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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:
RETAIL VALUE OF DIGITALLY PRINTED COLOR OUTPUT
FORECAST TO REACH $50 BILLION BY 2007.
3/25/04 - (3/23/04) I.T. Strategies estimates that in 2002 businesses and consumers spent more than $30 billion worldwide for digital color output and this is forecast to rise to almost $50 billion by 2007, a CAGR of 9%. (Note: this is a print-for-pay value and does not include the value of documents and graphics produced in-house.) I.T. Strategies divides output into two broad categories: Documents and Graphics.
Documents are defined as products that are generally printed on paper and are meant to be read, e.g. price lists, presentation materials, product sheets, direct mail, proofs, etc. Graphics are defined as products that are printed on
a wide variety of substrates from paper to vinyl, to fabric to corrugated. These products are meant to be viewed (as opposed to read) e.g., POP signage, banners, trade show graphics, posters, billboards, fine art, etc. .
By Technology
I.T. Strategies included two digital color printing technologies in its forecast: ink jet and electrophotography. Ink jet technology over the forecast period will generate about 60% of the total PFP output value: $19 billion in 2002, growing to almost $30 billion by 2007. According to Marco Boer, Consulting Partner at I.T. Strategies, "Ink jet technology will be primarily found in Graphics applications because of its substrate flexibility coupled with its width capabilities: up to 16'. Electrophotography is expected to generate about 40% of the total PFP output value: about $13 billion in 2002 growing to almost $20 billion by 2007. Electrophotography will be found primarily in Document applications, but will also see Graphics applications growing as well."
About I.T. Strategies
I.T. Strategies, Inc. is an established research and consultancy firm dedicated to serving companies in emerging digital printing markets. The company delivers intelligent data, analysis, strategy, and implementation practices to vendors in the digital printing industry around the world. From offices in Boston and Tokyo, I.T. Strategies conducts and delivers research data, offers interpretation and advice, identifies specific opportunities, and helps organizations implement these strategies to achieve effective solutions.
SOURCE: I.T. Strategies, Inc. www.it-strategies.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
INTELICOAT EXPANDS MAGIC® BRAND INK JET MEDIA WITH THE MAGICLEE™ LINE FOR DIGITAL ART PRINTING.
New Magiclée Line Includes Presentation Paper, Fine Art Paper, Photo Art
Paper, Fast-Drying Photo-Gloss Paper and Canvas Materials.
3/6/04 - (2/12/04) InteliCoat Technologies, a world leader in the manufacture of coated paper, film and specialty substrates for imaging and electronic technologies, today introduced a new line of media available in rolls and sheets to enhance the range of digital printing options for electronic artistry.
Identified as the Magiclée line, the digital art media folio consists of
15 specialty coated substrates for water-based thermal and piezo ink jet
printers. The Magiclée name is derived from the combination of the
established Magic brand name and the printing term "giclée," used to
describe art produced using ink jet technology.
Within the Magiclée line, photographers and digital artists may choose
from five categories of media: presentation-grade matte paper, fine art
paper, photo art paper, fast-drying photo-gloss paper and canvas. In
addition to rolls, ranging in width from 24" up to 60", sheet sizes are
also available. Sheets are being added in response to growing demand
among users of professional-quality ink jet desktop printers, such as
the Epson® and the Hewlett-Packard® models. Sheet dimensions are: 8.5"
x 11", 11" x 17", 13" x 19" and 17" x 22".
"Artists rely on substrates to achieve the desired overall impact of
their work," said Wendi West, digital art product manager at InteliCoat
Technologies. "As a world-class precision coater of papers and films
for digital imaging, we understand the importance of substrate
characteristics such as texture, brightness, archival quality,
consistency and reliability."
West continued, "Over the last several years we have been learning what
the artistic community wants and expects of its digital ink jet
substrates. InteliCoat has achieved success applying ink jet receiver
coatings to fine art and photo art substrates while retaining the
integrity of the surface texture and maintaining an acid-free, optical
brightener-free imaging surface. We're also looking at media to address
the unique needs of these two communities. For example, for photo
artists we have developed 'smooth surface' papers that reproduce crisp
images with very little texture. For fine artists we offer both smooth
and highly textured fine art paper as well as matte and glossy canvas to
provide additional depth and character to their ink jet reproductions."
The Magiclée media line features the following choices:
Presentation Grade Matte Paper
* 132gsm coated matte paper - DMPG132
* 170gsm coated matte paper - DMPG170
* 228gsm latex-saturated paper - MURAL-PRO
Fine art paper
* 225gsm textured 100% acid-free 100% cotton paper - Arches® by
Magic 225T
* 225gsm smooth 100% acid-free 100% cotton paper - Arches® by
Magic 225S
Photo art paper
* 185gsm smooth paper - FAP185S
* 300gsm smooth paper - FAP300S
Photobase
* 8 mil lustre fast-drying resin-coated paper - DMPDQU-L
* 8 mil glossy fast-drying resin-coated paper - DMPDQU-G
* 10 mil lustre fast-drying resin-coated paper - DMPDQ2-L
* 10 mil glossy fast-drying resin-coated paper - DMPDQ2-G
Canvas
* 17 mil poly/cotton blend matte acid-free pigment ink canvas -
DMCVM17UV
* 19 mil poly/cotton blend glossy acid-free pigment ink canvas -
DMCVH19UV
* 20 mil 100% cotton glossy dye ink canvas - DMCVH20
* 20 mil 100% cotton matte acid-free pigment ink canvas -
DMCVM20UV
For more information about the Magic Magiclée line, to request samples,
to download ICC profiles, or to locate authorized Magiclée distributors
and receive price information, visit our Web site at www.magicinkjet.com.
The Magic and Azon brands consist of an array of digital imaging media
products manufactured and marketed globally by InteliCoat Technologies,
a world leader in the manufacture of coated paper, film and specialty
substrates for imaging and electronic technologies. The company's
products include: imaging substrates for graphics, desktop, proofing,
design engineering applications and information storage; electronic
films for applications in printed wiring boards, flexible circuits;
optical films for displays; high temperature, conductive and shielding
tapes; conductive films; and microfilm. InteliCoat operates five
manufacturing facilities in the United States and Europe with sales and
marketing operations in Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom,
North and South America. Worldwide headquarters is in South Hadley,
Massachusetts, USA. InteliCoat is a Sun Capital Partner company.
SOURCE: InteliCoat Technologies www.magicinkjet.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
MOAB PAPER COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW PAPER LINE AT PMA.
New Kayenta™ Photo Matte to fill void for an "everyday photo job" paper.
2/29/04 - (2/14/04) Moab Paper Company
announces the release of its new paper line, Kayenta
Photo Matte, a paper designed to be used on everyday
jobs at very affordable prices. The dual-sided,
acid-free, lignin-free paper is perfect for portfolios,
scrap books and other general print jobs. In addition,
the low-price point makes Kayenta Photo Matte a perfect
proofing paper for Moab's Entrada™ line.
"The release of Kayenta Photo Matte and Moab's
continuing investment in new products reiterates our
dedication to providing the finest quality solutions
for photographers and fine artists," commented Gregory
Schern, president of Moab Paper Co. "Kayenta Photo
Matte was developed because our customers told us that
their was a need for a reasonably priced credible media
that could be used on everyday jobs without breaking
the bank. Kayenta Photo Matte fills this void."
Kayenta Photo Matte is Moab Paper Company's newest line
of fine art inkjet papers. The paper is dual sided,
acid and lignin free and was developed to please both
the discerning professional and the serious amateur
artist/photographer. This selection of media answers
the challenge of the professional inkjet printing
market for high quality media at affordable prices.
