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News Archive
(NOTE: the following is a mixture of press releases and editorial comments. When ONLY a company-provided press release is used--either in full or excerpted--
it will be identified as such.)
PRESS RELEASE:
APPLIED SCIENCE FICTION ANNOUNCES LATEST IMAGE CORRECTION AND ENHANCEMENT PLUG-IN - Digital GEM.
3/26/03 - (3/19/03) Digital GEM plug-in is the newest addition to the Applied Science Fiction (ASFT) suite of image correction and enhancement plug-ins for Adobe® Photoshop® and compatible image editing
applications. Image noise can be caused by a variety of factors including
high-speed film grain, adverse lighting conditions, scanner/digital
camera CCD noise, or image enlargement. Digital GEM plug-in allows users
to automatically isolate and manage noise/grain in both highlight and
shadow areas without sacrificing image detail. Users who prefer to
override the automation, the Digital GEM plug-in features three separate
sliders that provide users with manual control over shadow and highlight
areas as well as image sharpness. Users can also achieve portrait
softening effects, as well as image sharpening, which surpasses the
standard "unsharp mask" filters.
The Digital GEM plug-in regular price is $79.95. Prices reductions are available for purchases including ASF's Digital ROC and Digital SHO plug-ins.
SOURCE: Applied Science Fiction, Inc. www.asf.com
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW COURSE ABOUT DIGITAL PRINTING FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND FINE ART ANNOUNCED AT UCLA EXTENSIONS PROGRAM.
3/20/03 - Los Angeles, CA - Geared towards digital and traditional artists, photographers, hobbyists, and printmakers alike, the Mastering Fine Art Digital Printing course allows students to develop their skills in the process of digital printmaking. Students will scan, print, and edit their photography or art to create their own limited edition prints. Students will also learn about the history of fine art digital printing; how to choose a printer, inks, and papers; color management; print permanence; wide-format vs. desktop printers; scanning and advanced printing; and advanced image-editing techniques.
"I'm excited to share my experience in the digital fine art printmaking field to help further the revolution that is changing the way artists are able to produce and sell their work," explains instructor Andrew Behla. "For the past 10 years I have been involved with fine art printmaking and have been amazed at how the process continues to expand and grow, giving artists the resources to create limited edition prints that stand on par with any printmaking studio in the world."
The course will draw from Harald Johnson's recently published book, Mastering Digital Printing: The Photographer's and Artist's Guide to High-Quality Digital Output (Muska & Lipman, Dec. 2002), and will be a hands-on experience in the printmaking process. Special topics include using Photoshop to color correct and edit artwork and get professional results with both large- and small-format digital printers. Two sessions at On the Path Studio, a multimedia gallery and fine art printing studio, are included to allow students to print on a large-format professional digital printer.
About the Instructor
Andrew Behla is a graphic designer and educator with a deep level of experience in the fine art printing field. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy with a minor in Business from Trinity University. With over 13 years in the graphic arts field, Andrew has served as a manager for a publishing company, senior trainer and technical support person for a graphic arts software and hardware corporation, manager of a fine art printmaking studio, educator for both college and national seminars, and is the founder of his own company, Behla Design and Consulting.
Since 1998, Andrew has been teaching classes in Digital Imaging for Design at Santa Monica College's Academy of Arts and Entertainment Technology. Andrew was the manager of Duganne Ateliers for three years where he was responsible for printing hundreds of editions for artists ranging from Mark Ryden to the Getty. He has been a featured speaker for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals' National Conference, Thunder Lizard Productions' National Photoshop Conference, and the Los Angeles Mac Users Group. He has created this hands-on course for artists and photographers want to take their prints to the next level.
About the Course
UCLA Extensions Computer Graphics & Graphic Design Program (X 481.98C)
Wednesdays 1-4pm April 9-June 11 (10 mtgs.)
$625 (Students wishing to use the large format printing facility must also pay an additional $125 nonrefundable lab fee.)
Fulfills Specialization requirement in Computer Graphics and Graphic Design Certificated Program.
Visit www.uclaextension.org to enroll.
E-mail instructor Andrew Behla at: andrew@behladesign.com
PRESS RELEASE:
ILFORD ANNOUNCES CUSTOM PRINTER DRIVERS FOR GALERIE PROFESSIONAL INKJET PAPER.
3/13/03 - (3/2/03) ILFORD Imaging announces the launch of GALERIE Professional Printer Drivers, a unique software tool designed to optimize the performance of its GALERIE Professional Inkjet photo papers in a variety of popular photo-quality desktop printers.
A world leader in inkjet technology, ILFORD is the first non-printer manufacturer to offer custom printer drivers for its inkjet papers. The software, known as GALERIE Professional Printer Drivers, will be available at no charge through a limited-time promotion that will feature a free CD packaged with GALERIE inkjet paper.
Once the software is loaded and the user is ready to print, the corresponding ILFORD GALERIE Printer will be chosen instead of their regular printer model. Then the user can simply select the correct ILFORD GALERIE media by clicking on the icon of the product. Because each driver and setting has been created specifically for each ILFORD GALERIE media, a print on the first try will automatically yield a better print than if done by trial and error.
