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Epson posts

Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 9th 2009 at 4:09AM

The technology behind this display might not be new, but the approach to demonstrating it is absolutely captivating. Good thing too because the idea here is to combine Epson's rear-projection technology with 3M's 0.3-mm thin Vikuiti film to project talking avatars on shop windows in a bid to lure lusty nerd-boys and impressionable Cosmo-girls in for a closer look. Check it after the break courtesy of Impress.

Continue reading Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

Epson begins mass-producing 'world's smallest' LCD for 3LCD data projectors

by Laura June, posted Jun 29th 2009 at 10:38AM

Epson's started volume production of what it believes to be the "world's smallest" XGA high temperature polysilicon TFT (HTPS-TFT) panel for 3LCD data projectors. The chip used (an L3P05X-91G00) is approximately 23 percent smaller than its predecessor, and the 0.55-inch panel boasts natural XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. Epson says they're working to increase the resolution on these types of displays, which are currently being manufactured only for 3LCD data projectors. Pretty impressive -- though, we'll just hold out until they start putting these babies into really tiny television sets.

[Via About Projectors]

Seiko Epson envisions large inkjet-printed OLED TVs, unicorns for all in 2012

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 24th 2009 at 1:51PM

As much as we'd like to put stock in Satoru Miyashita's forecast, we're still hesitant to believe that we're just two Consumer Electronic Shows away from seeing big-screen OLED TVs for sale. After Sony's polarizing XEL-1 hit the scene around two years ago, we've seen an anemic amount of action in the commercial OLED TV space. Sure, we've heard promise after promise, but we've still got no solid evidence that a large-screen set is anywhere near a Sam's Club shelf. In a recent interview with the general manager of Seiko Epson's Core Technology Development Center, OLED-Info managed to get this out of the exec: "We see 2012 as being the year that 37"+ OLED TVs will be launched by various makers, and 2015 as the year that sales will really take off for this market." He's referring to the year in which OEMs will begin to use its new inkjet-printing approach to making OLED TVs, which will hopefully allow for easier development of larger panels. 'Til then, we suppose we'll just have to be content with using the Zune HD as our primary television.

Epson's WUXGA HTPS-TFT Panel hints at ultra-bright, high-contrast PowerLite projectors in September

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 11th 2009 at 4:50AM

As a leader in home cinema systems, it's always a good idea to keep tabs on Epson's core technologies as a preview of what's coming up in next generation home theater projectors. Today Seiko-Epson announced the start of volume production for its 0.94-inch HTPS-TFT LCD capable of a WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixel) resolution for 3LCD projectors pushing 1080p. The panel supports a brightness of 5000 lumens (or more!) using Epson's D7 process technology while achieving "higher than ever contrast" through its C2 Fine inorganic alignment layer tech. What this means is simple: expect to see a new brightness and contrast champion PowerLite Home Cinema projector announced at the end of Summer, as CEDIA tradition dictates, with product shipping by end of the year.

Seiko Epson's inkjet tech brings big-screen OLED TVs closer to reality

by Darren Murph, posted May 26th 2009 at 10:34AM

We know it's been burning on your mind everyday since December 6th, 2007: "What on Earth are those guys and gals over at Seiko Epson doing now that they've killed production of RPTVs?" At long last, we've located an answer. According to a prideful new release from the outfit, it has developed a new inkjet technology that will enable the "uniform deposition of organic material in the production of large-screen OLED TVs." For what seems like years now, manufacturers have teased us with 37-inch OLED HDTVs, but they've skirted around questions relating to "price" and "release." Now, the last remaining excuse seems to have been vaporized, so if we don't see a market-ready big-screen OLED at CES 2010... well, let's just say the knee-capping club is dying for a reason to reunite.

[Via Akihabara News]

Epson launches next-gen Ensemble HD Home Cinema System

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 28th 2009 at 4:10PM

Considering that Epson's highest-end HTIB is nearly two years old now, we'd say an update was definitely in order. Today, the outfit has just taken the wraps off of its next-generation Ensemble HD Home Cinema, which gets updated by way of including the PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 or Home Cinema 6500 UB. As with the prior kit, these two also include a motorized 100-inch screen, integrated surround sound, AV controller with built-in DVD player, universal remote and all virtually components needed for installation. The only thing that's glaringly absent is a Blu-ray player, which -- at this point -- is completely and utterly inexcusable. At any rate, those content with treating themselves to upscaled DVD can fork out $4,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 720p, $6,499 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6100 and $7,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6500 UB.

Video: Epson's multitouch X-Desk is your next coffee table

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 18th 2009 at 1:23AM

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense for Epson to get into the touch-surface game -- most of the larger versions are projector-based, and Epson's been making great little beamers for quite some time. Showcased earlier this year at ISE 2009 alongside a multitouch air hockey table, the Core 2 Duo-powered X-Desk boasts a 1,024 x 768 resolution panel and possesses the ability to recognize up to 16,000 objects using "Smart Tags." Also of note, gesture recognition software enables users to actually speak to the table and see results, though there's no word on whether raising your voice or blurting out obscenities improves efficiency. Like all of these things, we've nary a clue when they'll really be available for the layperson to purchase, but you can certainly live vicariously by hopping past the break.

