The Stylus Pro 7900 'replacement' for the Epson Stylus Pro 7880
and Stylus Pro 9900 'replacement' for the Epson Stylus Pro 9880

A new printer mechanism, 11-colour UltraChrome HDR (High Dynamic Range) ink set plus a raft of new technologies extend Epson’s proofing capabilities into the packaging and flexographic markets.

The Epson SpectroProofer option makes remote proofing a reality.

29 May 2008 – Epson is launching the 24" Stylus Pro 7900 and 44" Stylus Pro 9900, setting a new standard for the professional large format printer market. An improved ink formulation, a new printer mechanism and a raft of new technologies make these two new additions to the Epson Stylus Pro range ideal for production and contract proofing, as well as the highest quality fine-art and photographic applications. They will also enable printers to extend their business into the demanding packaging proofing and flexographic markets. In addition an optional calibration and verification system, the Epson SpectroProofer, means the Stylus Pro 7900 and the Stylus Pro 9900 can be a confidently used for remote proofing.

The new printer mechanism implemented in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 builds on Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP (Thin Film Piezo) print head, introduced with the launch of the Stylus Pro 11880 last year. It delivers perfectly spherical dots with high precision dot placement and can deliver resolutions up to 2880 dpi. Both the number of nozzles and throughput has been doubled in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900, resulting in a maximum speed of up to 40 square metres per hour. At these increased print speeds, the new 10-channel MicroPiezo TFP print head ensures production of the highest image quality.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 utilize a new 5th generation pigment ink, which is key to the quality of print output. Epson UltraChrome HDR (High Dynamic Range) ink is an 11-colour ink set consisting of Pk, Mk, Lk, LLK, C, VM, Y, Lc, VLm, Or and Gr available in 350ml and 700ml cartridges. This high quality ink set expands on Epson’s UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta by adding Orange and Green inks, which significantly increases the range of colours that can be achieved, especially bright green to yellow, and yellow to red. The Orange ink in particular contributes to reducing the graininess in skin tone. Epson UltraChrome HDR pushes the limits of ink chemistry to deliver the widest colour gamut on the market to date on a variety of media. This makes the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 ideal solutions to address the high demand for colour representation in proof production, especially when there is a particular requirement for spot colours.

The new ink technology’s ability to both maximize the colour gamut without sacrificing print quality and deliver smoother gradation is optimized by Epson’s new LUT technology. Through advanced mathematical translation of RGB into 11-colour CMYK, the LUT technology seamlessly integrates hi-fidelity primaries allowing colour constancy under different light conditions, smoother transitions between colours, grain reduction and gamut smoothing.

The optional Epson SpectroProofer tool turns the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 into a reliable, consistent and repeatable proof verification and printer calibration solution, making remote proofing a reality. By using this spectrophotometer solution, the following colour control workflows can be achieved automatically and very precisely: colour calibration, colour certification, a daily colour check, profile creation, spot colour matching, colour shift tracking and target measurement. Furthermore, a colour certification label, like the Fogra wedge, can be printed to support the certification process. The Epson SpectroProofer in-line, off-carriage calibration and verification system is powered by an X-Rite spectrophotometer and controlled by Epson SpectroProofer software or a third party RIP. It is available with or without a UV-cut filter as well as changeable black or white backing.

Other new technologies featured in the Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 include the ability to automatically switch between Photo and Matte Black inks; an integral automatic media rotary knife cutting system; a new spindleless roll holder mechanism; a new automatic paper set/release mechanism and Epson’s new automatic nozzle check technology. In addition, the launch of the two new printers also sees the launch of a new line up of high performance fine art media, as well as backlit media.

Marco van Niekerk, Senior Product Manager, Large Format Printers at Epson Europe says, "The Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 are the latest additions to the Epson professional graphics range. These solutions deliver Epson quality, speed and repeatability to help address the requirements of commercial printers and enable them to broaden their business. The new technologies and features implemented in these two solutions make them ideal for entering new market sectors, such as the flexographic market, and also address the needs of production proofing companies by giving them a professional remote-proofing device which makes remote proofing a true reality."

Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 key features summary:

11-colour Epson UltraChrome HDR ink set, expanding UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta by adding Orange and Green in 11 individual, high capacity 350ml or 700ml cartridges
10-channel Epson MicroPiezo TFP print head for accurate and reliable imaging with the highest image quality
Epson Variable-sized Droplet Technology for optimum speed, ink usage, efficiency and image detail
Optional Epson SpectroProofer technology powered by X-Rite spectrophotometer (ILS20EP)
Auto-switching of Matte and Photo Black inks Press announcement
Epson new LUT technology and super halftone technology for smooth gradations, less graininess and quality greyscale
Epson automatic nozzle check technology
Optimized throughput by use of rolling cutter knife

Two new Epson printers expand the company's offering in the large format market.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 (24-inch) and Stylus Pro 9900 (44-inch)

Epson launches two advanced ten-colour large format printers with optional integrated spectrophotometer that will change the way print professionals use large format printers.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 (24 inch - pictured right) and Stylus Pro 9900 (44 inch) are Epson's first ten colour printers equipped with a revolutionary new pigment ink technology - Epson UltraChrome HDR (High Dynamic Range) ink. This ink set incorporates orange and green to considerably expand the colour gamut and increase digital printing opportunities within the package and remote proofing market segments.

Epson's UltraChrome HDR ink is a high density resin coated pigment ink formulation with three level black ink technology - photo black, light black and light light black - plus cyan, light cyan, vivid magenta, vivid light magenta, yellow, orange, and green. Matte black is also included on-board and can be auto-switched with photo black.

This generation of UltraChrome HDR ink delivers reduced graininess in skin tone areas, smoother tonal gradation from shadows to highlights, excellent short term colour stability and outstanding long term lightfastness, highly accurate colour control with neutral black and white, and high gloss levels on water resistant prints.

Reduced costs are realised through the introduction of two high capacity ink cartridges (350 and 700ml) which contribute to a lower cost per millilitre of ink. These new high capacity ink cartridges also reduce the need to frequently replace cartridges which promotes greater unattended printing.

An Epson business solutions manager, Craig Heckenberg, (pictured) believes that both the Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 are breakthrough technology that will be well received in the Australian market.

"The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and the Epson Stylus Pro 9900 machines will set even higher benchmarks for photographic image quality and colour accuracy," he said.

"These ten-colour large format printers are a completely new design, engineered to offer faster speeds and include the new Epson UltraChrome HDR (High Dynamic Range) ten-colour ink set as well as an optional onboard spectrophotometer."

The Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 have Epson's MicroPiezo TFP(tm) (Thin Film Piezo) print head with 360 nozzles per inch for each of the ten active ink cartridges. Epson's Ink Repelling Coating for the print head and Automatic Ink Detection (AID) system combine to eliminate down time by minimising and detecting nozzle clogging before it becomes problematic, and to eliminate paper waste used during the cleaning process.

Epson's AID technology uses a sensor near the print head that counts the electrical charges on the ink droplets as they are fired. A lower than expected electrical charge means insufficient ink was fired, so the print head cleaning process starts automatically.

In comparison with current 8 colour 24 inch and 44 inch printers, print speed is dramatically increased, with the Stylus Pro 7900 completing an A1 (720x720dpi) sellable quality print on Epson's Premium Glossy Photo Paper in an amazing 5 minutes.

Epson's optional integrated spectrophotometer with mounting device uses the latest X-rite technology to provide automatic colour measurement data to the printer, allowing user profiling and linearisation, enabling professional colour management while at the same time reducing labour costs.

The spectrophotometer works with both Epson colour management software and third party RIPs. For customers using the Epson printer driver, the Epson software performs the complete process from print to measure, automatically, and can calibrate all resolutions at the same time.

Epson's new 16 bit Macintosh printer drivers combine many years of colour expertise with the superior colour range and tonal gradations of the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 and UltraChrome HDR ink. With 16 bit processing more information is preserved as 16 bit traces the original image data with higher frequency than 8 bit processing. As a result, 16 bit images can now be faithfully reproduced from Adobe Photoshop CS3, delivering smoother gradations and greater image detail.