As well as optimizing the print quality and color reproduction of prints, the drivers will provide in-formation about the print status (e.g. how far along the print is, and how much ink remains in the cartridges).
As an additional feature, the user can simply drag and drop a file ready to be printed onto a desktop icon of the printer driver and it will print the file directly without the need to open up any image editing software. File formats supported include bit-mapped images (JPEG, TIFF, BMP etc.) and others depending on the configuration of the user's computer system.
"End-users have asked for these drivers, and we listened to their needs", said Brian Zimmer, Marketing Manager, Reseller Channels and Consumer Markets. "Now avid photographers and imaging professionals have the perfect combination--award winning GALERIE papers, and custom drivers to make print balancing and color output successful on the first try."
Printers included in the first release are Canon models S830D, S900 and S9000, Hewlett Packard Models Models 990, 1220, CP1700, 7150 and 7350, and EPSON models 890, 895, 950, 1290, and 2200.
Once introduced, upgrades to include new printers and new printing techniques will be available for downloading at ilford.com.
ILFORD Imaging is a leading developer and manufacturer of digital/inkjet products and photo-printing technologies for a diverse range of applications, as well as black & white and color photo-graphic materials. ILFORD is totally committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in every aspect of production and service within the imaging industry today.
SOURCE: ILFORD Imaging USA, Inc. www.ilford.com
PRESS RELEASE:
WORKSHOP CRUISE TO ALASKA WILL COMBINE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH PRINT-ON-DEMAND TECHNOLOGY.
3/10/03 - (3/2/03) ATTENDEES' BEST IMAGES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A FINE ARTS BOOK. Two new technologies will come together at the Third Digital Photography Workshop at Sea as attendees spend June 22-29, 2003
cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska from Vancouver, B.C., with
visits to Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and the Hubbard Glacier.
Thirty workshop enrollees will learn travel and outdoor photography
techniques using digital cameras, and their best pictures will appear
in a photo book published by Xlibris Corporation, a cruise sponsor
and leading provider of print-on-demand (POD) publishing services.
POD technology reduces high conventional publishing costs by storing
books electronically and printing them only in response to orders.
Seminars, demonstrations, and photo critiquing sessions will be held
in an relaxed setting aboard Celebrity Cruise Lines' Mercury, a
high-tech ship of the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) fleet. Attendees will
have access to Olympus ultra-zoom digital cameras and Epson photo
printers. Both companies are also cruise sponsors.
After the cruise is over, each attendee will receive an 80-page,
four-color, "coffee table" book published by Xlibris. The book will
showcase each attendee's two to three best images, one to a page with
captions and photo credits. The cruise book will also be available
for purchase by consumers through their favorite booksellers.
Lead instructor for the workshop is Arthur H. Bleich, award-winning
photographer, digital photography expert, educator, and feature
editor of Digital Camera Magazine. He has shot photo assignments
throughout Alaska.
Cost of the workshop cruise begins at $2,230 with non-attendee
companions paying half-price. Detailed information is available at:
http://www.dpcorner.com/cruise or call Adventure Travel at 305-893-1505.
NOTE: FOR ADDITIONAL NEWS FROM THE PMA TRADE SHOW IN LAS VEGAS, SEE PMA REPORT HERE.
PRESS RELEASE:
OLYMPUS ANNOUCES NEW SELF SERVICE PHOTO KIOSK.
3/2/03 - Olympus announced today at the Photo Marketing Association Conference a new low-cost self-service kiosk, the Olympus TruePrint Kiosk. Available in floor standing and counter-top models, the TruePrint Kiosk is designed for photo specialty, consumer electronics, cruise ships, amusement parks, airports, hotels and hospitals to enhance existing photo finishing services or generate a new business customer base.
Based on the Olympus TruePrint Kiosk (already in use in the U.S. and Canada), the new TruePrint Photo Kiosk (TP-210) and Photo Station (TP-110) now offer prepaid retail-branded Smart Cards as well as credit card capability for true self-service use. The retail smart cards can be bought by customers at the participating store and used like a phone card to print photos anytime great for children, college students, and anyone without a credit card. The smart card will allow retailers to provide a unique loyalty program, since points are accumulated on the card as dollars are spent. It¹s a great way to increase customer loyalty and build the store brand. Customers will come back again and again to print their photos each time buying other items.
Unlike other competing photo kiosks, TruePrint doesn't require users to convert images to proprietary photos CDs. TruePrint accepts just about any digital camera media card (from SmartMedia, CompactFlash, PC Card, xD card, Memory Stick, CD-ROM and floppy disk). And with the optional flatbed scanner, extra prints can also be made from a print. TruePrint's processing speed has also been enhanced for quick in-and-out stress-free printing. It instantly crops, provides red-eye reduction and does simple fixes and decorations, then prints from wallet size to 8 x 10"with an easier-to-use touch-screen interface. Customers can even create photo calendars and greeting cards.
