Digital vs Analog signal

[shawnam@ernstcom.com]

I've heard that the Activboard is a digital signal while other IWB are analog. Can someone share if this correct and the benefits to having a digital vs analog signal when using an IWB? Thanks!

[Margaret Allen]

That's a challenging request for us non techies, my understanding is speed of response.

Being a visual type of person, the best way I can describe it is this. Pick up a pen for either type of board (this is not a finger/pen issue :D ) and as quickly as you can draw circles as quickly as you can. The digital board will keep up with you the whole time, the analogue version will still be catching up.....:rolleyes:

There are probably other issues too, but no doubt others will post! +wave+

[tai_ann2003]

Thanks Margaret, but I also would like to know a more "techie" answer - because our board only works as good as our computer - trully. And my laptop is slow - so sometimes I have a lag time on my board from where I write... But I know it's only because my computer is ready to have a stroke.
So - what other benefits might there be aside from lag time - which my computer often has anyways? :confused:

Tai

[Peter Lambert]

I guess the main issues are those of quality and speed. That is why we have changed from analog to digital -telephones, recordings, TV's, radios etc etc.

[Stuart Collins]

To be honest I don't quite understand the question. I assume you mean the method of interaction rather than the data communication, because all of them use a digital form of communcation. The best explanation I can find it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard

You can see that some IWBs use what is called an "analog resistive" this is the touch based systems, and we use the passive electromagnetic method.

What this generally means is a more precise interaction as the resolution of the IWB is higher, you can rest on the IWB, the pens are more natural, the IWB is more robust etc etc.

If you are experiencing lag then I advise you speak to our tech support.

[shawnam@ernstcom.com]

Thank you all for the useful information! I feel a bit more knowledgable on the topic. Thank you!