31.07.2007
 Screen launches new platesetters
 Screen anounced the expansion of its range of VLF Ultima platesetters: the PlateRite Ultima 24000 & 36000 SX platesetter. With GLV-X, these machines can achieve record speeds of 28 full size plates, or 44 B1 punched plates per hour while still maintaining quality. With these equipments, Screen gives consumers a range of scalable automated options. The PlateRite 24000 SX & 36000 SX have in-line registration punching and optional punching for printing presses and also a dynamic auto-focus that offers the optimum dot across the largest format plates. "These two SX machines are the first to utilize Screen's new generation GLV imaging head. With more power, GLV-X can generate a unique 1024 imaging lines. This means we are able to deliver very high quality at full speed giving us pole position in plate making" says Rob Hageman, European product manager CTP of Screen Europe.
31.07.2007
IP buys CMCP
 The International Paper signed an agreement with Cofipac that makes the company the only owner of Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers (CMCP), in Morocco. With an investment of approximately US$40 million, IP purchases the remaining shares of its joint venture CMCP. The deal is expected to be completed before the end of the third quarter. Aziz Qadiri and Hicham Qadiri will retire from their general management roles at CMCP. They will assume advisory roles to the new management team and also serve on CMCP’s board of directors. It will be also appointed a new managing director. "CMCP is a strong business with good prospects for the future in both industrial and fruit and vegetable segments," said Paul Brown, vice president of International Paper's European corrugated container business. "Morocco has a fast-growing economy with a rapidly developing consumer base that is expected to drive box demand growth. In addition, Morocco is a leading exporter of fresh fruit and vegetable products to European markets, and I am pleased to say that a large portion of the fruits and vegetables exported from Morocco to Europe are packaged in International Paper corrugated containers".
31.07.2007
The 200th Speedmaster goes to Portugal
 Heidelberg presented a certificate to costumer Olegário Fernandes Artes Gráficas S.A. to acquire the 200th Speedmaster CD 74 UV. Heidelberg is boosting its position in the UV segment by transfering the Speedmaster CD 74 six-color UV press with double coating unit to Portugal. The print shop will have the possibility to expand into the new inmold label market and produce inserts for plastic packagings. The machine already left the Wiesloch-Walldorf plant.
31.07.2007
Green Graphics goes for eco-friendly
 The deal between Green Graphics, Esko and Dufaylite is providing benefits to the global ecology. The agreement installed the Kongsberg I-XL24 to work with world’s first eight-module Inca Spyder 320. This cutting table is a strategic acquisition that will enable Green Graphics to develop a range of environmentally friendly display solutions made from Dufaylite Ultra Board. Its superior registration system and its ability to cut the widest range of substrates are some of the advantages from Kongsberg I-XL24. "We have some high profile customers who are looking to the future and have developed corporate environmental policies. We are taking a stand ourselves and saying to them – ‘if you have an environmental policy, Green Graphics can help you meet your targets’", explains Mike Burnell, managing director Dufaylite Developments Ltd. Green Graphics is using the Esko Kongsberg in conjunction with the Esko i-cut 6.2 Vision control system and i-script® workflow. This technology supports cutting and tooling with registration on all different kinds of substrates and also offers maximum flexibility, with wide variety of substrate materials that are printed on Green Graphics' Inca Spyder.
30.07.2007
Xerox grows 6 % in second quarter
 Xerox has announced second quarter results with a total revenue of $4.2 billion, a growth of 6 percent in the quarter. “Our results in the second quarter reflect the strategic importance of annuity and acquisitions flowing through to boost revenue and strengthen our position in the marketplace,” said Anne M. Mulcahy, Xerox chairman and chief executive officer. “With the Global Imaging team now on board, we’ve increased our reach to U.S. small and mid-size businesses by 50 percent. At the same time, our investment in delivering the industry’s broadest portfolio of color technology is paying off with the annuity from our color business increasing 16 percent. And, Xerox’s global relationships with large customers are contributing to annuity growth from our consulting and managed services business. We are consistent in managing the business effectively – generating steady operational cash flow and containing costs while competing aggressively and expanding earnings to deliver value for shareholders. As a result, we delivered solid results in the first half of the year and are raising earnings expectations for the full year,” she added.
30.07.2007
Eurotrim unveiled
 Heidelberg unveiled the new automatic Eurotrim 1000 three-knife trimmer in the product range for perfect binding. Unlike existing three-knife trimmers, the Eurotrim 1000 does not require any time-consuming setting up in the cutting table and clamping block areas. The user enters values for formats and other production-related parameters via a touchscreen and all axes are then automatically adjusted by means of servo motors. Its design, ease of use, accessibility, and productivity levels make the Eurotrim 1000 ideal for print shops and bookbinders that process short to medium runs. The maximum mechanical speed is 1,000 cycles per hour, depending on the material. The trim format ranges from a height-width minimum of 100 x 90 millimeters (3.94 in x 3.54 inches) to a maximum of 470 x 330 millimeters (18.50 x 12.99 inches) with a maximum height of material to be cut of 60 millimeters (2.36 inches).
The Eurotrim 1000 will be available from September 2007. Customers can choose between a stand-alone machine and an integrated complete perfect binder line with the Eurobind 1300. The latter option enables professional perfect binding right through to the trimmed product. Optional accessories include an external extraction system for paper clippings to ensure no paper residue remains in the machine and a roll delivery table for longer runs.
30.07.2007
Adobe introduces Captivate 3
 Adobe has launched Adobe Captivate 3, an eLearning authoring tool for the delivery of computer-based simulations, scenario-based training, and interactive quizzes. Captivate 3 offers features including multi-mode recording, rerecording, new Microsoft Powerpoint import capabilities and support for rich media formats, such as Adobe Flash Player compatible .SWF, MP3, and AVI files. Easily mastered, without the need for programming or multimedia development skills, Adobe Captivate 3 helps save business professionals, trainers and educators time and resources when developing high-impact eLearning materials.
“Giving content experts the tools they need to bring their own passion and expertise to the forefront can radically improve the quality and authority of training materials,” said Don Walker, senior director, Product Marketing and Business Development, Print and Classic Publishing Solutions at Adobe. “Adobe Captivate 3 continues to set the pace in eLearning and now anyone can deliver interactive simulations, screen recordings, tutorials and online training modules that grab audience attention.”
30.07.2007
Mac sales set new record
 Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2007 third quarter ended June 30, 2007. The company posted revenue of $5.41 billion and net quarterly profit of $818 million, or $.92 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.37 billion and net quarterly profit of $472 million, or $.54 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 36.9 percent, up from 30.3 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 40 percent of the quarter’s revenue. Apple shipped 1,764,000 Macintosh computers, representing 33 percent growth over the year-ago quarter and exceeding the previous company record for quarterly Mac shipments by over 150,000. The Company also sold 9,815,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 21 percent growth over the year-ago quarter. “We’re thrilled to report the highest June quarter revenue and profit in Apple’s history, along with the highest quarterly Mac sales ever,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone is off to a great start — we hope to sell our one-millionth iPhone by the end of its first full quarter of sales — and our new product pipeline is very strong.”
28.07.2007
Sun Chemical extends Project 37
 Sun Chemical announced Project 37D, a single pass UV inkjet printer designed to offer CD/DVD duplicating companies an even more affordable digital system for the decoration of optical discs. This one complements its sister product, Project 37, which was launched in June 2006 to provide a similar digital print capability for higher-volume disc replicators.
As well as offering a low cost per disc, just €0.015 per unit or lower depending on image design, Project 37D is at least three times faster than its nearest inkjet competitor at high resolution, says Robin McMillan, Sun Chemical’s marketing manager for industrial inks.
The set-up process takes only a few seconds between jobs, making Project 37D the ideal system to achieve the profitable printing of up to 1,000 discs per hour. Once printed and cured, Sun Chemical UV inkjet inks provide a durable, high-gloss finish, and are resistant to humidity or ambient conditions. They do not require any post-press processing, such as varnishing.
28.07.2007
PIA/GATF announces Education Awards
 Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation has named Ron and Katherine Harper the recipients of its 2007 Education Award of Excellence for industry representatives. The awards are presented annually to an academic representative and an industry representative in recognition of outstanding contributions to education and training in the graphic arts.
Ron and Katherine Harper are the husband and wife team who founded Harper Corporation of America, a global anilox roll supplier with two locations in the United States and licensees in Bangkok, Thailand (Harper Asia/Pacific) and Herford, Germany (Harper Graphics). An innovator in laser-engraved anilox roll production and restoration for corrugated wide web, narrow web, and newspaper flexographic printing markets worldwide, Harper Corporation demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to education at all levels—from formal education for flexo students to technical training for industry professionals.
27.07.2007
Kodak’s Print Ambassador
 Kodak created a inovator website for marketers and marketing communications agencies. To improve response rates and increase value and power of print, those who are interested in marketing business can go to www.PrintAmbassador.com. Here, you will find different solutions to achieve strong return on marketing investment dollars and uses and benefits of print.
On the website, the consumers are able to do market research, costumer testimonials or to know how to return on investment studies. Examples of highly successful print campaigns and print industry events are also presented on the website.
27.07.2007
Autobond with three new laminators
 Autobond will make demonstrations of its three novel laminators at Graph Expo: the 41º Autobond Mini 105 THPS, the Mini Digital 36 TP and the Edgemaster 76.
Autobond Mini 105 THPS is a one and two sided therminal laminator, that can reach speeds of up to 265 feet per minute.
