Epson Unveils New High-End 3LCD Projection Products for Home Theaters

Sept. 9, 2005 - Continuing to fuel the growing demand for high-end, professional-level home theater products in the U.S., Epson America is introducing two HD-resolution (720p) front projectors and two rear projection displays that feature true 1080p resolution. Both product lines are being showcased this week at CEDIA 2005 in Indianapolis, and incorporate Epson's newest generation of 3-chip LCD engines.

"Epson has established itself, and continues to grow, as one of the industry's elite manufacturers of professional video imaging products," said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, Home Entertainment Division, Epson America. "Our continuing advancements in 3LCD technology and other engineering breakthroughs are not only raising the bar on high definition performance throughout the industry, but also making home entertainment better and easier for professional installers."

Epson CrystalPRO HD Displays Featuring True 1080p Native Resolution
Epson is introducing two unique rear projection, high definition display products that were designed specifically for the CEDIA channel and focus primarily on maximum image quality, sleek design and easy installation. Epson's new CrystalPRO HD displays not only fulfill these core requirements, but also represent the company's most advanced display products to date. Available in 55 and 65-inch screens, the Epson CrystalPRO HD displays are the first to incorporate Epson's new 1080p 3LCD OptiFocus engine and can accept and project 1080p signals via their HDMI and component inputs.

"Some projection companies today are claiming they achieve 1080p performance using part-time imaging or virtual pixels that create the illusion of seeing 1,080 full-time vertical lines of resolution," said Jodi Maugham, product manager, Home Entertainment Division, Epson America. "Epson's new 3LCD engines deliver true 1080p resolution, which means there are actually 1,920 x 1,080 pixels on each of the three LCD chips. The end-benefit for consumers is full-time color and full-time resolution that gives them superlative, high-definition detail and accurate color performance."

In addition to high resolution, both Epson CrystalPRO HD displays achieve up to 5000:1 contrast ratios as a result of Epson's exclusive Auto Iris Technology. This new high-contrast system automatically adjusts the image signal range of every scene and controls lighting in real-time, resulting in deeper blacks and rich shadow detail. They also feature 10-bit, 3D Digiscan digital video processing for highly detailed images and multiple screen modes for viewing different combinations of 4:3 and 16:9 content.

For maximum flexibility and convenience the displays include several pre-set and custom color modes for various lighting conditions and a wide array of input options, including two HDMI ports, PC input and RS-232 controls for centralized controls such as touchpads. Furthermore, each of the inputs offer memory settings so installers and end-users can fine tune their image preferences based on the types of devices and signals being fed to the displays. Other unique features and end-user benefits include a built-in 30-watt (15x2) amplifier for external speakers and easy-to-navigate 3D graphic user interface.

Epson CrystalPRO HD displays are constructed with sophisticated, glossy black exterior designs with space-saving dimensions that make them ideal for built-in cabinet designs. They also come with a standard two-year warranty that includes parts and labor, on-site service, a one-year lamp warranty and toll-free Epson PrivateLine technical support.

Epson CrystalPRO HD Displays will be available in January 2006 and will be distributed through the CEDIA channel and authorized dealers.

Home Theater Front Projectors - Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 and Pro Cinema 800
In addition to its breakthrough rear-projection displays, Epson is also raising the bar on high-end, home theater front projectors with the new Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 and Pro Cinema 800. These two widescreen-format front projectors are optimized for home theater installations and take advantage of Epson's 5th-generation, 16:9 3LCD chips, delivering outstanding 720p HD-resolution and a rich array of advanced imaging features.

Both models achieve one of the industry's highest aperture ratios, resulting in a smooth picture that eliminates any type of screen door effect. They also feature several other advanced technologies such as:

- Epson's Dynamic Eye Iris, which provides a higher contrast ratio by automatically controlling light intensity from the lamp and makes adjustments to ensure rich, sharp picture quality
- Full IR/RS-232 control and Crestron-compatible codes for custom installers to create a system where audio and video are managed from a single control
- Noise Shaped Video uses 4x over-sampling and other technologies to provide a cleaner picture with less noise and better picture quality
- Epson Super White reproduces white of 100 IRE for cleaner images with less noise and better picture quality
- Advanced vertical/horizontal sharpness adjustments, including high and low-band enhancements
- Customized gamma adjustments at nine discrete control points

"We continue to work closely with home theater experts who understand the CEDIA channel and all of the intricate demands that are required by custom installers," said Ali Atash, product manager, Home Entertainment Division, Epson America. "This new line of front projectors represent a compilation of feedback these experts have provided, resulting in products that are designed to satisfy everyone's needs at competitive price points."

The Epson PowerLite Cinema 550 is designed for video enthusiasts and professional home theater builders who are looking for premium 720p native resolution at a value-optimized price. Priced at $2,499 (minimum retail price), it features several advanced video processing capabilities including seven pre-set color modes for various lighting conditions, up to 3000:1 contrast ratio and 1,400 ANSI lumens of brightness and HDMI interfaces.

The Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 800 takes the throne as Epson's new flagship home theater projector. It offers the same features as the PowerLite Cinema 550, but achieves a 5000:1 contrast ratio with 720p native resolution, 1,600 ANSI lumens and 10-bit color to project more than one billion colors. Priced at $4,499 (minimum retail price), this projector also features ISF-certified (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration and advanced IR/RS-232 controls. The PowerLite Pro Cinema 800 offers seven pre-set color modes that are optimized to provide the best picture possible in any environment. In addition, installers have the ability to fine tune a variety of custom settings. Furthermore, its performance is reliable to the point where it is backed by a three-year warranty.

Both the PowerLite Cinema 550 and PowerLite Pro Cinema 800 will be available in October through the CEDIA channel and authorized Epson dealers.

About Epson 3LCD - "A Better Way to See"
Epson 3LCD technology utilizes one LCD chip each for red, green and blue to form a continuous image with smooth, rapid motion video that is free of artifacts. It works without a moving color wheel and offers accurate color registration, assuring detailed video and data images that are crisp and rainbow-free. Epson 3LCD produces the best possible viewing experience with more detail and accurate colors.

SOURCE Epson