Epson Introduces New Widescreen Home Theatre Projector

[Gregg Lengling]

Epson America Inc. has introduced its PowerLite Home 10 for the home theatre market, which delivers 16:9 widescreen imaging for $1,299.

"This product opens the door to a new and exciting product category for Epson and represents a great value for the home theatre market," said Jodi Maugham, Product Manager, Epson. "The seemingly endless growth of widescreen video content from DVDs and a steadily growing wave of HDTV broadcasting is dramatically increasing consumers' demand for entry-level 16:9 display devices--and especially for products that produce extremely large images in the living room. We believe Epson's reputation for outstanding digital imaging solutions combined with our latest advancements in video display technology will help make this new and affordable projector an extremely popular addition to home theatres everywhere."

The PowerLite Home 10 projects video at 480p native resolution (854 x 480) and in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Users also have the ability to switch between three aspect modes, Normal, Squeeze and Zoom for viewing 4:3, 16:9 and letterbox material. The projector is also HDTV-ready and supports 480i, 720p, and 1080i.

The PowerLite Home 10 uses a specialized video processor to clarify and sharpen video content in addition to a built-in cinema filter that enhances the colors and tones found in dark scenes. Users can also choose between four specific projection modes that automatically adjust the display to match different room environments and source materials--Dynamic, Living Room, Theater and Theater Black.

The PowerLite Home 10 is built on Epson's three-chip LCD display technology, using newly designed 0.55-inch wide LCDs. It boasts a 700:1 contrast ratio (in Theater Black mode).

The PowerLite Home 10 features a silver and soft-white design, and weights 7.9 pounds. The projector features a newly developed 1.54x optical zoom lens, and can display an 80-inch image on a screen from six feet away, up to a 300-inch image from 24.9 feet.

The PowerLine Home 10 includes digital keystone adjustment (+/-15 degrees) and a slim, multi-function remote control which can be stored inside the unit itself.

Epson's PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes two technical support services--Epson's Private Line(SM) and Home Service Program. Through the Private Line service, projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line (typically in about one minute) by using a card with a PIN that is included with the product. In the event that a projector should need to be repaired, Epson's Home Service Program can replace the product, usually within 48 hours in the United States and Canada. International Warranty makes repair service available in 45 countries worldwide. These services are available for the full two years of warranty coverage.

For more information on Epson's current projector product line, visit //www.epson.com.