Pen Display delivers presentations and access room control.

Press Release Summary:



Sympodium(TM) DT770 dual-touch, 17 in. pen display combines interactive presentation tools in room-control environments through single touch interface. Dual-touch DViT(TM) technology lets users touch screen with finger to navigate room-control menus and automatically switch to using battery-free, tethered pen to control desktop applications and write notes in digital ink. Product incorporates 4-port USB 2.0 hub, selected tool LED indicators, and tilt stand.



Original Press Release:



Sympodium DT770 Interactive Pen Display uses New Technology to Deliver Presentations and Access Room Control from one Display



SMART launches 17-inch, dual-touch interactive pen display

CALGARY, Alberta --- June 8, 2005 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the SympodiumTM DT770 interactive pen display. The DT770 uses new dual-touch DViTTM (Digital Vision Touch) technology that allows users to touch the screen with their finger to navigate room-control menus, and automatically switch to using a battery-free, tethered pen to control desktop applications and write notes in digital ink. Simply by connecting the DT770 directly to a computer and a projector, presenters can simultaneously display computer images or multimedia sources on a larger presentation screen for the audience to see. At a suggested list price of US$3,999, the DT770 offers a cost-effective way to combine interactive presentation tools in room-control environments through a single touch interface.

The DT770 detects when the pen is lifted from its holder and automatically toggles between its two input modes. It features a 17" (43.2-cm) screen with SXGA resolution and a new version of SMART's DViT technology that uses digital cameras to detect both pen and finger inputs. Dual-touch DViT technology is the first camera-based touch technology to be applied to a small display and demonstrates its scalability. The DT770 is the only dual-touch system that operates with just one technology, simplifying electronics, improving usability and minimizing cost. Also included with the DT770 is award-winning SMART BoardTM software, which allows users to write over applications in digital ink and then edit, save, print or post their notes to a website for future reference.

"Equipping large environments with interactive presentation and room-control systems can be expensive and complicated," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "The DT770 pairs the interactive capabilities SMART is known for with a touch interface, reducing cost and eliminating the need to implement two separate displays."

Features

Pen tool and function buttons: Programmable buttons above the display provide quick access to NotebookTM software, pen tools, the eraser and right-click, and instant access to the room-control software interface.

Battery-free, tethered pen: The pen is always ready for use, requiring no maintenance or charging. It also has an LED indicator that shows when the pen is in use.

USB hub: Users can quickly upload files and presentations or connect peripherals to their computer with the 4-port USB 2.0 hub.

LED indicators: LED indicators on the pen-tool buttons indicate what pen tool is selected.

Integrated distribution amplifier: The DT770 connects directly to a projector and simultaneously displays a computer image on its screen and a larger presentation screen for everyone to see.

Kensington® security slot: The DT770 is kept securely in place with a locking mechanism.

VESA mounting plate: The DT770 follows VESA standards for mounting systems.

Tilt stand: A folding stand on the DT770 allows it to be positioned at a comfortable angle on a variety of surfaces. (Sold separately.)

Pricing and availability

The Sympodium DT770 interactive pen display will start shipping in July 2005 at a suggested retail price of US$3,999. Not-for-profit educational institutions may qualify for a grant through the SMARTer Kids(TM) Foundation, reducing the suggested price to US$3,199. For more information, specifications or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com or call 1.888.42.SMART. For grant inquiries, visit the SMARTer Kids Foundation at www.smarterkids.org or call 403.228.8565.

About dual-touch DViT technology

Dual-touch DViT technology is the latest camera-based touch technology developed by SMART. It increases ease of use by allowing the presenter to use either a finger or the battery-free, tethered pen, automatically toggling between the two input modes. While in pen mode, digital cameras detect infrared light emitted by the pen that travels through a prism and the surface of the display. In touch mode, the flow of infrared light is reversed, flooding the surface and allowing the cameras to detect the shadow created by a finger. The cameras communicate position information back to a digital signal processor that quickly and accurately determines the exact point of contact. No special materials are required over the display, preserving the image quality. Multiple U.S., Canadian and other foreign patents for dual-touch DViT technology are pending.

About SMART

SMART Technologies Inc. is both the industry pioneer and global market leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. SMART products include the family of award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, multimedia cabinets and software. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous other U.S., Canadian and foreign patents pending. SMART customers include NASA, Texas Instruments, BMW, Toyota Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Boeing, Lucent Technologies, NTT, the Los Angeles Lakers, Novartis, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, British Telecom, Disney Imagineering and Harvard University.

SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 600 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa and Calgary, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York City and Washington, D.C. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel® Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel's equity ownership in SMART. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Exner
Public Relations Specialist
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 - 11th Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
Phone +1.403.802.3340 Fax +1.403.228.2500
AndrewExner@smarttech.com
www.smarttech.com

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