Epson and EFI Strengthen Alliance - New Version of Industry-Leading Proofing and Production Solution Powers New Large Format Printer Series

Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) and EFI, the world leader in color digital print servers, superwide format printers, and inks and print management solutions, today launched a new solution for proofing and large-format production. The new Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 7880, 9880, and 11880 printers are supported by the new version of EFI Colorproof(TM) XF. Demanding users in the proofing community, as well as those in industries such as photography, fine art, and print production, who purchase the solution of Colorproof XF and the Epson Stylus Pro series are able to print various levels of proofs with accurate, consistent, and wide gamut color. The new solution dramatically extends color gamut as well as accuracy and consistency by taking full advantage of Epson’s newly developed UltraChrome K3(TM) ink with Vivid Magenta technology.


“The partnership between Epson and EFI allows us to combine our newly developed Epson Stylus Pro printers with EFI Colorproof XF software and address the diversifying needs of proofing customers in the best possible way,” comments Hiroshi Sotokawa, General Manager of Epson’s Inkjet Business Product Planning Department. “We’re confident that customers will find great value in this new combination of standard-setting proofing technologies.”


Epson Stylus Pro printers have long been supported by EFI Colorproof XF, winner of the 2007 BERTL’s Best Wide Format Pre-press/Proofing Solution. The new version of EFI’s Bestcolor(R) technology-driven inkjet proofing solution includes several enhanced and new features, such as:


Intelligent Clean Color Technology

This feature for vibrant and crisp colors ensures: vivid, saturated color with pleasant modulation and clean appearance; smooth cleaning of primary and secondary colors without any influence on color critical areas like grays, skin tones or spot colors. Intelligent Clean Color Technology is flexible and can be automatic, custom mode or switched off for regular proofing needs.


Full Gamut function

The Full Gamut profile lets users exploit the maximum color gamut of their printing equipment, and provides good reproduction of primary colors. With the Full Gamut function, there are no color gamut limitations through profiles.


Support of the most up-to-date proofing standards

Colorproof XF for the new Epson large format printer series features full compliance with industry standards, including ISO 12647-7 and support of IT8.7.4 Chart.


Complete cross platform XF server

Colorproof XF delivers maximum flexibility in Mac- and PC-based operating environments.
Epson Stylus Pro printers are known for their ability to provide outstanding print quality that satisfies professional’s needs. EFI Colorproof XF supports the Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 7880, 9880, and 11880 printers, which use the new Epson UltraChrome K3 ink technology, an all-new eight-color pigment based ink system developed over the past two years with collaboration between Epson and the professional printing industry, and Vivid Magenta technology for excellent image quality and color gamut, along with Epson’s original Micro Piezo print heads.


“Epson’s solutions for excellent image quality and color gamut, particularly the new UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta technologies, combined with our Bestcolor technology-driven inkjet proofing and production solution will impress the most demanding customers,” said Stefan Spiegel, general manager, Graphic Arts Solutions, EFI. “Customers who purchase Colorproof XF for Epson Stylus Pro printers are enabled to take accuracy and consistency to an entirely new level.”


Availability

EFI Colorproof XF for Epson Stylus Pro printers is sold through certified EFI dealers and distributors worldwide. The solution will be featured at Graph Expo, Sept. 9-12, Chicago’s McCormack Place, in Epson (booth 4429), and Pitman Company (booth 4421) and EFI booth 3000. More information is available at www.efi.com/products/prepress/proofing/colorproof-xf.