Projector manufacturer InFocus has introduced their 3rd generation of interactive projectors — the IN3920 Series. The IN3924 and IN3926 have an ultra short throw lens, can use two LiteBoard(TM) wands simultaneously and are being touted by InFocus as an affordable and easy-to-use alternative to interactive whiteboards.

The wireless LiteBoard wand can be used like a mouse to draw, write and click on the projected image from up to 40 feet away. Content can be transmitted wirelessly with an optional USB wireless adapter, and the projector can connect to multiple devices via HDMI or VGA inputs. Content can also be displayed from a USB  drive. The IN3920 series projectors can also connect to up to 32 computers via network or wireless connection, with up to four computer screens displayed simultaneously. The projectors have built in speakers and a 3.5 mm microphone connection.

Both the IN3924 and IN3926 are 3,000 lumens. The IN3924 is an XGA (1024 x 768) resolution unit with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the IN3926 is WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution unit with a 16:10 aspect ratio.The IN3924 and IN3926 projectors are now shipping with MSRP’s of $1,199 and $1,425, respectively.

The most recent end-user survey by projector market research firm Pacific Media Associates found that interactivity is increasingly becoming a “must-have” projector feature for schools, because of the flexibility and cost-savings interactive projectors offer when compared to traditional Interactive Whiteboards.