January 2002
Epson Co-Sponsors Photographic Internet Expedition In Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest |
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Webcast to Document Signs of Climate Change
The award-winning wilderness expeditions team from OneWorldJourneys.com will webcast from Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest as part of an Internet production on climate change titled "Mercury Rising: Bearing Witness to Climate Change." The photo-documentary webcast, co-sponsored by Seiko Epson Corporation, will run from Feb. 1-12 at http://www.OneWorldJourneys.com.
The climate change webcast is inspired in part by the work of noted nature and environmental photographer Gary Braasch who has traveled the world for more than three years creating a visual, photographic record of Earth's response to global warming. Braasch is based in Portland, Oregon, in the United States.
The multi-media web production will include photo galleries and articles focusing on major climate change issues as well as observations made by citizens over time that offer evidence of global warming. In addition, resources are offered for K-12 teachers and students.
Daily satellite dispatches during the webcast will include digital photography, audio, video and stories about climate change research in Monteverde, one of the most studied cloud forests on the planet. The expedition team will spend time with a number of scientists and ecologists who have been studying plants and animals in Monteverde in an attempt to predict changes related to global warming. Those following the webcast will be able to communicate via email with members of the expedition team in the field.
"Our teams have chased jaguars through Mexico, documented sharks and other wildlife on a remote Pacific Island and explored deep into the Caucasus Mountains of former Soviet Georgia, but taking on climate change has been one of our greatest challenges so far," says Russell Sparkman, creator of OneWorldJourneys.com and president of FusionSpark Media. "Through Gary's photos from around the world and the expedition in Costa Rica, our storytelling will offer a unique perspective on how global warming is changing our Earth."
The expedition team will include author and Pulitzer-winning science writer Bill Dietrich from Anacortes, WA, along with his wife Holly Dietrich, an elementary school teacher who will be writing a daily dispatch for teachers and students. The field team will be led by One World Journeys executive producer and digital photographer Denise Rocco.
Mercury Rising is the sixth online wilderness expedition at OneWorldJourneys.com, which is produced by FusionSpark Media Inc., based on Whidbey Island, Clinton, WA. OneWorldJourneys.com has received several awards and numerous accolades for its photographic web expeditions focusing attention on unique or threatened ecosystems and species.
New Bright, Ultra-Portable Projectors from Epson Recreate the Cinema Experience
30th January 2001 - Epson is opening a whole new world of entertainment possibilities that are certain to create the "wow" factor in every home or office, with the launch of its EMP-51 and EMP-71 - Epson's latest SVGA and XGA ultra portable projectors. Both models are cost effective solutions that will create a cinema-like experience in any home or office, with improved brightness of 1200 Ansi-Lumens, new LCD panels and a sleek silver design.
The increase in brightness to the EMP-51 and EMP-71 has been achieved with the introduction of a new 160W UHE lamp and Dream 2 LCD panels. The new LCD panels increase the volume of light projecting through panels, ensuring a great image on brighter days or when the curtains are not drawn.
In addition both models feature a built-in speaker, remote control with pre-programmed special effects such as highlight, and spotlight, and with the home user in mind there is an easy to follow on screen menu and help function. Connectivity for both PC, Mac and Video makes both these models a fully functional and versatile projector.
Mark Kendall, Business Manager for Projectors says, "The new additions to Epson's ultra-portable projector range are high performance projectors that will ensure whatever is being viewed, be it video's, DVD's or presentations, will be crisp, clear and professional. Whether used in the home, the office or both, these cost effective models will impress."
