Epson America Unveils New Portable/Installable Projectors with Introduction of PowerLite 8100i and LAN-Compatible 8150i

Anaheim, Calif., June 15, 2000- Epson America Inc., the world leader in high-performance projectors, today unveiled two new portable/installable projectors - the EPSON PowerLite 8100i and the PowerLite 8150i that features EasyMP.net technology for PC-free and network-accessible presentations.

Both projectors deliver exceptional brightness, flexibility, ease-of-use and image quality to satisfy the needs of virtually any boardroom, conference or auditorium presenter. The PowerLite 8100i and the 8150i are Epson's brightest projectors to date, boasting 3000 ANSI lumens, while fitting within the confines of a form factor weighing less than 20 pounds. In fact, both projectors are about 20 pounds less than any other 3000 lumen projector currently on the market, making them ideal portable solutions for users who frequently move projectors from one room to another or to auditoriums that hold hundreds of people.

PowerLite 8150i and EasyMP.net

The PowerLite 8150i offers a new feature called EasyMP.net - a PC card and network-accessible system that eliminates the need to have a PC in the same room as the projector. Users have a choice of transferring files from a PC to the PowerLite 8150i using a PC card that can be inserted in the slot on the projector, or by transferring files across a local area network (LAN). Either way, this system enables users to simply power on and proceed with a presentation or review files through the projector. Video compatibility is no longer an issue since there is no video signal, and setup is easier than ever because there is no need to swap video cables or reboot individual laptops for external mouse recognition.

"Several of our customers tell us that successful presenting revolves around organization, confidence and leaving the audience with a positive impression," said Mark Pickard, senior product manager, projectors, Epson. "We designed EasyMP.net around these factors. Simply turning on the projector and presenting with no delay saves time for everyone and makes the presenter appear organized; not having to worry about video cables, compatibility issues and PC interfaces gives the presenter less to worry about - thus increasing their confidence; and delivering a presentation on a projector that offers such outstanding video quality is a simple way to make a very positive impression."

Multiple presenters can make simple transitions from one person's presentation to the next. Users can send multiple presentations to the projector sequentially or direct the projector to present files from various computers on the LAN. In addition, there is no need to create and distribute copies of a presentation since meeting attendees can access the complete presentation file via the LAN. However, confidential files can still be protected from duplication with an easy-to-use menu command.

In addition, EasyMP.net facilitates more effective meeting management. A convenient on-screen note taking feature enables users to make notes on individual slides from any PC on the LAN. Using the EasyMarker feature, users can mark action items on the actual slides or on a blank white panel known as EasyBoard. Using EasyCapture, users can save slides and annotations as JPEG files on a PC card for future review and distribution.

EasyMP.net supports a wide array of popular presentation software without complicated conversions. Users can easily transfer and view native files on the projector in their original format from programs such as Microsoft(r) PowerPoint(r), Word, Excel, Lotus(r) Freelance Graphics(r), Lotus 1-2-3(r) and Corel Presentations(tm). In addition, most presentations transfer to the projector without sacrifices to specialty features such as PowerPoint animations and sound effects.

About the EPSON PowerLite 8100i and 8150i

The PowerLite 8100i and 8150i offer superior detail and razor-sharp contrast using 3-LCD technology that incorporates 1.3-inch high aperture LCDs for evenly distributed continuous color across the screen. The projectors' 400:1 contrast ratio produces the blackest blacks and whitest whites possible, while the projectors' 1024 x 768 native XGA resolution projects images with pristine detail. State-of-the-art video performance is further enhanced by a 3D Y/C digital comb filter with digital noise reduction for enhanced clarity, reduced noise and improved contrast. An internal motion smoothing processor can also detect and remove undesired artifacts through advanced image interpolation. Furthermore, both projectors take advantage of a 230-watt UHE lamp with a reduced arc for increased energy efficiency and a life of approximately 2000 hours.

EPSON SizeWize resizing technology supports virtually any computer (Mac or PC) up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) resolution with virtually no picture loss. Both projectors also have the option for component video input and are HDTV-ready, supporting popular digital video signals such as 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p. A new Digital Video Interface (DVI) increases the projectors' flexibility by offering compatibility and connectivity to future digital formats.

Installation and setup of the projectors are easier than ever. An optical 10-degree lens shift and newly improved 30-degree digital keystone correction give projector users the ability to easily adjust the shape of the screen to compensate for the angle in which the projector is positioned for a perfectly balanced picture. A full-featured remote control is also featured with each projector and USB mouse capability, while a hard-wired remote control adapter is available as an optional accessory. Both projectors can be stacked for added brightness and image sensitive applications and users can create up to five custom setting presets for frequently used setup preferences and conditions.

A variety of lens options (listed below) are also available for installation flexibility:

Lens Option - Image

ELPLS01 - standard zoom lens - 1.8:1 wide to 2.5:1 tele

ELPLRO1 - fixed short throw lens - 1:1

ELPLW01 - short throw zoom lens - 1.35:1 wide to 1.64:1 tele

ELPLL02 - long throw zoom lens - 2.4:1 wide to 4.3:1 tele

ELPLL03 - extra long throw zoom lens - 4.9:1 wide to 6.6:1 tele

Price, Availability and Support

The PowerLite 8100i will be available in August 2000 through authorized pro audio/visual dealers for $15,999 (MSRP). The PowerLite 8150i will be available in 2000 and its price is still to be determined.

Epson's new projectors come with a two-year limited warranty. Epson also provides PowerLite customers with three elite technical support services - Epson's Private LineSM, Road Service Program and International Warranty. Through the Private Line, projector owners can directly access an exclusive expedited support telephone line (typically in less than one minute) by using a phone card that is included with the product. In the event that a projector should need to be repaired, Epson's Road Service Program can replace the product usually within 24 hours in the United States and Canada. International Warranty makes repair service available in 45 countries worldwide. This service is available for the duration of the warranty coverage.

Presenters will find additional value when they visit Epson's Presenters Online website (www.presentersonline.com) for immediate access to presentation tips, tools and techniques, innovative templates, useful clip art, and links to services especially suited for today's busy road warrior.

For more information on Epson's current projector product line, call 1-800-442-1977 or visit the company's website at http://www.epson.com.

Global Leader in Projector Sales

Since Epson America's launch into the branded multimedia projection market, its parent company, Seiko Epson Corporation, has continued to bring forth award-winning, high-performance projectors featuring outstanding image quality, superior brightness and incredible efficiency. Last year's sales revenue figures made Seiko Epson Corporation the number one projector company in the world, based on the most recent yearly revenues from projection-related products.

New Manufacturing Facility

Seiko Epson Corp. (SEC) recently began construction on a new factory at its Suwa Minami Plant, located in the town of Fujimi, Nagano Prefecture. The new facility will expand SEC's capacity to manufacture high-temperature polysilicon TFT liquid crystal displays used in multimedia projectors and possibly other technologies such as large-screen TVs and digital broadcast image receiving equipment. The company expects to complete the $200 million facility by the end of November 2000 and the new plant will take advantage of several new energy-saving and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Note: Epson and EasyMP are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite is a registered trademark, SizeWise is a trademark and Private Line and Presenters Online are service marks of Epson America, Inc. Third-party brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.