[Via AboutProjectors]

Continue reading Video: Epson's multitouch X-Desk is your next coffee table

Epson's R-D1x digital Rangefinder locates our analog hearts

by Thomas Ricker, posted Feb 27th 2009 at 2:18AM

There's something undeniably sexy, romantic even, about modern digital rangefinders. Perhaps it's the bevy of tactile controls that stand in such stark contrast to the button-less touchscreen trend infecting consumer electronics. Perhaps it's nostalgia. Whatever it is, the Epson R-D1x just created a momentary pause of reverence amongst Engadget editors. Not much has changed since the R-D1 (followed by the R-D1s) was introduced four years ago: that 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, RAW and JPEG support, and Leica M and L glass compatibility remain. Epson just modernized things a bit by adding a handgrip (model R-D1xG), a bigger 2.5-inch LCD, support for the SDHC card format (up to 32GB), and improved EDiART image processing. But this shooter isn't about the specs, it's about emotion. Ships April 9th for an undisclosed price estimated to be around $2,000.

[Via Impress]

Epson's tiny GPS receiver will make everything location aware

by Thomas Ricker, posted Feb 12th 2009 at 6:58AM

Small, right? That's Epson's Infineon XPOSYS chip, its next generation Assisted-GPS device set for mass production in late 2009. The chip measures just 2.8 x 2.9-mm making it 25% smaller than other A-GPS chips on the market, according to Epson, while consuming half the power. The sensitivity has also been improved for a more accurate location fix while indoors. Between this, Google Latitude, and the ever expanding lineup of Skyhook positioning devices, you can kiss your location anonymity goodbye.

Epson prices, displays the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB

by Laura June, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 8:59AM

We caught sight of Epson's PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB quite a while back, but now it's available and on display at CES as the company's flagship home projector. If you've forgotten, this little beast boasts a 920 x 1080 full HD resolution, displays 1600 ANSI lumens, and a 75000:1 contrast ratio. All in all, not too bad for the $3,000 asking price.

Epson trots out tiny ST120 HTPC, finds room for Blu-ray / TV tuner

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 16th 2008 at 2:02PM

Man, talk about a much needed refreshing. Last we recall, Epson was eliciting "awws" from window shoppers who just couldn't get over how delightfully cute its Endeavor ST100 micro PC was. Fast forward two years, and here we have the equally tiny (albeit entirely more useful) ST120. The all-black box comes equipped with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 80GB of hard drive space, an HDMI output, a Blu-ray writer and a digital TV tuner. Too bad the loaded configuration we just spouted off rings up at ¥137,500 ($1,531), but those with less lavish lifestyles can opt for a DVD model that starts at "just" ¥65,100 ($725).

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Epson's Endeavor Na01 mini is a netbook

by Paul Miller, posted Nov 19th 2008 at 9:17AM

Not much to say here, just an Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor, 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 LCD, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD and a dash of Windows XP, doing what they always do. There's a nice complement of completely standard interfaces, like three USB 2.0 plugs, 802.11b/g WiFi, Ethernet, mini VGA out and a multicard reader, all stuffed into a slightly frumpy 1.5-inch thick enclosure, but let's not get off message: Epson's new Endeavor Na01 mini is all Microsoft-proscribed netbook and nothing more. The Japan-only computer is available today for the completely palatable price of 46,800 Yen (about $484).

[Via Impress Watch]

Epson PowerLite Cinema 700 costs only slightly more dollars than its horizontal line count

by Samuel Axon, posted Nov 10th 2008 at 3:47PM

We're sorry you lost your fortune in the global financial crisis, but we've got some news to cheer you up -- you might still be able to plaster your living room wall with HD video. Epson just launched the PowerLite Cinema 700, a 720p home theater projector that it claims is the first to retail at $799. Sure, they've made this kind of claim before, and it's true that if you look hard enough you'll probably find a couple other 720p projectors at that price, but we're not gonna make a fuss -- this 3LCD projector is a decent deal, what with it doing 2,000 lumens and having a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. It's already available in Epson's online store -- or, at least it would be if it wasn't sold out at the moment. Guess some other economically depressed folks thought it was a decent deal, too!

Epson Imaging Devices introduce a-TFT displays that play well in sunlight or darkness

by Laura June, posted Oct 29th 2008 at 9:51PM

Epson's developed two transflective amorphous silicon TFT (a-TFT) LCDs for high visibility in a variety of situations on mobile devices. The screens seem to have been developed mostly for gadgets which are used outdoors and in direct sunlight. These new LCDs employ a more traditional, transmissive mode, using backlighting in darker or indoor settings, but are also capable of utilizing a reflective mode, which can harness bright sources such as sunlight to increase clarity. The reflective mode not only increases visibility on the screen, but also reduces the need for backlighting, thus conserving power. The displays will be available in 3 and 3.5-inch sizes, and samples of the screens are said to be shipping before the end of the month.

E Ink's AM300 developer's kit gets shown off on video

by Donald Melanson, posted Oct 28th 2008 at 1:15PM

E Ink's AM300 developer's kit (made with the help of Epson) certainly seemed impressive enough when it was first announced, but there's nothing quite like a video to bring our newspapers of the future to life, and one courtesy of E Ink itself has now thankfully turned up on YouTube. While the display's 16 levels of gray and pen-based input capabilities aren't entirely unique to E Ink, its ability to display speedy animation does seem to be a step above most other similar displays and, naturally, it's being touted as ideal for advertisements. Head on past the break to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading E Ink's AM300 developer's kit gets shown off on video