Whether buying a projector or LCD display screen for a classroom or a full videoconferencing system to collaborate with other universities, Reflex can provide a whole solution from market leading brand Sony.

With a plethora of features, inputs and lenses, the award winning Sony VPL-FE40 3-LCD SXGA+ resolution installation projector is ideal for the higher education market. This high brightness model features state of the art panel technology and is incredibly easy to use and maintain.

The all-new FWD-S47H1 and FWD-S42H1 LCD display screens represent a new era in lecture room displays. Numerous technological advances make them durable and adaptable and both displays produce compelling full HD images, making these some of the most captivating commercial displays available today.

Videoconferencing allows Higher Education establishments to reach out beyond their confines of the college campus to other institutions and remote learning facilities. The exceptional HD video quality of the Sony PCS-XG80 has approximately four times more detail than standard definition images, taking your visual communications to the next level. The HD video quality not only enhances your daily video conferences with life like images, but also lets you see details that were not before visible with SD systems - especially useful for applications requiring a high level of detail.

To see the full range of audio visual products from Reflex visit: www.universityav.co.uk

New website addresses Higher Education needs

Reflex has launched its new University website, www.universityav.co.uk.

The site is aimed exclusively at University customers and members of the HEPCW, LUPC and SUPC and features products that are particularly relevant for that market sector. Visitors can find information online before speaking to the Reflex team if they need help or advice or to place an order. Studies show that 89% of people research purchases online before buying, so this site will help any University to find relevant information all in one place.

Designed to fulfil Higher Education's thirst for technical knowledge, the site also has sector relevant case studies and additional services, as well as environmental information and the usual specification sheets.

With over 30 suppliers featured, the types of product in the line-up includes Genesis wireless AV solution, and a range of visualisers, voting systems, projectors, plasma screens, interactive whiteboards and even mounts and stands.

According to Roland Dreesden Reflex's MD, "The Higher Education market is extremely important to Reflex and the website has been developed in recognition of the specific support demanded by this sector of our customer base. The needs of Higher Education are different to corporate customers and the site reflects this."

Stuart Davies Audio Visual Services Manager of University of Wales welcomes the inclusion of audio on the site. "The one thing I really like is the 'School for Audio' page; audio is one aspect that I think we tend to overlook.  I think this will be very useful and the entire web site will provide some value to all my colleagues."

Many major manufacturers are included on the site. Chris Hirst, Product Marketing Manager at Sony, believes the site will benefit both suppliers and customers. "The site presents the University marketplace with cherry picked product and solutions specific to their requirement in one place, rather than scouring the web."

Distributors also see the site as a useful tool. Mark Nisbet, MD of Audio Visual Materials feels that "University customers will be able to view not only products but also data sheets and other useful information, quickly and easily by using the Reflex University Website."  

www.universityav.co.uk.

Presentation package brings PowerPoint alive

An innovative new presentation solution for Higher Education that will benefit both tutors and students is now available from Reflex, incorporating three different elements.

The first element is an innovative new product, Multi Slides. Multi Slides is a plug-in for PowerPoint, the package used to make 90% of computer based presentations and used by many educators. Whilst PowerPoint is fine for adding media to a lecture, it can be flat when energy and interaction is required - and that's where Multi Slides helps.

The software allows a presentation to be shown across a number of displays, be they LCD, Plasma, Interactive Whiteboard or Projector, all from a single computer or laptop. The current slide is 'live' and can be annotated over, if using an interactive screen or tablet. When the presenter moves to the next slide, a screen grab of the previous one moves across to the next display. The only limitation on the number of displays is wall space and computer capacity.

Additionally, you can insert blank screens in order answer a question or expand an explanation or bring up a website. The beauty of Multi Slides is it is all managed very simply from one computer.

Other useful features include the ability have a separate monitor next to their laptop, which displays speaker notes. For applications where wall space is tight, the software can be used with just two displays, with up to four previous slides being tiled onto the second display.

Reflex is already seeing interest from many of our Higher Education customers, who see it as a way of holding the students' interest and as a means for students to present material for critique. Understanding and focus is really enhanced by being able to see and compare the content of several slides at once.

The second element is the Reflex Technology Day on the 23rd April saw the launch of a Financial Times book - 'Brilliant Meetings' written by the founders of Multi Slides. The book is crammed with hints and tips on running fewer meetings more effectively and improving presentation skills.

New to Reflex – Effective Presentation Skill training for end users

As part of our ongoing service we have introduced a new training programme that is designed to assist anyone who has to stand up and make a presentation, or teach using PowerPoint.  This is a very new service for Reflex to offer, but we believe it is really important for end users to be comfortable with the equipment that they are using and at the same time ensuring that they get their message across effectively.  We are looking to offer two types of training:

• Have your end user training on-site as part of the installation package, so you get to use the equipment at the same time as being taught how to present effectively
• Attend a dedicated training session off-site in an informal classroom environment.

We offer three levels of training, each of which consists of a half day that can be delivered in either of the above ways.

I hope this has wetted your appetite to find out more, if so please click on email address info@reflex.co.uk, alternatively speak to one of the sales team on 0118 931 3611.

Unified Communications Live Event - Thursday 2nd July

Reflex, in conjunction with Polycom, is holding a Unified Communications Live Event on Thursday 2nd July 2009 at Polycom's offices in Slough.

The day will consist of two sessions. The morning session, from 10.00am - 12.30pm is aimed at end users of technology, while the afternoon session from 2.00pm - 4.30pm is aimed at AV consultants, a more technical and integrated session.

If you've ever considered collaboration technology at your university but dismissed it as too complicated, too unstable or too expensive, this is a must attend event.

Visitors will:-

• Experience first hand Polycom's voice and visual collaboration products

• Learn how this suite of products can deliver immediate cost savings

• See demonstrations of the latest audio, video and telepresence technology

Seeing is believing - it is not until you see the latest HD video conferencing in a desktop, room or telepresence suite setting that you can really appreciate just how far this technology has developed in recent years.

Location: Polycom (UK) Ltd, 270 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4DX

Attendance at the event is free of charge but booking is essential by contacting Reflex on 0118 931 3611 or emailing info@reflex.co.uk

Visitors give thumbs up to Reflex Technology Day

Over 100 end users, many from the Higher Education section, attended the third Reflex Technology Day held on 23rd April.

The visitors were able to interact directly with 29 manufacturers who were exhibiting at the event, as well as attend a series of seminars.

Product highlights included the Sanyo Gaia, an LCD screen that brightens in direct sunlight, and the GroundFX screen from Paradigm. Laid on the floor, it uses a tracking system which detects body position, allowing users to step on and interact directly with it.

Visitors were unanimous in feeling that the day had delivered real, practical benefits. Toki Akintokun from City University had learned about three things which he felt he could incorporate back at the University straight away. Sheila Egan from Brunel University was well aware of most of the technology on show, but found the opportunity to talk directly to suppliers of real use.

The Technology Day was the latest of Reflex's ongoing events. They are a key part of our strategy of building long term relationships. It's a very personal way of keeping users informed about new products and technologies and how they can be implemented to deliver business benefits.

If you are interested in being contacted for the next event please email info@reflex.co.uk