EMP-71 Features Summary
- Low End, Entry Level projector
- 3.1 kg Ultra Portable projector
- Bright 1000 ANSI Lumens
- True XGA (1024 x 768) projector capable of supporting signals from VGA to SXGA resolution
- 160W Ultra High Efficiency Lamp for high brightness
- Low noise level of 42dB
- Contrast ratio of 300:1
- User friendly operation panel
- Component video and HDTV interface
- Keystone correction +-15º
- Projects up to a distance of 11 metres
EMP-51 Features Summary
- Low End, Entry Level projector
- 3.1 kg Ultra Portable projector
- Bright 1200 ANSI Lumens
- True SVGA (800 x 600) projector capable of supporting signals from VGA to SXGA resolution
- 160W Ultra High Efficiency Lamp for high brightness
- Low noise level of 42dB
- Contrast ratio of 400:1
- User friendly operation panel
- Component video and HDTV interface
- Keystone correction +-15º
- Projects up to a distance of 11 metres
Epson's printer market share rockets to Number One position. Consumer demand for digital photography and the companies most successful range of printers drive growth
January 2002 - The highly sought number one market share position in the UK total printer market has been achieved by Epson. From October 2000 to October 2001, Epson's market share rose from 24.7% to 37.7% (Romtec/Gfk). In terms of ranking, Epson came in first, with HP coming in second in October 2001 with 34.4%, and Canon 7.9%.
Tony Petford, Epson's Director of Marketing & Business Development says, "Gaining the number one spot realises a long term goal. Epson has achieved the top position thanks to its commitment to provide desirable, high-quality products. The Epson inkjet range starts at a price point that is perfect for the first time user, and extends right through to products for the business market. Epson has also been at the forefront of the digital photography revolution with its range of Stylus Photo products."
The inkjet section of the total printer market makes up 83.6 % and Epson has a commanding 43.5% share. Epson's photo inkjets are being used by the best photographers in the UK. But its success in the rapidly expanding photo market has been based on bringing professional quality output to all photographers from home enthusiasts through to professionals.
In addition, Epson is making history with its laser range. "One of the great unsung success stories of 2001 is Epson's growth in the colour laser printer market. Spearheaded by the AcuLaser C2000, the company's share of the market quadrupled over the course 2001," says Petford.
The dot matrix printer, an area largely dominated by Epson also continues to reflect the company's new success. Recent data shows that more than one in two dot matrix printers purchased in the UK are made by Epson (Romtec/Gfk).
"The success of Epson's photo printers and colour lasers in 2001 has been unprecedented," says Petford.
Epson unites the world with Digital Vision Competition
3rd January 2002 - Throughout history, photography has played an important role in recording images of communities and their ways of life. As the photographic industry makes its move into digital imaging, Epson is inviting camera clubs to share their digital dreams by entering the Epson Digital Vision competition. As a manufacturer of pioneering digital imaging technologies, Epson has invited over 200 photographic clubs to submit images that will capture the spirit of communities throughout the UK, Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and South Africa.
In return for entering the competition, each camera club will automatically receive an award winning, 6-colour Epson Stylus Photo 810. A prestigious panel of judges will then select an over-all winner, whose club will be awarded a highly-acclaimed Epson Stylus Pro 5500, large format, A3 printer.
"This is an ideal way to get to know what photographers are doing, the style of photography they enjoy and the communities they live in," says Maria Florey, Head of Marketing Communications, Epson.
"As the market leader in the printer market*, Epson feels that it is important to share the experiences enjoyed by photography enthusiasts. The competition is a perfect opportunity to bring Epson together with photographers from around the world to form a unique collection of photographs that represent how each individual sees their landscape and community," added Maria.
Having received the entry photographs, Epson will carefully select a range of finalist images that reflect both the area they represent, and the club standards. These photographs will then be exhibited in a gallery hosted by Epson UK's head office. The exhibition will bring together photographers and images of their communities from around the world, demonstrating the popularity of photography and the various environments Epson has reached. As this is an international competition, all of the finalist images will also be displayed on the Epson Photo website, creating a virtual gallery that can be enjoyed the world over.
* All data From Romtec-GfK - topline PRINTERS October 2001 report.
