In a continuing effort by Epson to make sure that video projector companies are truthful regarding their light output (Lumens) ratings, they have just settled a lawsuit against popular upstart projector maker, Formovie.
Epson/Formovie Settlement
Under the settlement terms, Formovie has to correct previously overstated white brightness specifications worldwide for its Formovie Theater ultra-short throw projector. This means that their stated lumens ratings are being reduced from 2,800 lumens down to 1,800 lumens. In addition, Formovie has to restate the lumens ratings on its P1 projector from 800 lumens down to 250 lumens. Moving forward, Formovie will use ISO 21118 standard for measuring a projector’s White Brightness
Misleading Projector Brightness Ratings
The initial complaint against Formovie was made as part of Epson’s ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of internationally recognized and accepted brightness standards used by brands to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
In the world of video projector marketing, there has been an influx of projector brands that provide misleading brightness claims.
Epson cautions shoppers to be wary of misleading metrics listed as “Lux,” “LED lumens,” “CVIA,” or “Lamp Brightness” that fail to follow standardized methods. All of the various unofficial brightness claims make it more confusing for consumers to be able to compare the performance of projectors, especially when shopping on Amazon and other online marketplaces.
Correct projector light output measurements should be stated using standards from internationally recognized standards groups. These groups include:
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO): The ISO standard that defines projector white brightness is ISO 21118. In addition, the U.S. member body for ISO – ANSI (American National Standards Institute) – has adopted ISO 21118, underscoring ISO 21118 as the industry standard for white brightness.
- International Committee for Display Metrology (ICDM): The ICDM publishes the Information Display Measurement Standards (IDMS) where the methodology for measuring projector color brightness is defined.
When these standards are followed, there is no ambiguity regarding how projector brightness is measured, advertised, and compared. In other words, everyone is on the same page.
From Mike Isgrig, vice president of consumer sales and marketing, Epson America: “When projector brands use the same, internationally developed and published standards, it protects consumers and establishes trust within the industry… Formovie’s commitment to use internationally published and accepted standards (such as ISO 21118 for white brightness) moving forward for their entire product line will provide accurate white brightness information for consumers.”
Other Epson Lawsuits
Here are some examples of Epson’s history of suing over inaccurate projector light output ratings.
- Dangbei Lumens Projector Settlement
- Auking Projector Lumens Lawsuit
- XGIMI Lumens Settlement
- WEMAX Projector Brightness Lawsuit
- Anker Settlement for Projector Brightness
- Acrojoy Projector Brightness Lawsuit
- VAVA Projector Brightness Settlement
Related Reading