These media come in a broad array of size offerings, in
sheets and rolls.
Kayenta Photo Matte specs include a Brightness of '94',
Opacity of '98', and a Weight of 230gsm. The paper is
available in Bright White. A one-side version of the
paper will be available by summer 2004.
About Moab Paper Company
Moab Paper Company is a division of Red Rock
Innovations, Inc. (Moab, UT). A sister division, Inkjet
Goodies (http://www.inkjetgoodies.com) will be the
primary distributor for Moab Paper Company products.
Inkjet Goodies is one of the nation's premier online
retailers with a full compliment of professional
photographic and fine art inkjet supplies including
printers, inkjet media, inks, color management tools,
continuous bulk ink systems, scanners, rotary cutters,
print storage solutions, and many other products for
today's professional.
SOURCE: Moab Paper Company http://www.moabpaper.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
ERGOSOFT TO RELEASE SCALABLE VERSIONS OF STUDIOPRINT™
AT PHOTO MARKETING SHOW.
Stand-alone applications to be available to meet broader needs at economical prices.
2/29/04 - (2/12/04) ErgoSoft will announce the release of scalable versions of
StudioPrint™, its software for digital photography and fine art reproduction. StudioPrint is now scalable to offer capabilities to broader range of users at economical prices.
This stand-alone application is optimized for
photography and fine-art reproduction. Commercial and
Fine Art photographers as well as Fine Art print-makers
with demand for high quality prints or layout proofs
will greatly enhance their image quality, color
accuracy, and print volume with this non-PostScript
workflow solution.
The new StudioPrint Desktop supports the Epson 2200,
3000, 5000 and 5500 and is priced at $600. StudioPrint
Desktop XL supports the same devices as the Desktop
version and includes the new Epson 4000. StudioPrint
Desktop XL is priced at $800.
StudioPrint is normally priced at $2300 for large format devices and $1300 for small format devices (supported devices 24" and smaller). StudioPrint will be exhibited in booth L48 at the Photo Marketing Show, in Las Vegas.
StudioPrint works much like other ErgoSoft RIPs, by
incorporating ErgoSoft's strong, time-proven interface design with an efficient
image production-optimized feature-set. Production
features of the application include multiple printer
support, image nesting, rotating, duplicating and
scaling of images among many others. StudioPrint's
quality-centric features such as printer linearization,
ink limiting, and open color management architecture
make it easier than ever to produce outstanding prints
with minimal effort. The software also comes with printer
environments already configured for today's most popular ink and paper
combinations.
StudioPrint supports today's most popular Piezo-head
and variable-droplette inkjets such as Epson, Roland®,
and Mimaki®. StudioPrint is currently available for
use with Windows XP, Windows® 2000, Windows NT®, and
Windows® ME.
About Ergosoft U.S. LLC.
ErgoSoft's mission is to provide intuitive, high
fidelity digital printing solutions to the creative
professional. Each of ErgoSoft's comprehensive line of
inkjet RIPs is designed to meet the unique requirements
of Fine Art, Photography, Large Format Display, Textile
and Sublimation. We do this by developing
feature-specific, production-oriented applications to
optimize image fidelity, color accuracy and production
speed in the most demanding digital printing
environments. For more information, visit www.ergosoftus.com or
call 703.464.0876.
SOURCE: Ergosoft U.S. LLC http://www.ergosoftus.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
CANON LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-FIRST 13x19-INCH DESKTOP PHOTO WITH ChromaPLUS EIGHT COLOR INK SYSTEM FOR WIDER COLOR GAMUT.
2/26/04 - (2/9/04) Canon's top-of-the-line i9900 desktop photo printer empowers consumers, photo enthusiasts and working photographers to make their own professional quality borderless photo prints. The 13 x 19-inch inkjet printer features new red and green ink cartridges for rich, accurate color rendition, industry leading 4800 x 2400 dpi* maximum color resolution, microscopic 2 picoliter ink droplets, as well as USB 2.0 Hi-speed** and Firewire(R) interfaces. The i9900 desktop photo printer will be available in May for a suggested list price $499.99***.
The i9900 photo printer is the first in its class to offer eight individual ink tanks. Canon's exclusive ChromaPLUS 8-color ink system adds individual red and green ink tanks to the cyan, magenta, yellow, black, photo cyan and photo magenta inks that are commonly found on six-color printers. The red ink tank allows for an approximately 60% increase in the orange/red gamut over six-color printing and provides for previously unobtainable orange hues and well as richer reds. The green ink adds about 30% increase in green gamut as compared to six-color printing and creates more accurate and deeper greens in grass and foliage. The resulting finished print more closely matches the color characteristics of positive photographic film.
Canon's dye inks produce higher levels of glossiness, more vivid colors, reduced graininess and better contrast photo quality when compared with traditional flat and lack luster pigment-based inks used in conventional printers.
"With the proliferation of higher resolution digital cameras quickly entering the consumer market, the need and the opportunity for people to print larger than 8.5 x 11 inches is rapidly increasing," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "The i9900 Photo Printer allows users of higher megapixel digital cameras to expand beyond the small canvas of traditional desktop printers and print up to 13 x 19-inch borderless photos."
In addition to the two new colors, Canon has further increased the printer's photo quality by doubling the maximum color resolution to 4800 x 2400 dpi* from the earlier generation i9100 photo printer. The i9900 photo printer features the world's longest and highest nozzle-density print head in a consumer product and has 6,144 nozzles, capable of ejecting a staggering 122 million droplets per second**** that are a mere two picoliters in size. The print head uses Canon's exclusive advanced MicroFine Droplet Technology(TM), which ejects consistent prescribed-volume ink droplets for smooth gradations, accurate skin tones and rich, vibrant colors. To match the look of minilab prints, the i9900 photo printer supports edge-to-edge borderless printing in 4x6, 5x7, 8.5x11 and 13x19 inch sizes.
Photo printing speeds on the i9900 printer remain significantly faster than the competition. Users can print a 4 x 6-inch borderless photo in about 38 seconds, a 5 x 7-inch borderless photo in approximately 47 seconds, an 8.5 x 11-inch borderless photo in about 84 seconds and a full 13 x 19-inch borderless photograph in under three minutes***. For printing text, websites and other documents, the i9900 model features print speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 12 ppm in color printing***.
ICC Support
ICC profiles provided allow for the accurate translation of color data from any other compliant device into the Bubble Jet i9900's native color space. For professional users reliant on consistent color reproduction across devices (such as scanners, monitors and printers) the ICC profile permits tremendous flexibility by ensuring the retention of color accuracy during printing, irrespective of the image source.
Direct Photo Printing
Direct photo printing is made possible without using the computer thanks to the PictBridge featured on the new i9900 photo printer. PictBridge is an industry standard for digital printers, digital cameras and digital camcorders that allows the direct printing of images from PictBridge compatible digital cameras and camcorders to a PictBridge compatible printer, regardless of brand or manufacturer, without the use of a computer(2).
Bundled Software Easy-PhotoPrint 2.1
Canon's latest release of its Easy-PhotoPrint software - version 2.1(3) - works directly with Canon's new Digital Photo Professional software(4), improving the professional-level of support.
Together with Digital Photo Professional software, the Easy-PhotoPrint software is now capable of identifying color-space information automatically and transferring it accurately to the Canon i9900 photo printer. Easy-PhotoPrint v2.1 software enables image data obtained in Adobe RGB with a broad color range to be faithfully reproduced on the Canon i9900 photo printer.
