Like the bigger 7900 and 9900 the machine has an optional inbuilt X-Rite spectrophotometer, which enables it to calibrate and profile itself automatically and to verify the integrity of every proof produced.

Epson claims that this feature on a two-page format desktop machine could kick-start the remote proofing market.

The basic 4900 costs £2,090 (EUR 2,495), while with SpectroProofer it is £2,845 (EUR 3,395.00).

The 11-colour machine uses Epson’s Ultrachrome HDR ink set, which includes orange and green, which helps the 4900 to cover 98% of Pantone special colours.

Resolution is 1,440x2,880dpi with a smallest ink droplet size of 3.5pl. Throughput is up to 46m2 per hour, in some modes it is more than twice the speed of the Stylus Pro 4880.

Epson has also launched two new wider format machines with the SpectroProof option, the Stylus Pro 7890 and 9890.