Epson Starts the Year Off with the Ultimate New Year's Resolution

Epson just unveiled its new Expression 1680, the highest resolution, fastest graphics scanner in its class. Utilizing Epson's MatrixCCD and Micro Step Drive technologies, the Expression 1680 achieves 1600 x 3200 dpi true hardware resolution. This precision coupled with high performance and blazing fast scanning speeds make the Expression 1680 an excellent tool for graphics arts, photography and pre-press professionals.
The Expression 1680 is similar to its predecessor, the award-winning Expression 1600, but offers the addition of an increase in dynamic range to 3.6 Dmax, a higher color bit depth of 48-bit and the inclusion (on three models) of LaserSoft SilverFast Ai 5, an advanced scanning software program. Available in four cross-platform software configurations, Special Edition, Artist, Professional (Pro) and Professional FireWire (Pro FireWire) models, the Expression 1680 is well suited for a variety of customers. "The Expression 1680 sets a new standard in image quality and performance as Epson's first scanner to feature the incredible combination of 1600 x 3200 dpi optical resolution, 48-bit color and 3.6 Dmax," said Robert Ozankan, product manager, graphic arts/corporate scanners, Epson. "With its attractive price, FireWire connectivity and extraordinary results, this scanner is the ideal choice for busy graphics professionals as well as photographers who want a no-compromise solution."

About the Expression 1680
The Expression 1680 features Epson's built-in ColorTrue II Imaging System - the custom engineered integration of superior hardware, optics, and image processing. Utilizing the ColorTrue II Imaging System, the Expression 1680 produces scans with amazing detail, color accuracy, and performance. The Expression 1680 includes a 1600 dpi CCD sensor and is able to achieve a true hardware resolution of 1600 x 3200 dpi with Epson's Micro Step Drive technology. This technology features a precision stepper motor that enables the Expression 1680 to scan by "half stepping" in the vertical direction, thereby doubling resolution to achieve 3200 dpi. To provide excellent color accuracy, the Expression 1680 offers 48-bit color depth both internally and externally. The Expression 1680 has a high dynamic range with a Dmax of 3.6 to capture greater detail in highlight and shadow areas for such uses as scanning positive or negative film and slides. With the Expression 1680's unique Dual-Focus Mechanism, the focal distance can be changed to 2.5 mm above the glass scan bed. This eliminates light refraction and avoids the "Newton Ring" problem common in less sophisticated scanners.

The Expression 1680 is also able to produce scans at incredibly fast speeds. The scanner can create a full color preview in ten seconds, scan an 8.5" x 11" color photo in under 23 seconds when scanning at 300 dpi and scan a 35mm slide at 1600 dpi in under 65 seconds. Additionally, the Expression 1680 uses a Xenon cold cathode fluorescent lamp to provide a high intensity light source. By utilizing this type of light source, the scanner is instantly ready to scan without warm-up time and meets the EPA's Energy Star scanner compliance criteria because of its energy efficiency. When the scanner isn't in use, the lamp automatically turns off, which significantly reduces energy consumption.

Special Edition Model
The Expression 1680 Special Edition model is ideal for software developers, VARs and system integrators and includes the Epson TWAIN Pro scanner driver, Epson TWAIN Pro for Networks driver and EPSON Scan Server only. Artist, Pro and Pro FireWire Models The Artist, Pro and Pro FireWire models contain a robust suite of software including; LaserSoft SilverFast Ai 5, a high-end scanning and imaging software; MonacoEZcolor, a color management utility designed to help calibrate the scanner, monitor and printer properly and easily; dobe Photoshop LE for image editing; NewSoft Presto! PageManager for document management; and ScanSoft Textbridge Pro OCR. To maximize the usability for graphics professionals, photographers and pre-press customers, the Pro model also comes with a transparency unit in the box. For the ultimate graphic arts solution, the Pro FireWire model includes a FireWire card installed in the scanner along with a transparency unit.

LaserSoft SilverFast Ai 5
The Expression 1680 Artist, Pro and Pro FireWire models all include the powerful scanning application, LaserSoft SilverFast Ai 5. This software can be installed as a Photoshop plug-in or TWAIN module and provides an easy-to-use interface offering many image adjustment options in the prescan mode. SilverFast 5 offers real time processing to allow all image manipulations to be controlled by a slider control. This unique control updates the image in real time as the user drags the mouse, which offers advantages in color processing, tonal values and gradation correction. In addition, SilverFast 5 contains a host of other innovative features that increase productivity, such as the ability to perform professional sharpening, descreening, color cast removal, multi-sampling to enhance dynamic range, selective color correction to the scan frame and permanent Softproof CMYK color simulation for individual viewing of each of the channels. SilverFast supports ICC profiles via ColorSync in the Mac OS, and ICM 2.0 under Windows 98, 2000 and ME. The LaserSoft IT-8 Target Calibration Kit, which includes both reflective and transparency targets, is bundled with the Pro and Pro FireWire models.

Hardware Options
Three hardware options are available for the Expression 1680 to increase flexibility and productivity. The IEEE-1394 (FireWire) scanner interface card, included on the Pro FireWire Model, is available separately for $299. An automatic document feeder (ADF) capable of scanning multiple pages and legal size documents is available for $499. A transparency unit, which is included with the Pro and Pro FireWire models, can also be purchased separately for $299.

Pricing and Availability
All configurations of the Expression 1680 will be available in February for street prices of $799 for the Special Edition model, $899 for the Artist model, $1149 for the Pro model and $1399 for the Pro FireWire model. All Expression 1680 models can be purchased through Epson authorized dealers, mail order, resellers, computer superstores and on the Epson retail Web site (www.epsonstore.com). The Expression 1680 is supported by the Epson ConnectionSM, a toll-free fully automated technical support and assistance line. The scanner also carries a one year limited warranty. For more information about Epson and its products, please call 1-800-GO-EPSON or visit the company's website at www.epson.com.

Source: Epson