TruePrint kiosks are available in two models: TruePrint TP-210 floor standing kiosk; and TruePrint TP-110 countertop version. Both have optional scanners. All units come with the 8" x 10" and 4" x 6" dye-sublimation printers and an enclosed computer, touch screen interface & easy user-prompting software, CD-RW drive, and slots for CompactFlash, SmartMedia, PCMCIA cards, and floppy disk drive, and 3 year priority-exchange warrantee. TruePrint kiosks will be available in Q2 priced from $10,999 - $14,499 depending on the module and options selected.
SOURCE: Olympus America www.olympus.com
PRESS RELEASE:
"WARM" PRINTS, "COOL" PRINTS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN WITH SUNDANCE'S SEPTONE™ INKS, R9'S PIXELPIXASSO RIP AND A 7-COLOR EPSON STYLUS INKJET PRINTER.
2/28/03 - (2/14/03) Sundance Image Technology, Inc. announces the introduction of a new, seven-component inkset, Sundance Septone™, designed for the Epson Stylus Pro 7600/9600 and the Epson Stylus Photo 2200. The Septone inkset comprises three neutral cool ink components, three warm ink components, and a neutral black ink. The neutral cool and the neutral black ink components are the same as Sundance's Neutral Cool inkset, which has received an excellent light stability rating (>100 years, and "...seemed to be almost not affected by the exposure to light") from the Image Permanence Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology. The warm ink components are newly formulated, and are based on the chemistry used for the SundanceNC inkset.
R9 Corporation has developed a profiling technology for the Sundance Septone inkset which, along with new drivers for the Epson Stylus Pro 7600/9600 and the Epson Stylus Photo 2200, have been integrated into R9's raster image processor (RIP) technology. PixelPixasso combines R9's ICC color management module and its unique ICQ multi-density module, heretofore available as separate products, for the same price as the separate products. When used with a Septone-compatible printer, the ICQ multi-density module allows the user to mix the percentages of the warm and cool ink components. Warm and cool components are mixed per channel: low (lightest), mid, and high (darkest) density channels. Mixture percentages can be uniform or independent for all three channels. R9's ICQ multi-density module generates the optimal grayscale gradient given the appropriate ICQ profile and the mixture values.
Ink and software will ship by the end of March, 2003.
SOURCE: BWGuys.com www.BWGuys.com
PRESS RELEASE:
DIGITALCUSTOM RELEASES VERSION 2.0 OF ITS DIGITAL EDITING ETHICS FOR JOURNALISM AND NEW GUIDELINES FOR ARCHIVAL PHOTO RESTORATION.
2/27/03 - DigitalCustom Group, Inc. today announced the publication of Release Version 2.0 of the "DigitalCustom Model Ethics Guidelines to Protect the Integrity of Journalistic Photographs in Digital Editing." DigitalCustom's model guidelines have been widely-cited and translated into several languages. Release Version 2.0 of the Guidelines incorporates comments received by DigitalCustom since the release of Version 1.0 last year at the Photo Marketing Association Convention.
DigitalCustom and Fratelli Alinari of Florence, Italy also released the first comment draft of their jointly-drafted "Model Ethics Guidelines on The Use of Digital Photo Restoration, Repair and Reconstruction Techniques for Archival and Preservation Purposes." This comment draft is intended to start a general discussion among archivists and editors on the appropriate use of digital editing procedures to preserve historical photographs for archival proposes. The sponsors expect that, as with the journalism ethics guidelines, this comment draft will lead to generally accepted principles of photo restoration ethics.
DigitalCustom's President, Jeff Makoff said, "The power to edit a historical image brings with it the ability to manipulate history. Archivists and digital artists should discuss, and ultimately agree on, what is appropriate--especially because the digital artist and the person responsible for historical preservation often are different people. Our first comment draft raises issues that commonly arise in the photo restoration process. We look forward to discussing, debating, expanding and refining these guidelines. When we see who is interested, we plan to assemble a panel of leading archivists to work on this project."
DigitalCustom's co-Chairman and CTO, Barnabas Takacs said, "Preservation, restoration and archiving of photographs is a timely topic. Each day more of the world's important photographs move past their archival life. It's time to discuss how best to handle deteriorating images so that we may preserve history, while respecting age."
Andrea de Polo of Fratelli Alinari in Florence, Italy said, "As one of the major historical image archives in the world, Fratelli Alinari takes a strong interest in these proposed guidelines. It is important for viewers of historical images to know what they are seeing so the information conveyed by the image is truthful. We will work with DigitalCustom, as comments come in, to create comprehensive, workable guidelines."
A copy of Release Version 2.0 of the model journalism ethics guidelines is available online at www.digitalcustom.com/howto/mediaguidelines.htm
A copy of Comment Version 1.0 of the model photo restoration guidelines is available online at www.digitalcustom.com/howto/restorationguidelines.htm
SOURCE: DigitalCustom Group, Inc. http://www.digitalcustom.com
PRESS RELEASE:
EPSON LAUNCHES HARDWARE RECYCLING PROGRAM.
