan areas, so they come to you!
Connections
In addition to the wireless connection mentioned above, most Interactive displays will also feature other inputs, allowing users to display from their PC or smart device. Most will feature at least 1 HDMI port and a USB-C port. Standard USB-A ports are usually included too, allowing users to display documents directly from a USB thumb drive.
Included Accessories
Interactive Pens (also known as a Stylus) are included with most displays. You would usually get 2 however the odd display (such as the Promethean Premium range) come with 4. You don’t necessarily need to use these pens though as you can simply use your finger, however the pens can make writing more intuitive.
Wall Mounts tend to be an optional accessory, however some models come with one. At time of writing the BenQ range and the Promethean Premium range come with a wall mount in the box. Please check the model specifications or ask our team to confirm if a wall mount is included.
Other common accessories you will receive include a remote control, USB-C cable, and a HDMI Cable. The Promethean Premium range also come with an eraser!
Computing
Included memory (RAM) tends to range from 4GB to 8GB. Whilst 4GB is usually enough, having more memory will allow you to have more programs running concurrently on your display with minimum performance decrease. At time of writing, the ViewSonic and Promethean Standard range feature 4GB, the Promethean Premium range feature 6.5GB, and some BenQ’s feature 8GB.
Storage space of 32GB is very common and more than enough space to install a great number of programs and store loads of documents. Most displays feature Cloud storage too. The Promethean Premium range offers 64GB, which can be of use if you plan on saving a large number of files on the device.
