JmGo and Epson Reach Settlement, Highlighting Brightness Standards in the Projector Industry

[Serena Anderson]

As the year draws to a close, a groundbreaking event has shaken the projector industry. On December 19, 2024, Epson announced a settlement with the Chinese smart projector brand JmGo regarding a brightness standards lawsuit.

Background of the Lawsuit​

Previously, Epson had filed lawsuits globally against several Chinese projector brands over brightness standards, with JmGo among the defendants. The lawsuit focused on alleged deceptive advertising practices surrounding models such as the JmGo N1 Ultra, JmGo N1 Pro, and JmGo U2. According to the settlement terms released by Epson, JmGo agreed to revise its global brightness claims. Specifically:

• The white brightness of the JmGo N1 Ultra will be reduced from 4,000 lumens to 1,900 lumens (a decrease of over 50%).
• The JmGo N1 Pro will drop from 3,200 lumens to 1,300 lumens (a nearly 60% reduction).
• The JmGo U2 will be adjusted from 2,400 lumens to 1,400 lumens (a reduction exceeding 30%).

These revisions aim to present a more accurate reflection of the projectors' brightness capabilities.

Brightness Standards and Their Implications​

JmGo, a well-known Chinese projector brand, has long been influential in the market. However, the concessions made in this lawsuit have sparked widespread industry discussion.

The ISO brightness standard, established in August 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization, plays a significant role in the projector industry. Following the growth of Japanese projector brands globally, especially in China, Japan formed a projector manufacturers' association in 2006, agreeing to adopt the ISO standard for brightness measurement.

However, for smart home projectors like those produced by JmGo, the ISO standard—which prioritizes white brightness—does not fully align with modern consumer needs. These devices often focus on a balance between brightness and color accuracy, emphasizing vibrant and lifelike visuals. Therefore, relying solely on ISO brightness to assess the quality of home projectors may oversimplify their performance evaluation.

Challenges of Industry Standards​

Brightness has long been a critical factor for consumers when purchasing projectors. However, some manufacturers inflate brightness figures by exploiting testing loopholes. Common tactics include:

• Sacrificing color accuracy for higher brightness: For example, adding red to green displays or green to red displays, resulting in severe color distortion but higher brightness values.
• Using RGBY or RGBW configurations: These approaches boost white brightness by increasing the proportion of green or yellow light, yielding inflated brightness figures with limited practical value.

In this context, JmGo’s adherence to Epson's ISO standard may appear to be a strategic concession, reflecting the increasing pressure Chinese projector brands face in global markets. This move underscores the necessity for Chinese brands to expand internationally, even if it requires adapting to standards that may not perfectly suit their product characteristics.

Broader Implications for the Industry​

The settlement offers valuable lessons for the entire projector industry:

1. Navigating overseas markets: Companies venturing abroad encounter patent, standard, and compliance challenges distinct from those in domestic markets. Proper self-regulation and risk management are essential for sustainable growth.
2. Balancing domestic and international strategies: Western countries often criticize Chinese products, making it crucial for Chinese companies to build resilience and dual-market strategies.

As competition intensifies, brands must prioritize product quality and technological innovation to meet evolving consumer demands. Simultaneously, the establishment, refinement, and modernization of industry standards—such as China’s CVIA lumens—are essential to maintain market order and safeguard consumer rights. CVIA lumens, developed by the China Video Industry Association, integrate color accuracy into brightness measurements and are increasingly adopted by leading manufacturers.

Conclusion​

The settlement between JmGo and Epson is more than just a resolution of corporate disputes. It sheds light on the inconsistencies in brightness standards, the evolving needs of modern projector products, and the challenges of global market competition. By learning from this case, the industry can work towards better standardization, innovation, and collaboration, paving the way for sustainable growth and consumer satisfaction.