EPSON INTRODUCES THE ULTIMATE VALUE IN HIGH PERFORMANCE ULTRAPORTABLE PROJECTORS

Las Vegas, Calif., Nov. 13, 2000 - Epson America Inc., the world leader in high-performance projectors, today unveiled the new EPSON PowerLite 50c, the ultimate value in high performance projectors for on-the-go presenters. The PowerLite 50c incorporates an advanced three-LCD display system for bright, sharp and rich SVGA (800 x 600) images with a weight of only 6.6 pounds. "Value and performance are definitely the best two words to describe what the PowerLite 50c brings to the presentation room," said Mark Pickard, product manager, projectors, Epson. "The fact that you get outstanding video imaging that's built on our tradition of award-winning display technology in a design that's lightweight, travel-friendly and incredibly easy to set up and use, truly makes this a value that will benefit any mobile presenter."

The new PowerLite 50c superportable projector boasts superior brightness with 1000 ANSI lumens to project brilliant, clear images, even in challenging lighting conditions. The projector delivers a 400:1 contrast ratio for blacker blacks and whiter whites and space-saving dimensions (8.5" D x 3.2" H x 11.8" W). The heart of this projector's advanced imaging technology lies in Seiko Epson's own "Dream" three-LCD projection system. These three 0.7-inch SVGA LCDs are engineered and synchronized to achieve high levels of image quality, such as brightness distribution (illumination ratio), color saturation, color accuracy and efficiency. They also create varying shades of red, green and blue that blend to produce a projected image resulting in brighter, richer, truer colors and sharp black text. Not only can users take advantage of true SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution, but also the latest generation of Epson's exclusive SizeWise 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 50c allows for compatibility with resolutions from VGA (640 x 480) up to XGA (1024 x 768) with virtually no loss of picture content. The projector is also HDTV-ready and supports popular digital video signals such as 480i,480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p.

About Epson Commuter Series Projectors

The PowerLite 50c is the newest addition to Epson's line of Commuter Series projectors joining the PowerLite 500c, 700c, 710c and 715c. 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 fficiency of Epson's superportable projectors. All five 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.

Price, Support and Availability

The PowerLite 50c will be available in January 2001 for $3,299 (MSRP) through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalog and direct PC dealers, and select PC retailers throughout the country. 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 Line, 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. These services are 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.

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.

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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.

Contact:
John Jatinen
Epson America, Inc.
562.290.5173
john_jatinen@ea.epson.com

Merritt Mazzera
Walt & Company
408.496.0900 ext. 2979
mmazzera@walt.com