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Epson has introduced a new Stylus Pro inkjet printer for professional use that outputs 2880x1440 dpi prints in sizes as wide as 64 inches. The Epson Stylus Pro 11880 uses a newly developed nine-channel printer head. The MicroPiezo TFP head incorporates 360 nozzles per inch, as opposed to the 180 on lower-end Epson pro printers, and its use of nine channels obviates cartridge-switching to select Matte Black or Photo Black inks. The head's ink-repelling coating also promises to significantly reduce nozzle clogging.
The 11880 and its TFP head are designed for use with Epson's new UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment-based ink set. According to the company, the Vivid Magenta inks use higher-density pigments to expand the printer's color gamut, with notably improved blues, purples, and blacks. Epson claims UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta can produce a maximum black density up to 2.55 Dmax.
The new printer incorporates additional technological improvements: Epson's AccuPhoto HD screening (which the company is calling “Super Halftone" outside the U.S.) uses new algorithms to achieve more accurate dot placement, reduce graininess, and create smoother transitions. In addition to USB 2.0 connectivity, the new model offers a Gigabit Ethernet interface for fast data transfer. It provides a 2.5-inch LCD control panel and LED status lights. The printer also comes with a new 16-bit driver for Mac OS 10.5.
The 11880 supports a wide range of media in rolls and sheets, including papers as thick as 1.5mm. The printer has built-in automatic media-cutting, head alignment, and head-cleaning systems. It also includes a media bar code tracking and identification system designed to track media types, remaining length, and width, and other media-related data. Inks are available in individual 700 milliliter cartridges.
The 11880 will be available in October 2007 for a $14,995 retail price. It comes with a stand and an automatic take-up reel system. The printer will also be sold with a ColorBurst RIP for a price that has not yet been announced. Photographers who don't have fifteen thousand dollars burning a hole in their pockets can expect numerous professional labs to provide print services using the 11880.
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