Epson Cuts Scanner Prices Up to 25 Percent; Epson Expression 636 Prices Reduced on Executive, Artist and Professional Models

Business Wire, August 4, 1998

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1998--Epson, the creator of high quality, award-winning imaging products, announced up to 25 percent price reductions today on the company's entire line of best-selling Epson Expression 636 color flatbed scanners.

Effective immediately, the estimated street price for the Epson Expression 636 Executive, version 2 model, moves to $599 from $799; the Epson Expression 636 Artist, version 2, moves to $699 from $899; and the Epson Expression 636 Professional, version 2, moves to $1,099 from $1,299. All software bundles remain the same for each model.

"The new prices combined with powerful, targeted software bundles create extraordinary value and provide a highly compelling reason to upgrade or take that first step into scanning," said Robert Ozankan, product manager, high-end scanners, Epson. "We wanted to give every level of computer user a reason to consider the creative versatility that a flatbed scanner delivers."

The Epson Expression 636

The Expression 636 features single pass color CCD scanning with an optical resolution of 600 dpi, 36-bit color and 3.0 dynamic range, recognizing over 68 billion colors. The scanner provides a maximum interpolated 4800 x 4800 dpi for all configurations and supports 12-bit grayscale. The color CCD and Xenon cold cathode light source of the Expression 636 makes the scanner one of the fastest and most accurate available in its category.

All models include Epson's Scanning Utilities (TWAIN). This Epson driver also provides the capability of turning photographic negatives into positive images, when used with the optional transparency adapter. Epson's advanced Auto Area Segmentation (AAS) technology and exclusive Text Enhancement Technology (TET), improve document scanning and OCR accuracy. The Expression 636 is available through retail channels, carries a one-year limited warranty and is supported by the EPSON Connection, a 24-hour, fully automated customer support and technical assistance line.

ColorTrue(tm) Imaging System

Epson's own ColorTrue(tm) Imaging System in combination with LaserSoft's SilverFast driver creates an optimal scanner solution by combining exceptional hardware, a proven and powerful scanner driver, well-rounded high-performance software bundles and robust Epson Engineering -- the expertise of innovative integration. Epson has taken its award-winning scanning technology to a new level with the Expression 636.

For more information on EPSON and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit our website at http://www.epson.com.

About Epson

EPSON offers an extensive array of award winning image capture and image output products under its brand name. For the OEM market, a variety of cutting-edge component and electronic devices are available. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is an affiliate of 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 Torrance, Calif.

Note to Editors: Brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Epson

Rebekah Salgado, 310/782-4026

rebekah_salgado@ea.epson.com

or

Walt & Company

Jill Martin, 408/496-0900

jmartin@walt.com