Easy-PhotoPrint v2.1(3) software is an ultra-easy high-speed photo printing application equipped with a wide selection of useful printing functions for professional, prosumer and amateur users. Features include functions for batch printing a large number of images of differing types and aspect ratios, index printing to facilitate file management, and for printing out Exif data captured together with the images. It can also print out RAW data when used in combination with Digital Photo Professional. Together with Digital Photo Professional, it ensures the optimum workflow from color management to printing. The integrated workflow of Digital Photo Professional and Easy-PhotoPrint 2.1 enables the color management system to reproduce colors faithful to the original image data.
In addition to Easy-PhotoPrint software, the i9900 photo printer includes Easy-PhotoPrint Plus and Easy-WebPrint software(3). Canon developed the Easy-PhotoPrint Plus software to reduce red-eye problems and smooth out facial imperfections. Easy-WebPrint software facilitates printing from the Internet by automatically formatting and scaling the output so that the entire page is printed even when it extends over multiple screens. This time saving and cost saving feature reduces waste and ensures that the selected pages are printed properly, in color and without trimming the right-hand margin.
Connections
The i9900 photo printer features fast USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Firewire interfaces to satisfy the needs of professional users. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems while the Firewire(R)’ interface is specifically for Macintosh users. A conventional USB interface is also included allowing up to three computers to be connected to the printer simultaneously.
Compatibility
Compatible with both Windows(R) and Mac(R) platforms (Windows XP, Windows 2000/Millennium Edition/98 and Mac OS (8.6 to 9.x) and Mac OSX v 10.2.1 to 10.3.x.), the i9900 photo printer also includes the Zoom Browser EX (Windows) and ImageBrowser (Mac) image management software, and PhotoStitch (for Windows and Mac) that makes composite images from shots taken separately.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
PictBridge is a Trademark
Specifications subject to change without notice. All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners. System requirements vary by application.
* Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi used at the bottom edge of the paper.
** USB 2.0 Hi-Speed requires Windows XP (Service pack 1), Windows 2000 (Service pack 4) or Mac OS X v. 10.2.7 to 10.3.x.
*** Prices are MSRP at time materials were created. Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
****Capacity calculation based on print head frequency times nozzle count.
(1) Photo print speeds based on default driver mode using Canon Photo Paper Pro. PPM printer speed based on high-speed draft mode. Print speed will vary depending on system configuration, software, document complexity, print mode and page coverage.
(2) For a listing of select Canon digital cameras and camcorders featuring Bubble Jet Direct or PictBridge direct printing technology, visit www.usa.canon.com/consumer/directprint. To determine if a non-Canon brand camera or camcorder is PictBridge-compatible please consult the manufacturer.
(3) Easy-PhotoPrint and Easy-PhotoPrintPlus are not compatible with Mac OS 8.6. Easy-WebPrint requires the Windows version of Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5, version 6.0 recommended.
(4) OS compatibility not confirmed as of publication date
SOURCE: Canon USA, Inc. http://www.usa.canon.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
HP ACCELERATES DIGITAL PUBLISHING REVOLUTION WITH
INTRODUCTION OF INDUSTRY-LEADING GRAPHIC ARTS PORTFOLIO.
2/22/04 - (2/10/04) HP today unveiled technologies and products
enabling the graphic arts industry to realize the long-awaited benefits of the digital publishing revolution. Driving this transformation are HP's comprehensive product portfolio, color science advancements and workflow solutions, which enable
customers to capitalize on efficient on-demand printing, effective real-time targeted marketing and streamlined workflows.
"Enterprise companies and graphic arts professionals are realizing the advantages of digital content creation and production. From in-house proofing to short-run, on-demand printing, digital workflows ultimately drive more profit," said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "HP's information
technology expertise and the depth and breadth of our color imaging and printing
solutions enable graphic arts professionals take advantage of these new
opportunities."
The centerpieces of HP's announcement include:
• the HP Indigo press 5000, designed for increased volumes and cost-effective digital color printing productivity;
• the HP Indigo press 3050, delivering enhancements to the successful HP Indigo press 3000 with a new entry-level pricing plan;
• the HP Color 9850mfp, HP's first high-speed color multifunction printer; and
• the HP Designjet 30 and 130 - two large-format printing, ink and media systems for photos and graphics that resist fading for 70 years. (1)
In addition, HP is enhancing its existing professional color technologies with CMYK
Plus, a new color standard that will automatically prepare files for offset printing without manual intervention.
Digital print on demand continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the
production digital printing market, according to a recent CAP Ventures report. In
Western Europe in 2002, for example, equipment, supplies and service revenues
totaled 5.8 billion euros. By 2007, this figure is expected to reach 8.6 billion euros. (2)
HP collaboration for customized, cost-effective print communications
HP is working with enterprise companies, commercial printers and their agencies to
transform the efficiency and effectiveness of their marketing communications.
For example, Caprabo Group, one of Spain's fastest-growing supermarket chains with more than 500 stores, quickly embraced the digital revolution for their print-on-demand, point-of-sale advertising. Instead of using centrally produced marketing materials, Caprabo shops now simply log on to the corporate-controlled Web site, download and customize the collateral that fits their needs, and receive delivery in less than 72 hours - less than half the time it formerly took.
The number of printers has been reduced by 25 percent and Caprabo corporate
marketers can now concentrate on managing and improving their retail advertising
rather than working on the actual print production.
"HP's solution will allow us to grow over the years, be more efficient, reduce our costs and offer our customers a key element that differentiates us from our competitors," said Xavier Alomar, marketing director, Caprabo Group.
HP's collaborative efforts also include companies such as Atlas Software BV,
Datalogics Inc., GMC Software Technology, Printable Technologies, Techno Design
and TripleArc. HP is working with these companies to drive page volume to
commercial printers to help them grow their businesses. By seamlessly connecting the digital document delivery system between enterprise companies and commercial
printers, HP is making customized, immediate and cost-effective print communications real.
CMYK Plus: Standard CMYK without manual intervention
HP also is enhancing the workflow process with the introduction of CMYK Plus, a new
benchmark for color science and management capabilities that allows graphics
professionals to produce output from standard CMYK files (prepared for offset) without any manual intervention - thus saving considerable time and money. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black, the colors used in printing.
CMYK Plus, a part of HP's professional color technologies, enables the production of outstanding output with rich and vibrant colors that are perceptually consistent with traditional offset press in hue and lightness relationships.
This new technology truly has the potential to transform the graphic arts industry,
similar to the way HP did when it co-developed sRGB (red, green, blue), the color
technology standard for almost every imaging platform, such as computer and TV
monitors, digital cameras and most imaging devices.
Transforming the digital print production experience with HP Indigo presses
For mid- to large-size commercial printers that want to take advantage of the
significant opportunities in digital printing, the HP Indigo press 5000 provides
productivity and flexibility with high print quality, speed and a wide media range. The press prints up to 68 four-color pages per minute and boasts substantial paper
handling options and ink system innovation.
HP also introduced the HP Indigo press 3050, based on the proven HP Indigo press
3000. Enhanced with reliability improvements and lower pricing, the HP Indigo press
3050 makes it easy to invest in high-quality digital printing.
Both the HP Indigo press 5000 and HP Indigo press 3050 will be sold with one year of free service and extremely competitive service pricing after the coverage period.
HP also announced the availability of HP Indigo Printing Paper, affordable papers optimized for reliability and quality when used together with HP Indigo commercial
presses. The current portfolio of 11 HP Indigo Printing Papers range from uncoated
text and cover to coated text and cover and will continue to expand.
Designed for production color printing and copying locations in medium and large
businesses, central reprographics departments, quick-printers and copy shops, the
HP color 9850mfp delivers professional color quality, performance and solutions at a highly competitive cost. The HP color 9850mfp is HP's first high-speed color printer, printing and copying up to 50 pages per minute reliably and easily.
