Panasonic's New Multifunction Fax Offers Smart Alternative to Single Function Fax and Copy Machines.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Space-Saving and Cost-Efficient WORKiO(R) DP-190 Does It All, from Copying and Color Scanning to Printing and Faxing.

Since introducing its first document-imaging products more than 50 years ago, Panasonic has been a leader in developing cutting-edge technology, including intelligent hybrid products such as the new WORKiO DP-190. The DP-190 is a complete document-management solution for small departments and workgroups, offering a host of capabilities including hardcopy fax, PC printing, color network scanning, network printing, network fax, Internet fax, color scan-to-email and platen copying.

Departments and workgroups no longer need to maintain multiple fax devices, copiers and printers. The WORKiO DP-190 consolidates all of the functions of these machines in one compact device that has a smaller footprint than many commercial faxes. Loaded with standard features typically found on more expensive multifunction peripherals (MFP) and speeds of up to 19 cpm/ppm, the DP-190 has an affordable MSRP(1) of $2,695.00.

Features include a built-in automatic duplex unit for two-sided printing and copying -- incoming faxes can be printed on both sides as well -- and an automatic document feeder that ensures this plain paper copier competes favorably with dedicated copiers.

Among the DP-190's more unique and cost-efficient features is Double Exposure, which allows small double-sided originals such as ID and insurance cards, receipts and canceled checks to be automatically copied onto one side of a single sheet of paper. And thanks to Panasonic's digital SkyShot mode, this can be done without creating black borders, even if the platen cover is open.

Auto-archiving, a feature required by a growing number of businesses, allows a copy of a sent or received fax to be simultaneously forwarded from the DP-190 via email to any specified PC for review by a supervisor.

With a built-in network board and an Ethernet LAN port that come standard, the DP-190 sets up as a network printer that can be used by PCs on the LAN. In addition, the standard USB 1.1 interface allows direct connection to a dedicated PC.

Users with a DHCP server on the network also benefit from simple automated network installation. When the network cable is plugged into the DP-190's Ethernet port, the network information is automatically acquired from the server.

Using N-in-1 copying/printing, multiple originals can be copied onto a single sheet, thus increasing productivity and reducing paper consumption. And with remote copying, the DP-190 automatically sends scanned data through the PC to a pre-selected network printer. This allows users to easily make color copies of a color document when a color printer is connected to the LAN.

With the DP-190's scan-to-PC capability, users can digitalize most documents -- even handwritten notes or sketches -- and convert them to a PDF, TIFF or JPEG file.

Network color scan-to-email is another great feature. Users can scan virtually any type of document -- black & white or color -- directly from the flatbed scanner, convert it to a PDF, custom-name the file and send it to a networked PC or email address. The DP-190's high-speed Super G3 fax with JBIG compression transmits at about three seconds per page(2). Digitizing and transferring paper files has never been easier.

The WORKiO DP-190 can easily be configured as a high-performance network printer and used by PCs on the LAN to produce clear, crisp prints with superior legibility and halftone gradation.

Panafax Desktop and Panasonic Document Management System (P-DMS) software, the same software used throughout Panasonic's copier and fax lines, give the DP-190 efficient and powerful document- management and processing capabilities. Users can edit and share scanned documents right from the desktop via a simple drag-and-drop operation.

Other time- and money-saving features are Internet fax and scan-to-email, which enables the DP-190 to send documents as TIFF or JBIG images, or as PDF files, and transmit them as email attachments to PCs or other machines(3).

The WORKiO DP-190 is meticulously designed, right down to its well-organized control panel with QWERTY keyboard.

According to Panasonic Vice President of Marketing William DiMinno, buyers of office systems should ask themselves whether it makes sense to purchase another dedicated copier or fax machine. "The DP-190 offers a smart migration path for copy- or fax-only units currently in use," DiMinno says. "Most other products require adding options to even get close to the DP-190's standard feature set."

Other features and capabilities include:

--Network status monitor (monitor status of DP-190 directly from the desktop)

--GUI printer driver (allows full control of versatile printing functions right from the desktop)

--Job completion notice (eliminates need to check machine)

--Network Panafax Desktop software

--Quick memory transmission

--Fast processing (high-speed image processing and quality)

The DP-190 also comes with Panasonic's Check & Call function, which automatically reports low toner status and certain mechanical problems to a service center. The Remote Diagnostic System enables expert technicians to quickly troubleshoot and provide solutions via a telephone line or the Internet.

Optional features include:

--Security print/mailbox (secure printing for up to 100 users)

--Standard 600 x 600 dpi print resolution can increase to 1200 dpi-equivalent x 600 dpi (in PCL/PS mode) with optional print controller.

The WORKiO DP-190 is a real space-saver, measuring just 18.2"w x 19.9"d x 20.6"h and weighing approximately 48.5 lbs.

ABOUT PANASONIC

In the United States, Panasonic Digital Document Company, a unit of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, markets a broad line of digital imaging systems, computer peripherals and office system products designed specifically for business use. Products available include fax and Internet fax machines, digital copiers, network multifunction devices, document management systems, scanners, electronic whiteboards, color and monochrome laser printers, impact printers and DVD drives. Headquartered in Secaucus, NJ, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) of Osaka, Japan. For more information, visit http://www.panasonic.com/office.

All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

(1)Manufacturer's suggested retail price. Resellers must decide for themselves the prices at which our products are actually advertised and sold.

(2)Transmission time applies to memory transmission of text data using only ITU-T Image No. 1 between the same models at maximum modem speed. Transmission time may vary in actual usage. Usually public telephone lines can only support communication speeds of 28.8 Kbps or lower. Via PBX, transmission speed may fall back to a lower speed.

(3)Internet fax supports only TIFF-FX format.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

End users may obtain sales information by contacting Panasonic at 1-800-742-8086 or 201-348-7000, or by visiting http://www.panasonic.com/office. Please do not publish the editorial contact telephone number. If you wish to review this or any other Panasonic document-imaging product, please contact Chris Florentz at 215-592-8601, or at [e-mail].

Product images can be downloaded from Panasonic's extranet site at b2b.Panasonic.com. Username: images, Password: images. Select Image Gallery from the dropdown menu, select a Product Category, choose the appropriate image file.