While looking for a suitable screen for your meeting room, classroom, office, or business venue, you may come across Interactive Display and Smart TV.
From the outside, they may seem to be rather alike: they both have large flat screens, are capable of delivering excellent visuals, and can showcase any presentations, videos, or content.
Nevertheless, the design and usage of Interactive Display and Smart TV are totally different from each other.
While Smart TV was created to watch videos, the interactive display was invented for interaction, cooperation, presentations, teaching, and business communication.
Thus, which one would be more appropriate for you to buy?
In this article, we are going to make an overview of these two types of screens.
What Is an Interactive Display?
An interactive display is a large screen with touch capabilities that allows users to directly interact with the content being shown on the screen.
In essence, an interactive display can be thought of as a combination of a large display, touch screen, digital white board, presentation, and collaboration.
It allows you to write on the screen, annotate documents, drag objects around, open applications, project content from another device, and work collaboratively with many participants.
Interactive displays are used for:
- Meeting rooms
- Boardrooms
- Classrooms
- Training centers
- Universities
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Collaboration areas
Modern interactive displays are available in various screen sizes, including 55″, 65″, 75″, and 86″ screens.
Based on the version, some of the capabilities may include:
- Multi-touch capability
- Android operating systems built into the device
- Digital whiteboarding
- Wireless screen projection
- Content annotation
- Video conferencing capability
- Built-in speakers
- Front-facing connectivity ports
- USB-C port
- Multiple HDMI inputs
The main benefit is obvious – people can interact with the screen, not just watch the screen.
What Is a Smart TV?
Smart TV is mainly intended for video streaming and viewing.
The device comes equipped with an operating system that enables users to access application programs and online content through the television.
A Smart TV can be found in:
- Home settings
- Hotel rooms
- Waiting rooms
- Lounges
- Small offices
- Retail settings
- Entertainment centers
Smart TV can be used for viewing presentations and videos, as well as connecting the device to a laptop or any other device.
However, majority of the Smart TVs cannot be used professionally.
Although some television sets have basic capabilities to share screens, they lack the professional collaboration functionalities present in an interactive display.
Interactive Display vs Smart TV: The Main Differences
- Touch Screen and Interactivity
This may well be the largest difference between the two.
Interactive Display
An interactive display lets you physically interact with the screen.
You can:
- Take notes
- Create drawings
- Make annotations on presentations
- Drag and resize objects
- Run and control applications
- Collaborate with other users
Some interactive displays can be multi-touch devices, allowing multiple people to interact with the screen simultaneously.
They are especially helpful for classes and collaboration spaces.
Smart TV
In most cases, a Smart TV is operated through:
- Remote control
- Mobile app
- Computer
- Streaming device
The screen cannot be used as a multitouch interface.
Winner: Interactive Display
If you need people to engage actively with the content, interactive display is what you need.
- Designed Purpose
Even though they have the same purpose of displaying video visuals, the designs of the two devices differ greatly.
Smart TV
The Smart TV is mainly used for entertainment purposes.
The device functions best where you want to:
- Watch videos
- Stream content
- Display entertainment
- Present once in a while
Interactive Display
An interactive display is meant to be used in professional and educational settings.
It is designed to facilitate:
- Collaboration
- Presentation
- Education
- Training
- Whiteboarding
- Video conferencing
- Brainstorming sessions
Winner: Depends on Your Needs
If you are looking to entertain yourself, then Smart TV will be enough.
If you require collaboration and presentation then an interactive display will be the one for you.
- Digital Whiteboarding
The use of digital whiteboards is highly essential in today’s workplaces and learning institutions.
Interactive Display
Most professional interactive displays come with whiteboarding programs installed within.
The users can write on the screen through:
- Their fingers
- Digital pens
- Styluses
This will make brainstorming, lessons, workshops and team discussions easier.
Sometimes the notes are recorded and shared online after the session.
It implies that no longer do the teams need to capture images of the traditional whiteboard before they erase it.
Smart TV
A normal Smart TV doesn’t usually have advanced digital whiteboard features.
One will have to install additional programs or devices to create similar functions.
Winner: Interactive Display
In case of brainstorming, learning and teamwork, an interactive display is much better.
- Screen Sharing and Collaboration
In modern offices, fast information sharing is a critical requirement.
Interactive Display
The design of interactive displays aims to facilitate collaboration.
Depending on the type, users will be able to wirelessly mirror content from the following:
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
It is also possible for multiple people to mirror their respective devices in the middle of a meeting.
The presentation will be more efficient as there will be no need to connect wires.
Smart TV
Some Smart TVs can do wireless screen mirroring.
But the process may be more centered on entertainment than collaboration.
There might also be limited compatibility with some devices and operating systems.
Winner: Interactive Display
For meeting rooms and collaborative environments, professional interactive displays usually have better capabilities for sharing and collaboration.
- Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is one of the vital elements of contemporary business communication.
Interactive Display
Many interactive displays are compatible with various video conferencing applications.
Depending on the configuration, companies can incorporate:
- Cameras for video conferencing
- Microphones
- Speakers
- Collaboration tools
Some of the advanced devices also feature in-built cameras and microphones.
It will help organisations to set up a full-featured conference room.
Smart TV
It is also possible to use a Smart TV to configure a video conferencing system.
However, additional hardware such as:
- Conference camera
- Microphones
- Computer or dedicated video conferencing appliance
Is required.
Winner: Interactive Display
An interactive display will be more convenient for organisations conducting web-conferencing on a regular basis.
For educational institutions, the differences between the interactive display and Smart TV become quite obvious.
Interactive Display in the Classroom
Teachers can:
- Write directly on the screen
- Show educational videos
- Comment on the lesson
- Launch learning applications
- Create interactive tasks
- Involve students in interacting with the screen
The students can also interact directly with the educational content.
It can make lessons more engaging and interactive.
Smart TV in the Classroom
The Smart TV can show educational videos and presentations.
However, teachers and students cannot interact with the screen.
It can be enough for the basic viewing of content.
For the interactive learning process, it lacks some functions.
Winner: Interactive Display
It is natural for business owners to opt for Smart TVs due to their familiarity and simplicity.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand the potential use of the meeting room.
Suitable for Smart TVs:
- If presentation displaying is your main activity
- If the screen usage is sporadic
- If interactivity is not essential
- If you mostly watch content in your room
Better Opt for Interactive Display If:
- Your team collaborates regularly
- You need a digital whiteboard
- Several people are sharing the content
- Presentation displaying happens often
- Training happens
- Videoconferencing is important
Winner: Dependent on the Meeting Room
Smart TV is suitable for a regular display screen.
Interactive Display is better for collaborative meetings.
- Professional Endurance
The frequency of use of the screen is another vital factor.
Interactive screens have been designed to operate in professional, educational, and commercial surroundings.
These screens should be used in places like:
- Offices
- Schools
- Universities
- Training centers
- Meeting rooms
Professional and commercial screens may include functions suitable for their use in more frequent conditions.
Smart TVs, on the other hand, have been designed to operate in consumer environments.
While a Smart TV may be good enough for occasional office use or a residential environment, it is necessary to ensure the specific model of the television can be operated continuously in a professional environment.
Winner: Interactive Screen for Professional Environment
For organizations using the screen on a regular basis during business hours, an interactive screen may be a better option.
- Cost Comparison
Cost of acquisition could be another area in which Smart TVs have a competitive edge.
In some cases, a Smart TV can be more cost-effective than a professional interactive display of the same size.
Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that one cannot solely focus on cost of acquisition.
In case you buy a Smart TV for your meeting room, in the future, you may have to invest in:
- A dedicated conferencing camera
- A separate microphone
- A whiteboarding system
- A screen sharing tool
- Collaboration technology
All of the above technologies might be built into the interactive display.
The question here is not:
Which screen costs less?
But rather:
Which technology meets the needs of your organization?
