LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 7 -- Epson America, Inc. has joined forces with ColorSciences, LLC to market a new enterprise-based, commercial pre-press proofing solution that is designed to revolutionize the way certified proofs are delivered to decision makers such as print buyers, printers, and designers. This Epson PrintCertification solution incorporates commercial printing technology from Epson and a print certification technology from ColorSciences into a unique, time-saving system that virtually eliminates undue delays and expenses that are generally associated with the pre-press approval process. The system uses inkjet printers from the new Epson Stylus Pro(R) line (the Epson Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 or 9800, including the Pro Edition of each of these printers) and the new Epson UltraChrome K3 pigmented inks and proofing media. The Epson Stylus Pro printers serve as remote proofers that can be installed in any office, press facility, design firm, agency, etc., in virtually any location around the world. ColorSciences completes the equation by incorporating its CrossMatch Enterprise solution, the industry's first supply chain, end-to-end process control solution that ensures each remote proofer, regardless of location, produces uniform output with accurate, certified color throughout the entire commercial printing process. Furthermore, the CrossMatch Enterprise solution continuously monitors remote proofers in all locations, measuring color output, identifying any variances and making any necessary adjustments to the Epson Stylus Pro inkjet printer. "This may be the most convenient, time-saving and cost-reducing proofing solution ever developed for the commercial printing industry," said Mark Radogna, group product manager, Epson America. "The fact that all of the parties involved with proof analysis and approval phases of pre-press production can now view certified proofs instantly and from virtually any location worldwide will dramatically speed up the entire workflow, while reducing dependence on courier services, travel, and on-site visits from proofing technicians. We're extremely pleased to be working with ColorSciences on what we believe will become a must-have solution for busy printing professionals who want to save time, money and increase productivity." More About ColorSciences' Enterprise Technology ColorSciences' CrossMatch Enterprise Solution removes the guesswork from the color matching process -- across multiple proofers, standards, RIPs and printing sites. The technology tracks the color consistency of an image file as it moves from file creation to the monitor, to the Epson Stylus Pro printer (remote and contract proofers), to the platesetter, and finally to the press sheet. The enterprise solution provides web-enabled statistical process control capabilities that let the user quickly and easily monitor and maintain color consistency across multiple devices, multiple vendors, and multiple sites -- in real time, all the time. Using spectrophotometry-based color measurement and real-time remote monitoring, diagnostic, and corrective action, the system takes the guesswork out of the color matching process. The user instantly views the status of every device in the system by drilling down to specific projects or sites. ColorSciences technology measures the digital color value in the original file's image area and sends that color value with the image as it passes through the workflow. The software then compares the color at each measurement checkpoint against the color standard and ensures the color is within the agreed tolerances. It closes the color loop by measuring the image area of the press sheet against the digital color value of the original digital file. The benefits of this enterprise solution were recently proven with ColorSciences' customer Cenveo, a leading provider of visual communications in North America. Cenveo is the first multi-site printer to standardize Epson Stylus Pro inkjet printers and media for remote proofing with ColorSciences' process controls. The system centrally monitors approximately 30 of its commercial printing plants, offering the most consistent, highest quality color output-at the most efficient cost. "Epson's decision to co-market with ColorSciences is a great affirmation of our color control supply chain strategy that we began with Cenveo," says Tom Burns, President of ColorSciences, LLC. "Our color process control system optimizes the combined performance of Epson's Stylus Pro inkjet printers, Epson UltraChrome K3 inks and media to help print manufacturers and print customers realize the best color quality and accuracy possible." About Epson Stylus Pro Inkjet Printers for Commercial Proofing The Epson Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 and 9800 are designed to give today's most demanding printing professionals the most accurate and stable color proofs in a matter of minutes. Each of these new printers takes advantage of Epson UltraChrome K3 ink technology, a new eight-color, high-density pigmented ink system designed to increase image quality for both professional color and black and white prints. This technology is used to produce higher degrees of color fidelity and incorporates a new high-gloss Microcrystal Encapsulation(TM) resin chemistry to create prints with greater scratch resistance and reduced gloss differential. The Epson Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 and 9800 can handle virtually any media type, in cut sheets or rolls up to 17", 24" and 44" wide (respectively). Each model has a built-in cutter that automatically trims top and bottom edges of roll media safely and accurately to produce full-bleed images on all four sides. Both cut-sheet and roll media are loaded via the printers' straight-through media path. An optional automatic take-up reel system is also available exclusively on the Epson Stylus Pro 9800 for unattended production of large print runs. Each of these new printers' ink cartridge channels/slots can handle either 110 ml or 220 ml cartridges (or a combination of both sizes) that can even be replaced in the middle of a print job. Printer interfaces include one USB 2.0 port, one IEEE 1394 FireWire(TM) port and one expansion slot for an optional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet card. All three printers are supported by most leading third-party RIPs. Pricing and Availability To obtain the Epson PrintCertification solution, the customer purchases the recommended Epson Stylus Pro printers and third-party RIP solutions, and on a consultative basis, ColorSciences' CrossMatch enterprise solution. Epson's products, the RIP solutions and ColorSciences' consultative solution are sold separately and are now available through authorized professional graphics resellers. The solution works especially well with the Epson Stylus Pro "Pro Edition" printers, which include a PANTONE(R)-licensed, SWOP(R)-certified PostScript(R) Language Level 3(TM) Compatible RIP by ColorBurst(R), and a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet card. The Epson Stylus Pro 4800 "Pro Edition" is shipping through authorized professional graphics resellers with an estimated street price of $2,495. The Epson Stylus Pro 7800 "Pro Edition" and Stylus Pro 9800 "Pro Edition" will begin shipping in Fall 2005 and are respectively priced at $3,995 and $5,995 (estimated street prices), which includes a complimentary stand for each.