2/19/03 - (2/12/03) Epson America Inc. is making it
easy and affordable for customers who care about the environment to help
protect the Earth's resources with the launch of a hardware recycling
program.
The web-based Epson Recycle Program is geared toward people who do not have
convenient locations to drop off electronics for recycling. Participants
will pay $10 per product to cover the cost of shipping and recycling
eligible Epson hardware. In return, the customer will receive a $5
electronic coupon that can be used on a future purchase at the Epson Store,
making customers' net cost $5. Individuals, businesses or organizations may
recycle up to 10 products at a time.
To participate in the program, customers should visit Epson's website to
order a recycle package, which includes a prepaid shipping label. After
receiving their shipping label from Epson, customers will pack the product
in the original or other box and drop it off at any UPS drop center. The
products are shipped to a licensed recycling facility where components are
shredded, then separated for reuse. Most Epson products, including printers, scanners, cameras, laptops,
computers and projectors, are eligible for this program. A complete list of
products is available on the web site.
Officials at Epson noted that many computer hardware companies either don't
have a recycling program or charge a much higher fee. "Epson is committed to doing its part to preserve the environment," said John Dillender, vice president, Service and Support, Epson. "We want to make
it easy and affordable for customers to recycle their used Epson products.
By helping cover part of that cost, together we can reduce the burden on our
environment."
The Epson Recycle Program is available to customers in the continental
United States. More information about the recycling program is available on
Epson America's website at http://www.epson.com/recycle.
SOURCE: Epson America, Inc. www.Epson.com
PRESS RELEASE:
LASER IMAGE CANVAS PRINT SERVICE ANNOUNCED.
2/14/03 - D. Brooker & Associates announces a unique method of producing canvas
prints using color laser printed images. These prints are made using a
special 100% cotton canvas material. This is not a paper-on-top-of-canvas
product. The standard prints come mounted to archival bookbinder's board
using a special acid-free adhesive material and are ready for framing. The
maximum print size at this time is 8 x 10". Using digital files as the
image source provides the added advantage of producing only the prints that
are needed.
Company president Dennis Brooker says that "our main goal is to provide photographers and artists an
additional type of quality print at a price that is affordable to their
customers. We will be happy to provide more detailed information, samples
and pricing. For contact information, please visit our website."
SOURCE: D. Brooker & Associates http://www.dbrooker.com/canvasprints.html
PRESS RELEASE:
INKJET HARDWARE AND CONSUMABLES SALES TO TOP $40 BILLION BY 2006; SALES OF BOTH NARROW- AND WIDE-FORMAT INKJET HARDWARE, MEDIA, AND INKS ARE EXPECTED TO SEE CONTINUED GROWTH.
2/6/03 - (1/30/03) With new application areas opening for inkjet technology, sales of both narrow- and wide-format inkjet hardware, media, and inks are expected to see continued growth, climbing from $28.5 billion in 2001 to $40.9 billion by 2006, according to a report issued by IT Strategies. The Hanover, MA-based digital-printing research and consulting firm estimates that the market for inkjet equipment and supplies will see a compound annual sales growth rate of 7% over the next five years.
The company reports that wide-format inkjet technology was responsible for more than $4.2 billion in revenues in 2001, representing approximately 14.8% of the total market for inkjet technology. By 2006, wide-format products are predicted to bring in more than $6.1 billion and control about 15.2% of the market. Among inkjet products, inks will continue to generate the greatest portion of revenue, with sales climbing from $13.4 billion in 2001 to $21.5 billion in 2006.
IT Strategies says that in 2001, HP held the biggest share of the inkjet market with revenues that represented approximately 35% of the industry-s $28.5 billion total. Other market leaders included Epson, Canon, and Lexmark.
SOURCE: PrintHead.net http://www.printhead.net
PRESS RELEASE:
EPSON TO LAUNCH ACID-FREE, LIGNIN-FREE, BUFFERED PRINTABLE PHOTO PAPERS DESIGNED FOR NEEDS OF SCRAPBOOKERS
1/31/03 - Epson America Inc., creator of high-quality award-winning digital imaging products, will introduce three paper products designed to meet the needs of scrapbookers and make it easier for them to take advantage of computer technology to enjoy their hobby, including one paper that fits the most popular standard album sleeve.
The new EPSON Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper is an acid-free, lignin-free, buffered paper for printing photos and other elements for creating archival scrapbook pages. This two-sided paper, made of 100 percent cotton, will be sold in not only letter size, but also in a size that fits standard 12" x 12" album sleeves, making it unique as the only scrapbook size archival printable photo paper. This paper is compatible with all dye-based and pigment-based ink jet printers from all manufacturers. With this paper, scrapbookers can digitally design pages in their entirety, importing photos, creating headlines and adding text directly to the file before printing out the completed scrapbook page. They can also use the paper to print custom elements of their pages, such as background patterns, borders, headlines or photos, then cut them out and adhere them to an album page.
