Sharp Unveils 25 Page-Per-Minute Color Digital Copier/Printer

Business Wire, August 29, 2000

Business Editors

Seybold Publishing 2000

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2000

Sharp's AR-C250 IMAGER (TM) Delivers Speed, Quality

And Affordability in a Complete Color Solution

Today at Seybold, Sharp Document & Network Systems of America (SDNA) demonstrated for the first time the AR-C250 Digital Color IMAGER copier/printer.

Building on the success of Sharp's first AR-C150 color IMAGER, the 25 page-per-minute AR-C250 is the fastest, most economical 600-dpi digital color copier/printer in the mid-volume market, providing an ideal solution for the graphic arts and print-for-pay industries.

"The AR-C250 demonstrates Sharp's commitment to the color market," said Steve Robinson, vice president of product planning and marketing, Sharp Document & Network Systems of America. "Its combination of functionality, reliability and affordability will raise the bar for digital color solutions."

Cutting-Edge Technology

The AR-C250 features a fast first color copy out time of only 10.2 seconds and is compatible with paper sizes of 8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17 and 12 x 18, making it ideal for the production of almost any color document.

The AR-C250 comes with several cutting-edge features to provide a complete color solution. A Color Image Stabilization System (CISS) offers an intuitive, self-adjusting system for color process and control. Sharp Intelligent Image Segmentation (SIIS) is a high-speed image processing technique designed to keep character images crisp and halftone images smooth within the same document. The 3D Neural-Net Color Processing adjusts the machine, providing the correct colors time after time. High-Definition Imaging renders extreme clarity and crispness at 600 x 600 x 8-bit resolution. A Stackless Duplex feature ensures faster, cleaner reproduction of two-sided documents in a one-step process. Sharp's Color Engine Technology provides clean, flawless, full-bleed copying or printing on transparencies and 110 lb. index stock.

The AR-C250 also comes complete with an extensive array of editing features, allowing users to create the documents they want in a minimal number of steps. These features include positive/negative reversal, cover insertion, transparency interleaf, copy auditing (up to 400 accounts), auditor interface, mirror imaging, brightness/intensity/ contrast control and multi-page enlargement.

The AR-C250's features are accessible via a color-coded LCD touch panel control screen that allows users to touch icons to select color settings and set finishing options. This graphical interface provides a global view of the machine and its image-editing features.

Increased Productivity

The AR-C250 has several features that increase the overall productivity of the machine. Sharp's Scan-Once-Print-Many (SOPM) technology allows copies to be made from a single scan, reducing the number of moving parts and the noises and maintainance associated with them. A job memory recall function allows up to nine job settings to be recalled at any time. Other productivity enhancing features include a finisher sorter/stapler option, 11 x 17 full-bleed output, 110 lb. index copy, and a 5,050-sheet maximum paper capacity, including three 500-sheet automatic feed trays and a 50-sheet bypass automatic feeder standard. An additional 500-sheet drawer and a 3,000-sheet large capacity tray are optional.

Enhanced X4(R) Fiery Print Controller

The AR-C250 is compatible with Electronics For Imaging, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: EFII) Fiery X4 Print Controller (AR-PE1). The AR-PE1 allows users to benefit from seamless network connectivity and excellent out-of-the-box color quality. Its intuitive interface, seamless networkability and straightforward color management make it effortless for corporate users to produce brilliant color.

With an Intel 433MHz processor and enhanced, proprietary hardware and software from EFI, the AR-PE1 is up to three times faster than its predecessors. The AR-PE1 comes standard with 192MB of SDRAM, an 8.4GB hard drive and both a CD-ROM and ZIP drive, as well as several software utilities including applications including Variable Data Printing (FreeForm(TM)) as standard to enhance job management and ease of use.

Pricing and Availability

Fully configured, the AR-C250 measures 55 5/8" (W) x 27 3/8" (D) x 41 3/4" (H) and weighs approximately 335 lbs. It is available now through Sharp's nationwide network of dealers at a suggested list price of $31,950. The EFI Fiery X4 Print Controller and Interface kit is available now for a suggested list price of $13,995. The optional AR-RF1 reversing auto-doc feed has a suggested list price of $1,350. The optional AR-FN4 single tray finisher has a suggested list price of $2,250. The optional AR-DU2 duplex module has a suggested list price of $1,155. The optional AR-CS2 500-sheet cassette has a suggested list price of $378. The optional AR-LC2 large capacity cassette has a suggested list price of $1,365. The optional AR-SS2 20-bin sorter/stapler has a suggested list price of $3,360.

For more information on Sharp's full line of advanced digital document systems, contact Sharp Document & Network Systems of America, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 1-888-GO-SHARP (1-888-467-4277). For on-line information, visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharp-usa.com.