Presentation Products Named SCN’s Top 50 Integrators of 2014

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Presentation Products finished 2014 strong by being named one of SCN’s Top 50 Integrators of the year. This list is comprised of integrators all over North America, so Presentation Products is honored to have made the list 3 years and counting. And this year shows our substantial growth as we jump 3 spots ahead. In 2014 Presentation Products grew in sales as well as expanding our staff and office space. After a year like 2014, we’re excited to see what 2015 has in store.

See the whole list here.scn50

SMART kapp Wows at CUNY IT

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Presentation Products was front and center at the CUNY IT show last week and everyone loved the kapp. About half of all of the attendees watched a demo or tried it themselves. It’s ready. It’s shipping. Get yours now!

Presentation Products Featured in K-12 TechDecisions

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Published in the May 2015 edition of k-12 TechDecisions.com:

A Look at One of the Most “Teched Out” Schools in the Country

The classrooms at Lèman Preparatory School have Apple TV’s, SMART boards, touch panel controls, iPads and more.

By Chrissy Winske

November 20, 2014                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

When Léman Manhattan Preparatory school moved into a new facility to accommodate its growing size, it also invested in new classroom technology like SMART Boards, IP clocks, a Crestron Control system, Apple TV’s and more. AV integrator Presentation Products, Inc. handled the install.

The facility’s new classrooms feature fully digital signal processing and a custom wall mounted equipment rack that houses all AV equipment and the classroom PC. The Crestron touch panel controls the entire system and along with the rack, is connected to the school’s network so that Léman’s technology department can easily control and monitor all AV systems from one central location.Tech staff can turn equipment on/off at preset times, monitor system components like projector lamps and run diagnostic tests.

Students at Léman also have iPads in the classroom, which are used in conjunction with classroom presentation technology.

“We have multiple inputs on each of our SMART boards so teachers either airplay their work or they use a computer that’s in the room connected to the SMART board,” says Julius Blakeny, Technology manager, Léman Preparatory School.

Teachers are using the interactive technology to drive collaboration in the classroom and to enhance language courses. For example, the Mandarin teacher uses an iPad to demonstrate how to draw Mandarin characters. Léman’s lower school uses a document camera that is connected to a laptop to airplay images to the SMART board. Although the school has provided access to a document camera for each classroom, it did not standardize on one platform.

“There’s a mixture of products. We have some from SMART and we acquired some from Presentation Products, but we have two technology coaches that train teachers how to use them,” Blakeny explains.

The school also invested in digital signage that hangs in hallways, elevator banks and communal spaces like the weight room and cafeteria. The signage is used to promote school communications and content is developed the by the MAC department, which stands for Marketing, Admissions, Communication. In the future, Blakeny says he’d like to see some of that digital signage replaced by Apple TV’s.

“I’m moving towards Apple TV because it’s going to give the marketing department an opportunity to get more messaging out. It’s easier for me to work with the Apple TV and use an iTunes playlist. All the marketing department has to do is come up with the content and upload it.”

Léman Prep also recently purchased several Epson interactive projectors that were installed on the school’s newly opened 19th floor. The projectors are wall mounted and they use a traditional whiteboard as their projection surface. This means instructors have interactive functionality when they want it, but also retain the use of that basic whiteboard.

“The teachers love the dual functionality of the display that allows them to be old school and write, but still have use of that technology,” Blakeny says. With the projectors, there has been hardly any downtime and fewer support calls from teachers. In the past, the interactive whiteboards would occasionally fail to orient properly prompting issues with touch recognition. That isn’t a problem with the projectors.

Having an array of technology in the classroom has really helped to transform the learning environment for Léman students and make collaboration a lot easier.

“The teachers are loving that there are new ways to teach the kids and immerse them,” Blakeny says. Students can actually share their work with the entire class on a screen as opposed to people squinting their eyes to look at a piece of paper and see what it is.”

About the author

Chrissy Winske – Site Editor

Chrissy Winske is the K-12 editor for TechDecisions Media. She is also a contributing writer for Commercial Integrator, TechDecisions’ sister publication. Chrissy joined the TD family in 2012 and has covered AV and IT trends, mobile learning, safety and security and the digital classroom.

SMART Technologies Begins Shipping Revolutionary SMART kapp

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 Groundbreaking replacement for the dry-erase board is now available

 CALGARY, Alberta – Nov. 17, 2014 – SMART Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SMT) (TSX: SMA) is now shipping its innovative SMART kapp™ digital capture board through select channel partners. A remarkable transformation from the dull, outdated dry-erase board or flip chart, SMART kapp combines true ease of use with the ability to share and save work in real time, on any device, anywhere in the world.  The many customers who already placed pre-orders after its award-winning debut at InfoComm will be among the first to receive SMART kapp.