· Epson is Number 1 for printers in the UK with 38% share of total market
· Epson is Number 1 for inkjets in the UK with 44% share of total market
· Epson is number 1 for dedicated 6-colour photo inkjets at over 70% share
· Epson is number 1 for A3 inkjets at over 50% share
· Epson supplies over 1 in 2 of the Dot Matrix Printers sold in the UK
Epson Stylus Photo 810 Features Summary
- 2880 x 720 dpi Perfect Picture Printing
- 6 colour printing for extra detail and smoother images
- Print speeds of up to 12ppm black text and 11.7ppm colour
- Borderless prints on 4"x 6" and A4 media without the need for special media
- Variable Sized Droplet Technology
- USB and Parallel connectivity for Windows® and Macintosh®
- Windows® 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000 and Macintosh®, iMac, G3/G4 compatibility.
- Feature-rich Epson PhotoQuicker 3 software included
- Stylus Photo 810 RRP inc Vat £119
- Black ink cartridge RRP inc Vat £21.19
- 5 Colour ink cartridge RRP inc Vat £17.16
Epson Stylus Pro 5500 Features Summary
- 2880x720dpi Micro Piezo Print Head Technology
- Epson Variable-Sized Droplet Technology
- Ultra MicroDot (3pl)
- Epson ColorFast pigment based ink
- In excess of 200 year lightfastness*1
- Excellent short term colour stability
- Photo Reproduction Quality - 6 colour printing
- A3+ print area
- High speed printing - 2.0min per print @ 720dpi
- Windows & Mac. Compatible
- 250 sheet feeder as standard
- Parallel & USB interfaces
- RRP ex Vat £3,245
New Faster Epson Mono Lasers in Small Packages
1st January 2002 - Epson is launching two new mono lasers for the small business and professional home user. The EPL-5900 offers sophisticated and reliable local or small workgroup printing while the EPL-5900L is the ideal desktop solution for standalone printing. Both new models are designed to be compact and fit neatly onto the desktop.
The EPL-5900 provides true 1200dpi printing. Print speeds have been increased by 20% for extra productivity providing up to 12 pages per minute. For the space conscious the folding paper tray incorporated in the EPL-5900L gives it a smaller footprint. Both EPL-5900/5900L have been designed with ease of use in mind, settings and status information are available straight from the user's Mac enabling easy monitoring of consumables.
The EPL-5900 has a 250-sheet multi purpose paper tray as standard. Paper capacity has been increased by 60 percent to 750 sheets with an optional 500-sheet paper cassette. Available in 3 models: standard, network ready or postscript, the EPL-5900 provides the ideal printing solution for the small busy office.
Specifically developed for the single or home office user is the EPL-5900L. The light version of the EPL-5900 is easy to store and will take up less room on the desktop. It offers print speeds of up to 12 pages per minute and 1200 dpi output. Paper handling features include a standard 150-sheet MP tray.
Andrew Semple, Business Manager for Business Products, Epson UK Ltd, comments "The launch of the two new models to Epson's mono laser range feature improved design, faster output and flexible paper handling. The reliable and high quality products also come with a one-year call out warranty ensuring peace of mind for the small or home office. Businesses need only concentrate on producing their business documentation, and Epson will focus on providing a hardworking laser to meet their printing needs".
Epson EPL-5900 Features Summary
- Compact 12ppm A4 Laser Printer
- True 1200dpi resolution
- First page out in 15 seconds
- Standard USB 1.1 and IEEE 1284 parallel interface
- Windows and Macintosh Drivers included
- PCL5e/PCL6 emulation as standard
- 200MHz TMPR4955AF High Performance Processor
- Standard 8MB memory upgradeable to up to 136MB
- Flexible paper handling with standard 250 sheet Universal Paper
- Optional: Large Capacity Paper Unit (500 Sheet), True Adobe® PostScript® 3™ (standard on 5900PS version), 10/100 Base TX Network Print Server (standard on 5900N version)
The EPL-5900 Consists of Three Models:
- EPL-5900 - 12ppm with 1 x 250 sheet input cassette. RRP ex Vat £269.00
- EPL-5900N - As EPL-5900 with 10/100 Base Network Print Server.
