PowerLite 9300i projector to offer SXGA+ resolution

by Dennis Sellers, MacCentral

Next month Epson America Inc. will release the Epson PowerLite 9300i, a US$11,299 high resolution projector with SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution, 2,500 ANSI lumens and an 1100:1 contrast ratio.

It offers newly designed 1.4-inch LCDs, "whisper-quiet" (33dB) performance and up to 7,000 hours of lamp life. A powered lens lets you zoom and focus using the projector's remote control, while the Quick Corner on-screen interface lets you make keystone corrections (+/- 40-degree vertical, +/- 20-degree horizontal) to compensate for a room's alignment. Several optional lenses are also available for wide angle configurations and for short- and long-throw distances.

If you need to use more than one PowerLite 9300i simultaneously (such as for stacked or panoramic applications), there's a multi-screen adjustment feature that lets you control each unit individually with one remote control utility to make brightness and color level adjustments on a computer over a LAN or RS232 interface.

The PowerLite 9300i's EasyManagement function lets IS personnel monitor, maintain and control the projector from a remote location using Epson's utility programs. The projector offers a built-in RJ-45 Ethernet port that, when connected to a network, gives the administrator's users the ability to carry out management functions such as checking the power status or lamp hours, as well as powering the projector on/off. What's more, an e-mail notification system is available to alert network users regarding issues related to the projector's temperature, fan and lamp.

Two password-protected features are included in the PowerLite 9300i. Power-On Protect requires the use of a password to turn on the projector, while a timer function allows organizations such as rental companies to place customized time limits on usage. Another password-controlled feature called Logo Protect projects the user's logo each time the projector is powered on.