EPSON INTRODUCES NEW PAIR OF "VALUE SERIES" HIGH PERFORMANCE PORTABLE PROJECTORS

Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 2, 2002 - Epson is raising the bar of performance on its "Value Series" projectors with the introduction of two new models - the EPSON PowerLite 51c and EPSON PowerLite 71c. Built on the foundations of Epson's No. 1 selling model of all time - the PowerLite 50c and its sibling model the PowerLite 70c - both new projectors feature superior video performance and even greater values for on-the-go presenters.

The PowerLite 51c offers increased brightness over its predecessor model at 1,200 ANSI lumens, SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution, a 400:1 contrast ratio and is priced at $2,199 (estimated street price). The PowerLite 71c is rated at 1,000 ANSI lumens with XGA (1,024 x 768) native resolution, 300:1 contrast ratio and sells for $2,999 (estimated street price). Both models weigh 6.8 pounds with new all-silver exteriors (8.6" D x 3.2" H x 11.8" W) that contain Epson's award-winning three-LCD display system. "Our Value Series projectors have been incredibly popular among customers and the attractive prices offered in those models have definitely opened the doors to a lot of people who thought they could never afford a high-performance projector," said Mark Pickard, group product manager, Epson. "Now that we've boosted the performance on these models while maintaining affordability, we've created even greater values for customers in the projector marketplace."

The heart of these projectors' advanced imaging technology lies in Seiko Epson's own three-LCD projection system. These three 0.7-inch Seiko Epson 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 create varying shades of red, green and blue that blend to produce a projected image with brighter, richer, truer colors and sharp black text.

Not only can users take advantage of true XGA or SVGA native resolution, but also 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 both projectors allows for compatibility with resolutions from VGA (640 x 480) up to XGA (1,024 x 768) on the PowerLite 51c, and up to SXGA resolution (1,280 x 1,024) on the PowerLite 71c, 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 Value Series Projectors

The PowerLite 51c and PowerLite 71c 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 Value Series offers several new technological advancements that contribute to the superior image quality and efficiency of Epson's superportable projectors. All models take advantage of a miniaturized optical mechanism, smaller circuit board and a small-sized, high efficiency lamp.

Support and Availability

The EPSON PowerLite 51c and EPSON PowerLite 71c are currently available through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalog and direct PC dealers, and select PC retailers throughout the country. Epson's Value Series projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes 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. 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, photographic 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.