FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2005

Roland Introduces the 104” SOLJET™ SJ-1045 Grand Format Printer, an Updated Version of the Company’s Largest and Fastest Inkjet

Las Vegas, Nevada - Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers and integrated print/cutters, today announced the release of the SJ-1045, a new version of its 104”-wide grand format printer and the company’s largest and fastest inkjet to date.

On display at this week’s ISA International Sign Expo (Roland exhibit, Booth #3818), the SJ-1045 builds on Roland’s grand format inkjet technology with the company’s new V Technology, a combined hardware and software solution engineered to take advantage of Roland’s award-winning expertise in digital printing, RIPs, ink and media.

With a maximum print speed of 484 sqft./hr. at 360 dpi resolution, a maximum print area of 102,” and a maximum print resolution of 1440 x 1440 dpi (Artistic Mode), the SJ-1045 is well suited for even the largest applications including billboards, banners, vehicle wraps and large production runs. In addition, the SJ-1045 features a range of enhancements including the new IS-1000 high capacity ink delivery system, newly added print modes, a heavy-duty media handling system and VersaWorks™, a powerful RIP software developed by Roland engineers to optimize the company’s inkjet technology.

“The SJ-1045 represents the ultimate in Roland inkjet technology, combining acclaimed SOLJET speed and performance with new upgrades that make it faster and easier than ever to produce grand format graphics,” said Barry Johnston, color products division manager. “In particular, the addition of VersaWorks increases the performance of this new model, simplifying the RIP and print process and allowing users to fully maximize all the features of the SJ-1045.”

V Technology Hardware Upgrades
To ensure uninterrupted performance, the SJ-1045 includes the option of a new IS-1000 high capacity ink delivery system that includes a total of 24 ink cartridges. An automated ink-empty warning indicates when a cartridge needs replacement, and cartridges can be replaced easily without pausing the printer.

Other new SJ-1045 hardware features include the option to run in two different ink configurations: four-color CCMMYK and six-color CMYKLcLm. The CCMMYK configuration is designed to achieve the highest print speeds possible while maintaining vibrant colors in a wide gamut. The six-color CMYKLcLm ensures optimum photorealistic reproduction and color gamut even when viewing graphics from a short distance. For fine art and other precision applications, a newly added Artistic Mode allows the SJ-1045 to print graphics in true photorealistic 1440 x 1440 dpi resolution.

The SJ-1045 also includes an automated media feed and take-up system to facilitate precision printing, even when unattended. This pre-assembled unit includes front-mounted feed and take-up rollers and a dual idler roller system that applies tension to the media to ensure accurate feeding. The system supports rolls weighing up to 220 lbs. and offers front access for convenient loading and unloading of both feed and take-up rolls.

VersaWorks
The SJ-1045 is the first Roland grand format printer to include VersaWorks, a powerful RIP software developed by Roland engineers for the company’s inkjet technology. Built upon the genuine Adobe® PostScript® CPSI™ RIP engine, VersaWorks features an efficient graphical user interface that allows users to maximize the SJ-1045 features without a lengthy learning curve. In addition to advanced color management tools, VersaWorks includes a wide variety of convenient layout, edit and print functions such as nesting, tiling and auto/manual-layout, among others. VersaWorks offers the ability to preview jobs on screen, reducing ink and media consumption due to mistakes. Users can use two job queues for handling different print conditions and can automatically update VersaWorks through the Internet, ensuring that they always have the latest software version and Roland DGA ICC profiles available. VersaWorks is compatible with Windows 2000/XP operating systems.

SJ-1045 Features Overview

• 104-inch max. media width
• Prints up to 484 sqft./hr. at 360 dpi
• Optional IS-1000 high capacity ink delivery system (24 ink cartridges)
• Two ink configuration options: CCMMYK & CMYKLcLm
• Up to 1440 x 1440 dpi resolution in Artistic Mode
• Automated media feed and take-up system
• Prints on uncoated & coated media
• Eco-SOL™ INK
• Water, scratch and UV resistant graphics
• Variable droplet technology
• Ink costs as low as 21 cents per square foot
• Integrated heating system (Pre, Print and Post Heaters)
• Roland VersaWorks software included