MAHWAH, NJ AND FOSTER CITY, CA -Oct 16, 2001-- Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC) and Electronics For Imaging Inc., the world leader in enabling networked printing solutions have introduced the AR-C160 Color IMAGER(TM) with EFI's powerful Fiery(R) X3e controller. Shown at the Seybold show in San Francisco, this efficient and versatile multi-function color product is designed for general office and business environments that increasingly requires onsite color production for quick, high quality document turnaround. To meet the growing demands of businesses expanding their use of color, the AR-C160 can capture a monthly volume of up to 30,000 copies. Citing color's "idea retention power" and ability to strengthen internal communication, Sharp is positioning the AR-C160 as an in-house color business tool. Among its attributes are reduced turnaround time and tremendous cost-savings alternative to outsourced printing solutions in digital photography, file security, and variable image printing. "The AR-C160 Color IMAGER captures Sharp's ability to satisfy the expanding color requirements of our customers," said Michael Pietrunti, vice president, Network Office Solutions Group (NOSG), Sharp Electronics Corporation. "Color's visual strength and more professional appearance increasingly help our customers better connect to their clients through eye-catching communication - by helping them understand data more clearly and by bringing ideas to action faster." Integrated into Sharp's AR-C160 is the embedded Fiery X3e(TM) controller from EFI(R). This powerful controller boasts state-of-the art EFI built-in architecture, an interface for high speed data transmission and gives AR-C160 users access to workflow management utilities such as Fiery WebTools(TM), Fiery Scan(TM) and Fiery Command WorkStation(TM) - which allows for advanced control of a print job either locally or remotely. "We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Sharp to provide versatile printing solutions for the business market," said Frank Mallozzi, VP of World Wide Sales for EFI. "The AR-C160 with our X3e controller is a powerful product meeting real business needs for high quality, affordable color printing." Sharp Electronics has successfully provided businesses with color solutions since 1999. According to Gartner/Dataquest, Sharp's aggressive inroads in the color business resulted in U.S. growth of 309 percent during the year 2000. Key Features Boasting one of the highest print resolutions in the industry, the AR-C160 Color IMAGER generates superior quality documents at 600 x 600 x 8 Bit DPI resolution using Sharp's Image Segmentation Technology (IST). Sharp's Image Stabilization System (SISS) reduces service calls and maintains image quality standards automatically. The AR-C160 produces the fastest first copy out time in the industry at 9.8 seconds, and produces copies or prints at speeds of 16 PPM full color and 32 PPM black & white. With a maximum paper capacity of 5,050 sheets, the AR-C160 comes standard with three 500-sheet paper trays, optional 3,000-sheet large capacity tray, optional 500-sheet tray and optional sorter-stapler or finisher. In addition, two-sided copying is available with an efficient stackless duplexing option. Other highlights include 400 copy user access codes, optional confidential/secure (PIN) printing capability and document tracking/management. Connectivity its embedded EFI Fiery print controller, the AR-C160 Color IMAGER seamlessly upgrades from a powerful standalone copier to a superior, networkable document printer, ideal for environments ranging from large workgroups to small offices.