MAHWAH, N.J., Aug. 13 -- Offering reliability, smooth output and vivid imagery, the AR-C270 color copier/printer was introduced today by Sharp Electronics Corp., making cost-effective in-house color production a reality for medium- to high-volume office environments.  The multi-functional AR-C270 offers copy, print and scan capability, as well as a variety of finishing options at 27-ppm color and 32-ppm black-and-white.  The AR-C270 represents an important step forward for in-house color imaging equipment, delivering crisp, quick images at an affordable price per page. The AR-C270's 27-ppm color copy/print speed is nearly twice as fast as similarly priced competing products.  The AR-C270's offers 600 x 600 x 8 (256 level) resolution for clear, colorful images on a wide variety of paper stock.  The AR-C270's first-time color copy speed is a swift 9.6 seconds, the fastest in the industry.  This model is designed with a 5,100-sheet paper capacity and proven paper-handling characteristics that allow the user to quickly complete more projects during the month.  The duty cycle for this new copier-printer is 50,000 impressions per month and the combination of fast print speed, rich functionality and crisp output makes the AR-C270 the most cost-effective option in its class. "The AR-C270 is versatile, functional and affordable," said Thomas H. Ellson, director of marketing, Network Office Systems Group (NOSG).  "This product's functionality will raise productivity, while its low price-per-page costs will save money.  The AR-C270 is backed by Sharp, the most trusted name in the office equipment industry, as well as our strong national network of dealers.  We are all excited about this product's potential." The feature-rich AR-C270 offers scan-once, print-many technology, stackless automatic duplexing, a reversing automatic document feeder and in-line finishing.  The model offers two EFI controller options, including the standard EFI AR-PE2 controller and the EFI AR-PE2F controller to allow variable data printing.  The AR-C270 also offers a print accounting system to help users track and assign costs to every page, as well as Callisto print management software for low-cost cluster printing and an EFI Velocity Balance server to efficiently manage workflow. The AR-C270 is available through Sharp's authorized network of nationwide dealers, who provide service and support for the full line of Sharp business digital document systems throughout the U.S.  The AR-C270's suggested list price is $24,500. For more information about the complete line of Sharp multifunction printers and digital systems, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277). For online product information, visit Sharp's website at http://www.sharp-usa.com