Recently industry analysts Frost & Sullivan honored SMART kapp with its 2014 New Product Innovation Award in the Interactive Whiteboard Market. “True innovation is when a company creates something it immediately sees a need for, and then develops a solution to meet that need,” said Rob Arnold, program manager, Unified Communications and Collaboration at Frost & Sullivan. “SMART Technologies has demonstrated its vision to improve upon a much loved collaboration tool and reinvent it for the modern day. A practical human approach and an in-depth understanding of the needs of everyday collaboration have enabled SMART Technologies to maintain its pioneering and market-leading status in the collaboration market.”

Patrick Neeman, director of Product Design at Apptio, and his user-interface team have been using SMART kapp, in their collaborative workspace. “The ability to take the ideas you sketched and share them is really powerful. People have a lot of trouble visualizing an idea unless somebody sketches it for them; they have to see it before they know that it’s right,” Neeman said. “SMART kapp will be really, really good for that, because not only will you have your idea on the board, but you can take it away, go back to your desk and say ‘this is what we mean.’”

 

  • Use real-time sharing by inviting remote participants to view content on smartphones, tablets and computers as it happens using any browser
  • Easily save and share anything written on the board in JPEG or PDF formats
  • Automatically share snapshots to shared accounts like Evernote™®or Google Drive™ or OneDrive™
  • Write and erase on the sleek surface without ever staining it

 

“When I arrived at SMART in October of 2012, I saw the need for a new piece of collaboration technology that would be as simple to use as a dry-erase board but with the benefit of digitally capturing, saving and sharing information,” said Neil Gaydon, President and CEO, SMART Technologies. “We’ve achieved those goals and more with SMART kapp.”

SMART kapp builds on over a decade of SMART’s research and innovation in proprietary DViT® optical touch systems and digital ink technology. This includes 16 issued U.S. Patents relating to kapp technology in a portfolio of families with 57 issued patents in 12 countries worldwide and more than 10 patent applications pending. Recently, SMART has filed patent applications relating both to kapp’s system and operation, as well as the products’ design.  We continue to document and protect key innovations in kapp’s ongoing development.

Order Yours Now!!

 

About SMART Technologies

 

SMART Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SMT, TSX: SMA) is a world leader in collaboration solutions that are redefining the way the world works and learns. We are an innovator in interactive touch technologies and software that inspire collaboration in both education and enterprises around the globe. To learn more, visit smarttech.com.

 

UF70 Projector Upgrade Promotion Ends Soon

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UF70 Upgrade Offer

Get improved shadow reduction and enhanced brightness with the UF70 projector though the SMART UF70 Upgrade offer. This exciting offer introduces a discount of 45% off the Manufacturer Suggested Price on the SMART UF70 ultra-short-throw projector.

UPGRADE NOW

Offer Details:

  • Offer open from now until September 15th, 2014
  • For existing UF55 or UF65 Models
  • No need to return your SMART Projector, just provide the serial number on the unit being upgraded
  • No Quantity limits
  • No application required
  • Use your existing UF Projector Extended Control Panel with your new UF70 projector
  • Begin a brand new warranty period when you upgrade!

Special Offer Pricing
**Includes projector, assembly hardware, shipping AND installation! 

The SMART UF70

The SMART UF70 ultra-short-throw projector offers improved shadow reduction and enhanced brightness, and is HD ready. It has a throw distance of approximately 25.75″ (65.5 cm), provides 3,000 lumens in standard mode and projects crisp images with high contrast and color quality. The projector displays high-definition video, and has an HDMI input.

The projector’s extended control panel makes it easy for teachers to control other audiovisual devices in the classroom from the front of the interactive whiteboard. With one touch, they can switch between inputs and control power and volume. The UF70 is also energy efficient, consuming 0.5 watts of power in standby mode. And it offers a long-lasting lamp life (up to 4,000 hours in Economy mode) and filter-free design which reduce maintenance costs. The UF70 is compatible with standard and widescreen models of SMART Board 600, 800 and M600 series interactive whiteboards.

  • The UF70 is compatible with standard and widescreen models of SMART Board 600, 800 and M600 series interactive whiteboards.
  • UF70 is energy efficient, consuming 0.5 watts of power in standby mode. It offers a long-lasting lamp life (up to 4,000 hours in Economy mode) and filter-free design which reduce maintenance cost

 

 

More SMART kapp News – Awards and Distinctions

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Everyone is getting excited about the September release of the SMART kapp and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change any time soon. Critics love it. Techies can’t wait for it. And the awards just keep coming. Here’s the latest news on the SMART kapp buzz. And remember, you can pre-order yours at Smartboards.com today!!

