SAN FRANCISCO--Jan. 7, 2003-- Epson is once again raising the bar for consumer scanners with the introduction of the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO/3200 PRO. These new scanner models replace the popular EPSON Perfection 2450 PHOTO scanner and offer the resolution one finds in most 35mm slide scanners, making it one of the most versatile scanners in the industry. This new scanner is available in two configurations -- the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO -- and will be available for $399 and $599, respectively.      Both the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO offer maximum hardware resolutions of 3200 x 6400 dpi and 48-bit color depth for remarkable color accuracy and powerful, high-speed scanning. In addition, they boast faster scanning speeds than the predecessor model on all tasks: from negatives, photos and slides to transparencies, graphics and text.      "The EPSON Perfection 3200 scanners provide customers with the most advanced consumer scanner technology available today at an incredibly reasonable price," said Ali Atash, product manager, consumer scanners, Epson. "Not only does the scanner offer outstanding features, but the software bundles that are included with both the PHOTO and the PRO models offer a tremendous value and endless creativity for a variety of customers." With the Perfection 3200's maximum hardware resolution of 3200 x 6400 dpi, 3.4 Dmax and 48-bit scanning, scans look sharp and vivid with true-to-life colors. The EPSON Perfection 3200 utilizes Epson's unique ColorTrue(R) II Imaging System, a technology that integrates superior hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise. The Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO offer customers reliable and intuitive scanning solutions that deliver excellent image quality along with blazing scanning speeds for the ultimate in convenience and efficiency. Both scanner versions include Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectivity.      For increased productivity, both the Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO include a 4" x 9" transparency unit (TPU) for scanning 35mm slides, negatives and 4" x 5" transparencies. It makes the Perfection 3200 models extremely versatile by providing an easy way to make duplicates or enlargements from any original. Additionally, the Perfection 3200 PRO offers both reflective and transmissive IT8 targets for color matching both film and photos. Customers who are seeking a complete solution in color accuracy, will find the Perfection 3200 PRO to be ideal.