LONG BEACH, Calif., April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), today announced the PowerLite® Pilot™ Connection and Control Box, a simple, easy-to-use solution that offers extensive control of multimedia sources connected to Epson's wall-mounted short throw and ultra-short throw classroom projectors. The PowerLite Pilot gives teachers one convenient place to connect and manage audio and video sources such as computers, DVD players, iPods, and more, simplifying projector operation and cable management.

In addition, Epson is offering two optional accessories – a wireless pendant microphone and powerful external speakers – designed to deliver attention grabbing sound and help provide a completely integrated classroom control and sound enhancement solution. The accessories provide added value by helping to amplify sound and ensure all students in the class can hear the lessons.

"Epson is dedicated to providing comprehensive and useful solutions for the education market to enhance both the teaching and learning experience," said Sara Kim, associate product manager, Epson America. "The PowerLite Pilot makes it easy for teachers to connect and manage the wide range of multimedia devices that can be used with Epson short throw and ultra-short throw projectors. Additionally, the optional speakers and wireless microphone complete the system by providing a powerful combination for today's classrooms."

The PowerLite Pilot is a sleek, wall-mountable box with large buttons for easy operation and a cable cover that creates a clean, organized look to help avoid cable chaos. The control box is designed to mount on the wall next to the image, making it easily accessible to educators and enabling them to change sources or adjust volume with the press of a button, thus eliminating the need for a projector remote control. The various input/output connections available include: HDMI, two VGA (computer 1 and 2) connectors with corresponding Audio (inputs/outputs), S-Video with Audio (inputs/outputs), AUX Audio (for use with devices such as an iPod), USB Type A, USB Type B, and Record Out. The PowerLite Pilot also allows the selection of audio mute and volume adjustment for the optional speakers/microphone.

By offering a central point for all source cables to connect, teachers now have the flexibility to integrate a wide range of multimedia devices into their teaching that might previously have been much more expensive to manage with a ceiling-mounted projector. The PowerLite Pilot also includes an iPod/Epson Interactive Pen Holder that attaches to the side of the box for added convenience.

Optional Accessories – Speakers and Wireless Microphone

• Active Speakers: Set of two speakers delivers 30 watts of powerful sound with a built-in amplifier; speakers can also be installed as a standalone accessory for other projectors without the PowerLite Pilot.
• Wireless Pendant Microphone: Amplifies the teacher's voice through the speakers to ensure the entire class can hear, while allowing teachers to move freely about the classroom; includes an IR receiver module and IR dome sensor.

Pricing and Availability

The PowerLite Pilot will be available at the end of June through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution, for $249*. The optional speakers will be available for $149*, and the optional wireless microphone will be available for $449*. The PowerLite Pilot and its optional accessories will also be available through Epson's Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools. Brighter Futures is designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, and offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all applicable Epson products. For additional information about the PowerLite Pilot and accessories, visit www.epson.com.

About Epson America, Inc.

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a wide lineup ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business, and the home, to electronic and crystal devices. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises nearly 80,000 employees in 102 countries around the world. Epson is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria, for the third year in a row. Epson America, Inc. based in Long Beach, Calif. is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: www.Epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and (http://twitter.com/EpsonEducation) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

* Estimated street price

(1) Based upon Q4 2010 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates

Note: Epson is a registered trademark and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite 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.

SOURCE Epson America