Wharton Taps Epson for Campus-Wide Sustainability Initiative

LONG BEACH, Calif., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson, the number one selling projector brand worldwide(i), today announced The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Philadelphia-based audio-visual solutions provider Cenero, has initiated a campus-wide projector upgrade program to convert all analog audio-visual classroom technology to pure HD-compatible digital systems using Epson's PowerLite Pro line. Cenero will replace 115 of the Wharton School's current projectors with Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Dual Lamp WUXGA full HD 3LCD projectors – providing improved energy efficiencies over the previously installed units while simultaneously allowing the school to transition from its analog legacy system to an all-digital control and A/V environment by 2012.

Key to the project is Wharton's requirement that the projectors allow for a seamless analog-to-digital transition as well as map to the Penn Green Campus Partnership and Climate Action Plan – designed to target environmental categories such as increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. "At Wharton, we prioritize sustainability as a cultural commitment across our campus," commented Marko Jarymovych, IT director of public technology, Wharton Computing. "Since our students are ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, we are looking for projectors that meet our standards for a state-of-the-art classroom experience as well as our overall green initiatives. The Epson/Cenero solution was a solid fit."

Wharton selected Cenero as its technology provider and Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL projectors after side-by-side evaluations against five additional vendors. Along with its 6000 lumen color and white light output(ii) and full high-definition clarity, other stand-out features put Epson's Z8000WUNL projector in the spotlight, including efficiency features such as Direct On and Direct Off controls which allow the projector to be powered on/off with a wall switch and Dual lamps with long lamp life featuring up to 3500-hour lamp life in ECO Mode(iii). Other features include the projector's 10,000-hour filter maintenance cycle(iv), liquid cooling system, advanced networking features, powered lens shift, and powered zoom and focus.

Overall, Epson and Cenero met four key criteria set by Wharton: the product fit within a rigid price point per unit; projectors met the University of Pennsylvania's evolving analog-to-HD digital transition initiatives; Epson and Cenero support value-added technical servicing support; and both the product and manufacturer met sustainability guidelines established by the Penn Green Campus Partnership.  

"Since 2004, Cenero has collaborated with Wharton to provide technical, educational and ecological initiatives using Epson products," said Rob Gilfillan, president, Cenero. "With this installation, Cenero will expand its role on the Wharton campus to become the main point of communication and execution for the removal, proper disposal and recycling of all legacy equipment. Cenero will also provide support for all other existing Epson projectors, as well as recycle all brands spent projector lamps."

"Wharton and Cenero have had a standing relationship with Epson since 2006," said Jegar Keeney, project manager Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. "As the University of Pennsylvania's key real estate partner and provider of building project and upgrade management services, we are confident this installation will contribute to Wharton's differentiation as a technology-based and ecologically-responsible teaching institution."

"Epson values the opportunity to help Wharton and Cenero transition from an analog to an all-digital A/V system, as well as meet their sustainability improvement goals," said Rajeev Mishra, director, projector marketing and new ventures,  Epson America, Inc. "We strive to provide products that are reliable, recyclable and energy efficient, and applaud Wharton for integrating our PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL into this eco-friendly initiative."

Cenero procures projectors, disposes of previous models and installs and maintains new projection systems for Wharton. Cenero collaborates with many leading architectural firms in the region, nearly all with LEED projects, and has accredited LEED professionals on its staff. More information about Cenero can be found here: http://www.cenero.com/.

The Sustainability Program, run by Wharton Operations, works to identify and implement actions that reduce Wharton's environmental footprint and promote sustainable behavior across the campus. Details on sustainability initiatives across all categories can be found at http://sustainability.wharton.upenn.edu.

More information about Epson's PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Dual Lamp Widescreen 3LCD projector can be found here: Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL

About the Wharton School

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania—founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school—is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. The most comprehensive source of business knowledge in the world, Wharton bridges research and practice through its broad engagement with the global business community. The School has more than 4,900 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 9,000 annual participants in executive education programs; and an alumni network of 86,000 graduates.

About Cenero

Cenero is a privately held service-focused audio visual and conferencing solutions communications company located in greater Philadelphia. Cenero helps organizations gain a competitive edge by leveraging audio visual and conferencing technology as productive tools. Cenero provides systems design, installation, managed services and event services for organizations throughout North America. Cenero's extensive knowledge of audio visual systems, video conferencing and network infrastructure delivers solutions that improve communication and drive efficiency throughout an organization. For more information regarding Cenero's products and services, call (610) 344-7007 or visit their website at http://www.cenero.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 YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

Note: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.

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

(ii) White and color light output will vary depending on mode selected. White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.

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

(iv) Recommendation based on normal room conditions. Cleaning requirements may vary depending on use, environment and other conditions. Cleaning intervals may be adjusted to accommodate the environment in which the projector is used.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.