Epson Boosts the Accessibility of Large Venue Projectors

Epson announces that its EB-PU2220B and EB-PU2120W now support standard 120V power up to 19,000 lumens. In response to market enthusiasm for its 20,000-lumen projectors, Epson sought out a solution to make this class of projectors more accessible to end users. Support for 120V power is a game changer in live event, education, and large venue installation applications where high brightness is required, but 220V power is not readily available. With 120V compatibility at up to 19,000 lumens, Epson now offers access to projectors suitable for large-scale projection without an increased cost of installation. In addition, Epson recently implemented a price adjustment to the EB-PU2220B and EB-PU2120W projectors to further encourage end users to utilize this ultra-bright class of projectors, the company says.

"Since launching the WUXGA 20,000-lumen projectors just a few years back, we've seen a rise of interest in these very bright solutions, driven by the significant size reduction from their predecessors and exceptional three chip 3LCD image quality," says Philip Tierney, product manager. "With new 120V support and recent price adjustment, we're making this lumen class more accessible to end users with simplified setup requirements that support a wide variety of venues."

When Scianna Hall opened in 2015 at The University of Southern Mississippi, the auditorium was equipped with a 10,000-lumen twin-bulb projector. "The brightness of this projector did not meet our needs," says Patrick Browning from the dean's office. "Class materials were difficult to see unless the house lights were almost completely dimmed, ultimately creating challenges for engagement and instruction. Additionally, the cost and longevity of the bulbs were a concern."

Browning and his team replaced the high-contrast screen with a high-gain screen and while this provided a slight improvement, it still wasn't enough. Shortly after, Browning's team installed a 12,000-lumen Epson laser projector. Browning adds, "Beyond the improved brightness and image quality, the switch to laser projection eliminated the need for costly bulb replacements, making it a much more sustainable solution." While this upgrade made a substantial difference, some presentations still required dimmed house lights.

At this time, the main limitation was the lack of higher-powered projector options that operated on a standard 120V circuit. "Installing 220V was not a feasible solution due to the location of the auditorium, the cost constraints of new construction and the need to adhere strictly to electrical regulations," says Browning.

After years of waiting, Philip Boyd, president of Academic Technologies Inc., informed Browning that Epson had introduced a 20,000-lumen laser projector that operated on 120V. "When I heard that the EB-PU2120W came out and could now do 19,000 lumens on 120V, Patrick was the first person I called," says Boyd. "The single-phase power was very important. Adding another circuit would require removing sheetrock and involving facilities planning, construction management and other agencies that would not only slow the project down but possibly raise the cost enormously. The EB-PU2120W was an easy choice based on all these factors."

"We installed the projector shortly thereafter and the difference was immediate. The colors are vivid and well-defined, even with the house lights at full brightness," says Browning. "It has been a game changer for our auditorium, addressing a very specific need that had previously been difficult to meet."

The EB-PU2220B and EB-PU2120W are built around Epson's three-chip 3LCD technology and feature WUXGA resolution with 4K Enhancement Technology to deliver crystal-clear, lifelike images, the company says. As part of Epson's Pro Series, these projectors are packed with advanced toolsets and powered by a 20,000-hour virtually maintenance-free laser light source. Epson's Pro Series boasts convenient features ideal for live events, including liquid cooling for enhanced longevity and reliability, 3G-SDI input and output to accommodate daisy-chaining and long cable runs, along with a mechanical shutter to help protect the projectors during laser light shows. The projectors also feature a hermetically sealed optical engine for high dust resistance and a filter-less cabinet for low-maintenance operation.

Further streamlining installation, the optional PixAlign camera provides access to powerful tools that help speed up and simplify projector color calibration and geometric correction adjustment for stacking and edge blending. The projectors also pair with Epson's extensive lens family, including an ultra short-throw .35 lens with a unique zero offset design, and come equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality and the Epson Projector Configuration Tool (EPCT) Android and iOS mobile app. Users can also control and monitor multiple projectors in a single, large space with Epson Projector Professional Tool (EPPT) and easily manage projector inventory from any device with a web browser with Epson Projector Management Connected (EPM-C).

For installations where higher resolution is required, Epson's newest addition to its Pro Series, the EB-PQ2220B offers the same compact chassis and up to 20,000 lumens as the EB-PU2220B while achieving full 4K resolution on-screen for extraordinary detail and captivating visuals. The EB-PQ2220B requires 220V power; can operate at 16,000 lumens from a standard 120V power source for setup and installation

The black EB-PU2220B and white EB-PU2120W with the 120V power option are available now and can be purchased through authorized resellers. For additional information on Epson large venue solutions, visit www.epson.com/liveevents.