Toronto, ON, June 14, 2004: Epson Canada Ltd. has launched the PowerLite 81p and 61p multimedia business projectors, both featuring increased connectivity, enhanced audio capabilities, user-friendly setup, and brightness rated up to 2,000 ANSI lumens.

Both models incorporate four video input connections including two individual “computer” inputs, enabling users to plug into, and easily switch between, a wider selection of source devices such as PCs, video players and audio, notes Epson. A new “Auto Source Selection” feature allows presenters to get their content up and running quicker and easier. The projectors also include colour-coded cables and a verification tone that sounds whenever the “power on” and “power off” button has been selected.

Both feature five-watt speakers and four audio inputs, as well as low fan noise (as low as 30db). They have six built-in display modes for various environments, including Epson’s Blackboard mode designed for classroom settings, which gives the projector the ability to detect the colour of a display surface (such as a chalkboard or painted wall) and adjust its output to optimize accurate colour reproduction.

“In recent years, the ‘value’ category of projectors throughout the industry was driven solely by one factor: price, which resulted in some products that offered extremely limited performance without many special features,” stated Don Cameron, Marketing and Communications Manager, Epson Canada Ltd. “Today, things have changed dramatically and projectors such as the Epson PowerLite 81p and 61p not only offer competitive prices, but also include several key features that are the direct result of feedback we’ve collected from customers and dealers.”

The PowerLite 81p and 61p will be available through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalog and direct PC dealers and select PC retailers in June 2004 for estimated street prices of $2,499.99 and $2,199.99, respectively. The 81p features XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution; while the 61p offers SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution.