Release Issued by Epson:

EPSON introduces new bench-mark A3 photo printer for photo enthusiasts and semi professional photographers

News Story: HP and Epson race for affordable A3 printer honours

The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 photo printer, the latest addition to Epson's photo printer portfolio, is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers.

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February 2005 - Epson announces the launch of the Stylus Photo R1800 printer. Available from April 2005, it is to feature many of the award-winning capabilities of the successful Epson Stylus Photo R800. The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 now delivers border-free printing up to an A3 format, enabling photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers to print images large enough for photographic exhibitions.

The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 delivers unsurpassed print performance in an A3 photo printer. High definition images are achieved through Epson's UltraChrome(tm) Hi-Gloss pigment ink, which is delivered in 1.5 picolitre (pl) droplets to capture the finest details. It includes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Blue, Red, Photo Black, Matte Black and Gloss Optimizer Technology. The inclusion of red and blue ink increases the colour gamut and colour space, primarily making it closer (and in some areas wider) than Silver Halide, essential for photographers requiring premium colour reproduction. The Gloss Optimizer provides a smooth gloss finish to prints for exceptional premium glossy and semi-gloss prints.

Epson's Variable-sized Droplet Technology and MicroPiezo(tm) print head ensure that this printer provides outstanding photographic reproduction at fast speeds to satisfy the most demanding photographers. The UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink has also been designed for unsurpassed print permanence in an A3 photo printer, with a lightfastness estimated* at over 80 years for glossy papers and over 100 years on matte medias; a flexibility and durability that truly rivals silver halide.

The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 is compatible with a wide range of Epson media, including Epson Premium Glossy Paper, Epson Photo Paper, Epson Archival Matte Paper, Epson Enhanced Matte Paper and Epson Water Color Radiant White. It also prints onto roll media and ink jet printable CD/DVDs, making the Epson Stylus Photo R1800 one of the most versatile A3 printers on the market.

Richard Baylis, Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer Products, Epson UK, says, "The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 breaks new ground in photo printing for the most demanding photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers, who need the freedom to print a wide range of formats for portfolios, display, and photographic exhibitions without sacrificing quality. The A3 printing capabilities, combined with Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink, delivers prints that can even exceed the quality you would get from a professional photo lab."

Epson Stylus Photo R1800 features summary:
* Product availability April 2005
* Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink for outstanding photo quality and durability
* Borderless printing at a resolution up to 5760 x 1440 optimised dpi for outstanding photos
* 10 x 8 photos with borders at 1440 x 720 dpi in 66 seconds
* Capture the finest photo detail with 1.5pl inks droplets
* Eight individual cartridges for maximum cost efficiency
* Produce professional looking CDs and DVDs
* Advanced connectivity with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
* Bundled with sophisticated photo software including Epson RAW Print for fast, easy processing and printing of camera RAW files
* Stylus Photo R1800 RRP #399.99 inc Vat (guide price at time of announcement)
*Under fluorescent light (indoor display condition) with glass mount.

For use with EPSON Premium Glossy Photo Paper & EPSON Archival Matte Paper
The data is calculated by EPSON's accelerated test and it does not mean EPSON guaranteed periods. The estimated longevity does not indicate the colour changing and the durability of the paper itself. Lightfastness rating may vary depending on papers.

www.epson.co.uk