NEW YORK (PhotoPlus Booth digital #1118) Oct. 17, 2007 – Sony is expanding its line of PictureStation photofinishing kiosks with a new compact system that offers a full range of creative features and print capabilities.

The new model is less than half the size of its larger counterpart, and delivers the same functionality – including a broad menu of print sizes that includes 4x8 size photo greeting cards, photo enhancement tools and embellishments such as photo borders, calendars, CD burning, and scanning capabilities that complement the system’s easy to use scrapbooking functionality. The new compact roll-around version gives retailers more flexibility in managing their floor space, with a smaller footprint and an expandable kiosk system.

“Retailers are continually being challenged to use their stores’ real estate more efficiently,” said Jay Kelbley, senior manager, product marketing for Sony’s digital photofinishing group. “This new system can grow in any store layout, and can easily be integrated with in-store merchandising materials and Sony branded displays.”

The new system can produce up to 800 prints per hour, a volume that can be easily expanded to generate more than 2,000 prints per hour. In addition, the new model is the only compact footprint kiosk to feature an integrated photo scanner and the ability to print most common photo sizes (wallet, 3.5x5, 4x6, 5x7, 4x8 photo cards, 8x8, 8x10, 8x12).

The new system can be deployed as an expandable countertop unit (19 inches high), or with its base station for full functionality (56 total inches high). Optional “sidecar” units with additional printers can be added to deliver maximum printing capacity.

Credit card and value card payment solutions, remote monitoring, and remote update capabilities are also available with this system. The terminal can be connected to a remote network in a wired (Ethernet, phone modem) or wireless (mobile phone) configuration.

The new systems can be installed to allow access to all customers, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new unit is also compliant with Sony’s Green Partner Environmental Program with its similar but more stringent limits than that of the European Union’s RoHS Directive calling for the restricted use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

The new compact PictureStation system is planned to be available in December, with pricing available at that time.