Interactive Display vs Smart TV: Quick Comparison
Feature | Interactive Display | Smart TV |
Touchscreen | Yes | Usually No |
Digital Whiteboarding | Yes | Usually No |
Multi-user Collaboration | Yes | Limited |
Professional Presentations | Excellent | Good |
Classroom Use | Excellent | Basic |
Video Conferencing | Easy to Integrate | Requires Additional Equipment |
Interactive Learning | Yes | Limited |
Entertainment | Good | Excellent |
Content Streaming | Available on Many Models | Excellent |
Business Collaboration | Excellent | Basic to Moderate |
When Should You Choose an Interactive Display?
Interactive Display would be perfect when you need a screen for:
Meeting Room
To create a collaborative environment where workers will be able to discuss ideas, take notes and show info.
Classroom
To make classes more interactive by using interactive tools.
Training Room
To make training sessions more productive by using digital whiteboards and multimedia.
Boardroom
To make presentations more professional.
Collaboration Space
For direct team collaboration via the screen.
When collaboration and interactivity are crucial, an interactive display is preferable.
When Should You Choose a Smart TV?
The Smart TV would be ideal where the basic requirement is to have something that can just display the information.
For instance:
- Viewing movies
- Streamlining media
- Presentations from time to time
- For entertainment
- Screen usage in the lounge area or waiting area
Where the users do not have to interact or write on the screen, then a Smart TV could be enough.
Can You Use a Smart TV as an Interactive Display?
In a different way altogether.
You can plug other devices into your Smart TV to give yourself access to specific functions.
These could be:
- Computer
- Video conferencing solution
- Screen sharing tool
- External touch overlay (in specific cases)
- Nevertheless, it will create a more complex system.
- An interactive display will incorporate most of the tools needed for collaboration in one single device.
If you make use of the features regularly at your workplace or school, an interactive display is much more efficient.
Choosing the Right Screen Size
After deciding that the interactive display will be your choice, then comes the question of size.
The common sizes are:
65-Inch Interactive Display
For:
- Small meeting rooms
- Huddle rooms
- Small classrooms
75-Inch Interactive Display
For:
- Medium-sized meeting rooms
- Classrooms
- Training rooms
86-Inch Interactive Display
For:
- Large classrooms
- Boardrooms
- Training rooms
The correct size is dependent on the room dimensions as well as the viewing distance from the audience.
A small-sized display makes the presentation challenging for the viewer who sits farther from it.
It is advisable always to take into consideration the room dimension before buying one.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Here are some questions to help you decide whether to choose an interactive display or a Smart TV:
- Is User Interaction via Touch Required?
If yes, then you will require an interactive display.
- Do You Want to Engage in Digital Whiteboard Collaboration?
If yes, an interactive display would be more suitable.
- Is the Screen Intended for Classrooms?
The interactive display provides far greater flexibility for interactive learning in class.
- Is the Screen Required for Business Collaborations?
The interactive display is ideal for collaboration purposes.
- Is Video Meeting Conducted?
Think about how easily the display integrates with your favorite video meeting platform.
- What Is the Size of the Room?
Go for the right size of the screen for everyone in the room to see everything on the display.
- What Is Your Budget?
Interactive Display vs Smart TV: The Final Verdict
There is room for both interactive display and Smart TV.
When you are looking for a device that is used primarily to view or display content, then a Smart TV is ideal.
When you require something that can encourage participation from the people around you, then an interactive display is your best choice.
This is because when you want to
- Collaborate more efficiently
- Have better presentations in your meeting rooms
- Make interactive classrooms
- Perform digital trainings
- Use whiteboard applications
- Create hybrid meeting rooms
You will have a lot more to do with interactive displays than Smart TVs.
Looking for an Interactive Display in the UAE?
Selecting the proper interactive display requires more than choosing the biggest screen.
You have to take into account:
- Size of the room
- Number of users
- Touch capability
- Video conferencing requirement
- Connectivity
- Compatibility with software
- Budget
At Xplus Digital, we assist organizations in choosing the appropriate interactive displays for their needs.
Whether you require an interactive display for the classroom, conference room, training facility, or workplace, our experts can assist you in choosing the proper screen size for you.
For assistance regarding your interactive display needs, contact Xplus Digital today.
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