NEW YORK-July 18, 2001--Epson America Inc. is once again addressing the ever-changing needs of its customers with today's introduction of the new EPSON Perfection(TM) scanner line. The EPSON Perfection 2450 PHOTO, the EPSON Perfection 1650 series and the EPSON Perfection 1250 series are making their first appearance this week at Macworld Expo in New York. With five new flatbed offerings in all, a scanning solution is available for customers ranging from home and school users to graphic artists and advanced amateur photographers.     For the first time, Epson is offering 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution with its flagship consumer scanner, the EPSON Perfection 2450 PHOTO, using Epson's advanced Micro Step Drive(TM) technology, delivering incredible image quality and sharp, vivid results. This high-performance scanner also has USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394 (FireWire) connectivity for scanning at lightning fast speeds.     "The new line of EPSON Perfection scanners provide the most advanced consumer scanner technology available today with incredible resolution, increased bit depth and IEEE-1394 (FireWire) connectivity on our flagship consumer model," said Ali Atash, product manager, consumer scanners, Epson. "Our entire line of Perfection scanners delivers flexibility, ease of use and exceptional results at affordable prices."     The EPSON Perfection 2450 PHOTO -- Affordable Solution for Professional Quality Scans     The EPSON Perfection 2450 offers photographic image quality with 3.4 Dmax, 48-bit color-depth and an impressive 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution using Epson's Micro Step Drive(TM) technology. This exclusive technology features an extremely precise stepper motor, onboard memory and intelligent image processing for the highest sub-scan resolution in its class. By using a method known as "half stepping," the scanner is able to capture exceptional image detail by scanning at an amazing 4800 dpi. For increased productivity, the scanner also is conveniently equipped with a built-in 4" x 9" transparency adapter for scanning slides, transparencies and negatives. The Perfection 2450 is ideal for home photography enthusiasts, digital photographers and graphic artists with its advanced features and high-speed scanning capabilities. With a price tag under $400, the Perfection 2450 is an affordable alternative to the more expensive, higher-end scanners for scanning everything from35mm film strips to 4" x 5" transparencies.     Additionally, the scanner is loaded with outstanding features and innovative technology, such as Epson's new Micro-Lens technology. This technology is built into the CCD and enables the scanner to capture more light into the center of the CCD, which results in better scans. It also has an integrated A/D converter on the CCD chip to minimize electrical noise and improve the overall signal to noise ratio for better image quality. Another technology that is featured in this scanner is Epson's ColorTrue (R)II Imaging System, which provides vivid, true-to-life colors with every scan. This technology, which is featured on all of the Perfection models, integrates superior hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.     The EPSON Perfection 2450 scanner includes a full-featured software bundle that includes the following titles: LaserSoft(R) SilverFast(R) SE, Adobe(R) PhotoShop(R) Elements, EPSON Smart Panel(TM) and EPSON TWAIN Scanning Software.     With both USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394 (FireWire) connectivity, the Perfection 2450 PHOTO can be set up quickly and simply on both Windows and Macintosh systems. The scanner will be available in early October for an estimated street price of $399 and can be purchased through Epson authorized dealers, consumer electronic stores, mail order, distribution and on the Epson Store Web site     The EPSON Perfection 1650 Series -- Power and Performance in a Sleek Package     The Perfection 1650 scanner models are perfect for home or office environments with their stylish design and impressive features. There are two different models available: the Perfection 1650 and the Perfection 1650 PHOTO. Both models provide an impressive resolution of 1600 x 3200 dpi, 48-bit scanning and a convenient four-button interface with start, scan to web, scan to e-mail, and photo scanning buttons. They are ideal for scanning photos, text or graphics and include several popular software titles and OCR capabilities for specialized projects. The Perfection 1650 PHOTO unit includes two additional items that are not included with the standard model -- a built-in 35mm filmstrip adapter for added versatility as well as Adobe Photoshop Elements. An optional 4"x 5" transparency unit is available for $99.      Included with the Perfection 1650 models are versatile selections of software titles that make scanning a snap. The following titles are featured on these scanners: ArcSoft(R) PhotoImpression(TM), EPSON Smart Panel(TM) with NewSoft(TM) OCR, EPSON TWAIN Scanning Software and Adobe Photoshop Elements.      Both models are USB compatible for plug and play connectivity with Windows and Macintosh systems. The Perfection 1650 and 1650 PHOTO will be available in early September for estimated street prices of $199 and $249, respectively. These models can be purchased through Epson authorized dealers, consumer electronic stores, mail order, distribution and on the Epson Store Web site (www.epsonstore.com).     EPSON Perfection 1250 Series -- Scanning Made Easy for Home Users     The EPSON Perfection 1250 scanners offer 1200 x 2400 dpi hardware resolution, 48-bit color depth and simple one-touch scanning for $129. The Perfection 1250 models are the best choice for first time scanner customers or home scanner users with their no-compromise quality and simplified ease of use. The Perfection 1250 models offer the same fully automatic four-button scanning that is featured on the Perfection 1650 models and is quick and easy to set up. The Perfection 1250 PHOTO model includes a 35mm slide adapter unit for scanning negatives and slides.     Several software titles have been included with the Perfection 1250 models that provide more creative possibilities for customers. These titles are: ArcSoft PhotoImpression, EPSON Smart Panel with NewSoft OCR and EPSON TWAIN Scanning software.     The Perfection 1250 and 1250 PHOTO scanners will be available in early September for estimated street prices of $129 and $149, respectively. Both models can be purchased through mail order, distribution and on the Epson Store Web site (www.epsonstore.com).     EPSON Smart Panel Software     All of the Perfection scanners include EPSON Smart Panel Software, a unique program that fully integrates all functions of the scanner into one convenient creative center. This intuitive software provides customers with the ability to initiate scanner functions with a simple click. Smart Panel provides an icon for each of the following applications: Copy Utility for making multiple copies of text and photos; Photo Print for easily enlarging and printing photos, negatives and slides; Scan to Web to automatically scan images to the EPSON PhotoCenter Web site; Scan to File for easily organizing images and documents; Scan to E-mail for attaching photos to e-mails; Scan to OCR for converting documents to editable text files; Scan to Creativity for the creation of greeting cards, calendars and other creative applications; and Scan to Application to directly scan to a favorite application.     Customer Support     Carrying a one-year limited warranty, the EPSON Perfection line of scanners are supported by the EPSON Connection, a fully-automated customer support and technical assistance line. For more information on Epson and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit the Epson Web site at www.epson.com.