Simplifying the creative process with HP Designjet systems
For graphic design, proofing and photography, HP introduced the six-ink HP Designjet 30 and HP Designjet 130 printing systems. Whether it is a postcard or a poster, creative professionals can enjoy the convenience of output that resists fading for 70 years (1) with fast color stability and color consistency at an affordable price.
New media and ink cartridges also have been developed for the Designjet systems
using HP's state-of-the-art dye-based formulations. The media and ink provide rich
color depth and gloss uniformity for stunning results.
The HP Indigo press 5000 and the HP Designjet 30 and the HP Designjet130 printing
systems incorporate the CMYK Plus technology. Support is also planned for the HP
Color 9850mfp.
HP will be demonstrating its products and solutions during drupa 2004, Europe's
largest print exhibition, in Hall 4, Stand 4C23. Drupa runs May 6-19 in Dusseldorf,
Germany.
More information about this announcement is available at
http://hppredrupa.directmessage.net/
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions
globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and
access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the fiscal year ending on Oct. 31, 2003, HP revenue totaled $73.1 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.
(1) Preliminary results from tests conducted by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. indicate that prints made with HP No. 85 ink cartridges and HP Premium Plus Photo and Proofing Gloss paper may be displayed indoors under glass for approximately 70 years before noticeable fading and staining will occur (see www.wilhelm-research.com for details).
(2) CAP Ventures, Western European Print On Demand Market Forecast: 2002-2007.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than
statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions
include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development and
performance of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2003, and reports filed after the form 10-K. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Hewlett-Packard Company http://www.hp.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
DURST RHO 160W PLUS UV INKJET PRINTER AMONG 10 MOST INNOVATIVE DIGITAL PRODUCTS
INTRODUCED AT THIS YEAR'S PMA TRADE SHOW.
Another First From Durst, White Ink Provides Imagers Variety of New Printing Options.
2/18/04 - (2/15/04) The new Durst Rho 160W Plus Flatbed UV Inkjet Printer/Press, the world's first production inkjet printer to offer white ink, has been selected by DIMA--the Digital Imaging Marketing Association--as one of the 10 most innovative digital imaging products of the year. The Rho 160W Plus was so honored during the Photo Marketing Association trade show here.
The industry-leading Rho 160W Plus presents new possibilities for sign shops, screen printers, commercial photo labs and other print providers. White ink for the Rho 160 Plus means users can create a white background on non-white and clear media. Users are also able to overlay white areas or detail, produce cleaner backgrounds, create more contrast in images, and give colors added "pop." No longer are media selections for certain applications limited by the fact that a white overlay or white background was unavailable or not technically possible.
"We're very pleased to receive this recognition for the Rho 160W Plus flatbed printer, which illustrates that Durst quality and innovation is evident in both its inkjet printers and its photographic imagers," said Ron Waters, CEO of Durst Image Technology U.S., LLC. "White ink is just the latest breakthrough in a long line of imaging breakthroughs from Durst."
At PMA, a panel of DIMA imaging experts also judged prints from the Durst Theta 50, Epsilon 30 Plus and Lambda digital printers to be superior to images from all other manufacturers' digital printers in the DIMA Shoot-Out--the photography/imaging industry's premier head-to-head digital competition. The judges selected the Theta 50 Digital Lab System as best in the 18-to-29-inch-wide category, Epsilon 30 Plus LED Photo Printer in the 30-to-49-inch-wide category and Lambda 131 Digital Laser Imager in the 50-inch-wide and above category.
Company Information
Durst Phototechnik AG is a manufacturer of digital imaging systems for graphic, pre-press and photographic applications. It has manufacturing facilities in Brixen (South Tyrol / Italy) and Lienz (East Tyrol / Austria), offices in the U.S. (Durst Image Technology), France, United Kingdom and Germany, and exclusive agents in 120 countries supporting users and customers in professional printing markets worldwide. Durst's worldwide reputation for quality, precision and reliability spans nearly 70 years.
Durst Image Technology U.S., LLC is the exclusive marketer and service provider for all Durst professional digital imaging equipment in the United States. Durst U.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Durst Phototechnik Group, headquartered in Brixen, Italy.
Durst products include the world renowned Durst Lambda laser imager line, Durst Rho 160 Plus and Rho 205 UV flatbed ink jet printers/presses, Durst Sigma Plus high-speed film scanner, Durst Theta 50 and Theta 51 roll-to-cut print imagers, Durst Epsilon Plus LED printer, and Durst Zeta Plus roll-to-roll laser printer.
SOURCE: Durst Image Technology U.S. ttp://www.durstus.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
COLORVISION® INTRODUCES LOW COST, HIGH QUALITY CALIBRATION SYSTEMS FOR THE DIGITAL DARKROOM.
2/10/04 - (2/3/04) ColorVision Inc., a Datacolor
company has upgraded and bundled its new PrintFIX^(TM) product with the
award winning SpyderPRO^(TM) in a truly affordable $449 package, shaving
hundreds of dollars off currently available alternatives for calibrating
monitors and profiling printers for paper types.
The package containing ColorVision's critically acclaimed SpyderPRO, a
precise calibration system for LCD and CRT monitors and the newly
upgraded PrintFIX, an integrated hardware/ software solution that
delivers accurate inkjet printer profiles for outstanding photographic
prints, has received enthusiastic endorsements from industry and user
experts alike:
'Great deal!' - DPReview.com
'... an affordable printer profiling solution.' - NaturePhotographers.com
'The first unit of its type to be affordable for nearly anyone.' -
Outdoor Photographer Magazine
'Taking the mystery out of color management.' - Shutterbug Magazine
"As a true art photographer it's critical that the adjustments I make on
screen appear properly in the print. I was literally floored when, on
the first pass through, your software delivered a profile that was over
90% accurate.... I'm one happy camper" - a satisfied customer.
PrintFIX offers a user-friendly solution for photographers, and graphic
and fine artists who are frustrated by prints that do not match their
monitors. Outstanding prints can be produced on just about any paper -
heavy weight, matte, luster, high quality glossy, fine art and even
watercolor papers. PrintFIX is the latest addition to the award-winning
PANTONE®COLORVISION® line of accurate and affordable color control
solutions for photo, design and prepress applications.
The new PrintFIX software has been updated and now supports sixteen of
EPSON®'s most popular photo printers, as well as six of CANON®'s, with
new models and manufacturers being added continuously. New printer
specific calibration charts may be downloaded as they become available
at: http://www.ColorVision.com/sup_dl-upgrades.shtml.
"PrintFIX was developed in response to a critical need expressed by our
customers," explained Brian Levey, Vice President of ColorVision.
"Specifically, 'how can I get my prints to match what I see on my screen
without being a color guru or breaking the bank?' PrintFIX provides an
affordable way for users to get professional quality prints. The savings
gained from avoiding the waste of time, paper and inks involved in the
usual trial and error of matching quickly pays for the product.
PrintFIX is a breakthrough in the price/performance ratio in color
management.
Levey continues; "ColorVision has been leading the charge in digital
color-control for the last four years and plans to stay in front of the
pack with the most sought-after products in the market with very
attractive programs and prices for our dealers. By packaging the award
winning SpyderPRO with OptiCAL^(TM) and PrintFIX we are creating for the
first time in the industry an affordable integrated hardware/software
solution from monitor calibration to printer profiling. When your
monitor is calibrated, you assure color accuracy so your prints look
closer to your original input. Because we want our customers to have
the tools they need at prices they can afford, we are specially offering
SpyderPRO+PrintFIX^(TM) a $578 value, at $449."
