TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Epson (TOKYO:6724)(ISIN:JP3414750004), the leader in imaging technology, will stage a number of exciting activities to coincide with the 12^th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. Epson is the official information technology partner for the event – to be held in Berlin from 15^th to 23^rd August 2009.

As official information technology partner to the 2009 IAAF World Championships, Epson will supply critical technology including the latest in high precision, touch-screen commentator information systems (CIS) and the Epson performance evaluation system (EPE). These state-of-the-art Epson systems will enhance the information flow to commentators, journalists and athletes by giving them instant access to performance data, statistics and results at the touch of a finger.

The Epson performance evaluation system provides three-dimensional analysis of the long jump and triple jump events for TV graphics, as well as generating data for the commentator information system. It analyses the placement of athletes' feet on the take-off board for the long jump, and the length of the hop, step and jump phases of the triple jump.

Prior to the event, Epson will sponsor an almost 700km charity run from Epson Germany’s headquarters in Meerbusch to the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the setting for the world championships. And throughout the event, the company will organise ‘behind the scenes’ tours for journalists, and provide prizes for in-stadium competitions and the IAAF Fantasy Athletics game.

Perhaps the most dramatic event, however, will see Epson turn one of Berlin’s main thoroughfares (Boulevard Unter den Linden) into a giant street gallery, featuring a stunning international collection of photographs, inspired by athletics, and crafted by some of the most famous photographers of the past 125 years. To ensure high-impact, high-quality, memorable prints, the 200cm x 135cm images will be printed by Epson on a Stylus Pro GS6000 large format printer.

Andrea Koepfer, Manager Corporate PR & Sponsoring EMEA, Epson Europe, said: “Coordinating the IT systems for such a major event relies on speed, accuracy and reliability – a challenge that provides the perfect opportunity for Epson to showcase its innovative imaging and printing technology. Just as the athletes drive themselves to exceed ever higher targets, we are dedicated to providing products and services that exceed the expectations of our customers."

Berlin 2009 will be the seventh time that the company has sponsored the IAAF World Championships in Athletics as Official IT Partner since 1997. This year's World Championships will involve roughly two thousand of the world's finest athletes from over two hundred countries and territories. With an estimated total of more than 6.5 billion viewers worldwide and 500,000 spectators on site, the event ranks not only as the world's leading tournament for track and field events, but also as the largest sporting event to be held in 2009.

Please access the Epson website and the official 12^th IAAF World Championship in Athletics website (www.Berlin2009.org) to find out more information about the Epson technology supporting the Championships.

About Epson

Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader that is dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product lineup ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business and the home, to electronic and crystal devices. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises over 70,000 employees in 108 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.

http://www.epson.co.jp/e

About Epson Europe

Epson Europe B.V., based in Amsterdam, is the Group’s regional headquarters for Europe, Middle-East, Russia, and Africa. With a workforce of 2,400 employees, Epson Europe’s sales for fiscal year 2008 were 1,569 million Euros.

http://www.epson-europe.com