- MAHWAH, NJ-Utilizing a unique method for projector management, DePaul University recently installed Sharp Electronics' XG-PH50X DLP professional networkable projectors in classrooms throughout campus. In an effort to simplify professors' presentations, alleviate technical problems in the classroom, and reduce costs, the university's IT department is overseeing the projector installation and overall use, which is a departure from traditional AV department management. During the past year, the university purchased more than 200 Sharp projectors, based on positive feedback from the IT department and faculty members.
DePaul University recently installed Sharp Electronics' XG-PH50X DLP professional networkable projectors in classrooms throughout campus.
"We evaluated many different models based on network capability, size, theft deterrent features and reliability," said Joseph Salwach, assistant vice president, Information Services at DePaul University. "The Sharp XG-PH50X not only met all of our design criteria, but the built-in RJ-45 LAN connection has allowed us to reduce problems and speed resolution so classroom presentations run smoothly."
Sharp's XG-PH50X is designed for presentation-intense environments like classrooms. The built-in RJ-45 LAN connection and web server allows direct control from the desktop to the projector and enables many projectors throughout a university to be connected to a single network. The IT department can then manage the entire network for remote control, asset management and diagnostics. This helps minimize downtime and expedites maintenance by self-diagnosing system errors, instantly alerting the control PC or e-mailing an error message to a predetermined list. "Since these projectors were installed, the university has seen classroom projector problems decrease more than 80 percent," said Salwach.
"The advantage of the networkable projector in a classroom setting is that the projector becomes an auxiliary device on a network, saving money and reducing the number of people involved with the management," said Joe Gillio, associate director of display product planning, Sharp Commercial Markets Sales and Solutions Group. "With the IT department as the single point of contact, bulb changes or software issues don't have to get routed to another department and problems can be addressed immediately."