Pricing and Availability {photos available for each product description}
Go to http://www.colorvision.com/press for digital files
PrintFIX^(TM) [pic] software and hardware works within Adobe® Photoshop®
and Photoshop Elements assures consistent, accurate and reliable digital
color printing. It comes with a FREE Adobe Photoshop Album. PrintFIX
has a U.S. manufacturers suggested retail price of $329 and can be found
for less at many resellers.
SpyderPRO^(TM) [pic] is the professional's choice for monitor
calibration. It includes the Spyder colorimeter, OptiCAL^(TM) software,
as well as a FREE Adobe Photoshop Album. Software can be used at
multiple workstations with no additional licensing required. SpyderPRO
has a U.S. manufacturers suggested retail price of $249 and can be found
for less at many resellers.
SpyderPRO+PrintFIX^(TM) [pic] this value-added suite includes a FREE
Adobe Photoshop Album and DoctorPRO^(TM). Software (for editing output
profiles) can be used at multiple workstations with no additional
licensing required. SpyderPRO+PrintFIX has a U.S. manufacturers
suggested retail price of $449 and can be found for less at many resellers.
System Requirements include OSX 10.2 or better, or Windows® 98, ME, 2000
or XP; Adobe Photoshop 5.5 or better, or Photoshop Elements; and a
supported color printer. More information on ColorVision at
www.colorvision.com
ColorVision offers FREE unlimited e-mail and telephone support. As new
versions of software are released FREE up-grades are downloadable at the
ColorVision web site (www.colorvision.com/support.html), for all
registered owners with a valid serial number.
SOURCE: ColorVision Inc. ttp://www.colorvision.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
XEROX DELIVERS TOP VALUE WITH COLOR PRINTER PRICED AT $999.
Phaser 8400 based on new solid ink platform, sets quality standard.
2/5/04 - (1/29/04) Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) today announced the Phaser® 8400 Color Printer, which delivers unmatched value and quality for a low starting price of $999.
Based on a new solid ink technology platform, the Phaser 8400 delivers 24 color and black-and-white pages per minute and offers features that set an industry standard for performance and functionality in the sub-$1,000 color printer category.
According to data from IDC, a global IT research and consulting firm in Framingham, Mass., the sub-$1,000 segment is the fastest-growing part of the U.S. color page printer market, growing at 212 percent year-over-year in unit shipments*.
"Small businesses understand the value and economics of color and are actively seeking the best technology at the right price," said Emerson Fullwood, president, Xerox Channels Group. "This new solid ink platform delivers it all - quality, innovation and ease of use in one low-priced package. No one else offers this set of features at this price."
The Phaser 8400 uses 2400 FinePoint™ technology - proprietary Xerox image rendering software that produces image quality equivalent to 2400 dpi. This feature can be used when the highest image quality is necessary for items such as proposals, presentations and photos.
The Phaser 8400 comes with genuine Adobe PostScript 3 and prints on a variety of media, including card stock, envelopes and transparencies. In addition, it handles custom page sizes from 3.5" x 5" to 8.5" x 14" paper, providing the flexibility that today's small businesses need to create everything from direct mail postcards to brochures.
The Phaser 8400 has a smaller footprint and weighs 25 percent less than earlier solid ink models without sacrificing quality. Its design stands up to heavy activity, making it an ideal everyday printer for multiple users. Customers can choose from four configurations, selecting the model that best meets their requirements and then upgrading to more advanced capabilities as printing needs grow. The Phaser 8400 has up to 512 MB of memory, automatic two-sided printing on two of the four available configurations, and includes a 500 MHz processor that enables the fastest first-page-out time in the industry at 6 seconds. Its advanced networking architecture supports multiple users and allows connections via USB 2.0, parallel and Ethernet.
A Xerox-exclusive Configuration Card enables a fast and easy upgrade and can help shorten service calls. Encrypted for security, this postage stamp-sized card is located on the side of the printer for quick access and captures the printer's "personality," including its feature set and network settings.
As with all Xerox network printers, the Phaser 8400 is easy to install and has advanced Web-based printer management tools including CentreWare® Web 3.0, PhaserSMART™ and an enhanced version of PrintingScout, which alerts people to potential printer issues and gives instructions on how to correct them. The printer also features Intelligent Ready, a software program that minimizes printer warm-up time by responding to recent usage patterns.
The Phaser 8400 solid ink printer comes with the Xerox Total Satisfaction Guarantee and a one-year depot warranty. Xerox also offers toll-free telephone support and online customer support.
The Phaser 8400 is immediately available worldwide through Xerox direct sales, resellers and dealers at an estimated retail price of $999. It is also available online through the Xerox Printer Store at www.xerox.com/printerstore.
SOURCE: Xerox Corporation http://www.xerox.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
ARCHES INFINITY NOW AVAILABLE IN SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SAMPLER PACKS.
Special Pricing, Rebates Offered.
2/1/04 - (11/13/03) Arches Infinity, the museum quality digital art and photo inkjet paper, is now available in special Sampler Packs through the archesinfinity.com website, according to Jeffrey Neumann, Product Manager, Arches/North America.
"In the realm of digital fine art printmaking," said Neumann, "one paper merits the Arches name: Arches Infinity. With our special website offer, we're giving artists, photographers, and printmakers the opportunity to create museum-quality inkjet prints by upgrading to Arches Infinity at an opening price point."
The 8.5 x 11 Sampler Pack is priced at $13.99 and includes six sheets of Arches Infinity (three sheets each of 230 g/m2 textured/white and smooth/white).
The large format 13 x 19 Sampler Pack is priced at $38.99 and includes eight sheets of Arches Infinity (two sheets each of 355 g/m2 textured/white, smooth/white, textured/natural white, and smooth/natural white).
Each Sampler Pack also includes a cash back offer for future purchases of Arches Infinity. This mail-in rebate is good for $5 cash back on any 25-sheet box of Arches Infinity 13 x 19 or smaller, and $10 cash back on any 25-sheet box 17 x 22 or larger.
"Since Sampler Packs are a web-based promotion, they're also designed to help more customers discover the other great features on archesinfinity.com," said Neumann. "The website is a great resource for digital artists, photographers, and printmakers. We've included a detailed product application guide for Arches Infinity, plus free downloadable ICC printer profiles. There's a professional framing and handling guide. Our exclusive Gallery Feature currently highlights the work of fine art photographer Rick Ehrlich."
For more information, visit www.archesinfinity.com and select the SPECIAL OFFER link.
SOURCE: Arches North America http://www.archesinfinity.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
HP PHOTO PRINTING SYSTEMS OFFER PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS THAT RESIST LIGHT FADING FOR 115 YEARS.
Third-party research confirms industry leading fade resistance and image quality
1/29/04 - (1/28/04) HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced third-party test results confirming that HP's recently introduced black and white capable photo printing systems offer customers professional-quality black and white photos that resist noticeable light fading for 115 years.(1)
Last year, the company introduced several HP Photosmart printers that produced professional-quality black and white photos. HP asked Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. the leading worldwide independent image permanence laboratory, to test a representative HP printer (the HP Photosmart 7960) for black and white fade resistance in normal indoor display conditions, when used with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.
Wilhelm Imaging Research, using their standard test methods (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details), determined that these black and white prints resist fading for up to 115 years when tested under glass.
"It's important for customers to understand that any credible comparisons of photo permanence must be derived from identical test methodologies," said Nils Miller, senior ink and media scientist, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Wilhelm Imaging Research employs the most stringent and widely used test methodology on fade resistance. In addition, Wilhelm tests and publishes results for all major brands, which enables customers to make fair and credible comparisons between brands."
