New Models Combine the High Resolution and DMax of a Dedicated Film Scanner with the Versatility of a Flatbed Scanner to Deliver Outstanding Results

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Jan. 12, 2004 – Epson America Inc.’s newest flatbed scanners offer enhanced productivity and performance for photographers, graphic designers and other professionals by offering a higher DMax for greater dynamic range and a larger transparency unit than its predecessor models.

The EPSON Perfection™ 4990 PHOTO and EPSON Perfection 4990 PRO scanners both have a versatile built-in 8”x10” transparency unit (TPU) with a moving carriage and lamp optimized for film scans for quality rarely seen in a consumer-level scanner. The TPU is almost 50% larger than the predecessor models. It includes film holders that support eight 35mm mounted slides, four 35mm film strips up to 24 frames, three to six medium format frames or two 4” x 5” frames. It also has an 8” x 10” guide for transparencies and proof sheets without film holders, allowing for a larger volume of negative scanning.

Both models deliver high resolution and excellent image quality. They offer a maximum hardware resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi, 48-bit color and up to 4.0 Dmax for true-to-life color accuracy and the ability to capture minute image detail. The Perfection 4990 scanner uses Epson’s unique ColorTrue® II Imaging System, providing customers with a technology that integrates superior hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.

The Perfection 4990 PHOTO and PRO scanners include valuable and time-saving image-editing tools, such as hardware DIGITAL ICE™ advanced image restoration technology from Kodak/ASF. This technology automatically repairs physical defects like scratches, tears, and bends as well as dust from a scanned image from both film and prints for a clean, sharp image. It also includes Epson’s exclusive Easy Photo Fix technology for color restoration and dust removal to automaticallyrestore faded and damaged color photographs, slides or negatives with the simple touch of a button. The combination of these technologies allows graphic artists and photographers to recover photos and film in almost any condition.

“The EPSON Perfection 4990 scanner is the ideal scanner for demanding professionals. It has a resolution and DMax that are comparable to many dedicated film scanners at affordable prices,” said Philip Amato, product manager, image capture products, Epson. “Users will find that these scanners also deliver the image quality of a film scanner with the versatility of a flatbed scanner.”

Both scanner models include a new scan progress indicator, as well as Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectivity. All bundled software is compatible with Macintosh OS X 10.2.x to OS X 10.3.x.

More About DIGITAL ICE Technology
DIGITAL ICE Technology differentiates itself from software-only solutions because it does not soften, blur or otherwise alter any underlying details or composition of the original image. Instead, the patented DIGITAL ICE Technology works from within the scanner, during the scanning process, to provide users with a clear, authentic base image that improves the original image, which saves the customer time and alleviates frustration.

More about EPSON Easy Photo Fix Technology
The Epson Easy Photo Fix technology provides customers with an easy one-touch solution for restoring color to old photographs, negatives and slides, and removing dust from old slides and negatives. Customers simply scan an image and click on a check box for instant color restoration or dust removal. Epson Easy Photo Fix makes this process effortless since it is incorporated into the Epson Scan driver. The software has three different user modes: Full Auto mode, which automatically scans at pre-determined settings for entry-level users; Home mode, which offers some pre-set recommended settings for the advanced amateur; and Professional mode, which is completely manual to give the advanced user more control.

Software Bundle with the Perfection 4990 PHOTO
The Perfection 4990 PHOTO scanner includes an advanced software bundle with Automatic, Home and Professional modes for all user skill levels. The software bundle includes:

• LaserSoft Imaging® SilverFast® SE 6
• Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0
• ABBYY FineReader Sprint OCR
• EPSON Scan with Easy Photo Fix

Software Bundle with the Perfection 4990 PRO
The Perfection 4990 PRO includes a robust software package that makes this scanner the complete digital imaging solution. Included with this model are the following titles:

• LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast Ai 6
• MonacoEZcolor 2.5
• ArcSoft PhotoStudio, ArcSoft PhotoBase and ArcSoft Panorama Maker
• Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0
• ABBYY FineReader Sprint OCR
• EPSON Scan with Easy Photo Fix

Availability and Support
The Perfection 4990 PHOTO and 4990 PRO will be available in early March for estimated street prices of $449 and $599, respectively. Both scanners can be purchased through Epson authorized dealers, consumer electronic stores, mail order, distribution and on the Epson Store Web site (www.epsonstore.com).Carrying a one-year limited warranty, the EPSON Perfection 4990 scanners are supported by the EPSON Connection, a fully-automated customer support and technical assistance line. For more information on Epson and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit the Epson website at www.epson.com.

About Epson America, Inc.
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

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Note: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. EPSON Perfection is a trademark and Epson Connection is a service mark of Epson America, Inc. Third party and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.