Epson’s New BrightLink Projectors Broaden Interactive Possibilities in the Classroom
Industry Leader Delivers Dual Pen Interactivity and Built-in Annotation for Interactivity Beyond the PC
Press Release
Feb. 8, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas (TCEA, Booth #2339) – Feb. 8, 2012 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide,
reinforced its leadership in the interactive projector market with the introduction of a complete line of short throw and
ultra-short throw interactive BrightLink projectors. All six models offer an interactive projector + pen combination with
advanced connectivity options to project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface.
Epson’s three ultra-short throw BrightLink models offer dual pen interactivity and are the first interactive projectors with
built-in annotation technology that allows teachers and students to instantly interact directly with a projected image from a
variety of devices beyond the PC, including tablets, Blu-ray players, VCRs, document cameras, and more. With the new ultra-short
throw BrightLink 475Wi, 480Wi and 485Wi models, teachers are free to connect existing multimedia devices already in their classroom,
over their network or even PC-free and keep writing.
Epson’s three short throw models – the BrightLink 425Wi, 430i and 435Wi – come with an included wall mount and two interactive pens
and deliver a large interactive learning area at a fraction of the cost of traditional interactive whiteboard systems with variable
image sizes from 68-inches to 113-inches diagonal (WXGA) or 63-inches to 106-inches diagonal (XGA).
“Epson saw the limitations of interactivity driven only by the computer, as well as the massive amounts of content and devices
being used by teachers, and we worked to bridge the divide,” said Claudine Wolas-Shiva, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc.
“With these new ultra-short throw BrightLink models, we are allowing teachers to interact and annotate with content from virtually
any device in the classroom, and easily switch sources quickly to keep the lesson going, all without losing the opportunity to get
their students interacting.”
The entire Epson BrightLink series includes HDMI connectivity and delivers a range of color and white light output lumens2, sizes,
features and interactivity functionality to meet a variety of classroom installation needs.
Ultra-Short Throw Model Features:
The ultra-short throw models – the BrightLink 475Wi, 480i and 485Wi – offer several new features that bring interactive technology
unlike any other to the classroom, including:
- Built-in Annotation: Allows teachers to connect the BrightLink to a variety of devices, including an iPhone®,
iPad®, iPod® touch, document camera, DVD player, and more, to share and engage with more content; annotate over the network
via a wired or wireless LAN, or annotate using the built-in tools PC-free
- Dual Pen Interactivity: Two users can work simultaneously, or independently, with dual pen support and
Epson’s Easy Interactive Tools (EIT2) software
- Interactive Table: When used with the BrightLink table mount, the ultra-short throw models can transform
a table into an interactive surface for small group learning centers or collaborative workspaces
- Auto Calibration: Models perform automatic calibration for seamless interaction with the pens
- Ultra-Short Throw Distance: Can be mounted as close as 2.8-inches away from the wall to accommodate smaller
classrooms or meetings rooms; can create a widescreen interactive area up to 100-inches diagonally and enables users to stand
as close as 6-inches away, virtually eliminating hardware and shadow interference
BrightLink Shared Features:
All BrightLink models provide several easy-to-use and versatile features for the classroom, including:
- iProjection: Leveraging Epson’s new
iProjection app,
teachers can present to BrightLink from most iOS Apple
devices running iOS 4.2 or later, including the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®
- Speaker and Microphone Input: Dedicated input allows teachers to use a microphone to amplify voice using
the increased internal 16W speaker, saving the teacher’s voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using
projector or remote control buttons
- Network Monitoring and Control: Transmit and present visual and audio content through a wired or wireless
connection; RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity allows for remote monitoring and control via an IT network to help save time and money,
regardless of the projector’s physical location; ready to work with Crestron RoomView software for remote monitor and control without
the need for an A/V control box
- Monitor and Control: Epson Easy Management® allows for network monitoring, maintenance scheduling,
and email alerts to be sent via LAN; schedule function allows projector to run functions without the need to be connected to a network
- Low Total Cost of Ownership: Two lamp replacement options – $79 for ultra-short throw models and $99 lamp
bundle for short throw models
- Easy Setup and Control: Instant On and Instant Off® helps to avoid delays when starting and finishing lectures;
A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images, customizable Sleep Mode saves energy, and 1.6x manual zoom offers positioning
flexibility
- Advanced Connectivity: HDMI digital connection provides high-definition video and audio; USB Plug ‘n Play
Instant Setup instantly projects images, transmits audio and controls the presentations from either a Windows® PC or Mac via a standard
USB cable
- 3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and
detail for powerful presentations; 3LCD technology provides an energy efficient light engine which efficiently uses available lamp
light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per
lumen of brightness
Epson also offers the Brighter Futures® program,
a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools.
Designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets,
Brighter Futures offers special pricing, extended Epson limited warranty coverage for three years,
dedicated education account managers,
and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors.
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