EPSON Semigloss Scrapbook Photo Paper, which is a swellable polymer-coated paper featuring an attractive semigloss finish, is also acid-free and lignin-free. It will be sold in letter size, is optimized for printing photos for scrapbooks and is compatible with all dye-based ink jet printers.
Print Life in Album Conditions: Tests conducted by Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc. have rated the dark storage properties of EPSON Matte Scrapbooking Photo Paper with Epson inks well beyond 100 years without noticeable yellowing or other deterioration when stored in an album in archival sleeves. Tests are still continuing. Epson internal testing has determined the dark storage properties of EPSON Semigloss Scrapbooking Paper at 60 years using Epson Photographic Dye Inks without noticeable yellowing or other deterioration when stored in an album in archival sleeves.
Epson officials said the new papers will be in high demand from scrapbookers who use digital photos because it will allow them to maximize the use of their computers to create truly one-of-a-kind pages by printing out elements to take to their crops or even to design and print entire pages.
"A lot of scrapbookers have been using technology to do bits and pieces of their hobby," said Barbara Kotsos, senior manager, scrapbooking solutions, Epson. "With Epson printers' unmatched photographic quality, superior output and archival properties, these papers are the answer to scrapbookers' dreams. Scrapbookers not only can print on them but also will want to print on them for every element on their pages."
Software to Maximize Capabilities: These products include easy-to-use software, valued at $29.99, free with each of the papers.
Pricing and Availability: EPSON Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper and EPSON Semigloss Scrapbook Photo Paper will be available beginning in May through national and specialty retail stores nationwide, mail order and the Internet, including Epson's Web site. The Matte Scrapbook Photo Paper will be sold in packs of 20 sheets in the letter size and packs of 10 sheets in the 12" x 12" size. Because the matte paper is two-sided, these packs will yield 40 scrapbook pages and 20 scrapbook pages, respectively. The Semigloss Scrapbook Photo Paper will be sold in packs of 20 sheets in letter size. The estimated street price for each of these packs will be $19.99.
SOURCE: Epson America, Inc. www.Epson.com
PRESS RELEASE:
IMAGE ADVANTAGE SYSTEMS INTRODUCES NEW PRINT-ON-DEMAND SYSTEM
1/25/03 - (1/16/03) Image Advantage Systems, Inc. (IAS), a privately owned company based in Southern California announces the Belle Couleur™ print-on-demand art system. This system includes image delivery technology and a collection of non-mainstream fine art images and photographs, captured in high-resolution digital files. The software application is connected to the Belle Couleur™ image bank via a high-speed Internet connection and to a wide-format printer. The image bank has a global focus, which is marketed under the name of Belle Couleur™, meaning "beautiful color" in French.
A wide range of artistic styles and genres are available to print, and include award winning Alaskan panoramic photographer Leroy Zimmerman, historical photographs from the Daily Mirror Newspaper (UK), and Chow Wai-Keung, an artist currently painting on the streets of Montmartre, France. In addition to the fine art images, IAS offers custom designed in-store signage, commonly referred to as point-of-purchase or POP. These graphics are specifically designed to increase brand awareness, promote artists, and drive retail sales.
Many of the images are exclusive to the image bank, providing a strong differentiating position for galleries and frame shops that sell open edition prints. The equipment used to produce these prints are a new generation of wide-format ink jet printers, capable of producing archival and continuous-tone giclée art prints. With seven-color printers starting below $3,000.00 USD, the Company believes galleries will be positioned to compete in the 21st Century with this technology.
A key component to penetrate a worldwide market will be leveraging off the core competencies of Epson, Hahnemuhle art papers, and the world's best selling artists. The print-on-demand technology is currently licensed to end users in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia and the UK, and will be distributed through an authorized re-seller channel.
SOURCES: Image Advantage Systems, Inc. www.imageadvantagesystems.com
PRESS RELEASE:
ROLAND PRO II PRINTERS EARN GPA TRUGICLEE APPROVAL
1/20/03 - (1/16/03) The Giclée Printers Association (GPA) has
certified Roland Hi-Fi JET Pro II pigment printers for producing TruGiclée
fine-art reproductions.
The GPA TruGiclée standard distinguishes fine art reproductions printed with
the most advanced techniques and equipment. Every TruGiclée comes with a
special emblem, ensuring buyers that it matches the original and will last
for years. Currently, the GPA has only approved a handful of printers - the
IRIS 3047 and the Roland Hi-Fi JET Pro II, Hi-Fi JET PRO and Hi-Fi JET.
What makes the new Roland so unique is the rate at which it produces museum
quality prints. The new Hi-Fi JET Pro II prints up to three times as fast as
previous models. Harvest Productions (www.HarvestProductions.com), a
pioneer in the Giclée fine art market, was among the first to use one of
these innovative wide format printers.
"Speed is essential in the print-on-demand market," said Barbara Galang,
Harvest Productions President. "The new Roland has unprecedented speed that
will help our artists to get their work out on the market faster, while
simultaneously creating a new industry standard for quality."
