Epson's New BrightLink Projectors Broaden Interactive Possibilities in the Classroom

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- (TCEA, Booth #2339) – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1), reinforced its leadership in the interactive projector market with the introduction of a complete line of short throw and ultra-short throw interactive BrightLink projectors. All six models offer an interactive projector + pen combination with advanced connectivity options to project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface.

Epson's three ultra-short throw BrightLink models offer dual pen interactivity and are the first interactive projectors with built-in annotation technology that allows teachers and students to instantly interact directly with a projected image from a variety of devices beyond the PC, including tablets, Blu-ray players, VCRs, document cameras, and more. With the new ultra-short throw BrightLink 475Wi, 480Wi and 485Wi models, teachers are free to connect existing multimedia devices already in their classroom, over their network or even PC-free and keep writing.

Epson's three short throw models – the BrightLink 425Wi, 430i and 435Wi – come with an included wall mount and two interactive pens and deliver a large interactive learning area at a fraction of the cost of traditional interactive whiteboard systems with variable image sizes from 68-inches to 113-inches diagonal (WXGA) or 63-inches to 106-inches diagonal (XGA).

"Epson saw the limitations of interactivity driven only by the computer, as well as the massive amounts of content and devices being used by teachers, and we worked to bridge the divide," said Claudine Wolas-Shiva, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc. "With these new ultra-short throw BrightLink models, we are allowing teachers to interact and annotate with content from virtually any device in the classroom, and easily switch sources quickly to keep the lesson going, all without losing the opportunity to get their students interacting."

The entire Epson BrightLink series includes HDMI connectivity and delivers a range of color and white light output lumens(2), sizes, features and interactivity functionality to meet a variety of classroom installation needs:

Ultra-Short Throw Model Features:

The ultra-short throw models – the BrightLink 475Wi, 480i and 485Wi – offer several new features that bring interactive technology unlike any other to the classroom, including:

• Built-in Annotation: Allows teachers to connect the BrightLink to a variety of devices, including an iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch, document camera, DVD player, and more, to share and engage with more content; annotate over the network via a wired or wireless LAN, or annotate using the built-in tools PC-free
• Dual Pen Interactivity: Two users can work simultaneously, or independently, with dual pen support and Epson's Easy Interactive Tools (EIT2) software
• Interactive Table: When used with the BrightLink table mount, the ultra-short throw models can transform a table into an interactive surface for small group learning centers or collaborative workspaces
• Auto Calibration: Models perform automatic calibration for seamless interaction with the pens
• Ultra-Short Throw Distance: Can be mounted as close as 2.8-inches away from the wall to accommodate smaller classrooms or meetings rooms; can create a widescreen interactive area up to 100-inches diagonally and enables users to stand as close as 6-inches away, virtually eliminating hardware and shadow interference

BrightLink Shared Features:

All BrightLink models provide several easy-to-use and versatile features for the classroom, including:

• iProjection: Leveraging Epson's new iProjection app, teachers can present to BrightLink from most iOS Apple devices running iOS 4.2 or later, including the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®
• Speaker and Microphone Input: Dedicated input allows teachers to use a microphone to amplify voice using the increased internal 16W speaker, saving the teacher's voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using projector or remote control buttons
• Network Monitoring and Control: Transmit and present visual and audio content through a wired or wireless connection; RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity allows for remote monitoring and control via an IT network to help save time and money, regardless of the projector's physical location; ready to work with Crestron RoomView software for remote monitor and control without the need for an A/V control box
• Monitor and Control: Epson Easy Management® allows for network monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and email alerts to be sent via LAN; schedule function allows projector to run functions without the need to be connected to a network
• Low Total Cost of Ownership: Two lamp replacement options – $79 for ultra-short throw models and $99 lamp bundle for short throw models
• Easy Setup and Control: Instant On and Instant Off® helps to avoid delays when starting and finishing lectures; A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images, customizable Sleep Mode saves energy, and 1.6x manual zoom offers positioning flexibility
• Advanced Connectivity: HDMI digital connection provides high-definition video and audio; USB Plug 'n Play Instant Setup instantly projects images, transmits audio and controls the presentations from either a Windows® PC or Mac via a standard USB cable
• 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(3)

Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program, a unique sales and support initiative 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 new Epson BrightLink projectors will be available in spring 2012 through select dealers on a state-by-state basis. Epson's projectors come with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services – Epson PrivateLine® phone support with direct access to an expedited support telephone line via a phone card included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day with paid shipping. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/brightlink.

About Epson

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product line-up ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for enterprise and the home, to sensors and other microdevices. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 78,000 employees in 99 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Epson, please visit: http://global.epson.com.

You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica and http://twitter.com/EpsonEducation) and YouTube (http://youtube.com/EpsonTV).

* Estimated street price

(1) Based upon Q3 2011 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates.

(2) White and color light output will vary depending on mode selected.  White light output measured using ISO 21118 standard.

(3) Data source: ProjectorCentral.com Jan. 2011. Average of 1,038 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 each of five brightness segments. 3LCD projectors averaged less required electricity per lumen in each of the five segments.

Note: Epson, E-TORL, EasyMP, and Instant Off are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. BrightLink is a trademark and Brighter Futures and PrivateLine are registered trademarks 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.

SOURCE Epson

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