CHICAGO--Oct. 11, 2004--Xerox Corporation today introduced a color wide-format inkjet printing system that is up to two-and-a-half times faster than the closest competitive products in its class, yet it is easier and less expensive to operate. The new Xerox 8160 Wide Format Color Printer prints widths of up to 60 inches to create banners, posters and other large documents. While other systems can produce high-speed proofs, the Xerox 8160 is faster in the speed setting required for final, saleable-quality prints - printing at 150 square feet per hour. The closest comparable system operates at 60 square feet per hour. In addition to the 8160 printer, the company introduced the Xerox 8142 Wide Format Color Printer, which prints at widths of 42 inches. Both models offer an industry benchmark total cost of ownership that is up to 14 percent less than the competition. Unlike other offerings, the Xerox models are offered as complete systems with a choice of three RIPs - software that processes files for printing. Other vendors require customers to buy the software RIPs separately. In addition, Xerox has designed and pre-qualified a complete range of Xerox papers and specialty media products to help print professionals produce quality color output from the 8160 and 8142 printers from the first day of installation, a rarity in the industry. With other vendors' systems, a limited set of paper and media supplies is available and usually not verified by the printer vendor. The Xerox products reduce time and expense by offering a completely integrated system. "Our goal was to introduce a superior color wide-format solution. We have done that and more," said Mark Waxenberg, vice president and general manager, Xerox Production Systems Group. "With these new printers, Xerox has expanded its wide-format portfolio to better meet the needs of customers in the graphic communications market." Over the past year, Xerox has also introduced four black-and-white wide-format printers: the Xerox 721, 510, 6030 and 6050, which are designed for printing architectural and construction plans and engineering renderings. The new Xerox color wide-format printers can handle a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, such as posters, signs, banners and point-of-purchase and backlit displays. Both systems are targeted to graphic communications businesses, such as quick print shops and corporate reprographics centers, where outstanding image quality, fast printing speeds and application flexibility are critical. Two types of six-color inks are available: dye for indoor use and pigment that lasts several months for outdoor use. The Xerox systems permit these inks to be changed quickly and easily by shop operations staff, unlike competitive systems that either require qualified service representatives to change inks or don't permit it at all. A number of innovations in the new Xerox systems boost productivity. A rapid evaporation drying system accelerates drying time to deliver final prints up to four times faster than do the current systems from leading competitors. The rapid drying is also combined with an output take-up roll that wraps the final prints to enable long, unattended print runs. In addition, because ink bottles are easier to swap out than on competitive systems, operators can easily install a full ink bottle for printing overnight or performing other long print runs. Price and Availability The Xerox 8160 and 8142 Wide Format Color Printers and associated Xerox supplies will be available mid-fourth quarter from Xerox's direct sales force, selected dealers and distributors who sell wide-format products. The products will be sold in North America, Europe and Latin America. Manufacturer's suggested pricing for the 8160 is $16,995 and for the 8142 it is $11,995. Pricing for the software RIPs is separate and may vary upon customer requirements.