In addition to faster print times, Galang is excited about the clarity and
depth produced by the new Roland, "The six dual heads' inline configuration
virtually eliminates banding. The FJ-540 lets us print sharp, vivid images
while at the same time reducing maintenance costs. This allows us to create
precise replications of even the most vibrant, detailed images."
The GPA has also approved Roland Pigment ink as well as Roland Concord Rag
fine art paper, BullDog NIJ and NIJ Matte canvas, and BullDog Ultra coating.
The GPA is currently testing additional inkjet materials.
SOURCES: Roland DGA Corporation www.rolanddga.com
Harvest Productions www.harvestproductions.com
Giclée Printers Association www.trugiclee.org
PRESS RELEASE:
PENTAX DEBUTS A HIGH-QUALITY ZOOM LENS DIGITAL CAMERA SO SMALL THAT IT FITS INTO A TIN OF ALTOIDS™
1/16/03 - (1/8/03) Remember the classic question, "Is it smaller than a breadbox?" on the '50s television quiz show What's My Line?" In this 21st century, photographic consumers may well ask the question, "Is it smaller than an Altoids™ tin?" Because the newest digital camera from PENTAX, the OptioS, is so small that
it does fit into an empty Altoids™ tin!
When PENTAX debuted the OptioS January 9 at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, they used Altoids™ mint containers and decks of playing cards to show that this advanced-stage camera is smaller than both items. CES is the marketplace where the latest in consumer equipment, gadgets and household items are unveiled to the buying public. The OptioS is the smallest PENTAX 3.2 megapixel camera.
The face of the OptioS is smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over 3/4 inch thick, but still it is a high-quality 3.2 effective megapixel, 3X (6X combined) zoom digital camera with a sleek design and a tough aluminum alloy case.
"Don't let the size fool you. This is one well-built camera, which just happens to be the right size for a shirt pocket or purse," said PENTAX marketing V.P. Jim Leffel. "Even men with larger hands will find it easy to maneuver the buttons and set up photos."
The OptioS, while unveiled at CES, will be shipped to major camera retailers around the end of March 2003.
How does PENTAX load so much into such a small space? Carrying on the strong PENTAX optics tradition, the OptioS features a patented sliding lens zoom mechanism that allows the camera's powerful 3X optical lens to fully recede into the camera housing, flush with the body frame. This novel system helps protect the lens and helps reduce the size of the OptioS by almost 60 percent compared to the PENTAX Optio330RS. A new Multi Chip Module in the circuit board and the redesigned chamber have further minimized free space in the OptioS. Despite the size, OptioS is packed with features found only on larger, higher-priced digital cameras: a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recording mode for attaching 30-second memos to selected images, a well-placed 1.6-inch LCD monitor, approximately 11MB of built-in memory and a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
SOURCE: Pentax USA www.pentaxusa.com
PRESS RELEASE:
EPSON UNVEILS THE PERFECTION 3200 PHOT0/3200 PRO SCANNER FEATURING THE
HIGHEST RESOLUTION OF ANY EPSON SCANNER TO DATE
1/11/03 - (1/7/03) Epson is once again raising the bar for
consumer scanners with the introduction of the EPSON Perfection 3200
PHOTO/3200 PRO. These new scanner models replace the popular EPSON
Perfection 2450 PHOTO scanner and offer the resolution one finds in most 35
mm slide scanners, making it one of the most versatile scanners in the
industry. This new scanner is available in two configurations-the EPSON
Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO-and will be available for $399 and $599,
respectively (late March '03).
Both the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO offer maximum hardware
resolutions of 3200 x 6400 dpi and, 48-bit color depth for remarkable color
accuracy and powerful, high-speed scanning. In addition, they boast faster
scanning speeds than the predecessor model on all tasks: from negatives,
photos and slides to transparencies, graphics and text.
"The EPSON Perfection 3200 scanners provide customers with the most
advanced consumer scanner technology available today at an incredibly
reasonable price," said Ali Atash, product manager, consumer scanners,
Epson. "Not only does the scanner offer outstanding features, but the
software bundles that are included with both the PHOTO and the PRO models
offer a tremendous value and endless creativity for a variety of customers."
With the Perfection 3200's maximum hardware resolution of 3200 x 6400 dpi,
3.4 Dmax and 48-bit scanning, scans look sharp and vivid with true-to-life
colors. The EPSON Perfection 3200 utilizes Epson's unique ColorTrueII
Imaging System, a technology that integrates superior hardware, optics and
image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.
The Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO offer customers reliable and
intuitive scanning solutions that deliver excellent image quality along with
blazing scanning speeds for the ultimate in convenience and efficiency. Both
scanner versions include Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
connectivity.
For increased productivity, both the Perfection 3200 PHOTO and 3200 PRO
include a 4" x 9" transparency unit (TPU) for scanning 35mm slides,
negatives and 4" x 5" transparencies. It makes the Perfection 3200 models
extremely versatile by providing an easy way to make duplicates or
enlargements from any original. Additionally, the Perfection 3200 PRO
offers both reflective and transmissive IT8 targets for color matching both
film and photos. Customers who are seeking a complete solution in color
accuracy, will find the Perfection 3200 PRO to be ideal.
