Seiko adds PostScript to printer line

Printer manufacturer Seiko Instruments has released a new lineof dye sublimation printers that add support for the PostScriptprinting protocol. Seiko hopes that the 8.5 x 11 version of theprinter line will help solidify its position in the nuclear medicinemarket, where it holds a 56% market share for 8.5 x 11 printers,according to the firm.

The new printers are ColorPoint 820 PS for 8.5 x 11 printsand ColorPoint 830 PS for 11 x 17 images. The printers have anAdobe PostScript Level 2 interpreter embedded in them that enablesthem to support PostScript, according to Craig Lynar, directorof marketing for Seiko's color graphics group in San Jose, CA.

Many medical imaging vendors now format their images in PostScriptdue to the image quality advantages the protocol confers overstandard screen-capture video, Lynar said. Seiko plans to adda DICOM-compatible version to the line later this year. Seikowill continue to offer its Professional ColorPoint 2 VSF printerfor video-capture printing (SCAN 3/16/94).

Both new printers output at 300 dpi and support thermal waxtransfer printing as well as dye sublimation. Cost per letter-sizeprint is 50¢ in thermal wax mode and $2.30 in the higherresolution dye sublimation mode. Seiko has added seven new imagesmoothing algorithms to the printers to remove pixelation artifactsand make images easier to read.

Seiko will target the printers at the nuclear medicine, radiationtherapy, MRI, and CT markets. In nuclear medicine, Seiko's OEMpartners include GE, Siemens, ADAC, Toshiba, and Elscint. ColorPoint820 PS will carry a list price of $7999 while ColorPoint 830 PSis listed at $14,999.