Epson Unveils the World's Lightest SXGA Projector

TORRANCE, Calif.-- June 10, 1999--Epson America Inc., the world leader in high-performance projectors, Thursday introduced its brightest projectors to date at the INFOCOMM International show in Orlando, Fla.

The PowerLite 9000i is the world's lightest SXGA (1600 x 1200) resolution projector, weighing around 17 pounds. The PowerLite 8000i features XGA (1024 768) resolution in a similar design. Both projectors deliver exceptional brightness and mark Epson's first product offerings designed with the portability for today's mobile presenters and the flexibility for installation in classrooms, boardrooms or auditoriums.

The PowerLite 8000i and PowerLite 9000i project a brilliant 2000 and 1600 ANSI lumens, respectively, and feature a new optical lens shift; both are stackable up to three units. This capability increases brightness potential up to nearly 6000 ANSI lumens for the PowerLite 8000i and 4800 ANSI lumens for the PowerLite 9000i.

"The PowerLite 8000i and 9000i allow us to address the specific needs of a new market and expand our product line further, creating a full suite of professional presentation products," said Mark Pickard, product manager, video projectors, Epson. "With remarkable brightness and flexibility, these two new projectors provide exceptional value for our customers."

Superior Brightness and Image Quality

Epson's new projectors are equipped with three 1.3-inch Poly-Silicon TFT high aperture LCDs, purpose-built by Seiko Epson, the world's largest projector Poly-Silicon LCD innovator and manufacturer. The PowerLite 8000i and 9000i also employ an improved ultra high aperture (UHA) LCD panel to efficiently maximize the amount of light passing through each pixel.

With 2000 and 1600 ANSI lumens, respectively, the PowerLite 8000i and 9000i ensure even the most detailed images are reproduced accurately and in full color. In addition, both projectors achieve high ratings in the other critical components of image quality: contrast ratio, illumination ratio and efficiency, achieving blacker blacks and richer colors.

Epson's New SizeWise(TM) Resizing Technology

For added flexibility, the PowerLite 8000i and 9000i feature the newest version of Epson's patented SizeWise resizing technology. Both projectors accept virtually every major computer and workstation resolution including UXGA (1600 x 1200), SXGA (1280 x 1024), SVGA (800 x 600) and VGA (640 x 480) from Silicon Graphics, Sun, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and other leading manufacturers.

It will also automatically adjust the displayed format ratio to eliminate distortion. Graphics and other images maintain their integrity without confusing picture loss or compromising image quality.

Simultaneous Multi-Platform Presenting

The ability to seamlessly conduct joint presentations delivered by colleagues or co-vendors is a common requirement, especially for an installed projector, and both the PowerLite 8000i and 9000i include two computer inputs and two simultaneous video sources. In the event simultaneous presenters are using different computer platforms, both projectors can easily switch among computers with the quick touch of a button.

Additional Features

The PowerLite 8000i and 9000i are Epson's first projectors to offer two options for keystone correction. Users can utilize a 20-degree electrical adjustment and a 10mm manual lens shift to project the desired image. The lens shift can also be used for stacking either projector, increasing brightness up to three times.

Both projectors include a new digital comb filter, significantly improving the color processing of video signals. Additionally, the PowerLite 8000i and 9000i are HDTV compatible.

These products are also enhanced with several customer-focused, easy-to-use features such as picture-in-picture technology, lockable screen menus, improved remote control, on-screen help features and optional lenses, in addition to many others.

Availability and Support

The PowerLite 8000i will be available in late July and the PowerLite 9000i will be available in November, both through authorized Professional AudioVisual Channel dealers. The PowerLite 8000i will be available for $15,999 MSRP and the pricing on the PowerLite 9000i has not yet been announced.

All Epson projectors come with a one-year limited warranty. Also, Epson provides PowerLite customers with two elite technical support services -- Epson's Private Line(SM) and Road Service Program. Through the Private Line, projector owners can directly access an exclusive expedited support telephone line 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. This service is available for the duration of the warranty.

Presenters will find additional value when they visit Epson's Presenters Online(SM) 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 800/442-1977 or visit the company's Web site at http://www.epson.com.

Global Leader in Projector Sales

Since Epson's launch into the branded multimedia projection market, its parent company, Seiko Epson Corp., has continued to bring forth award-winning, high-performance projectors featuring outstanding image quality, superior brightness and incredible efficiency.

In 1998, Seiko Epson's sales revenue for projection-related products was more than 25 percent greater than the projector industry's former leader, making Seiko Epson the No. 1 projector company in the world. Seiko Epson has 59 sales and manufacturing affiliates in 28 countries worldwide.

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 is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson, 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 has headquarters in Torrance.

Note to Editors: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp. PowerLite and SizeWise are also registered trademarks of Seiko Epson. Third-party brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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CONTACT: Epson America Inc., Torrance
Kristine Snyder, 310/782-4026
kristine_snyder@ea.epson.com
or
Walt & Company
Jerry Hsu, 408/496-0900
jhsu@walt.com


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