- RP ex Vat £349.00
- EPL-5900PS - As EPL-5900 with the addition of Adobe Postscript Level 3 and a total of 40MB RAM. RRP ex Vat £389.00
Epson EPL-5900L Features Summary
- 12ppm Laser Printer
- High Print Quality - 1,200dpi class printing with RITech and MicroGray 1200 functions
- Flexible paper handling with standard Universal Paper Cassette (Up to 150 sheets)
- Epson advanced printer controller
- Standard 2MB memory expandable to 13MB (EDO RAM SIMM)
- Ideal for Windows™ and Macintosh™ printing
- Standard USB and IEEE1284 parallel interfaces
- Pre-installed Consumables
- RRP ex Vat £185.00
Southern Co-operative Gaining Promotional Edge with new Point of Purchase Printing Solution.
December 2001 - Epson has joined forces with Dorset-based, Image Computer Systems (ICS) to bring a high value solution for the retail industry. The new solution allows unique and innovative Point of Purchase display materials to be produced in-house at each store. The solution is provided in the form of an Epson Stylus Pro 7500 large format printer and EnSign software. The EnSign software enables a template for signs and labels to be created at a central print control PC, using company logos and branding. This template is then downloaded from head office to all the stores in a particular chain via the Local Area Network (LAN), enabling local store managers to enter promotion data and produce their own high quality posters or banners on their Epson Stylus Pro 7500.
Already taking advantage of the solution is the Southern Co-operative. It is using the Epson Stylus Pro 7500 and Ensign software to print one-off posters within its 83 convenience stores, located in West Sussex, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight.
Southern Co-ops Marketing Assistant, Jamie Moran explains how the organisation had previously used its advertising agency to produce ad hoc full colour A2 posters for individual stores. A process that was simply not cost-effective considering the small print runs involved. "It's so much better than what we had before, there's really no comparison. The Epson Stylus Pro 7500 is incredibly easy to use and its output is extremely high quality. More importantly, we are finding that the ink usage is good - even with only 2% remaining in a cartridge, we still have a few posters worth - and the paper is less expensive." Moran added, "Combined with the savings we are making in agency costs, the Epson large format printer is a much more cost-effective option.""
The Co-op has been able to design and print signage in-house, for a fraction of the time and cost, and then distribute to individual stores - without having to compromise quality.
Martin Johns, Product Manager for Graphics Products at Epson UK, explains why there is a need for such a solution, "Point of Purchase material is an important medium to identify new offers and to attract customers. The posters and banners need to be attractive, creative and ever changing or they may be ignored. Additionally the retailer has to reflect a consistent 'corporate style' across all stores, while enabling each local manager to respond to their own local market drivers: a large ethnic community for example, or a higher than average interest in organic produce. In short, the industry needs a flexible, low-cost printing solution for high quality, fast turnaround signage, and the Epson Stylus Pro 7500 combined with EnSign provides it".
Ideal for large retailers such as garden centres and DIY stores, the software ensures consistency in all promotional material, while allowing individual store managers the autonomy to produce their own promotional posters in response to local market conditions.
EnSign has been made viable for retailers, thanks to the quality and ease of use of the Epson large format printer, Image Computer Systems Managing Director, Vince Postill comments, "The Stylus Pro 7500 is ideal for this application. It uses standard Windows Drivers, rather than RIPs, so the retailer does not need to become an expert in complicated printing terminology; and, being plug and play, the store manager can be up and running in next to no time. Altogether the Stylus Pro 7500 is much easier to use and maintain, the consumables are long-lasting and the production quality is extremely high."
Epson Stylus Pro 7500 features Summary
- Professional, photo quality prints on 610mm wide media
- One paper roll (maximum 45m)
- Supports cut sheet media from A4 to A1+ size
- Printing speeds of up to 5.9 m²/h
- Epson ColorFast Ink (individual 6 color high capacity 110ml ink cartridges)
- Desktop or standalone configurations
- Standard Interfaces: Centronics-type 8bit Parallel interface (IEEE-1284 Nibble/ECP mode) USB series B
- Optional interfaces: Expansion slot: optional Type B Ethernet I/F card (10BASE-T/100BASE-T), IEEE 1394 I/F card
- Straight media path and automatic paper thickness identification make it possible to print on Poster Board up to 1.5 mm thickness
