Epson Intros Entry-Level LCD Projectors, Launches Training Series

The $650 PowerLite 1261W offers a native resolution of 1,280 x 800.
The $650 PowerLite 1261W offers a native resolution of 1,280 x 800.

Epson has unveiled two portable, entry-level LCD projectors, the PowerLite 1221 and the PowerLite 1261W. The company also launched, in partnership with Discovery Education and Atomic Learning, a new training program to help education users get up to speed on using interactive projection technologies in the classroom.

Both of the new projectors, which were formally introduced earlier this month, come in at less than $700 and offer a brightness of 2,800 lumens and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1. The wide-format PowerLite 1261W has native WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800), while the standard-aspect-ratio PowerLite 1221 has a native XGA resolution (1,024 x 768).

Other features both projectors share in common include:

  • ±30 degree automatic vertical keystone correction;
  • ±30 degree manual keystone correction;
  • Integrated 1 watt speaker;
  • AV mute slide and direct power on and off;
  • A lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in economy mode; and
  • Security features that include a Kensington lock port and password protection.

Both of the projectors weigh in at 5.1 pounds and measure 11.6" (w) x 9" (d) x 3.1" (h).

AV inputs include HDMI, analog RGB/component (mini D-sub 15-pin), S-video, composite video,  and stereo RCA jacks. Peripherals and AV outputs include, USB type A, USB type B, and Stereo RCA jacks.

Both projectors will ship in September. The  PowerLite 1261W will run $649;  the PowerLite 1221 will sell for $549.


Epson's BrightLink 455Wi can be mounted on a table to create horizontal interactive surfaces.

In other Epson news, the company this week launched a new suite of training tools for BrightLink and BrightLink Solo users. Designed to help educators in K-12 and higher education understand some of the intricacies of interactive projection technologies, the new tools include webinars to be held on a weekly basis, online videos, and onsite training through Epson resellers.

Epson's BrightLink 455Wi is an ultra-short-throw LCD model capable of projecting an 80-inch (diagonal) image from a distance of 10 inches. It can operate as close as 2.8 inches from the projection surface and can be coupled with an optional table mount to turn horizontal surfaces into interactive tables. The projector itself offers a native WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800 pixels) and a brightness of 2,500 lumens. It includes two digital IR pens (and pen tray) for interacting with projected images.

Further information can be found on Epson's education portal or on the BrightLink for Education product page.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • person typing on a touch screen schedule plan calendar

    2025 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Agenda Announced

    Registration is free for this fully virtual May 7 event, focused on "Thriving in the Age of AI" in K-12 and higher education.

  •  laptop on a clean desk with digital padlock icon on the screen

    Data Privacy a Top Concern as Orgs Scale Up AI Agents

    As organizations race to integrate AI agents into their cloud operations and workflows, they face a crucial reality: while enthusiasm is high, major adoption barriers remain, according to a new Cloudera report. Chief among them is the challenge of safeguarding sensitive data.

  • glowing digital brain made of blue circuitry hovers above multiple stylized clouds of interconnected network nodes against a dark, futuristic background

    Report: 85% of Organizations Are Leveraging AI

    Eighty-five percent of organizations today are utilizing some form of AI, according to the latest State of AI in the Cloud 2025 report from Wiz. While AI's role in innovation and disruption continues to expand, security vulnerabilities and governance challenges remain pressing concerns.

  • Two digital hands made of interconnected lines and nodes shaking hands firmly against a minimal technological background

    IBM to Acquire AI and Data Solutions Provider DataStax

    IBM has announced the planned acquisition AI and data solutions provider DataStax, in a move aimed at enhancing its watsonx portfolio and advancing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enterprises.