GretagMacbeth ProfileMaker Utilized to Develop Premium ICC Profiles for Epson Stylus Photo R800


Regensdorf, Switzerland, March 2006-ProfileMaker 5, the latest version of the popular GretagMacbeth color management software, has been selected by Epson to develop and distribute premium ICC profiles for the Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. This award-winning Epson printer uses eight individual ink cartridges to create archival quality glossy and matte photo prints expected to last up to 200* years. Prints produced on the Epson Stylus Photo R800 printers provide unsurpassed clarity and detail, with resolution as great as 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Announcing the collaboration on the development of printer profiles for this exacting printer, Jean-Yves Billon, Vice President Worldwide OEM Business at GretagMacbeth, commented: "We are pleased that Epson has recognized the capability and consistency of GretagMacbeth ProfileMaker 5, and relies on our software to develop premium ICC profiles for the Epson Stylus Photo R800. Photographers and photo finishers alike depend on both GretagMacbeth and Epson for quality photographic prints that faithfully duplicate the photographer's work."

"Epson is in constant pursuit of the perfect photographic print and continually provides innovative technologies that enable photographers to exceed their vision," said Patrick Chen, Product Manager, Epson America. "GretagMacbeth shares this same passion and we have chosen ProfileMaker 5 to create our next generation Epson Stylus® Photo R800 premium ICC profiles, available for download at www.epson.com/spr800profiles."

About GretagMacbeth ProfileMaker 5
ProfileMaker 5.0.5 is the latest revision to GretagMacbeth's professional color management software solution. Version 5.0.5 includes the new 'Colorful' gamut mapping to enhance shadow detail, improve overall tone reproduction and provide stronger, more vivid colors. In addition, it uses a new interpolation algorithm for calculating profiles, which results in increased smoothness for color transitions and 5X faster calculations. The ProfileMaker suite of products includes packages tailored to meet specific needs; ProfileMaker Photostudio photographic, ProfileMaker Publish for CMYK, ProfileMaker Publish Plus for CMYK+N and ProfileMaker Packaging for n-Color profiling up to 10 channels.

About the EPSON Stylus Photo R800
The EPSON Stylus Photo R800 takes advantage of Epson's Advanced Micro Piezo® ink jet technology to achieve a 1.5-picoliter ink droplet and resolutions up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi. With Epson's patented, true BorderFree® photo printing technology, the Epson Stylus Photo R800 is able to produce prints in a variety of frame-ready photo paper sizes. Customers can print their photos (without having to trim the borders or tear off perforations) in three sizes: 4"x6", 5"x7", 8"x10". Users can also print on 4-inch and 8.3-inch widths of photographic roll media and directly on inkjet printable CDs or DVDs.

About EPSON UltraChrome Hi-Gloss® Ink
The Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set is a unique eight-cartridge system designed specifically for professional and advanced amateur photographers and digital artists who seek superior image quality, fade-resistance, and flexibility. Advancing beyond the traditional combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks, the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set adds red and blue inks that expand the color gamut of these primary colors. Using an eight-channel print head, the Epson Stylus Photo R800 conveniently contains a Gloss Optimizer as well as both the Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges in the printer at all times, avoiding the need to swap cartridges. The printer driver automatically determines which black ink to use based on the paper type selected.

About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, projectors, and LCDs. Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide, with products known for superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency. For additional information see www.epson.com.

About GretagMacbeth
GretagMacbeth is a worldwide technological leader of color management solutions for graphic arts, photography, digital imaging, paints, plastics, apparel, textiles and automotive, among other industries. The company, part of Amazys Holding AG headquartered in Regensdorf, Switzerland, maintains offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. GretagMacbeth trains and supports customers worldwide and is an ISO-9001 certified company. For additional information in North America, call 845-565-7660; in Europe, call +41 1 842 2400 or visit www.gretagmacbeth.com or www.i1color.com.

GretagMacbeth Contact for
Europe/Japan/Asia:
Paula Rosales +44 1 842 2723
rosales@gretagmacbeth.com

GretagMacbeth Contact for Americas:
Karla Meeker +1 513-770-1048
meeker@gretagmacbeth.com

*Lightfastness rating of 104 years with Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper, and 200 years with Epson Watercolor Paper Radiant White, based on accelerated testing of prints displayed indoors, framed under glass. The 300-year rating on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper is based on accelerated testing in dark storage. See www.wilhelm-research.com for test details and information on other Epson papers. Actual print stability will vary according to display conditions, light intensity, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or properly store them.

All Topics