by David Nagel
Executive
Producer
dnagel@digitalmedianet.com
Epson today announced the
new Epson Expression 1680 scanner, a 48-bit color scanner that offers a resolution
of 3,200 x 1,600 DPI. The Expression 1680 is similar to its predecessor, the Expression
1600, but offers the addition of an increase in dynamic range to 3.6 Dmax, a higher
color bit depth of 48-bit and the inclusion (on three models) of LaserSoft SilverFast
Ai 5 scanning software.
Available in four cross-platform
software configurations—Special Edition, Artist, Professional (Pro) and Professional
FireWire (Pro FireWire) models—the Expression 168 features Epson's built-in
ColorTrue II Imaging System. The Expression 1680 includes a 1,600 DPI CCD sensor
and is able to achieve a true hardware resolution of 1,600 x 3,200 DPI with Epson's
Micro Step Drive technology. This technology features a precision stepper motor
that enables the Expression 1680 to scan by "half stepping" in the vertical direction,
thereby doubling resolution to achieve 3,200 DPI.
The Expression 1680 uses
a Xenon cold cathode fluorescent lamp to provide a high-intensity light source.
By utilizing this type of light source, the scanner is instantly ready to scan
without warm-up time. When the scanner isn't in use, the lamp automatically turns
off.
The Expression 1680 Special
Edition model is designed for software developers, VARs and system integrators
and includes the Epson TWAIN Pro scanner driver, Epson TWAIN Pro for Networks
driver and Epson Scan Server only.
The Artist, Pro and Pro
FireWire models contain a suite of software that includes LaserSoft SilverFast
Ai 5 scanning and imaging software; MonacoEZcolor, a color-management utility
designed to help calibrate the scanner, monitor and printer properly and easily;
Adobe Photoshop LE for image editing; NewSoft Presto! PageManager for document
management; and ScanSoft Textbridge Pro OCR. The Pro model also comes with a transparency
unit in the box.
For the ultimate graphic
arts solution, the Pro FireWire model includes a FireWire card installed in the
scanner along with a transparency unit. The FireWire scanner interface card, included
on the Pro FireWire Model, is available separately for $299. An automatic document
feeder (ADF) capable of scanning multiple pages and legal size documents is available
for $499. A transparency unit, which is included with the Pro and Pro FireWire
models, can also be purchased separately for $299.
All configurations of the
Expression 1680 will be available in February for street prices of $799 for the
Special Edition model, $899 for the Artist model, $1149 for the Pro model and
$1,399 for the Pro FireWire model. For
more information, visit http://www.epson.com.
