LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 8, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide(1) is again driving innovation in the world of digital home entertainment technology with the launch of a new projector that delivers true 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) resolution and contrast ratios measuring up to 50,000:1. The Epson PowerLite(r) Home Cinema 1080 UB takes advantage of the industry's newest-generation 3LCD optical engine -- the D7 chip set with C2Fine(tm) and new UltraBlack(tm) technology and is designed to give do-it-yourself home entertainment aficionados the industry's best image quality yet for projectors in the sub-$3,000 price category.
Designed to maximize the viewing experiences of virtually any high definition content, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB can produce display sizes up to 120 inches, which is more than eight times the display area of a 40-inch big screen television. The primary objective for this projector is to produce an unforgettable high definition viewing experience with movie theater impact in virtually anyone's home.
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB is now available in the U.S. through authorized Epson projector dealers and select retail outlets. Additionally, Epson America is now offering a $200 mail-in rebate with this model, bringing the total cost after rebate to $2,799.
"This projector is designed to be the best true 1080p resolution product for less than $3,000, giving all types of digital video enthusiasts a powerful yet affordable way to create a totally immersive, larger-than-life high-definition experience in their own homes," said Marge Ang, product manager, Epson America. "Once you've had the chance to see just how much more dramatic and engaging movies, sports and video games look in HD at this size using 3-chip LCD technology, it becomes really tough to settle for anything less, especially anything with smaller display sizes."
Epson projectors achieve true 1080p resolution by using three LCD chips, resulting in full-time color that gives viewers outstanding levels of rich, vibrant images. Single-chip projection products use a color wheel to create their colors. This sequential color approach may not yield the full and lively colors seen in a 3LCD projector. Epson's 3LCD technology maximizes the visual benefits associated with today's most advanced multimedia entertainment devices such as HD cable and satellite tuners, HD-DVD players, Xbox 360 and 1080p-based technologies that include Blu-Ray and the Sony PLAYSTATION(tm) 3.
This new D7 chip set with C2Fine takes advantage of a new inorganic substrate and polarizing light filter. With this new technology, the Home Cinema 1080 UB delivers superior black levels, vividly accurate colors and much higher degrees of contrast than previous-generation models. Additionally, by achieving brightness levels as high as 1,600 ANSI lumens, the Home Cinema 1080 UB is even well-suited for rooms where ambient light can't always be eliminated.
Other key features and benefits include:
* 12-bit video processing delivers amazingly vivid image quality * Two HDMI 1.3 inputs provide connectivity for high definition video formats including "future-ready" x.v.Color with extended color gamut * Lens shift (96-degree vertical, and 47-degree horizontal) makes the projector more adaptable to a wide range of room configurations that may require special setup angles * Epson's exclusive OptiCinema(tm) lens system takes advantage of 14 lenses, including two aspherical lenses, to maintain superior picture integrity across the entire image from corner to corner with zoom ratio of 1:2.1 * Six axis color adjustment, including new brightness control * Quieter operation; runs as low as 24 db * Epson E-TORL(tm) Lamp engineered to project light more efficiently maximizing brightness and uniformity across the entire screen throughout the lamp's life * Stylish pearlescent finish and compact size allow the projector to visually blend in better with rooms that have white ceilings
About 3LCD Technology
3LCD is the world's leading projection technology, delivering unbelievably bright and natural color, amazing detail and road-tested reliability. Using an advanced, 3-chip design, 3LCD offers full-time color for brilliant quality images without the possibility of color break-up. 3LCD is based on LCD technology, which is used by leading manufacturers worldwide for the ultimate viewing experience in a variety of products. For the latest list of companies supporting 3LCD technology in projectors and large screen TVs visit the 3LCD website at http://www.3LCD.com.
About Epson America, Inc.
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography, and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
Note: Epson and PowerLite are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark and E-TORL is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. C2Fine, UltraBlack, and OptiCinema are trademarks of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.
(1) Based upon Q2 2007 worldwide front projection market share
estimates from Pacific Media Associates.