The Stylus Pro 7900 (pictured, right) and Stylus Pro 9900 use Epson's latest colour Look Up Table technology, an advanced algorithm that optimises colour consistency under different light conditions and further reduces image grain giving much smoother colour gradations.

These new high end printers in the Epson large format range will compliment Epson's Stylus Pro 450 and Stylus Pro 880 series, and are perfect for anyone who requires consistently high quality colour prints including pre-press and printing companies, reprographic companies, quick printers, professional photographers, photo labs, fine artists, museums and galleries, and graphic design studios.

Specifications of the Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900:

* Professional media handling up to 24 inch wide (Stylus Pro 7900)
* Professional media handling up to 44 inch wide (Stylus Pro 9900)
* Epson's UltraChrome HDR pigment ink technology
* 11 individual high capacity ink cartridges (available in 350 or 700 ml capacity)
* Automatic switching of photo and matte black inks
* Optional integrated spectrophotometer
* Epson Micro Piezo TFP print head with VSDT
* Automatic Ink Detection Technology
* Epson's advanced image processing technology
* Faster print speeds - up to 36% reduction in print time
* Maximum 2880x1440 dpi print resolution at 3.5 pl droplets
* USB2.0 and ethernet connections standard

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 will be available from selected authorised Epson professional graphics dealers in late spring at prices to be announced.

Epson Integrates X-Rite's In-Line Spectrophotometer into the New Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 Large Format Printers
X-Rite, Incorporated (XRIT), the world leader in colour management, measurement and communication technologies, and Epson, a global leader in imaging products, today announced that they have joined forces to develop the SpectroProofer, an in-line, off-carriage calibration and verification system for Epson’s newly launched Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 large format printers. The new SpectroProofer will be showcased for the first time at Drupa 2008 on the Epson stand (Hall 5, Stand A01).

Powered by X-Rite’s In-Line Spectrophotometer (ILS), the Epson SpectroProofer tool turns the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 into reliable, consistent and repeatable proof verification and printer calibration solutions. The embedded Epson SpectroProofer brings fully automated in-line proofing capabilities to the Epson Stylus Pro range to make remote proofing a reality. By enabling a high level of transparent automation, it significantly reduces workload, operation costs and increases workflow efficiency.

"The new Epson Stylus Pro range with the SpectroProofer calibration and verification system will enable commercial printers to broaden their business by entering new market sectors, such as the packaging proofing and flexographic markets. This winning technology combination will also address the remote proofing needs of production proofing companies by giving them a much needed in-line automated remote proofing solution for their large format printers," comments Marco van Niekerk, senior product manager, large format printers at Epson Europe.

With the Epson SpectroProofer, the following colour control workflows can be achieved automatically and very precisely: colour calibration, colour certification, daily colour checks, profile creation, spot colour matching, colour shift tracking and target measurement. Furthermore, a colour certification label, like the Fogra wedge, can be printed to support the ISO certification process. The SpectroProofer allows initiation of a printer colour calibration test either automatically, at a predefined interval, or at the request of a service technician.

A compact, carriage-mounted in-line spectrophotometer, with completely self-contained optics and electronics, X-Rite’s ILS platform enables seamless non-contact measurements for fast moving media and provides direct feedback for colour calibration/management and control of Epson Stylus Pro colour printers. It quickly sends the calculated colour data to a host RIP such as the Epson SpectroProofer software, via a direct USB interface link, providing on-the-fly calibration and closed loop, accurate colour management of the print process and patented remote control capabilities.

The newly launched Epson 24" Stylus Pro 7900 and 44" Stylus Pro 9900 set new standards for the professional large format printer market. Improved ink formulation, a new printer mechanism and a raft of new technologies make these two new additions to the Epson Stylus Pro range ideal for production and contract proofing, as well as for the highest quality fine-art and photographic applications. They will also enable printers to extend their business into the demanding packaging proofing and flexographic markets.