HP Photosmart printers, including the 145, 245, 7660, 7760 and 7960 products, are all compatible with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge. According to HP's Image Permanence Lab, when used with HP Premium Plus Photo paper, these photo capable printers offer similar results as those obtained by Wilhelm Imaging Research on the HP Photosmart 7960.
Wilhelm's tests previously concluded that HP's latest color photo printing systems offer 73 years fade resistance under display conditions.(2)
The HP printing system
HP offers its consumers professional-looking output by designing reliable, high-quality and complete printing systems. HP print cartridges, printers and photo papers are designed together to work together. The dye-based ink cartridges when combined with HP Premium Plus Photo Papers offer brilliant color and professional-quality black and white photos with exceptional fade resistance.(2)
Additionally, a recent report from SpencerLab(3) demonstrated that photo enthusiasts preferred the digital image quality of the eight-ink printing system over conventionally processed photos. The SpencerLab report was based on consumer-based research into preferences regarding photographic print quality.
"As a leader in home photo printing, HP knows superior image quality and fade resistance are critical to our customers," said William K. Smith, general manager and vice president of imaging supplies, media, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Through innovation and a commitment to R&D, HP will continue to lead industry advancements in photo printing."
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the fiscal year ending on Oct. 31, 2003, HP revenue totaled $73.1 billion. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
------------------------------
(1) According to Wilhelm Imaging Research (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details). Display Permanence Ratings are based on accelerated light stability tests conducted at 35 klux with glass-filtered cool white fluorescent illumination with the sample plane air temperature maintained at 24 C and 60% relative humidity. Data were extrapolated to display conditions of 450 lux for 12 hours per day using the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. "Visually-Weighted Endpoint Criteria Set v3.0" and represent the years of display for easily noticeable fading, changes in color balance, and/or staining to occur.
(2) With the combination of (i) the HP 58 photo inkjet print cartridge, the HP 57 tri-color inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper, or (ii) the HP 57, HP 58 and the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.
(3) SpencerLab, Consumer Preference Research: Photographic Print Quality, September 2003.
SOURCE: Hewlett-Packard Company http://www.hp.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
WELL-REGARDED BRILLIANT NAME NOW ON NEW INKJET PAPER.
1/22/04 - (10/23/03) The Brilliant name, known for the finest traditional, silver-halide papers, which have established themselves in the fine-art community for over 10 years, is now proudly applied to a brand-new set of quality digital media. The new Brilliant Supreme Inkjet premium papers, available in glossy, lustre and matte surfaces, have been engineered to provide photographers' color or black-and-white fine-art images with exquisite photo-quality output from an inkjet printer. These bright-white papers feature special microporous coatings that prevent bleeding and over-laydown and allow for instant handling, high resolution and vivid color saturation. All three are compatible with either pigment- or dye-based inks.
Zone VI Newsletter Editor and Photo Artist Richard Newman states, "I'm amazed by the image quality these papers impart to my work. Especially in view of the cost per sheet! They accept the pigment inks of my 2200 just as well as the dyes from my old 1270. The lustre sparkles and that matte is luminous!"
The Brilliant Supreme Glossy Inkjet papers feature a heavyweight photographic resin-coated base that ensures the look and feel of traditional photographic paper, with neutral whiteness, high smoothness and high gloss. Perfect for photographic reproductions or proofing ‹ high resolution or color density.
The Brilliant Supreme Lustre Inkjet papers also feature a heavyweight photographic resin-coated base that has a fine textured satin, low-glare surface. Well suited for display photographic art.
The Brilliant Supreme Matte Inkjet papers feature a neutral white, high-resolution matt surface that will yield outstanding contrast and is acid-free. Also suitable for reproduction of non-photographic artwork.
For a convenient way to try all three types of paper, the six-sheet Sample Pack is available. It contains two 8.5 x 11" sheets of each surface type. Each type of paper (glossy, lustre and matt) is available in 8.5 x 11" boxes of 25 or 100 sheets, 11 x 17" boxes of 25 sheets, 13 x 19" of 25 sheets, or 24" x 100¹ rolls.
Specifications include:
Weight--
Glossy: 270g/m2
Lustre: 270g/m2
Matte: 230g/m2
Drying Time--
Glossy: Instant
Lustre: Instant
Matte: Instant
Inks--
Glossy: Dye/pigment
Lustre: Dye/pigment
Matte: Dye/pigment/oil
Laminability--
Glossy: Cold and hot
Lustre: Cold and hot
Matte: Cold and hot
Caliper-Thickness--
Lustre: 10.0 mil
10.0 mil
Matte: 9.5 mil
Opacity--
Glossy: 96%
Lustre: 96%
Matte: 98%
ISO Brightness--
Glossy: 93
Lustre: 93
Matte: 90
Calumet Photographic has been an industry leader for over 65 years and operates eight retail centers throughout the United States. It also operates 14 retail locations in the U.K., four in Germany and three in Holland and Belgium. Calumet also offers its worldwide customers a Web site at www.calumetphoto.com, which now supports sales in three different currencies and fulfillment centers, and is backed by country-specific call centers for additional technical and sales support.
SOURCE: Calumet Photographic http://www.calumetphoto.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
THE ARTISTRY LINE ART TUTORIALS HAVE JUST BEEN RELEASED FOR COREL PAINTER
8.1.
1/18/04 - Available either as a downloadable Acrobat file or on CD, the Artistry Line Art tutorials show how working cartoonists and illustrators use Painter to
color line art using brushes, layers and fill options.
"I think one of the most interesting things about the Artistry Line Art
tutorials is that they show how different artists have found different
solutions for the same thing," says editor/publisher Karen Sperling.
"Some artists keep the line art in the canvas and paint in the layer. Others
do the opposite, that is, they put the line art in the layer and paint in
the canvas. Still others use layers to do both the lines and color. It's
interesting to see all the different approaches described step-by-step in
the tutorials. Then the reader can choose which technique works best for him
or her."
The Artistry Line Art tutorials are available from the Artistry web site,
either individually:
http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/linetut.html
or as part of a set of Artistry CDs, including a free CD in the Buy 3 CDs
get a 4th CD Free sale:
http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/order.html
For those who prefer live instruction vs. written tutorials, there are seats
available at the Artistry Corel Painter retreats:
http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/classes.html
and Karen Sperling is available for one-on-one Corel Painter training by
telephone:
http://www.artistrymag.com/docs/classes2.html
The original Painter expert, Karen Sperling wrote the first several Painter
manuals starting when the program debuted in 1991, in addition to the
Painter Complete series of books. Karen has taught Painter since its debut
to everyone from free-lance artists and photographers to staff artists and
designers at major motion picture and greeting card companies. She has also
given seminars and demo's of Painter at American Film Institute, Macworld,
Seybold, the Professional Photographers of America and SIGGRAPH.
For more information write to Karen Sperling at karensperling@sbcglobal.net
or ksperling@aol.com.
SOURCE: Karen Sperling http://www.artistrymag.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
ENCAD ANNOUNCES NEXT GENERATION NOVAJET.
The first wide-format printer jointly developed by ENCAD & Kodak.
1/12/04 - ENCAD, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) announced today that in February 2004, it
will redefine the relationship between wide-format printer speed, image
quality and cost per print with its next generation product, the NOVAJET 1000i
printer.
The ENCAD NOVAJET 1000i(TM) printer the first printer that combines the
wide-format expertise of ENCAD with Kodak's extensive knowledge and research
in color imaging science, is designed to establish a new definition for
productivity in wide-format inkjet printing. The printer combines:
* Print speeds significantly faster than other printers in this
category;
* Leading edge print quality technology;
* Low cost of operation.
