EPSON INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM SOUND SOLUTION TO HELP STUDENTS HEAR AND LEARN MORE EFFECTIVELY

ORLANDO, Fla. (InfoComm, Booth 4127) – June 17, 2009 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today introduced the Epson AP-60 Sound Enhancement System, a first of its kind, complete and fully-integrated K-12 classroom sound solution designed to engage students in active learning. The Epson AP-60 is a revolutionary speaker system created exclusively for the classroom that delivers 360 degrees of sound, and includes all you need for a new or retrofit installation with a ceiling mounted projector. The system includes a high-quality infrared pendant microphone for teachers and students that enhances vocal clarity and intelligibility. It can also amplify from numerous classroom audio sources.

“Many studies have revealed that when teachers are more clearly heard, the level of student engagement grows and lessons are more likely to be effective,” said Heather Litus Johnston, product manager, K-12 Education Marketing, Epson America Inc. “The Epson AP-60 amplifies and projects teachers’ voices in order to make their speech more understandable to students, while decreasing the strain on teachers. Our sound system is also designed to be unobtrusive to the teacher while providing quality audio that can be heard clearly in all parts of the classroom.”

Contrary to some competitive systems that require separate installations of four individual speakers, the Epson AP-60 installs in one place and is compatible with virtually any projector mounted on a ceiling using standard 1.5” projector mounting equipment. This makes the Epson AP-60 an easy to install option for schools planning to retrofit classrooms with a sound enhancement system. In addition, it includes a remote control that will also control key functions of Epson projectors in the classroom.

The Epson AP-60 amplifies and distributes sound coming from multiple sources via the system’s two line inputs that connect to common classroom devices such as computers, DVD players and other audio devices. It also supports up to two infrared microphones – the included wireless pendant microphone and an additional line input to connect handheld audio devices such as an mp3 player or an iPod®. A powerful 30 watt x 2 channel RMS amplifier drives four interconnected speakers that direct and distribute the sound into the classroom. A unique balance feature provides the capability to direct the sound away from the teacher and toward the students.

The Epson AP-60 Sound Enhancement System is a part of 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.

Pricing, Availability and Support
The Epson AP-60 system will be available in September 2009 through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution for an estimated street price of $799. The AP-60 Sound Enhancement System comes with a three-year limited warranty that includes two elite technical support services – two-year Epson PrivateLine® phone support to directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service replacement program that includes exchange typically in one business day. For additional information about the Epson AP-60 Sound Enhancement System, visit http://www.epson.com.

About Epson America
Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) and is a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company is a global manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of high quality printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs which were designed for functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and was recently added to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

Note: Epson is a registered trademark. PowerLite, Brighter Futures and PowerLine 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.

1 Based upon Q1 2009 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates