LAS VEGAS (PMA Booth #G196), Jan. 31, 2008 – Sony Electronics is extending its lineup of professional digital photo printers with the UP-DR200 model, announced this week at the Photo Marketing Association show. 

The new high-performance printer holds a 700-count, 4 by 6-inch print load with an output of 450 prints-per-hour, making it ideal for a range of event photography, photo kiosk, and retail photofinishing applications.

Based on Sony’s dye-sublimation technology, the new model combines print quality with fast speeds and high-volume output. Additionally, users can produce both ProMatte™ finish and glossy prints using the same media pack; and Sony’s competitively priced advanced technology media delivers a 30 percent greater capacity than its previous models. 

The UP-DR200 prints onto four different paper sizes: 3.5 x 5, 4 x 6, 5x7, and 6 x 8.  It is among the fastest printers in Sony’s lineup, capable of producing a 4x6 print in 7.8 seconds. 

            According to Jay Kelbley, marketing manager for the digital photofinishing group at Sony Electronics, the UP-DR200’s advanced capabilities offer a new level of performance and profit potential for photofinishing professionals.

“The new printer’s key features include the ability to use unique lamination technology to switch from glossy to ProMatte finishes by simply selecting the surface in the driver,” he said,  “or increasing the volume of prints by making use of both speed and larger media capacity, thereby reducing costs per print.”

Sony’s UP-DR200 digital photo printer uses improved paper-based media instead of a plastic-based type to render superb quality prints with a fine raster texture that is comparable to the look and feel of traditional photo paper.  The media is also more cost-effective than previous offerings.  The paper’s print surface is spooled inward on the roll to minimize contamination from dust and finger prints, and to help eliminate curling of the roll resulting in lower paper waste.

The UP-DR200 printer’s ability to produce different print finishes is achieved by using a Sony-developed technology that eliminates the need to change the paper, or the ink ribbon to achieve the final print.  Additionally, the printer’s easy-to-load media feature helps provide trouble-free and jam-less performance.

            The new printer is the successor to Sony’s award-winning UP-DR150. Sony is also showing a full range of other professional digital photofinishing products at its PMA booth. 

The printer is designed to minimize utilization of hazardous and harmful materials in both components and the equipment manufacturing process. The UP-DR200 uses a coreless paper roll to reduce solid waste. The thermal ribbon for the printer is mounted in a re-usable plastic tray that is included with the printer.

The UP-DR200 is expected to be available in February from Sony’s national network of certified digital photofinishing dealers. The printer will cost an estimated $2,195. For more information, visit www.sony.com.dpf.  For the latest Sony Electronics news at PMA, please visit www.sony.com/news.