 

 

media release

SMART kapp Earns Multiple Honors Following InfoComm Debut

  • SMART kapp wins Best New Product at InfoComm 2014
  • Audio-visual industry influencer rAVe also names SMART kapp as Best New Presentation Product
  • SMART kapp named in multiple “Best of InfoComm” coverage

 

CALGARY, Alberta – August 14, 2014 — SMART Technologies’ new SMART kapp digital capture board has earned multiple awards since debuting at InfoComm 2014, North America’s largest audio visual trade show. After reviewing thousands of products from over 700 vendors, the influential AV industry publication rAVe honored SMART kapp with two of its “Best of InfoComm 2014 Awards”; Best Overall New Product and Best New Presentation Product.

A dramatic upgrade to the dowdy dry erase board and flip chart, SMART kapp lets users share work sessions in real-time and to save the work at any point to be shared in the cloud or by email. In beta testing now and available for pre-order with select channel partners, SMART kapp is scheduled to ship in September, 2014.

“Our staff members comb the InfoComm floor looking for the best and most interesting products. We talk to attendees about what they saw, reviewed and liked as well.” said Sara Abrons, Editor at rAVe Publications. “SMART kapp was our consensus winner for Best Overall New Product. It was one of the products attendees were all talking about and were most excited about this year.”

Industry buzz around SMART kapp had started even before InfoComm opened. Telepresence Options included SMART kapp in its preview article “15 Hot Exhibits You Need to See at InfoComm,” writing “we’re so excited to see SMART Technologies new SMART kapp digital capture board.”

After the show Wainhouse Research featured SMART kapp in its “InfoComm14 Topline,” writing, “SMART Technologies drew an impressive crowd with its new SMART kapp system, a very simple whiteboard/ink marker system that captures, saves, and pushes content to mobile clients in real time.”

Corey Moss, blogging in rAVe, highlighted the SMART kapp launch in “Disruptive at the InfoComm—My Top Ten,” calling it “A product launch of a different kind at InfoComm and fun to watch…SMART kapp digital capture board is as easy and intuitive to use as a dry-erase board, but delivers much more with features designed for today’s workplace.”

 

 Tech Target’s Gina Narcisi wrote “SMART is focused on giving users a familiar, standalone tool that enables quick collaboration, while including remote employees, too.”

Educators also recognized the potential in SMART kapp. Dennis Pierce, Editorial Director of eSchool News included it his “Top new AV product worth noting” with the headline “SMART kapp ‘disrupts’ the traditional dry-erase board.” In a Tech Decisions article entitled “Why K-12 Should Take a Look at SMART’s Latest Product: SMART kapp,” Chrissy Winske wrote “this combination of dry-erase board and interactive learning app offers exciting possibilities for small group instruction.”

“We are gratified to see the enthusiastic response SMART kapp is getting from these influential commentators,” said Neil Gaydon President and CEO, SMART Technologies. ”It really was a thrill to be at InfoComm, to preview the product to attendees and to see their eyes light up when they realized just what SMART kapp can do, when they see the magic happen.”

Priced at $US899 MSRP, the 42” SMART kapp will be shipping in September 2014 (a larger size board will be available later in the year). Customers can pre-order SMART kapp today via www.smartkapp.com and be one of the first to own a SMART kapp board as soon as shipping commences.

View images of SMART kapp.

 

For more information visit www.smartkapp.com or follow SMART kapp on Twitter at @SMARTcollab.

About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc.is a leading provider of technology solutions that are redefining the way the world works and learns. SMART products enable inspired collaboration in schools and workplaces by turning group work into highly interactive, engaging and productive experiences. SMART delivers integrated solutions of hardware, software and services designed for superior performance and ease of use.

Reader’s advisory
Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or statements. In particular and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to cost and resource reductions associated with the implementation of the platform and the availability date of such platform. By their very nature, forward-looking information and statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information and statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking information or statements. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking information or statements. Any forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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Presentation Products is now a Microsoft Silver Small Business Partner

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 July 01, 2014

Presentation Products, Inc. Achieves a Microsoft Silver Small Business Competency

Presentation Products, Inc. earns distinction through demonstrated technology success and customer commitment.

New York City, New York, USA — July, 01, 2014 — Presentation Products, Inc. today announced it has achieved a Silver Microsoft Small Business competency, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft Corp. customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment. To earn a Microsoft silver competency, partners must successfully demonstrate expertise through rigorous exams, culminating in Microsoft certifications. And to ensure the highest quality of services, Microsoft requires customer references for successful implementation and customer satisfaction.

Presentation Products come to Unified Communications Design & Integration with years of experience as an audiovisual systems integrator specializing in high end technology for the business environment Our recommendations for platforms to consider and technologies to include are always based on your specific goals and needs as the end user of the system. As a Microsoft Silver Business Partner, we are able to support Office 365 and Microsoft Lync Deployments. “This Microsoft Silver Small Business Partner competency showcases our expertise in today’s technology market and demonstrates our knowledge of Microsoft and its products,” said Orin Knopp, CEO “Our plan is to accelerate our customers’ success by serving as technology advisors for their business demands.”