SOURCE: Epson America, Inc. www.Epson.com
INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL ART AWARDS RESULTS ARE IN
1/9/03 - The 2003 IDAA has now been judged. More than
1,500 images were entered, from which 100 were selected for the IDAA
exhibition. 52 artists make up the 2003 IDAA with 41 of those artists
being male. From the 11 female artists, 5 are placed in the top 10.
According to IDAA executive Steve Danzig, "1st, 2nd and 3rd positions were awarded to female artists which we
understand to be a world first. Given the male 'influence' of digital
art practices - we are very excited by this years results.
"This year in my opinion presents the best artwork to date with a
strong reference to post modern abstract across several digital
styles. We are pleased to include several prominent artists in this
years exhibition."
The 2003 IDAA exhibition will be ONLINE FROM 15 JANUARY this also
includes a profile of the Laurence Gartel Award for Excellence
winner. For now you can preview some of the entries at
http://www.internationaldigitalart.com/IDAA/idaafront.html
IDAA is now accepting applications for 2003 Guest Arts Galleries and
Articles. Simply send your url for review; if successful, they will
contact you.
The 2003 IDAA is sponsored by: Epson Australia, Digital Photography & Design Magazine, Minolta, DIMI, CANTO, DES/BEST COLOR Technologies, and Dream Technologies.
Other News: Laurence Gartel (leading US artist and early digital pioneer) has
released "Moz Ocean" from his private Collection for sale. Moz has
been valued at $520,000 USD by MOMA NYC and recognized as the world's
most expensive "digital" print. More information about Moz Ocean can
be found at
http://www.internationaldigitalart.com/Gartel/gartel.htm.
Moz Ocean enquiries to Steve Danzig at mailto:giznad@ozemail.com.au
SOURCE: Steve Danzig/IDAA www.internationaldigitalart.com
PRESS RELEASE:
EPSON ADDS CD PRINTING CAPABILITIES TO POPULAR EPSON STYLUS PHOTO 960
PRINTER
1/7/03 - Epson America Inc. today announced the
addition of CD printing functionality to its popular EPSON Stylus Photo 960
model, which became available for purchase in November 2002. This useful
and convenient feature will be included with the printer in the box
beginning in February. Current EPSON Stylus Photo 960 owners and customers
who purchase the printer before this feature is included, can redeem a
coupon to receive a free CD kit to upgrade their printer. The upgrade kit
contains a CD tray and software to make it compatible with the EPSON Stylus
Photo 960 printer*. The coupon is available in electronic form on the Epson Web site (www.Epson.com).
"The EPSON Stylus Photo 960 is the most versatile photo printer on the
market today," said Parker Plaisted product manager, photo imaging. "This
printer delivers outstanding photo quality prints on Epson paper, and now it
will print photo quality images directly onto CDs and DVDs to eliminate the
need for adhesive labels."
The EPSON Stylus Photo 960 printer's new CD printing capabilities enable
customers to choose colorful backgrounds and images from the EPSON CD Print
software and print directly onto printable CDs or DVDs by placing them in a
tray that slides through the printer's straight through paper path.
The EPSON Stylus Photo 960 will begin shipping with CD printing
functionality in February for an estimated street price of $349 through mail
order, computer superstores, specialty camera stores, and Epson's retail Web
site (www.epsonstore.com). *Current EPSON Stylus Photo 960 owners can
receive a CD kit to upgrade their printer by contacting Epson directly via
the Web site or at (800) GO-EPSON. The printer is backed by the one-year
EPSON Exchange Warranty and is supported by the EPSON Connection, a customer
support technical assistance line.
SOURCE: Epson America, Inc. www.Epson.com
PRESS RELEASE:
ROLAND EXPANDS PRO II SERIES WITH 74 INCH, PIGMENT BASED INKJET
1/7/03 - Roland DGA Corporation today introduced a
74-inch Hi-Fi JET Pro II pigment-based printer. Also able to print with dye
inks, the FJ-740 becomes the sixth inkjet in the Pro II Series.
"Roland added the FJ-740 to fulfill a growing demand for printing extra-wide
graphics," said Rick Scrimger, Roland Senior Product Manger. "For producing
giant, full-bleed 72-inch banners, it's an indispensable tool. Like the
rest of the Pro II Series, the FJ-740 comes loaded with the latest Roland
Piezo inkjet technology."
The Roland Pro II Series of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters
come with blazing speed and legendary Roland quality. They can print up to
300 sqft/hr at 450 dpi. Roland developed this unique print mode especially
for the production of signs, exhibits and POP displays. Large 30-sqft
banners take only six minutes.
For unmatched quality, Pro II inkjets combine variable droplet technology
with print resolutions up to 1440x1440 dpi. They print with unrivaled color
and precision for fine art reproduction and photography.
