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Hitachi bright boxes

Hitachi's latest LCD projectors, the CP-S245 and CP-X255, weigh 6.4 pounds apiece and have 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. The CP-S245, an SVGA-resolution (800 x 600 pixels) projector has a 400-to-1 contrast ratio. Its big brother, the CP-X255, has XGA resolution. Both have vertical keystone correction, reverse image function for ceiling mount, progressive scan and Hitachi's My Screen feature, which allows you to set an image to be displayed right when the projector is switched on before the presentation begins. Pricing: CP-S245, $1,995; CP-X255, $2,795. Contact: Hitachi America Ltd., 800.225.1741, www.hitachi.us.

Elmo doc cam

The Assistant Producer P10 document camera, manufactured by Elmo USA Corp., has XGA resolution (1,024 x 768 pixels) and includes special visual effects to use during a presentation like wipes, fades and dissolves. It folds to a 14 x 18 x 7-inch package for transport, and it weighs 10.4 pounds. There is an SD memory card drive for storing images, and the doc cam has RGB and DVI outputs for connection to a projector or display. It scans at 20 frames per second and has a 12X optical zoom lens. Price: starts at $1,990. Contact: Elmo USA, 516.501.1400, www.elmousa.com.

Signage upgrade

Reflect Systems' latest digital-signage product, ReflectView 1.5, has new tools for distributing video content in retail and other installations. The server-based software has a new feature for the transmission of videos via satellite content delivery methods. The software allows users to convert existing media content from DVDs, tapes, CDs, and compressed digital media into audio-video files playable on digital signage. It is network-based, allowing users to load content onto a central server then manage content use through one central user interface that includes drag-and-drop playlists. Price: starts at $20,000. Contact: Reflect Systems Inc., 800.813.6525, www.reflectsystems.com.

GTCO class remote

GTCO CalComp's InterWrite PRS RF is an audience-response system made for classroom applications. The complete package includes handheld transmitters, a receiver box and software. The handheld transmitters, which the students use to answer quiz or lesson questions, have two-line LCD displays that allow students to see answers to lesson questions or receive instant notification that their written response was successfully transmitted to the teacher via radio frequency. Teachers can program in multiple choice and true/false questions for kids to answer during a lesson or quiz. The InterWrite PRS RF system can be set up for use in small classrooms or lecture halls with up to 2,000 students. Pricing: to be determined on package; individual transmitters, $45. Contact: GTCO CalComp, 800.344.4723, www.gtcocalcomp.com

Apple's Aperture

Apple calls its new Aperture program the first all-in-one post-production tool for photographers. Created for professional photographers, the program has several features that make working with RAW image files easier and more efficient. The program allows for native RAW import and editing from all leading digital SLR cameras. RAW images are maintained natively throughout Aperture without any intermediate conversion process, and can be retouched using a suite of adjustment tools designed for photographers. Other features let you automatically group bursts and bracketed shots; simultaneously zoom on multiple images; back up saved files to multiple drives simultaneously; Embed ColorSync and ICC profile data during file export; and view multiple RAW images side by side. Price: $499. Contact: Apple, 800.676.2775, www.apple.com