User Input
"The NOVAJET 1000i printer was developed after extensive input from ENCAD
customers, prospects and partners worldwide in key market segments, including
digital print shops, graphic art service bureaus, sign shops and reprographic
houses," said Barry Lathan, ENCAD CEO. "Across the board, these customers'
requirements for wide-format printers include speed, image quality,
reliability, and low hardware and consumables cost" Lathan continued, "ENCAD's
design for the NOVAJET 1000i printer meets all of these criteria." High
throughput is achieved with an advanced print head that allows high-speed
printing and new dryer technology ensures quick dry time on a wide variety of
media. With a printer price of under $20,000 (MSRP), and the lowest ink cost
in the category, the NOVAJET 1000i printer will also meet the customer demand
for low total cost of operation and high revenue and margin potential.
Breakthrough Productivity
ENCAD achieves exceptional image quality at high speeds with a unique
print masking technique called Intelligent Mask Technology or IMT. A print
mask is a screen that is applied to image files by the printer to determine
which dots are laid down during each swath or print pass when printing in a
particular print mode. ENCAD engineers have created a process that maximizes
the technique of print masking for each of the six ink colors.
ENCAD: Integral Part of Kodak's Commercial Printing Division
ENCAD is a key part of Kodak's new Commercial Printing operation, led by
James Langley, President, Commercial Printing, and Senior Vice President,
Eastman Kodak Company. Kodak created the Commercial Printing operation to
pursue growth opportunities in the digital commercial printing industry. In
addition to ENCAD, Kodak's Commercial Printing operations include two joint
ventures, Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) and NexPress Solutions LLC. Kodak
recently announced plans to acquire Scitex Digital Printing to increase the
scope of the Commercial Printing operation.
About ENCAD
ENCAD, Inc. is a leading innovator in wide-format printing technology.
Leading the industry from the very beginning, ENCAD's expertise helps create
new opportunities and expand wide format applications. ENCAD offers a broad
line of wide-format inkjet printers, a complete selection of wide-format media
plus the extensive image science and technical support of Kodak. ENCAD's
products deliver brilliant color images quickly and cost-effectively, and are
designed to increase user productivity in a variety of applications including
indoor and outdoor sign making, point-of-purchase graphics, photographic
enlargement, graphic arts, fine art, textile design, and computer-aided
design. The company's products are sold and serviced through a worldwide
network of distributors and value-added resellers. The digital output
provided by ENCAD printers is yet another way in which Kodak is participating
within the $385+ billion infoimaging industry, driven by the convergence of
images and information technology. Infoimaging unites three closely related
imaging markets -- devices/software, infrastructure and services/media -- that
enable people to more easily use images as a fast, effective means to share
them as information, entertainment or memories.
SOURCE: ENCAD, Inc. http://www.ENCAD.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
NIKON® ANNOUNCES NEW AND ENHANCED SUITE OF COOLSCAN HIGH-SPEED DESKTOP FILM SCANNERS.
Nikon Redefines Quality and Performance With New Products and Exclusive Features.
1/5/04 - Nikon® has answered the calls of photo hobbyists, professional
photographers and graphics professionals with the next generation of Coolscan
desktop film scanners -- the Coolscan V ED, Super Coolscan 5000 ED and the
Super Coolscan 9000 ED. The new film scanners are loaded with features and
benefits designed for a wide range of users, including Applied Science
Fiction's™ Digital ICE4™ Advanced technology, Nikon's exclusive Scan
Image Enhancer™ and other 'one-button-simple' solutions. The new lineup of
Coolscan products will help small and large businesses to streamline their
operations and increase productivity while giving home users and hobbyists an
affordable solution to revitalize, restore and save precious family memories.
"While digital is dominating today's photography and printing markets, there
are still an enormous amount of film images as well as a need for creating
high-quality, versatile hi-resolution digital files. In American homes,
literally millions of negatives and slides holding precious family memories
are wasting away in shoeboxes and attics," said Jerry Grossman, vice
president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras, Nikon
Inc. "A Nikon film scanner is an incredibly useful tool to help unlock the
potential of an image and use the advantages of digital to bring that image to
life."
Why Nikon?
Nikon invented affordable desktop film scanning in 1994 with the
introduction of the original Coolscan, and has been the market leader ever
since. In 2001, Nikon was the first manufacturer to offer the groundbreaking
Digital ICE3™ technology in its film scanners, as well as high quality ED
(Extra-low Dispersion) glass for sharp clear images and accurate color
representation. Designed with this tradition in mind, Nikon possesses
defining capabilities that make each Coolscan scanner the best in its class.
The new Nikon Coolscan desktop film scanners boast 4,000 dpi across the
product line, a greater optical density range for even deeper levels of
details, faster processing speeds (USB 2 and FireWire - IEEE 1394) and an
enhanced version of Nikon Scan 4.
Nikon Coolscan scanners offer features such as:
* Scanner Nikkor ED lens - The single most important element in the
production of high-quality scans is the lens. Nikon has incorporated
lenses of the highest quality in each film scanner. ED (Extra-low
Dispersion) lens elements are far superior in edge-to-edge sharpness,
definition and contrast, as well as color registration, saturation and
accuracy.
* Low-heat, high-accuracy LED light source - Most scanners use halogen or
fluorescent lamps as light sources, but they require time to warm up
and the heat they generate can cause damage to film. Nikon products
are the only scanners to employ LEDs as the source of light. LEDs are
a stable, precise light source, which require no maintenance or warm-up
time and present no risk of your film being damaged.
* Digital ICE4 Advanced™ - Nikon's ED glass and LED lighting help to
optimize the effectiveness of Digital ICE4 Advanced™ components,
making Nikon Coolscan scanners and ICE a perfect match.
* Nikon Color Management System (CMS) - Nikon CMS provides consistently
accurate reproduction of image data on monitors and in printouts.
Coolscan Scanners Are Designed for Multiple Applications - Nikon Coolscan V ED - The Digital Time Machine
The Coolscan V ED is an affordable, high-performance film scanner that is
designed to be easy to operate for first-time scanner users. For some film
camera users, their best digital camera may, in fact, be their own film SLR
camera. By using the Nikon Coolscan V ED, a Nikon N75 or N80 can produce
digital scans at close to 22-megapixel resolution.
The Coolscan V ED is perfect for those looking to bring old images back to
life and preserve memories with better-than-original quality. Imagine
removing scratches from a 1950s family reunion shot or sending your parents
their wedding portrait looking better than the day it was taken. It's more
than film scanning -- it's "Timemachineography™."
With an optical resolution of 4,000 dpi and 14-bit A/D input conversion,
the Coolscan V ED is the perfect tool for a home user or photo hobbyist
looking to enhance their own film photography experience. A new plug-and-play
USB 2.0 interface even improves the speed of image transfer. Scan speed is
also surprisingly fast - the Coolscan V ED can scan an image in only 38
seconds (including image transfer and display) - making the entire process
smoother and easier from start to finish.
Super Coolscan 5000 ED - Superior Quality, Greater Efficiency, Increased Profits
The Super Coolscan 5000 ED is designed with the needs of imaging
professionals in mind, delivering 135/IX240 film scanning at an amazing 20
seconds per image (including image transfer to display) - at 4,000 dpi optical
resolution. This, combined with a 16-bit A/D converter and 16-bit output
channel, gives pros the speed and power they need to truly affect the scope of
their business.
The Super Coolscan 5000 ED is targeted primarily to small and medium-sized
business users including professional photographers, web developers and photo
finishers, who demand the highest standard of image quality and ultra high-
speed scanning capability. The Super Coolscan 5000 ED achieves incredible
scan speeds of 20-seconds by utilizing a newly developed high-quality 2-line
CCD sensor.