Epson breakthrough in pigment ink technology features in new large format printer range

The Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 7880 and 9880 feature Epson’s breakthrough pigment ink technology, UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta and improved image processing. They provide an enhanced colour gamut and superior tonal gradation, ideal for the professional in the proofing, photography, fine art and graphics markets.

17 July 2007 – Epson launches three new large format, eight-colour professional production printers. They are the 17" (A2+) Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 24" (A1+) Stylus Pro 7880 and 44" (B0+) Stylus Pro 9880. Each features Epson UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta technology, the latest development in pigment chemistry, which offers a wide colour gamut and unrivalled image quality from an 8-colour inkset.

Epson’s new large format range provides the highest quality output that is required for the fine art, photography and proofing markets. A new Ethernet interface is included as standard and delivers fast, efficient connectivity and data transfer speeds. The improved printhead further enhances image quality and when combined with Epson’s Super Halftone Technology, a new screening algorithm, it delivers sharp detail and accurate colour reproduction.

The Epson large format printer range offers superior media flexibility and is compatible with a wide range of Epson paper up to 1.5mm in thickness. Glossy paper, matte paper, matte board, fine art paper and plain paper are all supported. The Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 7880 and Stylus Pro 9880 include a roll holder and cut sheet support, as standard. The Epson Stylus Pro 4880 also features a paper cassette feed mechanism for high-volume production on cut sheet paper from A4 (Letter) to 17" (A2+) wide. Also new is an enhanced cutting sequence delivering a faster and more productive printing workflow.

The UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta further expands the already wide colour gamut of UltraChrome K3 and is a breakthrough in pigment chemistry. The full inkset includes nine ink cartridges: photo black, matte black, light black, light light black, cyan, light cyan, yellow, vivid magenta and vivid light magenta. The two magenta inks use new high-density pigments that create more vibrant colour, especially blues and magenta, for example those found in seascapes or landscapes.

The UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta, enables superb grey balance and precise colour without any colour cast. It also maintains the superior features of the UltraChrome K3 ink such as great colour accuracy of neutral and dark colours, excellent short-term colour stability and smooth tonal gradation from shadow to light. The issue of metamerism is virtually eliminated with this new inkset. The permanent Epson Micro Piezo printhead also offers unrivalled consistency in each print. Every print will be the same as the first, even if the artwork is printed months apart, making it ideal for studios producing limited edition print runs.

Also included is the Epson Super Halftone technology, a new image processing engine for dot mapping. It enhances the image detail that may be lost in low resolution images. A new mapping algorithm reduces the graininess at both low and high resolution. The end result delivers smooth images with more accurate colour representation.

Epson is also launching MyEpsonprinter.eu. This new online portal allows Epson Stylus Pro owners to retrieve up-to-the-minute technical information and monitor the performance of each printer. The secure website allows users to view print job activity, hardware information and historical data, and tracks key performance indicators such as cost of ownership and cost per print. MyEpsonprinter.eu can also be accessed remotely by service contractors to quickly identify the cause and scope of any queries, which saves time in unnecessary call-out fees.

Epson Stylus Pro series key features summary:

Consistent output with Epson Micro Piezo printhead technology
High-density Epson UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta Ink Technology
Image processing with Epson Super Halftone Screening Technology
Maximum resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi
Individual high-capacity ink cartridges – 110ml or 220ml
Professional media handling at a width of 44", 24" or 17" in roll and cut sheet mode
BorderFree roll printing from 8" up to 44" wide
Print on media up to 1.5 mm thick poster board
Built-in automatic media cutting system
High-performance print engine speeds
Standard USB 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet interface
User-friendly back lit LCD control panel
MyEpson Printer network compatible
Pressurised ink cartridge technology for Stylus Pro 7880 and Stylus Pro 9880
Cassette feed mechanism for Stylus Pro 4880
Optional take-up unit for Stylus Pro 9880
Stylus Pro 9880 (B0+) RRP excluding VAT £4495 – available September 2007
Stylus Pro 7880 (A1+) RRP excluding VAT £2395 – available September 2007
Stylus Pro 4880 (A2+) RRP excluding VAT £1495 – available September 2007

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