Epson Introduces Two Ultra Short Throw Projectors Designed With K-12 Education in Mind

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), today unveiled its ultra short throw projectors - the Epson PowerLite® 450W and Epson PowerLite 460, providing educators with bright projection, versatile viewing dimensions and easy-to-install solutions that fit their budgets. Designed to meet the growing demand for wall-mounted projectors, these models include hardware for quick, easy and inexpensive installation. They are ideal for use with standard or interactive whiteboards as the ultra short throw distance significantly reduces shadow interference. The PowerLite 450W and 460 also include closed captioning, a 10W speaker, the ability to deliver presentations over the network, and optional wireless capabilities to help teachers effectively engage students in the large or small classroom.

Offering a strong blend of brightness and resolution, the PowerLite 450W ($1,499*) features 2,500 lumens white light output, 2,500 lumens color light output(2) and WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio), fully leveraging widescreen notebooks or tablets, as well as widescreen DVD content. The PowerLite 460 ($1,699*) offers 3,000 lumens white light output, 3,000 lumens color light output and XGA resolution.

"Epson designed the PowerLite 450W and 460 as solutions for educators, knowing that the demand for ultra short throw projection is on the rise as classroom space decreases and whiteboard use increases," said Heather Litus Johnston, product manager, K-12 Education Projection, Epson America. "Epson's commitment to the education market inspires us to create solutions that meet educators' needs in any teaching scenario, and these models offer the high-quality features educators have come to expect from Epson in a new ultra short throw form factor that will greatly benefit teachers and students alike."

The PowerLite 450W and 460 also allow educators to deliver presentations over a school's wired (using RJ-45 connectivity) or wireless network (with optional 802.11 g/b/a module $99* or access point), giving teachers increased flexibility with their lesson delivery methods. With networked presentations, educators can teach remotely, include several classrooms in one lesson by showing the same content, or allow principals to deliver presentations to the entire school without students ever leaving the classroom.

Offering increased flexibility, Epson's new ultra short throw models can be mounted as close as 2.5 inches away from the wall to accommodate smaller classrooms or meeting rooms, and can easily be used with a standard or interactive whiteboard, projection screen or a simple white wall. These ultra short throw projectors can project a 60-inch diagonal image with the lens only 18 inches away. In addition, blocked interactive whiteboard sensors are virtually eliminated.

More about the PowerLite 450W and 460
The Epson PowerLite 450W and 460 offer extensive connectivity, display and convenience features for educators, including:

• USB Plug 'n Play Instant Setup: Instantly projects images from a Windows® PC or Mac via a USB connection, allowing for easier set up and eliminating the hassle of dealing with bulky VGA cables and toggling between computer keys
• Microphone Input: Dedicated input allows teachers to use a microphone to amplify voice using the internal 10W speaker, saving the teacher's voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using projector or remote control buttons
• Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson's exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 3,500 hours(3) in economy mode, and replacement E-TORL lamps can cost up to $200 less than competing replacement lamps
• Closed Captioning: Built-in closed captioning decoder makes presentations accessible to viewers with hearing impairments with no added cost, and helps meet section 508 compliance
• PC-Free Presentations: Offers convenient connectivity with USB memory devices such as a thumb drive for easily viewing and sharing jpeg pictures without a computer
• 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy efficient light engine which efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness(4)
  

Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative that is available specifically for schools. Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets, Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years, dedicated education account managers, and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors.

Availability and Support
The Epson PowerLite 450W and Epson PowerLite 460 will be available in February 2010 through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. Epson's PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services - two-year Epson PrivateLine® phone support where projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day. For additional information about the new PowerLite projectors, visit www.epsonbrighterfutures.com.

About Epson America Inc.
Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation and a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company's extensive range of printers, scanners and 3LCD projectors are renowned for their high quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

(1) Based upon Q3 2009 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates

(2)Light output varies depending upon modes (color and white light output). White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard

(3)Lamp life will vary depending upon mode selected, environmental conditions and usage. Lamp Brightness decreases over time.

(4)Source: ProjectorCentral.com Jan 2009. Average of 796 shipping models for which the manufacturers provided lumens and total power data, all resolutions and brightness levels. Energy efficiency was measured as wattage per lumen. It was measured for both 3LCD and 1-chip projectors in six different lumens categories. 3LCD projectors averaged less required electricity per lumen in each of the six categories.

Note: Epson and E-TORL are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. PowerLite is a registered trademark of Epson America Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

*All prices are estimated street price