Increasing Industry Adoption of the Epson PrintCertificationSM System Leads to New Pre-Press Seal of Approval: Epson Certified Proofs


Epson PrintCertification System Advances Color Accuracy and Synchronized Proofing With Expanded Third-Party RIP Support, Enabling Delivery of Contract Quality Color Proofs Virtually Anywhere, Anytime

CHICAGO, GRAPH EXPO, Oct. 16 // -- Building off the successful launch of Epson's PrintCertification solution in Fall 2005 and its increasing adoption throughout the industry, Epson is demonstrating further advancements at Graph Expo 2006 that reinforce its position as the leader in proofing technology for commercial printers and pre-press houses.

The new term "Epson Certified Proofs" is being positioned by the company to serve as a new seal of approval for the industry. Moving forward, any proof produced with the Epson PrintCertification system and bearing an Epson PrintCertification label can technically be called an Epson Certified Proof, which not only signifies it was created using Epson technology, but is verified through the solutions of Epson's certification partners to meet exact color specifications that will ultimately save professionals who are involved with pre-press approvals time and expenses. Epson and ColorSciences are currently demonstrating this unique enterprise-based proofing system in Epson's Graph Expo booth (#4815). In addition, Epson has expanded its RIP support for this system and is being joined by four third-party RIP partners -- ColorBurst, CGS Publishing Technologies, EFI, and GMG -- who are also demonstrating their unique proofing technologies, which support the Epson PrintCertification solution.

"Epson's PrintCertification solution is quickly becoming the technology of choice for commercial proofing and we're confident it won't be long before the overwhelming majority of professionals in this industry become very familiar with the term 'Epson Certified Proofs' and the amazing levels of accuracy and quality for which it stands," said Mark Radogna, group product manager, Epson America. "We're also pleased that many third-party RIP manufacturers are choosing to build unique workflows around the Epson platform because it's further acknowledgement that our proofing technology is setting new standards."

Epson Certified Proofs are created using Epson's PrintCertification system that combines the Epson Stylus(R) Pro printers (the Epson Stylus Pro 3800, 4800, 7800, and 9800) with expanded third-party RIP support for ColorBurst, CGS Publishing Technologies, EFI, and GMG. The system also features advanced Web-enabled color process control software from ColorSciences to ensure uniform certified output and remotely manage multiple proofers at multiple locations. The color accuracy of an Epson Certified Proof is determined by printing an Epson PrintCertification color bar that is read by an industry-leading spectrophotometer device. A RIP then verifies the accuracy of the print based on the color standards defined within the RIP color management interface. If passed, a print can be affixed with an Epson PrintCertification label, making it a true Epson Certified Proof.

Epson Professional Ink Jet Printers for Proofing

Offering a range of features and versatile performance, Epson's award-winning Epson Stylus Pro ink jet printers and commercial proofing media are designed to give today's printing professionals the most accurate and stable color proofs. Key advantages of Epson's Stylus Pro line include:

o Flexible Media Handling: The Epson Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 and 9800 handle virtually any media type in roll and cut-sheets up to 17", 24" and 44"
wide (respectively) ensuring that proofing media more closely matches
the stock used on press. The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 accommodates a
variety of media in cut-sheet form up to 17" wide.

o Industry-Leading Color Stability: Epson UltraChrome K3(TM) high-density
pigment ink system produces the highest overall color gamut and fidelity
among virtually any pigment-based ink jet printer, enabling pre-press
professionals to reproduce more colors, more accurately without
shifting. A three-level black ink system delivers prints with a higher
D-max (black density) and superior shadow, mid-tone and highlight
detail, while a high-gloss Microcrystal Encapsulation(TM) resin
chemistry provides greater scratch resistance and reduced gloss
differential.

o Leading Performance and Affordability: Offering a faster, more
cost-efficient alternative than many other forms of proofing, Epson
professional ink jet printers typically cost less than traditional
analog and other digital proofs.

o Proven Reliability: Epson professional pre-press printers offer one of
the most robust platforms for ink jet pre-press proofing available
today, delivering consistent, accurate quality -- proof after
proof.

o Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Offering added convenience and flexibility,
Epson's professional ink jet proofers seamlessly work with virtually
every workflow available today and provide plug-and-play compatibility
with most leading third-party RIPs.

Pricing and Availability

The Epson Stylus Pro printers, the RIP solutions and ColorSciences' solution featured in Epson's PrintCertification system are sold separately and are available through authorized professional graphics resellers. The solution works well with the Epson Stylus Pro "Pro Edition" printers, which include a PANTONE(R)-licensed, SWOP(R)-certified PostScript(R) Language Level 3(TM) Compatible RIP by ColorBurst(R), and a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet card (Ethernet comes standard with Epson Stylus Pro 3800). The Epson Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 and 9800 "Pro Editions" are available through authorized professional graphics resellers with an estimated street price of $2,495, $3,995 and $5,995, respectively. The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 "Pro Edition" will begin shipping in December 2006 for an estimated street price of $1,495.

Service and Support

Epson Stylus Pro printers are supported by a standard Epson Preferred(SM) Limited Warranty. This one-year program includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next-business-day full unit exchange service (for the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 and 4800) or on-site service (for the Epson Stylus Pro 7800 and 9800) in the unlikely event of any hardware failure. Optional Epson Preferred Plus Service Plans are also available, offering one or two additional years of protection. For more information on Epson warranties, service programs and products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit our Web site at http://www.epson.com/.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transactions terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Note: Specifications and terms are subject to change. Epson and Epson Stylus are registered trademarks and Epson UltraChrome K3 and Microcrystal Encapsulation are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson PrintCertification and Epson Preferred are service marks of Epson America Inc. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.

Source: Epson America, Inc.

CONTACT: John Jatinen of Epson America, Inc., +1-562-290-5173, john_jatinen@ea.epson.com; or Andrew Staples of Walt & Company,
+1-408-496-0900, ext. 1056, astaples@walt.com, for Epson America, Inc.

Web site: http://www.epson.com/

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