Singapore, 7 November 2007 -  Epson, a world leader in digital imaging, announced the launch of the EPSON Stylus™ Photo RX690 inkjet photo multifunction printer (MFP).  As the Epson's flagship consumer photo MFP, it is capable of printing, scanning and copying, it is also configured with Epson's new Realoid printer engine chip. 

With DSLR and high mega pixel count digital cameras becoming more popular, average image file sizes have also grown tremendously.  The Realoid chip enables ultra fast image processing by dramatically reducing waiting time between streaming data from your memory card and, or PictBridge-enabled devices, to the commencement of print jobs. 

Cut down waiting time and boost work productivity
The EPSON Stylus™ Photo RX690 powers through print, scan and copy tasks effortlessly.  The new MFP calls the shots with highly impressive A4 print and copy speeds of up to 40 pages per minute for both black text and colour documents.  Photo buffs will also surely be thrilled that draft 4R photo prints can be printed in as little as 12 seconds. 

Although designed as a personal photo lab, the EPSON Stylus™ Photo RX690 also comfortably doubles up as a home office multifunction printer with its complete paper handling capabilities.  For maximum work productivity, the MFP features dual paper trays for a combined paper holding capacity of up to 300 (150 for front feed and 150 for rear feed) A4 sheets.  When double-sided printing matters, users also have the option of an auto-duplexer. 
 
The user friendly scan function is also fun to use!  Simply scan any image and print directly onto any printable optical discs to create your own personalised collection of CD/DVDs - all without a PC!  With the festive season almost upon us, turn any picture into greeting cards with the Photo Specialty option.

Works without a PC
The MFP comes with a host of PC-less connectivity options.  Users can choose between connecting PictBridge-enabled devices, a full variety of memory card options and USB Direct Print.  Wireless printing is available in the form of optional Bluetooth.

Located in the middle of the front panel, crisp images greet users in the form of a striking 2.5" tiltable LCD screen.  The screen offers useful preview and automatic photo enhancement functions without a PC.  There are also two sets of intuitive control buttons for easy access to your stored images and to the most common print, scan and copy functions. 

Performance unlimited
For photography enthusiasts, superb print quality is a critical part of the entire digital photography experience.  The advanced formulation of the EPSON Claria™ Photographic Inks offers the 'high definition' standard in photo prints with durability of up to 200 years (in dark album storage conditions).  Using a six colour ink configuration, the inks promise vibrant colours, accurate reproduction and strong gloss for a photo lab finish.  The six INKdividual™ cartridge system, also means cost effective printing, as users only need to replace depleted cartridges.

At the core of the EPSON Stylus™ Photo RX690 lie the twin drivers - the Micro Piezo* print head and Advanced Variable Sized Droplet Technology (VSDT), which control both speed and quality in printing.  The award-winning Micro Piezo is an extremely reliable print head, which ensures consistency during prolonged printing, while the Advanced VSDT intelligently manages ink droplet sizes and resolutions up to 5760 dots per inch.

Software for that professional touch
To help photographers achieve their best, Epson's bundled EPSON PhotoEnhance™ software aids like a photo expert.  The software is designed to automatically correct common digital photo flaws such as colour balance to ensure the perfect print.  Also new, the EPSON PortraitEnhance detects and improves face definition and skin radiance for natural looking portraits.  

For the premium combination of top quality prints and performance, the new feature-rich EPSON Stylus™ Photo RX690 is the ideal partner for photo enthusiasts.  Priced at S$398, and the optional duplexer is priced at S$40, the printer is available from 9 November 2007.

Note:
*The Micro-Piezo system is a proprietary print head technology designed and developed by Seiko Epson Corporation.  The prestigious Perkin Medal was conferred to its inventor, Mr Minoru Usui, for leading the research to developing the unique print head for commercial ink-jet printers.  The Perkin Medal was instituted in 1907 and is the most prestigious SDC (Society of Dyers and Colourists) medal.  It is awarded in exceptional circumstances for discoveries or other work of outstanding importance in relation to the tinctorial and allied industries.

Epson is the registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.  All other product names and other company names used herein are for identification purposes only and are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.