The Hi-Fi JET Pro II FJ-740 has a list price of $29,995 and is now shipping.
Other Roland Pro II Series include the Hi-Fi JET Pro II FJ-540 pigment ink
printer, the SOLJET Pro II SC-540 solvent ink printer/cutter, the SOLJET Pro
II SJ-540 solvent ink printer, the SOLJET Pro II SJ-740 solvent ink printer,
and the CAMMJET Pro II CJ-540 pigment ink printer/cutters. Leasing is
available on all Roland products.
SOURCE: Roland DGA Corporation www.rolanddga.com
BOCKINGFORD INKJET PAPER ANNOUNCED
1/7/03 - Legion Paper has announced the release of its new Bockingford Inkjet paper, which is specially made for artists who want to produce prints with the look and feel of their original watercolors. This Bockingford watercolor paper has a patented infusion coating formulation that is put into the paper during the papermaking process. This makes it perfect for two-sided printing for the creation of limited edition books, portfolios, and greeting cards.
According to Legion Paper USA's Ted Ginsburg, "The paper is 190gsm (90lb), 100% Alpha Cellulose (wood
pulp), acid free, and totally archival. We basically have a two-sided non-rag paper in a traditional
white color. With a cold-press watercolor finish, the coating is resistant to damage, making it more durable than other fine art inkjet papers. While it's primarily for fine art reproduction, photographs can look fantastic too!"
Bockingford Inkjet is currently available only in European sized A4 (210mm x 297mm, 8.27 x 11.69") and also A3+ (330mm x 483mm), which is 13x19" U.S. The smaller size has a suggested list price of $37.94 for 20 sheets; the larger size has a suggested list of $88.50 for 20 sheets. For availability, in both the U.S. and Europe, contact Legion Paper in New York, and they will give you the name of the nearest dealer: US Toll Free (800) 278-4478, Intl. tel (212) 683-6990, e-mail: info@legionpaper.com.
SOURCE: Legion Paper www.legionpaper.com
EPSON RESPONDS TO OUT-GASSING/FOGGING PROBLEM
1/3/03 - Epson America, Inc. has released a PDF document ("Framing Tips for Photographic Papers") responding to recent reports on e-mail discussion lists of problems with "gas ghosting" or out-gassing/fogging. Photographers and artists have been finding "fogging" on the inside of the glass of framed prints when certain combinations of paper and inks were used for their digital printing. Although the initial discussion focused on Epson UltraChrome inks, it appears that the finger may have been pointed in that direction prematurely.
Epson claims that the fogging is caused by ink solvents that haven't completely cured, and that the phenomenon affects "barrier" papers, and that it can occur with any manufacturers' inks, not only Epson inks.
The problem apparently does not occur with fine art, matte-coated, watercolor, or cotton-rag-type papers,
and the best solution seems to be with accelerated drying or curing procedures.
SOURCES: Epson America, Inc. www.epson.com
Epsonx7x_Printers discussion list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Epsonx7x_Printers
TABLET PC MAKERS SELECT WACOM PENABLED™ TECHNOLOGY
1/1/03 - Tablet PCs are the "next big thing," and according to a recent Wacom Technology announcement, a great majority of manufacturers of the Tablet PC systems have incorporated the Wacom Penabled pen input system. Penabled refers to the patented Wacom technology that allows a pen to be cordless and batteryless, provide 256 levels or more of pressure and have optional electronic erasers. This is the same technology that Wacom uses in its products such as the Graphire2, Intuos2 and Cintiq.
The Tablet PCs are the Acer Travelmate C100, the Fujitsu and Fujitsu-Siemens Stylistic ST Series Tablet PC, the Motion Computing M1200 Tablet PC, the Toshiba Portégé 3500 Tablet PC, the ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100, the WalkAbout Hammerhead XRT Tablet PC, and the Xplore Genesys IIITPC.
Running under the new Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC operating system, Tablet PCs offer several advanced technologies, notably pen input. Using an electronic pen, Tablet PC users can control their PC, and they can create handwritten documents by writing directly on the computer's LCD screen. Handwritten documents are displayed as ultrasharp vector-based digital ink objects that vary in line thickness depending on hand pressure applied, just as when using a regular ink pen. Handwritten notes also can be stored, searched and reviewed. Documents can be annotated and handwritten notes can be converted into text for repurposing into other work documents.
Wacom Penabled pens operate without batteries or connecting cords by taking advantage of an electro-magnetic signal sent from a sensor board under the LCD to the pen and returned for analysis. A grid of wires in the sensor board alternates between transmit and receive modes about every 20 microseconds. In transmit mode, the sensor board's signal stimulates oscillation in a coil-and-capacitor resonant circuit in the pen. In receive mode, the energy of the resonant circuit oscillations in the pen is detected by the sensor board's antenna grid and analyzed for position, pressure, tilt and other information. There are 256 levels of pressure and optional eraser pens are available.
SOURCE: Wacom Technology Corp. www.wacom.com
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