“By achieving a silver competency, organizations have proven their expertise in specific technology areas, placing them among the top 5 percent of Microsoft partners worldwide,” said Phil Sorgen, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “When customers look for an IT partner to meet their business challenges, choosing a company that has attained Microsoft competencies is a smart move. These are highly qualified professionals with access to Microsoft technical support and product teams.”

Earning the Microsoft Small Business competency demonstrates partner expertise and commitment to deliver solutions tailored to Small Business customer requirements. Given the focus on adoption of Cloud computing by over 50% of SMBs in the near future to drive their business operations, partners that invest in this competency are ready to address the rising customer demand for Microsoft solutions based on Office 365, Windows 8, and Lync.

The Microsoft Partner Network helps partners strengthen their capabilities to showcase leadership in the marketplace on the latest technology, to better serve customers and to easily connect with one of the most active, diverse networks in the world.

As a full service design build firm, Presentation Products has been the leading provider of turn-key audiovisual solutions in the tri-state area for over 20 years. Headquartered in New York City, the staff of more than 40 professionals provide audio visual integration services ranging from design and engineering, project management and installation to training and support.

 

For more information, press only:

Brandon Knopp, Presentation Products, [email protected]

 

To get in touch with a UC expert, fill out this form and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days.

SMART Technologies Introduces SMART Kapp

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  • New SMART kapp product instantly transfers written content onto any device as if by magic
  • Content shared from SMART kapp via your device easily and intuitively to anywhere in the world
  • SMART kapp to launch at InfoComm in Las Vegas June 18-20

To be kept informed on when SMART Kapp is available for purchase, Click the button below and fill out the contact form!

I Want One!

Beginning in June, Presentation Products Inc. will become one of a select group of qualified SMART resellers able to sell the SMART kapp product nation-wide. Officially announcing the product on May 12th, 2014, SMART Technologies said,

“SMART kapp allows you to write, draw and capture ideas using dry erase SMART ink markers – just like the old-fashioned dry-erase board—while enabling you to instantly save your work images, convert them to PDFs, and send to anyone, anywhere, instantly. SMART kapp eliminates the ineffective practice of photographing whiteboards and flipcharts or furiously typing notes during meetings to save and share valuable information and insights.”

SMART technologies, the leading innovator in interactive technologies, has positioned this latest product as the first revolution of the “dry erase board” since 1956. With the ability to capture and quickly share notes digitally, the SMART kapp digital capture board represents a further step towards more seamless collaboration in the 21st century.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE

SMART Ink Editing Feature

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One of the most exciting new features of Notebook 14 is the Ink Editing feature using the Text Pen! Now you can edit, move, delete, modify or insert text objects without reaching for a keyboard. Educators can enhance instruction with automatic handwriting recognition and conversion by using the innovative Text Pen with intuitive text editing capabilities.
Check out the video below:

 

Get More Information about our Custom Trainings for SMART Educators.

Training Department

Get SMART Notebook™ Advantage with your STVP funds!

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What are STVP funds?

The New York State School Technology Voucher Program (NYS-STVP) resulted from the Settlement Agreement between New York State consumers and Microsoft Corporation. Funds awarded in the settlement  are offered to eligible public school districts (on behalf of their eligible public schools), in the form of vouchers. These vouchers can be used by eligible schools in their efforts to improve their readiness for computer-based testing (CBT) and to create a technology-rich learning school environment. In order to receive vouchers, schools must complete the Technology Inventory for Online Assessments (TIOA). All eligible schools must apply by November 1, 2014.

Download this NYC Doe Document  on the agenda to learn more about the TIOA and Voucher Program

smart-tech-products

SMART Products and Training are all covered by STVP Funds!

 

What is  SMART Notebook™ Advantage?

Starting April 1st, SMART will introduce SMART Notebook™ Advantage, an optional annual maintenance subscription that offers access to even more educational functionality, and includes live technical support and software updates throughout the year.  With each new purchase of SMART hardware bundled with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software customers will be entitled to one year of SMART Notebook Advantage.

However, if schools are only interested in the software,  SMART Notebook™ Advantage will have to be purchased separately. Luckily, those schools looking for for eligible software will be able to use thier STVP funds to purchase the software. STVP can be used for any SMART Technologies purchase, including  new Interactive Whiteboards, Response systems, or podiums.

And what if you need training for all that new software or hardware? No problem, Professional Development can be purchased with the STVP funds as well!

So looks like you are covered! time to go online and make your selection!

smart reseller

We are here to answer your questions! Just fill out a training form, or contact us at 212.584.4760

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