The Epson PM 290 and PM 260 are two new additions to the PictureMate range of compact photo printers. Both models can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. The Epson PM 290 and PM 260 offer a large 9.1cm LCD colour screen and direct printing from digital camera memory cards, USB DIRECT PRINT and PictBridge. In addition the PM 290 features Bluetooth connectivity as standard and an integrated CD-RW/DVD drive.

Epson Press Release

Print lab-quality photos in 37 seconds with the new Epson PictureMate series

Embargo 20th August 2007– The new Epson PictureMate PM 260 and PictureMate PM 290 are 10x15cm photo printers that produce borderless lab-quality photos in just 37 seconds.  Designed specifically with ease of use in mind, they are ideal for home users seeking a fast and convenient photo printer.  Without the need for a computer, photos are easily viewed and edited from the large 9.1cm LCD colour screen and a new zoom button means close-up sections of the image can be selected and printed.  Epson’s unique printing technologies, including Epson Claria™ Photographic Ink, PhotoEnhance, and Advanced Variable-sized Droplet Technology ensure a premium quality photo every time.  Both models offer direct printing from digital camera memory cards, USB DIRECT PRINT and PictBridge.

To print photos from a Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone or PDA with the Epson PictureMate PM 260 simply use the optional adaptor.  Additional features on the PictureMate PM 290 include Bluetooth® connectivity as standard and an integrated CD-RW/DVD drive, allowing photos to be printed directly from a CD/DVD, or saved from a digital memory card to CD for archiving. 

The large 9.1cm colour LCD screen acts as much more than a photo viewer.  Its user friendly menu provides instant access to a range of editing and printing options, without the need for a computer.  Improve images with the zoom, crop and red-eye removal or choose from colour, black and white or sepia prints. Different photo effects such as clip-art and text are also easily added. Both models also offer a range of flexible layout options. Choose to create an index card for quick identification of photos or to print photos with or without a border. An optional rechargeable battery is available for allowing photos to be printed and shared anytime, anywhere. 

Epson Claria Photographic Ink delivers superior quality glossy prints of the highest levels of durability.  It offers 200 years of durability and archivability in album storage, so family photos can be preserved and shared for generations to come. For added convenience the Claria Photographic Ink is available in an Epson PicturePack, a convenient solution that also includes paper, therefore providing everything required to print premium quality photos.  The PicturePacks are available in 50 or 150 sheet packs. 

Both models incorporate Epson’s Advanced Variable-sized Droplet Technology with five different droplet sizes.  The smallest droplet of 2pl is used for detailed areas to create smooth and subtle gradations, while the larger droplets are used where there are blocks of colour and less detail.  The result is high-quality, high-speed printing.

They also feature Epson PhotoEnhance for users who want optimum image quality without the need for manual photo manipulation.  It automatically detects skin tones, landscapes and skylines to give the best colour settings for high-quality photos.

Coll Kretz, European Product Manager, Epson Europe, says, “Just when we thought that home photo printing couldn’t get any better, Epson develops two new choices for customers who are seeking speed, quality and ease of use in a small format photo printer.  With an innovative zoom function, red-eye removal and fast printing speeds, the PictureMate PM 290 and PM 260 ensure photo printing at home is easier than it has ever been.  To achieve a lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds without even switching on a computer isn’t a prediction for the future, but a reality of the new Epson PictureMate series”

Epson PictureMate PM 290 and PictureMate PM 260 key features summary:
• Portable, lightweight and contemporary design for the home environment
• Use without computer – print directly from a digital camera memory card, Pictbridge digital camera or USB DIRECT PRINT
• Easy to use, view and edit photos on the 9.1cm colour LCD colour screen
• Fast printing speeds with Advanced Variable-sized Droplet Technology - print a borderless 10x15cm photo at lab-quality in just 37 seconds
• Achieve high gloss lab-quality photos with Epson Claria Photographic Ink
• Improve photos with Epson PhotoEnhance technology
• Convenient printing with Epson PicturePack for 150 or 50 photos
• Choose photo effects, such as black and white, sepia, clip art, and red-eye reduction
• Achieve vivid, lifelike images with 5760x1440 dpi resolution
• ENERGY STAR compliant to reduce energy wastage
• PictureMate PM 260 and PictureMate PM 290, available September 2007
• For pricing information please contact your local Epson representative

Epson PictureMate PM 290 additional features summary:
• CD-RW/DVD drive to view photos from disc or save them to CD
• Print direct from mobile phone via Bluetooth®

Epson PictureMate options:
• Print anywhere with the Epson PictureMate battery pack
• Bluetooth adaptor, simply insert via the USB connection (for PictureMate PM 260)

About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.

Epson is a network of 87,626 employees in 117 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1416 billion yen in fiscal 2006.

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