Wayne N. Kawamoto
Managing Editor, www.smallbusinesscomputing.com
Epson America unveiled its brightest portable/installable projector to date – the EPSON PowerLite 8200i. With a brightness rating of 3,500 ANSI lumens, XGA-native resolution (1,024 x 768) and a contrast ratio of 600:1, this projector promises to offer a level of image quality, flexibility and ease-of-use that meet the demands of virtually any presentation setting. Also, at 18.3 pounds, the PowerLite 8200i may be lighter than most projectors in its class, making it as easy to install in a boardroom as it is to take on the road.
According to the company, installation and setup of the projector is designed for simplicity. An optical 10-degree lens shift and 30-degree digital keystone correction give users the ability to adjust the shape of the screen to compensate for the angle in which the projector is positioned for a balanced picture. A full-featured remote control and USB mouse capabilities are featured with each projector, while a hard-wired remote control adapter is available as an optional accessory. The projector can be stacked for added brightness and image-sensitive applications and users can create up to five custom setting presets for frequently used setup preferences and conditions.
The heart of this projectors’ advanced imaging technology lies in Seiko Epson’s three-LCD projection system. These three 1.3-inch Seiko Epson LCDs are engineered and synchronized to achieve high levels of image quality, such as brightness distribution (illumination ratio), color saturation, color accuracy and efficiency. They create varying shades of red, green and blue that blend to produce a projected image with brighter, richer, truer colors and sharp black text.
Not only can users take advantage of true XGA-native resolution, but also Epson’s exclusive SizeWise resizing technology. This feature may give the projector lots of versatility, enabling it to accept every major notebook resolution on the market. For example, SizeWise resizing technology in these projectors should allow for compatibility with resolutions ranging from VGA (640 x 480) up to UXGA (1,600 x 1,200) with virtually no loss of picture content. The projectors are also HDTV-ready and support popular digital video signals such as 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i.
State-of-the-art video performance is further enhanced by a 3D Y/C digital comb filter with digital noise reduction for enhanced clarity, reduced noise and improved contrast. An internal motion smoothing processor can also detect and remove undesired artifacts through advanced image interpolation. Furthermore, the EPSON PowerLite 8200i takes advantage of a 230-watt UHE lamp with a reduced arc for increased energy efficiency and a life of approximately 2,000 hours. It also offers wide array video interfaces including component video input and DVI (digital video interface) for future connectivity/compatibility. A variety of lens options are also available for installation flexibility.
Epson’s PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes three technical support services — Epson’s Private Line, Road Service Program and International Warranty. Through the Private Line, projector owners can access a support telephone line (typically in less than 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 should replace the product 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 duration of the warranty coverage.
For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.epson.com.