In addition to speed, the scanner also offers a number of time-saving
accessories including the redesigned Slide Feeder (SF-210) and Roll Film
Adapter (SA-30) to accommodate a variety of slide mounts and uncut film. The
Super Coolscan 5000 ED combines superior performance and efficiency to make it
the perfect digital archiving solution for business users.
Super Coolscan 9000 ED - Maximum Versatility, Reliability and Performance
The Super Coolscan 9000 ED is the ultimate film scanning solution for
serious imaging professionals designed to handle a broad range of film formats
such as 35mm, 120/220, 16mm, 6 x 7, 6 x 9 film, electron microscope and more.
The Super Coolscan 9000 ED caters specifically to professionals in fields such
as advertising and studio photography who regularly work with 120/220 format
films.
The scanner outputs a true optical resolution of 4,000 dpi while 16-bit
A/D conversion allows the Super Coolscan 9000 ED to produce images of
incredible overall quality. Multi-sample scan capability of as many as 16
passes ensures faithful reproduction with smoother gradation of color and
detail. This scanner employs a newly developed 3-line CCD sensor, which
contributes to unmatched image quality, as well as fast scanning (35mm: 40
seconds; 6 x 9: 185 seconds). Unlike the other new scanners, the Super
Coolscan 9000 ED employs an IEEE 1394 interface to quickly manage extremely
large file transfers.
The Super Coolscan 9000 ED also features unparalleled image restoration
capabilities. Digital ICE4 Advanced™, The Super Coolscan 9000 ED's
exclusive Digital ICE Professional™ is now also compatible with Kodachrome
film. Nikon's Scan Image Enhancer offers a simple solution for adjusting
brightness and color saturation.
Nikon Coolscan and Super Coolscan desktop film scanners come equipped with
everything needed to begin scanning immediately. To make the film scanning
experience as seamless as possible, Nikon is shipping its new Easy Scanning
Guide CD-ROM which features a custom Flash™ animated tutorial explaining
the setup and operation of each new scanner.
The complete line of Nikon scanners will be available this month. The
Nikon Coolscan V ED will be sold at an MSRP of $599.95. The Super Coolscan
5000 ED will retail for $1099.95 MSRP while the Super Coolscan 9000 ED will be
$1999.95 MSRP. For more information, visit http://www.nikoncoolscan.com.
About Nikon
Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the
world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is
recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and
performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic
equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer
and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras;
Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners;
Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational
optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active
role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of
philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For
more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links
all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and
sharing communities.
SOURCE: Nikon Inc. http://www.nikonusa.com
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PRESS RELEASE:
THE EPSON P-1000 PHOTO VIEWER IS THE ULTIMATE DIGITAL CAMERA COMPANION.
New Portable Photo Viewing and Storage Device Boasts Beautiful 3.8'' LCD Panel Designed by a World Leader in LCD Technology.
1/5/04 - Digital photographers will welcome the arrival of the EPSON P-1000, a new device for viewing, storing and sharing photos that incorporates a high quality Epson 3.8" LCD screen for the best image quality. Digital photography is evolving and changing as are many photographers' needs. Epson is helping to address these changing needs with the EPSON P-1000 photo viewer. This device gives photographers the ability to view details of their images with an LCD screen that sets it apart from any other product of its kind. Epson is a leading producer of LCD modules and has incorporated this technology expertise into devices such as AV projectors, digital cameras, cellular telephones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). With Epson's introduction of the first LCD digital quartz watch over 30 years ago, to recently becoming the world leader in cellular telephone LCD displays, the EPSON P-1000 is a logical extension of this long heritage of LCD technology.
In addition to its high-resolution screen, the sleek and sophisticated looking EPSON P-1000 has a 10 GB hard drive and can print directly to select Epson printers. This convenient product enables photographers to simply take their CompactFlash memory card out of their digital camera, pop it into the EPSON P-1000 and download and print the images with ease.
"The Epson P-1000 is a breakthrough product for Epson that sets the bar extremely high for other portable devices of its kind," said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, digital input products, Epson. "The screen resolution is simply amazing and allows photographers to see the details of their images clearly and easily without having to download them and view them on a computer screen. Whether shooting for work or play, this is a convenient viewing and storage solution for a variety of people. "
Viewing and Sharing Photos on the Epson P-1000
Epson is continuing to build on its reputation for incredible image quality with the Epson P-1000 and its 3.8" VGA Epson LCD screen. This portable product displays every detail of downloaded images with vibrancy and clarity, unlike the viewing panels on most digital cameras and other viewers, which provide a smaller and less clear visual of what the photo actually looks like. The difference is that the EPSON P-1000 display offers three colors per individual pixel and a higher density of 212 pixels per inch (PPI), compared with one color per pixel and 100 PPI on a typical digital camera display. This gives the EPSON P-1000 the ability to display an impressive 262,144 colors and a remarkable, high resolution image.
To make viewing photos even more convenient, with the EPSON P-1000 the user can zoom in and rotate images to inspect them closely. Users can even play back the images as a slideshow for viewing and sharing quickly and easily. If the user wants to share images on an even bigger screen, the photo viewer has a video interface NTSC or PAL that can connect directly to a television, monitor or projector with video input.
Storing and Preserving Photos with the EPSON P-1000
The EPSON P-1000 is equipped with a 10 GB hard disk drive for storing thousands of images at a time, including images as large as 6 megapixels and it supports both JPEG (Exif 2.1 and 2.2) and raw file formats for select SLR cameras. With this large amount of storage, the customer can copy photos to the EPSON P-1000 from the memory card and clear the memory card immediately to begin taking more pictures. When all of the images have been downloaded to the photo viewer from the memory card, the viewer can then be connected to a computer or even to an external USB CD-R/RW drive to back up the images to ensure they are saved.
With its built-in memory card slot, the EPSON P-1000 is compatible with most digital camera memory types. It offers native support for CompactFlash Type I and II, and IBM Microdrive(TM) and can support Memory Stick®, Smart Media(TM), Secure Digital and Multi Media Card with an optional third-party adapter (sold separately).
Printing from the EPSON P-1000
The EPSON P-1000 wouldn't be a complete photographer's tool without the ability to print directly to an Epson printer. This versatile product offers the capability to print directly to several Epson printers including the EPSON Stylus Photo 820, Stylus Photo 900, Stylus Photo 1280 and Stylus Photo 2200. The EPSON P-1000 also supports PRINT Image Matching II and Exif 2.2 (Exif Print) for achieving the best looking prints possible.
Additional Features
When connected to a Windows or Macintosh computer, the EPSON P-1000 acts as an external, portable USB hard disk drive.
The device is lightweight and easy to travel with and comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and AC adapter.
The EPSON P-1000 also ships standard with a carrying case for added protection and a product stand for either viewing slideshows with others or simply just keeping the unit securely in place.
Pricing and Availability
The EPSON P-1000s will be available by early January through distribution, mail order and on the Epson retail Web site (www.epsonstore.com) for a price of $599. The product carries a one-year warranty and is supported by the EPSON ConnectionSM, a customer support and technical assistance line. For more information on Epson and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON (1-800-463-7766) or visit the company's Web site at www.epson.com.
About Epson America, Inc.
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
About the Epson Group
The Epson Group increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. Dedicated to providing its customers with digital image innovation, its main product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors, electronic devices
including displays, semiconductors and quartz devices, and precision products such as watches. Epson products are known throughout the world for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
The Epson Group is a network of over 88,036 employees in 111 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., which is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Group had consolidated sales of 1,322 billion yen in fiscal 2002.
SOURCE: Epson America Inc. http://www.epson.com
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