TOKYO, Japan and SAN MATEO, Calif., June 27, 2005 - TAK Imaging today unveiled a powerful new single chip controller for next generation photo printers and photo-enabled multi-function peripheral (MFP) devices designed to deliver a step change improvement in the personal photo printing experience. In direct photo printing applications the new TAK S1 printer controller improves output performance by four to five times over currently available competitive solutions.

TAK Imaging's new solution is designed to specifically address each of the major inhibitors to a more satisfying consumer photo printing experience today. The TAK S1 greatly increases the speed of photo prints, improves overall ease of use, and provides seamless and convenient printing directly from multiple devices such as camera phones or digital still cameras.

Photo Prints in Seconds, Not Minutes

A highly integrated and fully programmable system-on-chip (SOC), the TAK S1 employs a powerful, dedicated image processing engine (IPE) to bring industry leading output speed and print quality to both dye sublimation and inkjet printers for photo printing. In extensive benchmark testing with leading printer engines, the TAK S1 produced image processing performance of 2.4 seconds for a four-mega pixel dye sublimation print, and 4.6 seconds for a color inkjet photo print.

"Even as at-home photo printing has surged in popularity, the 'wait time' for photo prints remains a primary source of consumer dissatisfaction," said Doug Goodyear, CEO of TAK Imaging. "The TAK S1 gives printer manufacturers the solution for delivering a huge improvement in output performance for their next generation models."

More Device Flexibility

To support the dramatic surge in photo printing from consumer devices other than traditional PCs, the TAK S1 print controller has been designed with optimized flexibility and intelligence. Printer OEMs can easily customize the printer controller for a range of specific and differentiated consumer applications including full wired and wireless connectivity for direct photo printing from digital cameras, camera phones or PDAs.

Designed around a user programmable engine controller, the TAK S1 offers extensive connectivity options. It has direct interfaces to all popular memory card formats and has a flexible scanner interface optimized for MFPs. The TAK S1 also features an LCD/TV controller to facilitate user-interactive, printer-based image control and manipulation prior to printing.

"Consumers are rapidly adopting a PC-less photo printing attitude," said Yoichi Kanamaru, Japan General Manager for TAK Imaging. "The TAK S1 enables OEMs and ODMs to offer photo printers which give consumers greater personal control and ease-of-use -- in terms of where, when and how they print their snapshots. Going forward, this is what will drive the market for new photo printers," he said.

Higher Performance at a Lower Total Cost

The TAK S1's scalable, extensible architecture and customizable firmware enables printer OEMs to lower the cost of their products by eliminating or reducing external components and offering a platform that fits both current and longer range market requirements.

"The TAK S1 leapfrogs any existing or announced competitive solution with its performance, scalability, programmability, readiness and completeness of the solution," said Goodyear. "TAK Imaging understands the consumer market - we're providing a low-cost solution and giving our customers a long term approach to being successful in the printer business."

Full Solution for Accelerated Development

TAK Imaging is providing a complete development platform including several software packages that give printer OEMs the flexibility to easily customize and add value to their products for customer or channel positioning requirements. A rapid prototyping platform is also available that includes all the hardware, firmware, drivers and tools needed to reduce OEM development time from months to weeks.

Availability

TAK S1 customer samples are currently available. For additional information on the TAK S1 or software and rapid prototyping platforms, please visit www.takimaging.com or contact our nearest sales representatives at sales@takimaging.com

About TAK Imaging

TAK Imaging is a leader in providing the consumer photo printer market with ready-to-customize, system solutions including imaging technologies, semiconductors and software. Headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., TAK Imaging has offices in Mobile, Alabama, France and Japan.

For All Inquiries:

TAK Imaging, 1450 Fashion Island Blvd., Suite 503, San Mateo, CA 94404, Arvind Kumar, 650/350-1100, email: arvind.kumar@takimaging.com