Press Release: The Future of Imaging Technology is on Display at Canon EXPO 2005 in New York; With A New Corporate Slogan For The Americas, Canon imageANYWARE, Company Sets to Create Borderless Environment of People, Devices, Images, and Information


Sept. 14, 2005--Canon today embarks on a global technology tour beginning in New York known as "Canon EXPO 2005," to also take place in Paris and Tokyo later this year, showcasing the most comprehensive display of current and futuristic imaging technology from the global R&D and patent leader. Canon U.S.A. also launches a new corporate slogan for the Americas, "Canon imageANYWARE," representing the Company's initiative to create a borderless environment of people, devices, images and information.

"Canon EXPO 2005 shows the world that our imaging innovation virtually knows no limits," said Joe Adachi, president and chief executive officer of Canon U.S.A., Inc. "With the impact digital advancements have had on imaging technology in recent years, the future holds much promise in enriching our personal and work lives even further. In this future Canon imageANYWARE creates a borderless environment between people and devices where images and information are exchanged in a way that lets us live and work the way we want, virtually anytime, anywhere."
Canon EXPO 2005 in New York is an over 150,000 square foot exhibition(1) of consumer, business, and industrial imaging technology. In addition to emerging technology demonstrations that give a glimpse of the future of digital imaging and workflow, Canon is making official announcements in the High Definition (HD) recording and Commercial Print categories.
High Definition Capture and Display
Today Canon introduces its first High Definition (HD) Camcorder for electronic newsgathering, sports and episodic television, as well as documentary and feature filmmaking applications. The three CCD XL H1 High Definition Camcorder delivers crisp high-definition video at 1080i resolution and features selectable frame rates of 60i, 30 Frame and 24 Frame, and can switch back to SD resolution if needed. These features allow the user to adjust to the assignment at hand.
Built into the camcorder is Canon's professional jackpack terminals, which includes features like uncompressed digital HD-SDI output for seamless integration into broadcast studios or high-quality image transfer to non-linear editing systems. The Genlock feature allows movie sets to easily synchronize camera settings across multiple camcorders and SMPTE time-codes in-and-out allow for streamlined tape and edit management.
The XL H1 High Definition (HD) camcorder is being shown at Canon EXPO in a technology demonstration that also includes SED flat panel television displays jointly developed by Canon and Toshiba.
"The anticipation surrounding Canon's entry in the High Definition Video Camcorder space is now over. The new XL H1 comes to market just at the right time, as the HD transition accelerates, making a similar impact as the very successful XL Series that preceded it," continued Adachi. "When demonstrated with our future SED flat panel television displays, it is literally clear to see that Canon will play a significant role in bringing outstanding HD broadcast content and display technology to our customers."
The XL H1 camcorder will be available in November for an estimated selling price of $8,999*.
Introducing Canon imagePRESS(TM) Brand for Digital Color Print
Canon U.S.A. today also unveils a new brand for the Americas for its future line of high-end, high-quality digital press devices: Canon imagePRESS. The new imagePRESS brand was developed to significantly expand Canon's presence in the color production and commercial graphic arts printing markets, where customers such as creative services companies, advertising agencies, design firms and marketing departments all require best-in-class color and image quality. Also fueled by the digital color requirements of the commercial print and graphic arts markets, imagePRESS strategically expands the high-end digital printing portfolio of the industry's leading and most successful quality color equipment manufacturer.
With Canon imagePRESS, "image" represents the unifying namesake of Canon's industry-leading product portfolio, including imageRUNNER, imagePROGRAF and imageCLASS. Combined with "PRESS," the brand highlights Canon's integrated and customizable solutions that continue to revolutionize workflow. "PRESS" also underscores the company's commitment to providing the commercial print and graphic arts industries with unrivaled benchmark image quality, reliability and productivity.
"Canon's brand is synonymous with color quality. Since the introduction of the CLC 1 in 1987 we have led the U.S. color copier/printer market in market share for 18 years running**. The new imagePRESS brand builds on this successful heritage in color document production, giving a market with limited choices the assurance of choosing Canon," remarked Adachi.
Emerging Technology
On display at Canon EXPO are several conceptual examples of "CrossTechnology," where comprehensive sets of imaging and collaboration technologies are distributed around an enterprise and integrated into devices at the chip level. Specific applications include "CrossMedia," focusing on Canon's advancement in color science, and in delivering super-accurate color across devices, "CrossService," demonstrating how intelligent devices will soon be working together to provide a rich network of intelligent workflow and powering new levels of connectivity, multi-functionality and the next phase in the evolution of Canon MEAP(R) (Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform) technology, and "CrossPerson," demonstrating how Canon is expanding the boundaries of collaboration and information flexibility.
Medical, Semiconductor, and Broadcast Technologies
As a leader in the Medical, Semiconductor, and Broadcast fields, Canon will display current and emerging technologies in each area. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how Canon is partnering with a wide range of industries to deliver state-of-the-art solutions in these fields.
Environmental Activities
Canon places the utmost importance on achieving a sustainable harmony between the environment and its corporate activities. In addition to presenting Canon's future environmental solutions, Canon EXPO 2005 will also showcase current environmental conservation initiatives. Technologies that dramatically reduce the energy required to power office and consumer products will be on display. In addition, Canon's resource conservation initiatives and systematic approach to chemical substance control in its manufacturing process and finished products will also be on display.
About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon's extensive range of products includes copiers, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. With over 100,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon's consolidated net sales for fiscal 2004 (ended December 31, 2004) totaled $33.3 billion (at an exchange rate of 104 yen = US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com/index.html.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2004, with global revenues of $33.3 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
* Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
** Source - Gartner Dataquest - "Printer Quarterly Statistics United States - Database," Camille Iorns, February 2005.
(1)Canon Expo 2005 in New York is closed to the general public and attendance is by invitation only.

Posted: Wed - September 14, 2005 at 12:27 PM          

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