Interactive technologies have become actively used in the educational field, as well as in the field of business. They significantly facilitated many tasks, with the help of modern developments, the process of training and presenting information has become much simpler and more interesting. Today the most popular are interactive whiteboards and panels. But not everyone understands what their features and the main difference are. We learn what is better, an interactive whiteboard or a panel, and also we will understand the nuances, pluses and minuses of these two devices.


To understand which type of interactive device is best suited for specific tasks, you need to better familiarize yourself with the functions of boards and panels.

Technology

Interactive systems have differences in manufacturing technology, functionality and capabilities. Let's consider in more detail what each device is.

interactive whiteboard

This high-tech device is a flat white screen that looks like a TV. The interactive whiteboard works complete with a projector that transmits an image onto it. Special pointers or markers, also included, allow you to interact with information using ultrasonic sensors. When the user touches the board, the signal is transmitted to the computer, where the data is processed.

In order for the interactive gadget to work, you need to install all the equipment, connect to a PC and configure special software.

Thus, on the touch board, you can view video in real time, resize images, enter and change graph data, add or delete information in tables, make footnotes and the like. Such actions are very convenient for presentations. All data can be saved on a computer by command.

Interactive panel

Unlike an interactive whiteboard, the panel is an independent device. This is an LCD touch screen of certain sizes, most often smaller than a panel that runs on its own Android and Windows software. It does not require additional installation of the projector, connection to a PC, and responds to touch of fingers. Special markers, styluses are not required for him.

In fact, the interactive panel is a large tablet computer.

The influence of external factors

The interactive whiteboard screen does not have a backlight. The image on it is created using a projector suspended from above. The degree of brightness depends on the quality of the projector. Cheaper models have weaker projectors that lose clarity in external bright lighting. Glare and glare may form on a glossy surface. The clarity of the screen will largely depend on the position of the beholder. An image can obscure the shadow of someone standing at the blackboard.

The image quality of the interactive whiteboard is also affected by the angle of the adjustable projection, the position of the screen itself - it should be located exactly vertically.

The interactive panel has its own monitor, so the image on it is brighter, clearer and does not distort from the position of the device. Modern panels are equipped with high-tech glossy screens, images from which are clearly visible at any angle in different lighting. Such monitors do not glare in the sun, do not fade in bright light. The panels provide anti-glare glass, which allows the use of equipment in the daytime in different lighting conditions.

The need for additional equipment

Your interactive whiteboard will not function without a projector.The projector is mounted on special brackets. The board itself is hung on a wall or mounted on a mobile rack. It can be purchased separately.

If you need to move the board, then you need to buy mobile equipment to mount it and the projector.

The interactive panel does not require an additional system. It can be mounted to the wall using brackets or mounted on a special rack. If necessary, it can even be simply placed vertically on the table and it will work.

Mobility

Both devices are powered from the network and are not fully mobile. But unlike the board, the panel is easy to move, since it does not have accompanying equipment.

To move the interactive whiteboard, you need to mix the projector and the computer with it. At the slightest bias, you need to re-configure the projected image and achieve the ideal picture quality in the new conditions.

The panel retains all its qualities in any position and produces a stable image regardless of its position. It is much easier to transport and install in different rooms. There are special stands on castors for panels and boards for easy movement from one place to another.

Location versatility

The interactive whiteboard is a reflector of the projection, therefore it requires a very clear arrangement in a strictly vertical position. Any tilt or rotation will distort the projection. The projector itself requires the same careful tuning. Even the slightest shift in the equipment will not be reflected in the picture in the best way.

The interactive panel does not distort the transmitted image, regardless of its setting. One will equally well show a picture from any angle. It can be hung at a slight slope, rested on a wall, placed on a table - the image will not suffer from this.

Management tools

An interactive projection board is controlled through a computer program. All actions and commands produced on the board are processed on the PC directly in this program. Interactive whiteboard does not respond to finger touch. To interact with it, special ultrasound or infrared markers / styluses / pointers are most often needed.

The interactive touchpad is controlled by an integrated Windows or Android operating system. On the panel itself is a button to turn on the monitor. All other interaction is carried out directly through systems, programs, applications installed on the device. Commands are performed by touching your fingers and selecting the desired actions. Use styluses for convenience only.

Modern touch displays can recognize up to 10 points of touch simultaneously.

Interactive panels are usually equipped with various interfaces for connecting third-party devices (VGA, USB, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack), which allows you to easily connect computers, laptops, office equipment to them.

Easy installation

To install an interactive whiteboard, you need to call a good specialist. We recommend SubProject. Their masters have extensive experience and have been trained by leading manufacturers of interactive equipment.

A specialist is needed not only for installation of the device, but also for launching a program and fine-tuning (calibrating) the projector. Not everyone can do such work independently.

To install the touch panel, it is enough to find a convenient place for fastening (if the option with a stand is not selected) and mount the brackets.

The monitor itself is completely ready for use, it only needs to be connected to a power outlet. Any user familiar with Windows and Android will recognize the familiar interface and quickly understand the controls. If you can drill fasteners to the wall yourself, then handle the installation yourself. When installing the panel on a rack, it does not require any difficulties.

Which is better to choose

So, we come to the main question - what is better to choose, an interactive whiteboard or a touch panel?

It all depends on the tasks, needs and budget. It should be noted that panels are several times more expensive than boards. And by the principle of operation, these gadgets are completely different, which does not allow them to be compared on the same level.

The functionality of interactive whiteboards allows you to easily demonstrate educational content for educational institutions and successfully conduct presentations for business. Interactive panels are better suited if you need a brighter and more saturated picture, and the speed of interaction is important.