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| The Epson ES Pro 4880 will cost $1995 or $2495 for the ColorBurst package. |
Epson has unveiled three new large format eight-color Stylus Pro inkjet printers that output 2880x1440 dpi prints. The 17-inch Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 24-inch Stylus Pro 7880, and 44-inch Stylus Pro 9880 use UltraChrome K3 pigment-based ink sets that include Epson's new Vivid Magenta inks. According to the company, Vivid Magenta uses higher-density pigments to expand the printers' 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 printers also promise to benefit from other 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 models offer an Ethernet interface for fast data transfer. They also come with a new 16-bit driver for Mac OS 10.5. The two pricier printers incorporate 2.5-inch LCD control panels.
All three printers support a wide range of media, including papers as thick as 1.5mm. Both rolls and sheets are supported. Inks are available in individual 110 and 220 milliliter cartridges. A ninth Matte Black ink can be substituted for the ink set's Photo Black cartridge. The Stylus Pro printers perform automatic head alignment and cleaning.
The three new printers will be available in October 2007, both alone and in packages that include a ColorBurst RIP. The prices of the two higher-end models include a stand. The 4880 will cost $1995 or $2495 for the ColorBurst package, the 7880 will sell for $2995 or $3995 with ColorBurst, and the 9880 will retail for $4995 or $5995 with ColorBurst. A 4880 Portrait Edition package will also be sold for $2195. It will include ExpressDigital workflow software.
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