visualiser
The return of the flat screen projector
Visualisers
Want to display examples of good practice to the whole class without getting everyone to move from their seats? How about being able to demonstrate to the whole class how to perform a simple science experiment, again without the disruption and time wasting of moving the class around? Then a visualiser could be the way forward!
A visualiser (or document camera) is a special video camera designed to display documents and 3-D objects onto a plasma screen, television, projector or monitor. You can connect the document camera to a projector and display onto an interactive whiteboard. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the old OHP (Overhead Projector), but certainly more sophisticated!
It is called a ‘document camera’ as you can place documents such as A4 printed handouts, pupils’ work, papers, magazines or maps underneath them, so that they are displayed on screen. Overhead projectors do a similar job, but you have to print or photocopy onto acetate (clear plastic) sheets first, thus the visualiser presents a cost saving over a period of time. Document cameras can also display small objects such as insects, flowers, leaves, coins and watches, which overhead projectors cannot do. You can even position a document camera arm to pick up images of a music teacher playing piano notes, so that students can view on a larger projection screen. The range of uses increase with the imagination of the user!
There are three main modes of operation when using a visualiser:
1. At the simplest level it can be connected to a monitor or digital projector and all the class can see the target object
2. When connected to a PC that runs visualiser software, more opportunities present themselves, for example slow motion, time-lapse capture, storage and review of any 2D/3D object, split-screen operation and mirrored images, B&W and negative imaging and video casting
3. If the PC is connected to an interactive whiteboard then annotation over 3D objects becomes possible
Investment:
These can vary dependent on the standard and capability of the Visualiser. Typical costs range from £285.00 for entry level up to £895.00 for unit with built in light box.
All prices exclude VAT