Epson Goes Wide With New Printer

LONG BEACH, CALIF. — Epson updated its 13-inch photo printer for advanced users last week.

The new R1900, which replaces the R1800, features an improved Gloss Optimizer and new red and orange ink cartridges. It also marks the debut of Epson's "Radiance Technology" — a mathematical architecture built into Epson's printer software to optimize ink mixing. It was co-developed with the Rochester Institute of Technology.

According to Epson, the R1900 clocks in at 35 percent faster than its predecessor and can produce an 11-inch by 14-inch print in 1 minute, 46 seconds. In addition to fine art and photographic papers, the printer can accept inkjet printable optical media. It features two USB ports, and a new ink-repellent coating on the print heads, which Epson said prolongs the life of the unit.

The print heads are calibrated during manufacturing, eliminating the need to calibrate the machine after purchase, the company said.

The printer ships first quarter.