Epson Delivers Affordable, Energy Efficient and Network-Ready Projectors for Education Market

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FETC, Booth 1001 -- Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), today announced four new projectors for the education market – the PowerLite 84+, 85+, 825+, and 826W+. This new suite of projectors offers advanced features, including USB Plug 'n Play connectivity for PC and Mac computers, improved microphone support, and pre-set line and graph patterns designed to aid teachers in instruction. In addition, the PowerLite 85+, 825+, and 826W+ offer the ability to send content over the IP network, optional wireless connectivity, virtual remote control functionality, and message broadcasting.

The PowerLite 84+ ($799*) and 85+ ($899*) feature 2,600 lumens white light output, 2,600 lumens color light output(2) and XGA resolution. The PowerLite 825+ ($999*) offers 3,000 lumens white light output, 3,000 lumens color light output and XGA resolution. The PowerLite 826W+ ($999*) features 2,500 lumens white light output, 2,500 lumens color light output and WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio), allowing teachers to fully leverage widescreen notebooks or tablets, as well as widescreen DVD content. In addition, all four new projectors feature extended lamp life up to 6,000 hours(3), a built-in closed captioning decoder, and a powerful internal 10-watt speaker to deliver clear and crisp audio without requiring external speakers.

"As an innovator and leading provider of projection solutions, Epson is positioned to deliver educators with projectors packed with top-of-the-line features, easy-to-use connectivity options and high brightness that still work within their budgets," said Sara Kim, associate product manager, K-12 Education Projection, Epson America. "This new series offers three sub-$1,000 projectors with built-in network projection capabilities and wireless connectivity options, making them affordable future-proof wireless projectors for the K-12 market."

One of the new features offered with this series of projectors include low power consumption of 0.4-watts in standby mode (network communication off), allowing for increased energy efficiency and potential energy savings. These projectors also include new pre-designed line and graph pattern templates that aid in instruction, eliminating the need for teachers to draw lines and grids on a whiteboard or blackboard.

The PowerLite 85+, 825+ and 826W+ offer additional features to give educators advanced flexibility within the classroom. The new Web remote feature allows teachers to use a virtual remote control via a Web browser when connected to a network to perform basic functions such as power, source search, volume, AV mute, closed captioning, and page up/down. This convenient feature eliminates the need to keep track of the physical remote control, which can be easily misplaced in a classroom environment. In addition, educators can remotely deliver presentations and lessons using the network with the included EasyMP® Network Projection software. These projectors can also be used as a broadcast system to show announcements, event flyers, updates and instructions.

The PowerLite 85+, 825+ and 826W+ offer PC-free connectivity through a USB Type A port, allowing for quick connection with USB memory devices, as well as affordable wireless functionality via an optional wireless module. Using the Quick Wireless Connection USB Key, teachers can simply insert the USB Key into the projector and then into a PC – the USB Key automatically reconfigures the computer's network settings and wirelessly connects to the projector for instantaneous use.

More about the PowerLite 84+, 85+, 825+, and 826W+

The new suite of projectors offers several features to benefit the students and teachers in the classroom, including:

• USB Plug 'n Play Instant Setup: Instantly projects images from a Windows® PC or Mac via a USB connection, allowing for easier set up and eliminating the hassle of dealing with bulky VGA cables and toggling between computer keys
• Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson's exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 6,000 hours in economy mode, and replacement E-TORL lamps can cost up to $200 less than competing replacement lamps
• Microphone Input: Dedicated input supporting both dynamic and condenser type microphones allows teachers to use a wireless or wired microphone to amplify voice using the internal 10W speaker, saving the teacher's voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using projector or remote control buttons
• Closed Captioning: Built-in closed captioning decoder makes presentations accessible to viewers with hearing impairments with no added cost, and helps meet ADA section 508 compliance
• Network Monitoring and Control: RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity for remote monitoring and control via a school's IT network helps saves time and money, regardless of the projector's physical location
• Setup Flexibility: 1.6x optical zoom and +30 degree automatic vertical keystone correction for easy and convenient operation in multiple classroom settings
• 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy efficient light engine which efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness(4)

Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative that is available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors.

Availability and Support

The PowerLite 84+ will be available in February 2010, the PowerLite 85+ and 825+ will be available in March 2010, and the PowerLite 826W+ is expected to be available in late spring. All models will be available through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. Epson's PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services – two-year Epson PrivateLine® phone support where projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day. For additional information about the new PowerLite projectors, visit www.epsonbrighterfutures.com.

About Epson America Inc.

Epson America Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 companies around the world. Seiko Epson is committed to its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

Note: Epson, E-TORL and EasyMP are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite, PrivateLine and Brighter Futures are registered trademarks of Epson America Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

*All prices are estimated street price

(1) Based upon Q3 2009 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates

(2) Light output varies depending upon modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard

(3) Lamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp Brightness decreases over time.

(4) Source: ProjectorCentral.com Jan 2009. Average of 796 shipping models for which the manufacturers provided lumens and total power data, all resolutions and brightness levels. Energy efficiency was measured as wattage per lumen. It was measured for both 3LCD and 1-chip projectors in six different lumens categories. 3LCD projectors averaged less required electricity per lumen in each of the six categories.

SOURCE Epson America Inc.