Epson Photoshop plug-in speed batch and multi printing

Epson has today launched an innovative new print plug-in for the Adobe Photoshop family of products that provides users with enhanced functionality and flexibility, making colour-managed printing quicker and easier. Engineered specifically for the popular Adobe Photoshop CS and Elements products, Epson designed the software to meet the needs of the users of its Stylus Pro 3800 and its A3+ printers, including the new Epson Stylus Photo R2880.

Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager at Epson UK commented: “The new Epson plug-in provides an invaluable tool for the keen photographer, allowing them to increase their efficiency when printing a wide variety of projects.

“As an independent resource, the Epson Print Plug-In allows users to switch easily between its interface and Photoshop. This allows them to add images to the multi-image print easily and keep temporary images for reprint even if the plug-in window is closed. For many users, this functionality is highly valuable and could significantly enhance productivity.”

The Epson interface splits the printing workflow into three steps; image selection, layout selection/definition and printer settings and previewing, making the printing process simple and efficient. The window of each step is modular and can be minimised to optimise space on-screen.

The layout function automates the layout process, allowing users to select from three layout types; template, index and free layout, which can be arranged over multiple pages. Over 170 templates, ranging from credit card sizes to A2 are available as standard and users can even create custom templates and save them for regular use. Once the layout is selected, images are simply dragged and dropped into the template and can even be cropped as needed.

Colour management can be automated for both direct colour management using the printer driver, and ICC profile-based colour management. Users can also specify their own ICC profiles for specific print media. The preview function provides a fast and easy way to proof the final print layout before printing begins.

Mark Robinson continued: “The flexible workflow offered by the Epson Print Plug-In ensures maximum usability, making batch printing for projects such as exhibitions, calendars or portfolios quick and easy. As the plug-in is independent of Photoshop, images can be loaded in succession and the interface can be used to check and compare the various stages of editing.”

The new Epson Print Plug-In is available as a free web download from the Epson Europe website at www.epson-europe.com and supports Mac OS 10.4.3 – 10.4.10 (Tiger), Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) and Windows XP SP2 and Vista.

Epson Print Plug-In key features summary:

  • Easy multiple image printing
  • Flexible multi-page layouts with three layout types
  • Resource independent for improved flexibility and usability
  • Simplified colour-managed printing, supporting both direct colour management and ICC profile management
  • ACE[1], Epson CMM, Windows ICM and Apple ColorSync colour management engines supported
  • Supports the Adobe Photoshop family of products: Adobe Photoshop CS2 (from 9.02), CS3, Adobe Elements 4 (from 4.01), 5 (from 5.02) and 6
  • Supports Epson Stylus Photo 1400, R1800, R1900, R2400, R2880 and Stylus Pro 3800
  • Supports Windows XP SP2, Vista; Mac OS 10.4.3 – 10.4.10 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard)
  • Available in 7 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Japanese
  • Available from 25 May 2008 as a free web download on www.epson-europe.com

Epson 40th anniversary photo contest

Epson, the inventor of the first ever electronic micro-printer in 1968, has today launched a pan-European competition to celebrate its 40th birthday. Designed to spark the imagination of Europe’s image makers and mark four decades of innovation and inspiration, the competition is open to all, setting a challenge to design an image to be used on Epson’s birthday card. The overall winner will receive ‘the trip of a lifetime’ worth €5,000 (circa £4,000) whilst all entrants will have their work displayed within an impressive online gallery.

Barbara Kuhr, Head of Strategic Marketing at Epson Europe commented: “Over the past 40 years, we have witnessed a quantum leap in the quality and capabilities of digital printing. To mark the occasion, we’re asking imaging enthusiasts of all capabilities to exceed their vision and provide a lasting image that will help us to celebrate Epson’s 40th birthday in style.

“Entrants need to capture the essence of 40 years of innovation in a single image; it’s not an easy task but we are confident that the competition will provide some exceptional and powerful pictures. There are some great prizes on offer, and we will display 40 entries in a prominent position at the Photokina exhibition in Cologne this September – providing exciting and valuable exposure.”

Entrants to the competition must submit an original image, which can be a photograph, illustration, montage or any other image that encompasses the theme: ‘celebrating 40 years of innovation’. A gallery of entries will be displayed at www.epson-europe.com/40, which also contains an online entry form and an interactive timeline chronicling the significant technological advances pioneered by Epson over the past four decades.

All age groups and levels of ability can participate, giving everyone the chance to have their work displayed within an online exhibition and to gain inspiration from one another, unbound by geographical or social boundaries. Images will be judged on relevance to the theme, composition, technical quality and creativity. Winners will be chosen by an independent group of judges selected from Europe’s community of elite photographers.

Isabel Muñoz, a leading photographer and one of Epson’s bespoke judging panel commented: “Epson has set a tough challenge with this competition, and it will be fantastic to see how innovation and progression is translated artistically by image makers throughout Europe. It is a fantastic concept and I am looking forward to the exciting and eclectic entries.”

Aside from their image being used on Epson’s birthday card, the overall winner will receive a ‘trip of a lifetime’[2], whilst second place will receive €1,000 (circa £800) worth of Epson products. €500 (circa £400) worth of Epson products is on offer for third place. All three finalists will also receive a certified Digigraphie® print of their work – a large format, professional, authenticated quality print using Epson UltraChrome™ K3 inks with Vivid Magenta and printed on certified paper.

Entries must be submitted to Epson before 24.00 on July 31st 2008. Digital entries need to have a resolution of 360dpi and can be submitted via the dedicated website. Hard copy entries can be posted to Epson at: Epson, PO Box 49793, London WC2A 1WA, England. All entries must fit within 150mm x 215mm in either landscape or portrait format.