Focused on Safeguarding Consumers from False Advertising, Lawsuit Sheds Light on Inaccurate Claims and Underscores Importance of Standards for Informed Purchasing Decisions
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – May 20, 2021 – Focused on highlighting deceptive advertising practices and helping consumers make smart purchasing decisions, Epson America has filed a lawsuit against Vava for falsely promoting lumens specifications for the Vava 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser TV. Filed on April 19 in the United District Court, Central District of Calif., Southern Division, the complaint alleges misrepresentation in the promotion of the Vava 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser TV as a 2,500 or 6,000 lumens product across varying online and in-store retail venues. In addition to creating confusion in the marketplace, according to third-party testing, both claims are wholly inaccurate, with projectors testing well under 2,500 lumens.1
The lawsuit comes on the heels of a pandemic-fueled spike in home theater projection adoption across U.S. households as movie theaters across the country closed permanently and people engaged in new at-home viewing technology for streaming, gaming, working, and schooling. From family movie nights in the backyard to online gaming sessions and big-screen sports viewing, families are enjoying content in ways a traditional flat panel TV cannot accommodate.
"Vava's false lumens claims are misleading to consumers and this misrepresentation of performance creates confusion among people looking at viable home entertainment solutions," said Mike Isgrig, vice president, consumer sales and marketing, Epson America. "Ultimately, the industry suffers as a whole when companies misrepresent key performance claims and customers purchase products that don't meet their viewing expectations."
Shoppers need to be cautious of misleading metrics listed as "Lux," "LED lumens" or "Lamp Brightness" that fail to provide useful information about on-screen light output performance. Measurement for projectors is defined by internationally recognized standards groups, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Committee for Display Metrology (ICDM). The ICDM publishes the Information Display Measurement Standards (IDMS) where the methodology for measuring projector color brightness and white brightness separately are fully defined. The ISO standard which defines projector measurement methodology is 21118:2020. When these standards are followed, there is zero ambiguity regarding how projectors are to be properly measured and compared.
Epson remains focused on ensuring a fair marketplace with accurate information for consumers, including its recent settlement agreement with Philips and Screeneo Innovation in which the parties agreed that all future Philips NeoPix projectors designed, manufactured and sold by Screeneo will use industry standard specifications. Last year, Epson also filed suit against four projector brands sold on Amazon – Vankyo, WiMiUS, GooDee, and Bomaker – for misleading claims in advertising, and recently reached an agreement with Bomaker. In 2019, Epson reached a settlement with Curtis International Ltd. and Technicolor in its lawsuit alleging the companies falsely advertised the lumens of projectors manufactured and sold under the RCA and ONN (Walmart) brand names. Curtis agreed to advertise its projectors only using the industry standard and to modify its packaging to reflect the accurate lumens ratings. In addition, in 2018 Epson obtained a permanent injunction and damage award for $5 million as a result of its successful litigation against iRulu for falsely advertising lumens ratings.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
