Epson Shines at INFOCOMM With Brand New Portable and Ultraportable Projector Models

ORLANDO, Fla. -- June 10, 1999 -- Epson America Inc., the world leader in high-performance projectors, today unveiled five new projector models. The new projector line up will feature three portable projectors: the PowerLite(R) 5350, the PowerLite 7250, and PowerLite 7350; and two ultraportables: the PowerLite 5550C and the PowerLite 7550C.

Each projector will continue to have the same award-winning design and superior performance that has become standard in the Epson projector line. Additionally, each offering will utilize 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 DLP and other single-imager projection technologies.

Portable Projectors

Epson's portable projectors are now at their brightest with the PowerLite 7350 and PowerLite 5350 featuring 1500 ANSI lumens and the PowerLite 7250 delivering 1300 ANSI lumens. The PowerLite 7350 also features micro lens array (MLA) technology. With MLA, a tiny lens is placed in front of each pixel to increase light throughput for brighter and more vibrant images.

The PowerLite 5350 offers true SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution and both the PowerLite 7350 and the PowerLite 7250 offer top-of-the-line XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution. Each new projector will also feature the latest generation of Epson's exclusive SizeWise(tm) resizing technology. SizeWise technology gives the projector excellent versatility by allowing it to accept virtually every notebook resolution. As a result, the cost of ownership is kept low and expandability of use is high. For example, SizeWise resizing technology in the PowerLite 7350 allows for compatibility with resolutions from VGA (640 x 480) up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) with virtually no picture content loss.

"With our updated line of portable projectors, Epson has achieved a high-performance, portable solution for our customers," said Mark Pickard, product manager, projectors, Epson. "We are committed to providing superior technology, reliability and image quality in a powerful package."

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

Ultraportable Projectors

Epson's ultraportable products both weigh just slightly over nine pounds and rival the brightest projectors in the ultraportable category. The PowerLite 5550C, which was recently introduced, offers SVGA resolution and produces incredibly bright, finely detailed images with 850 ANSI lumens of brilliance. Today Epson unveils the PowerLite 7550C, offering XGA resolution with 900 ANSI lumens making it perfect for the power presenter. Both projectors also feature a 95 percent illumination ratio and 300:1 contrast ratio. Images projected with the PowerLite 5550C and the PowerLite 7550C are vibrant, precise and detailed, and show no uneven "hot spots."

"The ultraportable category is one of the most exciting and quickly evolving categories in this industry," continues Pickard. "The PowerLite 5550C and the PowerLite 7550C address the changing needs of today's presenters with exceptional performance, portability and value."

Two technical advancements contribute to the superior image quality of Epson's newest ultraportable projectors. Both projectors utilize a new long life (2000 hours) 120W UHE (ultra high efficiency) lamp, which comprises a 25 percent brightness improvement over its previous lamp technology. This efficiency ensures that the projectors will provide consistent high performance and reliability. Additionally, Epson has improved the aperture ratio of its LCDs, significantly boosting brightness by allowing more light to pass through each of the projectors' millions of pixels. The PowerLite 5550C and the PowerLite 7550C are also both equipped with Epson's SizeWise technology to address the presentation needs of many projector customers.

Customer Support

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) 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'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. In 1998, Seiko Epson Corporation's sales revenue for projection- related products was more than 25 percent greater than the projector industry's former leader, making Seiko Epson the number one 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, 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 Torrance, California.

Note: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite is a registered trademark, SizeWise is a registered 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.

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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, ext. 1051
jhsu@walt.com

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