The new machine has all the features of its bigger siblings, including Epsons eight-colour UltraChrome ink set, in a 43cm (17in) wide machine capable of producing A2 sheets.

The big advantage is its the first time weve had the key features of two other products in one, the productivity of the 10600 and the quality of the 7600, said Epson product manager professional graphics Martin Johns.

Print speed is claimed to be a staggering 20 2pp proofs per hour.

The UltraChrome inks include photo black and matt black, which are selected automatically depending on whether proofs are made on gloss coated stock or an uncoated stock such as newsprint.

It is available in two configurations, one with the UltraChrome inks for highest quality and wide-colour gamut and with two sets of CMYK for high-speed applications such as CAD and GIS.

Basic price is 1,495, while a version with GretagMacbeths EyeOne spectrophotometer costs 1,645 and a version with Epsons Stylus RIP costs 1,795.

A range of third-party RIPs and drivers suitable for proofing applications has also been announced for the 4000, which will be available in January.

These include Agfa, Best, Compose, Creo, Fuji Global Graphics and Heidelberg.