Epson Extends Projector Market Leadership with Largest Industry Share Growth in North America

Epson America, Inc., announces that it continues to hold its leadership in the projector market, cementing its number one position in North America for 2014. According to PMA Research, the worldwide information experts on front projectors, Epson has grown its overall North America market share to 43 percent in units in 2014, which represents a four-point increase year-over-year. With positive revenue growth five years in a row, Epson had the largest total revenue increase in the North American projector market in 2014 with a 29-percent share, representing a nearly five-point increase year-over-year -- the largest share growth of any manufacturer. (Source: PMA Research 2014 Q4 Worldwide Census, excluding Pico and Personal projectors.)

"Epson's continuous growth in the North American projector market is a direct reflection upon our commitment to providing the best imaging solutions to our customers as well as our strong support to channel partners," said Richard Miller, director, projector product management, Epson America. "Epson prides itself on engineering innovative and cutting-edge technology, including our broad line-up of 3LCD projection solutions. Whether it's interactivity for increased collaboration in a corporate environment or an unparalleled viewing experience in a personal home theater, Epson delivers."

Epson 3LCD projectors deliver up to three-times higher color brightness than leading competitive projectors. (Color brightness [color light output] measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4. Color brightness will vary depending on usage conditions. Compared to leading one-chip DLP projectors, based on NPD data for June 2013 through May 2014 and PMA Research data for Q1 through Q3 2013.) Coupled with high quality performance, innovative features, and technology advancements, the company says Epson brings the user's experience to another level with collaboration tools on its BrightLink interactive projectors, 3LCD reflective laser technology, and 4K enhancement for state-of-the-art home theater, as well as effortless presenting and viewing wireless features with Epson's free iProjection app created for both Apple and Android devices. Additionally, Epson aims to provide an exceptional full network of service and support experience to its dealers, installers, partners, and customers.

Epson's projector technology leadership spans multiple market segments:

• Resolution categories: Held the number one spot in major resolution categories, which include SVGA, XGA, 720p (720p resolution includes consumer WXGA chipset), WXGA, and 1080p for consumers.
• Home theater: Secured its leading position within the home entertainment market with 47 percent unit market share and the lead spot in the 1080p category.
• Business: Retained its principal position within the business market with a six point growth in unit share to 43 percent -- the largest share growth of any manufacturer.
• Interactive projectors: Epson BrightLink interactive projectors for education and business remained the clear choice in the market for the fourth straight year, achieving 63 percent market share.
• Installation: Continued to maintain its leading position within high-end projectors (4,000+ lumens), with its Epson PowerLite Pro G and Pro Z-series projectors.

In addition, according to recent sell-through unit data, Epson continues to retain the top spot in each of the four channels of Pro AV: AV (PMA Research Pro AV and Distributor Projector Tracking Services - December 2014), distribution AV, commercial reseller (The NPD Group Retail Tracking Service, US and Canada; and Commercial Reseller Tracking Service, US - January 2015), and retail in 2014 in North America.

PMA also conducts end user and dealer surveys in addition to their projector tracking services, and Epson's leadership is reflected directly in their feedback. "It's no surprise that Epson registered such strong performance for the full year of 2014," said Linda Norton, vice president, PMA Research. "With the breadth and depth of its product line, we saw multiple Epson models make PMA's monthly, top-selling projector lists during the year. This was true across all channels and across various market segments."