Epson America Introduces New Superportable Projector for PC-Free Presentations

ANAHEIM, Calif., June 15, 2000 - Epson America Inc., the world leader in high-performance projectors, today unveiled the new EPSON PowerLite(r) 715c, the ultimate presentation tool for any on-the-go presenter. The PowerLite 715c combines the most advanced features offered in the company's successful line of 5.8-pound Commuter Series projectors with the added benefits of increased brightness at 1000 lumens and PC-free presentation technology.

"This is the perfect projector for the type of presenter who is very mobile, has limited time for setup and wants to use dramatic visual aides to impress his/her audience," said Mark Pickard, product manager, projectors, Epson. "The PowerLite 715c addresses these needs since it is light and compact, one of the brightest sub-six-pound projectors on the market and best of all - frees itself from what would normally be a PC-dependent relationship. Features such as these will likely make a positive impression on the audience before the presentation even begins."

About the EPSON PowerLite 715c

The new PowerLite 715c superportable projector boasts superior brightness with 1000 ANSI lumens to project brilliant, clear images, even in the most challenging.lighting conditions. The projector delivers a 400:1 contrast ratio for blacker blacks and whiter whites and is very travel-friendly weighing only 5.8 pounds with space-saving dimensions (10.5"D x 3.5"H x 8.4"W).

Users can take advantage of true XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution with the latest generation of Epson's exclusive SizeWise(tm) resizing technology. This feature gives the projector excellent versatility, enabling it to accept every major notebook resolution on the market. For example, SizeWise resizing technology in the PowerLite 715c allows for compatibility with resolutions from VGA (640 x 480) up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) with virtually no loss of picture content. And, because the PowerLite 715c offers the best video quality of any superportable projector on the market with component video input, it is also an excellent solution for viewing DVDs, video cassettes and other video content. The projector is also HDTV-ready and supports popular digital video signals such as 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p.

At Last... PC Presentations Without A PC

Beyond the new brightness and advanced imaging features found in this new projector, the PowerLite 715c takes presentation technology in a new direction with the advent of EasyMP(tm). This new technology enables users to run computerized presentations without a PC by transferring presentation files to a PC card that can be inserted in a slot located within the projector. Files transfer easily using Epson's conversion software and users can simply power on and proceed with a presentation or even review files on the projector for the purpose of editing or rearranging the order of slides.

Picture transitions are smooth and JPEG or bitmap images can be advanced automatically or with a mouse click. Special effects from programs such as PowerPoint are preserved and presenters also have the ability to create and save notes and annotations directly on the slide.

The PowerLite 715c is compatible with PCMCIA Flash memory and with the use of an optional adapter, can work with cards such as Compact Flash, SmartMedia and MemoryStick.

About Epson Commuter Series Projectors

The PowerLite 715c is the newest addition to Epson's line of Commuter Series projectors joining the PowerLite 500c, 700c and 710c. All models are fully equipped with several advanced features such as picture-in-picture technology, 15-degree digital keystone correction, electronic zoom, multi-function remote control, on-screen help features, and many others.

Additionally, the Commuter Series offers several new technological advancements that contribute to the superior image quality and efficiency of Epson's superportable projectors. All four models feature a miniaturized optical mechanism, smaller circuit board and a small-sized, high efficiency lamp. Furthermore, Epson has equipped each model with retractable projection lenses for added protection during transport.

Advantages of Three-LCD Technology Over DLP(tm) Technology

Each new superportable projector uses Seiko Epson's own three-LCD projection system, achieving high ratings in the critical areas of image quality - brightness distribution (illumination ratio), color saturation, color accuracy and efficiency. Epson's three-LCD projection system produces superior image quality when compared to single-chip digital light processing (DLP) and other single-imager projection technologies.

Three-LCD projectors utilize separate LCDs to create the varying shades of red, green and blue that blend to produce a projected image. With a separate LCD panel for each of the three colors, the result is brighter, richer, truer colors and sharp black text. In contrast, single-chip DLP projectors use a spinning wheel technique, displaying colors in high-speed sequence so a person perceives all colors at once. Through this technology, it is more difficult to produce vibrant colors. Additionally, three-LCD projectors have fewer moving parts and run more efficiently.

Raising performance to yet another level, the PowerLite 715c and 710c also combine Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology with Epson's revolutionary three-LCD system, producing brighter images. With MLA, a microscopic lens is placed in front of each pixel of each 0.9 inch LCD to increase light throughput for brighter and more vibrant images. With three LCDs inside the projector, there are nearly 2.4 million microscopic lenses in every PowerLite 710c and 715c. MLA enables more light to pass through each pixel, projecting images with rich, vibrant colors, blacker blacks and crisp, clear detail.

Price, Support and Availability

The PowerLite 715c will be available in 2000 through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalog and direct PC dealers and its price is still to be determined. Epson's Commuter Series projectors come with a two-year limited warranty. Also, Epson 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 OnlineSM Web site (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 (SEC), 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 Corporation 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, which 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 is a registered trademark 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. DLP is a trademark of Texas Instruments. Third-party brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.