Epson introduces two 6.4-pound ``Value Series'' projectors with PowerLite 54c and 74c; new projectors offer 2,000 ANSI lumens, greater versatility and broader connectivity.
Epson is introducing two 6.4-pound portable multimedia projectors with 2,000 ANSI lumens, user-friendly features and a 500:1 contrast ratio for as low as $1,699. The new EPSON PowerLite 54c and EPSON PowerLite 74c are designed to give today’s on-the-go business presenters and educators a high level of image quality and versatility while remaining attractive to constrictive budgets.
“Both of these projectors offer greater flexibility and a host of features that are brand new to our successful line of Value Series projectors,” said Aaron Marinari, product manager, Epson America. “The PowerLite 54c and 74c’s versatile features, such as increased brightness for projection in a variety of lighting conditions, room and screen sizes, as well as additional computer and video inputs, make these products an ideal solution for conference room or school settings.”
The PowerLite 54c offers SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution and is priced at $1,699, while the PowerLite 74c offers XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution for $2,399 (both are estimated street prices). Both models feature Epson’s three LCD system that offers a wider color gamut, which allows the projectors to reproduce better color accuracy and deliver images with richer overall color saturation. Additionally, the projectors have the same compact design coupled with a wide array of features and flexibility to enhance the projection experience for presenters and the audience.
Set Up and Easy-to-Use Operation
The PowerLite 54c and 74c are extremely easy to set up, providing reassurance to users who might feel nervous or anxious prior to giving presentations. Presenters can set up either projector quickly with easy-to-find, color-coded connections and a few simple buttons on the control panel. The projectors also feature a verification tone that informs users immediately that the power is “on.” Basic image adjustments can be made quickly with features such as digital keystone correction (+/- 15 degrees) and by using a simple series of menus that are accessible on the upper panel of the projector.
Continuing to develop and deliver new innovations for the education industry, Epson has added a new feature called Blackboard mode that automatically compensates the projector’s color output allowing for bright, usable images projected on a dark surface, such as a chalkboard, virtually eliminating the need for a screen. Ideal for a classroom setting, Blackboard mode allows the presenter to project material onto a chalkboard and interact with it, therefore improving presentation comprehension. For added convenience, a monitor-out feature enables classroom presenters to view the content on the projector from a separate display device, eliminating the need to keep looking away from students while teaching.
The PowerLite 54c and 74c also offer two switchable modes of operation that enable users to choose between a “high mode” and “low mode” to best suit their projection needs. The “high mode” of operation produces up to 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, resulting in 2,000 hours of lamp life, 200-watt output and a 38 db level of fan noise. The “low mode” reduces brightness to 1,500 ANSI lumens resulting in an increased expected lamp life of up to 3,000 hours, 150-watt output and a whisper-quiet 33 db level of fan noise. A new and more efficient cooling system has also been designed for these projectors to increase airflow and extend lamp life.
Expanded Connectivity Options
A broad range of connectivity options are available with the PowerLite 54c and 74c not only for increased flexibility, but also to provide customers with a basic installation solution without the added cost of a switcher. Multiple video signals such as component, composite and S-Video are supported by these projectors, which also offer two PC inputs that enable presenters to switch between two computers and an additional presentation device such as a document camera. Since many presenters often bring projectors home for entertainment purposes, such as watching movies or playing video games, Epson has employed several video inputs and features including HDTV signal compatibility and pre-programmed color modes that enhance images associated with different applications and video sources such as video games and DVD players.
New Security Features
Three password-protected features are included in these projectors to reduce chances of theft and disable operation to unauthorized users. Power-On Protect requires the use of a password to turn on the projector, while a timer function allows organizations such as rental companies to place customized time limits on usage, and once the rental time has come to an end the user must have a password to restart the projector. Another password-controlled feature called Logo Protect projects the user’s custom logo that appears as the first screen when the projector is powered on. A third password is required to change or remove the logo, making it less likely to be used in an unauthorized environment.
Availability and Warranty
The EPSON PowerLite 54c and 74c will be available through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalog and direct PC dealers and select PC retailers throughout the country beginning in mid-October 2003.
Epson’s PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes three elite technical support services — two-year Epson Private Line(TM), two-year Road Service Program and two-year International Warranty. Through the Private Line, projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line (typically in about 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 ship a replacement 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 two-year duration of the warranty coverage.
Presenters can also find valuable information by visiting 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, customers can call 1-800-442-1977 or visit the company’s website at http://www.epson.com.
