This new model is very similar to the 630PL, which has
neither the removable screen and control panel, nor the two memory slots
of the 630PS.
The PhotoShuttle is a new design and presents a smoother, rounder black
shape with a silver trim on top. The button giving access to the printer's
ribbon is also silver.
The printer dimensions are almost
identical to the other comparable models from HiTi: [W x
H x D] 22.4 x 21 x 28 cm (8.5 x 8.2 x 10.9 inches) making
its footprint nearly similar. The paper loading tray — with
a hinged cover — inserts into the front of the printer.
Worth noting is that the paper loading tray, along with the paper itself,
and the printer cartridge, are interchangeable with the 630PL and 630PS
models.
Installation:
It takes less than 10 minutes to install the printer and produce the first
print jobs. To avoid any installation complications, it is wise to follow
the setup instructions carefully. On the left-hand side of the back of
the printer, are found the main switch and the power plug, while on the
right-hand side, a USB port connector is provided.
This new model is not only a design update of previous printers, but is
also a functional improvement: it takes less than 45 seconds to print a
photograph – less than half the time it takes to do the same thing
with the 630PS and PL.
The printing process is
still the same, with four passes (one of each colour: yellow,
magenta, and cyan, along with a glossy coating). The finished
picture arriving on the paper tray at the end of the print
job.
The printer ribbon is actually a combination of the three primary colours
applied onto a plastic film. The thermal head heats the ribbon and the
clours get diffused into the paper.
The prints are flawless and, with a 2 megapixel file, produce good quality
prints. At anything ranging from 3 megapixel and above, the prints are
indistinguishable from prints originating from actual photographic film
stock.
Although the instructions that come with the printer are
fairly simplistic and often the result of rough translations,
the printer and its interface are well conceived and easy
to use.
Software:
The driver and the software come on one CD-ROM, but can be installed separately.
The procedure is straightforward, but it should be noted that HiTi printers
only work with Microsoft Windows operating systems (Windows 98/ME/2000/XP).
The printed images measure 4x6 inches and the paper has
two perforated margins, at either end, which allow the printer
to manipulate the sheet while it is being printed. At a print
resolution of 310 PPP, even the finest details are faithfully
reproduced.
The printer is shipped with a couple of programs, including printing software
called Photo Désirée, version 1.8.6; however,
this program can print 2 or more different photos on the same page.
The program lets you choose
which pictures to print, and then moves them to the right-hand
window, showing a 4 x 6 format preview. Various options
are offered from which to select:
photos with different formats and in multiples can
be organized on the page — including ID photos;
stickers (samples of this printer paper are included
with the printer);
a layout of two larger photos with 4 smaller ones
on the ends.
Specifications of the PhotoShuttle:
Printing Method
Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer continuous tone
printing (yellow-magenta-cyan and overcoat)
Colour
256 levels per colour - total of 16.77 million
true colours
Resolution
310 x 310 DPI
Print Size
4 x 6 inch borderless
(10.1 x 15.1 cm)
Paper Size
4 x 7 inch
(10.1 x 17.8 cm)
Paper Feed
Cassette type, automatic, 25 sheets.
Printing Speed
45 seconds
Computer Interface
USB 1.1
OS Requirements
Windows 98/2000
ME/XP
Power Requirement
100 ~ 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions
(W x H x D)
21.8 x 21 x 14 cm
(8.5 x 8.2 x 5.5 in.)
Weight
1.9 kg (4.19lbs)
Accessories Included
Paper Cassette, USB cable, CD-ROM, AC Power
Cord, Sample print kit (8 sheets of photo paper, 1 sheet
of 4 x 4 stickers, 1 sheet of 4/2/4 stickers, 1 ribbon cartridge
for 10 prints)
Warranty
1 year
Our opinion:
This new model is an excellent addition to the HiTi product line. Only
recently arrived onto the North American market, this brand is gaining
recognition by delivering a very good quality product at a reasonable price.
If the design changes of the PhotoShuttle are more cosmetic than anything
else, the print quality remains at the same high level as their other models.
The greatest improvement that this model has over its predecessors is the
speed at which it prints, offering more than twice the speed of the 630PS/PL.
The PhotoShuttle is available at HiTi resellers, and in North
America from Hi-Touch
Imaging Technologies directly, for $ 239.99 USD.
