Released by Epson:

EPSON(r) wins prestigious EISA Award for its market leading scanner

Also see Epson announces first Digital ICE flat bed scanner press release.

15 August 2004 - EPSON announced today that it has been awarded this year's European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Award for one of its premier products, the EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo. The EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo has been voted the European Scanner of the Year for 2004-2005.

The scanner was recognised by the 50 leading Photo, Video, Audio, Home Theatre and Mobile Electronics magazines from over 18 European countries for its outstanding innovation and technical excellence.

Every year, the EISA Awards applaud the new products that combine the most advanced technology, the most desirable features, the ultimate expression of design, the most satisfying ergonomics and, of course, the greatest value for money. In short, EISA recognises the features most likely to be appreciated by an enthusiastic public seeking high quality and creative products.

Described by the judges as 'beating all competitors in this price range', the EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo offers the power and quality of a film scanner with the flexibility of a flatbed, without sacrificing the scan quality. Incorporating an unrivalled optical resolution of 4800 x 9600dpi, new DIGITAL ICE Technology and a moving TPU (transparency unit) lamp, this scanner challenges the traditional film scanner manufacturers on both quality and price.

The judges complimented the product for its fine performance characteristics, high resolution, and good colour accuracy. The judges concluded that the 'many functions, nice design and solid construction, all add up to a high-quality scanner even for professional users.'

Yasbir Sihan, EPSON's Senior European Product Manager for Input Products said: "We are delighted with this win. Recognition from an independent and well-respected organisation such as EISA reinforces our continuing innovation and technological advances in digital imaging. The winning product is just one example of how EPSON is anticipating and responding to the rapidly changing needs of the digital photography market. We are consistently setting new benchmarks for input and output flexibility, quality and durability for both the professional and amateur photographer."

The award will be officially presented to EPSON at an EISA gala awards dinner to be held on the eve of this year's photokina in Cologne on 27 September 2004.

www.epson.co.uk