Citizen America introduces World's first photo-realistic printer under $1,000; Printiva 600C brings professional output to the home; World's first to offer color metallic foil printing.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 1995--Citizen America Corp. Wednesday announced the Printiva 600C, the world's first color printer under $1,000 to offer photo-realistic printing, and the first in the world to perform color metallic foil printing.

The company will debut the Printiva at COMDEX/Fall `95 in Las Vegas (Nov. 13-17), and will offer demonstrations in conference suite N225 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

The Printiva exclusively uses a sophisticated new printing method called the Micro Dry process, yielding superior color print quality that rivals traditionally higher-end professional color printers normally costing between $2,500-$5,000 -- units not usually found in the home environment.

Micro Dry printing utilizes dry, pigment-based resin inks composed of ultra-fine powder that is heated and fused onto paper. Unlike conventional ink jet technology which sprays ink drops onto paper, the Micro Dry process is never wet -- therefore the output is completely waterproof and smear resistant.

"The Printiva represents a true breakthrough in advanced printing technology that significantly benefits the consumer," said Jim McCarthy, director of sales and marketing at Citizen America. "It's a very exciting development because everything we think of and do is in color. With astonishing photo-realistic performance, these color images can finally come to life at home and be enjoyed by the entire family."

The printer uses a four-color process (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) to produce up to 16.7 million colors. Monochrome resolution is 1200 x 600 DPI; color is 600 x 600 DPI. The Printiva is also the first printer in the world to offer color metallic foil printing, which can be used for custom printing such items as invitations and greeting cards. Optional red, blue, and gold cartridges are available.

The print speed for text is up to two pages per minute, and typically three to five minutes per graphic page. Printiva has a 100-page automatic sheet feeder with flat paper path, and can print on plain paper, laser paper, letterhead, envelopes, post cards, and transparencies. Paper sizes accepted are letter, legal, A4, B5, and post card stock.

The new offering boasts a sleek design which takes up little desk space. It measures 17" (W) x 10" (D) x 7.5" (H) and weighs 14 pounds.

Printiva connects to industry-standard PCs via its high-speed bi-directional parallel interface (IEEE 1284). Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 drivers are also included.

The suggested retail price of the Printiva is $599. It begins shipping in November and will be available through Citizen authorized dealers. A standard two-year warranty is included, with a 24-hour turn-around service plan also available.

Citizen America Corp. is a subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. Ltd., the world's largest manufacturer of watches and other timepieces. The company is a leading provider of mid-range printers in North, Central and South American markets. Products include color, laser, portable, and color-capable dot matrix printers. The company has headquarters at 2450 Broadway, Suite 600, Santa Monica, Calif. 90404 Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Note to Editors: Citizen Printiva 600C is a trademark of Citizen America Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Citizen America Corp.

Matt Roberts, 310/453-0614, ext. 288

e-mail: [e-mail]