Star Micronics demonstrates range of new industry-leading products at Retail Solutions

• TSP100LAN futurePRNT - the world's first entry-level Ethernet printer

• TSP100GT futurePRNT - the fastest single station printer available today (alongside the TSP700II) capable of printing at an outstanding 250mm/second

• HSP7000 - the world's fastest thermal/matrix hybrid printer combining a high speed 250mm/second thermal receipt printer with a high speed 9-pin matrix cheque/voucher printer

• TSP650 - high performance entry-level printer with range of accessories and features.

Following the phenomenal success to date of the TSP100 futurePRNTTM series, renowned for its revolutionary software, quality hardware and entry-level price, Star has truly enhanced the versatility of the printer by developing a new entry-level Ethernet version. Today, Ethernet is without doubt the connection method of choice for many IT managers in hospitality and retail environments requiring high speed, long distance and reliable communication. By allowing multiple printers on a central hub or even multiple hubs to be managed remotely from any location on the network or the Internet, the advantages are clear. However, to date, this extremely flexible means of communication has come with a cost.

Star has effectively addressed this by developing a new entry-level Ethernet version - the TSP100LAN futurePRNT. This printer effectively offers a simple and reliable network connection with new and powerful futurePRNT LAN features - an 'Auto Fallback' feature and a 'Keep Alive' feature.

Enabling the print job to be automatically re-routed to another printer in the case of printer failure, the 'Auto Fallback' feature will guarantee that the next printer in the pool will automatically print the failed printer's jobs, thus eliminating downtime. If connection is lost due to PC/Hub failure or cable damage, the 'Keep Alive' feature ensures that the printer will negotiate with any networked host and automatically print an error. This provides an immediate warning to the remote location, in their native language, that the printer is offline.

Star has also developed a new high speed version - TSP100GT futurePRNT, capable of printing at an impressive 250mm/second which makes this printer and the TSP700II the two fastest single station printers available today. Furthermore, reflecting Star's focus on design, the TSP100GT futurePRNT has been created with a new full gloss casing offering a choice of piano black or ice white.

Further enhancing the diversity of its portfolio, Star Micronics has recently designed the world's fastest thermal/matrix hybrid printer that incorporates key features from its celebrated range including the TSP100 futurePRNT series. The new HSP7000 combines a high speed 250mm/second thermal receipt printer with a high speed 9-pin matrix cheque/voucher printer to offer a versatile, high performance solution.

The recently launched TSP650 truly takes entry-level data processing to a completely new level. Capable of producing 19 receipts per minute with graphics and 20 lines of text, the TSP650 prints at a non-hesitating 150mm per second with an outstanding data throughput.

As with its USB counterpart the TSP100 futurePRNT, the TSP650 series represents excellent value for money given that a number of accessories are included at purchase as well as a range of additional options including power supply, splash proof cover and display stand for vertical operation. As graphics can be attached to the back of the stand (facing the customer) this provides a low cost vehicle to promote the store's latest attraction. Furthermore, with its easy-load 'Drop-In & Print' design, the printer has a full or partial cutter, compact footprint and choice of two paper widths 58mm or 80mm. The sheer versatility of this printer is further highlighted by its fast effective two colour output and its ability to print high quality barcodes for coupons or tickets on media up to 85gsm.

Alongside these products, Star will also be demonstrating its wide variety of kiosk printers now available with new and improved drivers as well as its range of visual card systems. Having been in the card business for over 20 years, Star has developed a unique range of visual card systems that can literally erase and re-write a card with new text and graphics. With applications across a number of sectors including loyalty, membership, electronic wallet and security/ID, these systems represent a sophisticated and versatile solution.

Simon Martin, Director & General Manager, Star Micronics EMEA, states, "As the largest exhibitor of POS printers at Retail Solutions 2008, Star Micronics will be demonstrating its leading position within the marketplace given its extensive portfolio and range of new products that represent a superior generation of POS printer based on the most advanced technology available today."