EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P Crowned Official Photo Printer of Miss America; Application Underscores Convenience, Growing Use of Digital Photographs

Business Wire, Oct 12, 2000

Business/Entertainment Editors

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2000

Contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2001 will be able to share their memories with family and friends with photographs that will last a lifetime(a), thanks to the only desktop archival ink jet printer, the EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P.

As contestants rehearse production numbers for the telecast, "show their shoes" in the famed Boardwalk Parade, or discuss their pageant platform on stage, Miss America veteran photographer Bruce Boyajian is capturing their activities throughout the 2 weeks leading up to and including the Miss America telecast.

These photos will then be printed on the EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P, which is redefining the photography market by delivering photographic quality digital prints that will last a lifetime, while also giving photographers greater control over their work.

"The Miss America Pageant, which is filled with many memories that contestants and their families will want to preserve, is the ideal event to highlight the value of photographic printing," said Keith Kratzberg, director, photo imaging, Epson.

"This application demonstrates just how widespread digital photo printing has become. With superior photographic output, Epson printers have consistently been the printer of choice for professional photographers as well as consumers printing family photos. We are honored that the Miss America Organization has selected Epson photo quality to remember this premier event."

As the Miss America program strives to remain a reflection of American culture, the program is breaking from its traditional format this year to keep pace with the digital generation. Officials said using the latest digital photo printing technology to help contestants preserve their memories is an important element of the event's high-tech focus this year.

"Digital technology makes it easier for our photographer to have control over his work, as prints can be made quickly and conveniently at the push of a button," said Robert Renneisen, president and CEO of the Miss America Organization.

"With Epson's archival printers, our contestants will have the best photographic quality prints to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with family and friends for generations."

EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P -- Best Combination of Image Quality,

Durability

The EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P features a breakthrough that couples the image quality of Epson's dye-based inks and papers with the longevity of pigment. Using EPSON Archival Ink technology and certain new compatible Epson papers, the EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P produces photographic images that will last up to 200 years(a).

It also uses the company's award-winning Advanced Micro Piezo Technology and durable permanent print head to eliminate misting, provide consistent dot size and shape, and ensure accurate dot placement with 1440 x 720 dpi resolution.

The intuitive coverage of Variable Sized MicroDroplet Technology delivers the widest color range of pigment with continuous tone quality, using tiny pigment particles as small as 0.1 microns for the finest detail and gorgeous highlights.

Designed to address the needs of photographers, the EPSON Stylus Photo 2000P has a large printable area up to 13" x 44". Eliminating left and right margins, the printer also features 4", 8.3" and 13" edge-to-edge printing on both cut-sheet and roll paper.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., 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. has headquarters in Long Beach, Calif.

About Miss America

The Miss America Organization is the single largest provider of scholarship assistance to women in the world, with nearly $40 million made available in 1999 alone.

A not-for-profit corporation based in Atlantic City, it is committed to instilling a spirit of community service and scholarship in young women across the nation through a variety of unique community-based programs. In serving American communities and the nation at large, the Miss America Organization works through a network of more than 300,000 volunteers.

(a) Lightfastness rating is based on accelerated testing of prints on specialty media, displayed indoors, under glass. Actual print stability will vary according to image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints.

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