With nine tonnes of pressure in the nip rollers, the Mini Digital 36 TP achieves good adhesion between the film and the sheet. For Edgemaster 76 Autobond preparared a servo-driven sheet correctional device that guarantees a precise gap between each sheet. It can reach an estimated 10 per cent saving on film.
27.07.2007
PrintIT! receives Scoops Awards
 PrintIT! has picked up two awards, in the EDSF Excellence in Education Awards. The company was recognised for its activity in education and industry, with The EDSF’ Innovation in Secondary Education award and the National Design and Technology Association award.
“Educators and academic programmes set the stage for tomorrow’s professionals. Their dedicated efforts, innovative teaching and leading-edge educational programmes not only benefit the industry, they also shape the minds that will develop how we communicate and use documents in the future”, said Joel Cartun, EDSF vice chair for Education.
Joanne Hayes, PrintIT! project team member, was also refered as one of the most important contribution to design and technology education. Joanne, a lead practitioner for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), wrote and curriculum-mapped the PrintIT! course to suit the requirements of the Graphic Products and Product Design GSCEs.
27.07.2007
Romaco at FachPack 2007
 Romaco is going to show its equipments of pharmaceutical range, at FachPack 2007. The company will exhibit the Promatic PC 4000, the Noack N 921 blister packaging machine and the Bosspak RTC 15 tablet/capsule counter.
The 420/minute horizontal cartoner, Promatic PC 4000 includes the latest servo drive technology with logic control. For the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, this equipment offers an easy programmable changeover with micrometric adjustments. The flexible Noack N921 was created combining a simple design with ease of operation, fast changeover and reliability. Romac will also promove Bosspak RTC, a technology that brings to consumers the ability to use tablets and capsules with a rotating disk. Bosspak RTC 15 can be applied in semi or fully automatic mode or for off-line set up and trialing on formats for its multi-station counterpart the RTC 200.
26.07.2007
Agfa wins Manufacturing Excellence Award
 Agfa Graphics announced that the company won first prize in a national award competition from the prestigious Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in the UK. Agfa faced strong competition from some of the UK's best-run businesses to secure the award for the company's leadership in environmental excellence. The Leeds production plant, which manufactures printing plates for Agfa Graphics, was honoured with the MX Arup Award for Sustainable Manufacturing for improving its treatment of waste by 98.5%, virtually eliminating landfill.
Agfa found a method of production that decreases the amount of acidic waste produced in the making of the aluminium printing plates. The new production method creates a more easily soluble waste, and cleaner results.
"We are proud to do what we can to be environmentally responsible citizens," said Graham Cooper, site manager, Agfa Graphics.
Recent eco-friendly initiatives taken at the Leeds facility were part of a ten year plan to reduce energy and raw materials costs. The facility, which employs 92, is one of several manufacturing plants around the world that produces digital printing plates by electrochemically processing coils of aluminium to produce the aluminium substrate for the plates.
26.07.2007
Offices disregards cartridge recycling programs
 Less than half of all printer cartridges are recycled or reused even once by offices in the U.K. and U.S., according to new research by InfoTrends, even though most manufacturers have recycling programs in place.
The report, "2007 Supplies Recycling: U.S. and Europe," finds that cartridge manufacturers and third party vendors are both vying to collect depleted printer supplies: manufacturers want to recycle the products to meet environmental goals, and third party suppliers will refill and resell the cartridges. Despite the competition, at least half of all printer cartridges end up in the landfill, sometimes after only one use.
Many of the major printer manufacturers have recycling programs to deal with the depleted cartridges. Hewlett-Packard, Konica Minolta, Canon, Xerox and Lexmark all offer at least some recycling of their cartridges. There are a range of companies that remanufacture old cartridges, refilling and reselling used cartridges.
Nonetheless, the report finds that even remanufacturing companies often do not recycle the unusable cartridges, whether because the empties are damaged and unusable or simple have little resale value. Only half of Europe's remanufactured laser cartridges and 30 percent of remanufactured inkjet cartridges are recycled, and the numbers are even lower in the U.S, where only 10 percent of laser cartridges and almost no inkjet cartridges get recycled.
The report notes also that Lexmark and Xerox are two of the major manufacturers who most recognize the potential for reuse rather than recycling. Remanufacturing, whether by the original manufacturers or third party companies, is able to reduce the demand for new cartridges by about 20 percent, the report finds, and remanufacturers collect 70 percent more empty toner cartridges and 700 percent more empty inkjet cartridges than the original manufacturers do.
26.07.2007
HP acquires software maker Opsware
 HP has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Opsware through a cash tender offer for 10.34 euros per share, or an enterprise value of approximately 1.1 billion euros on a fully diluted basis.
Upon closing, the acquisition will enhance HP's portfolio of Business Technology Optimization (BTO) software. Combining Opsware's solutions with HP's enterprise IT management software will deliver a comprehensive and fully integrated solution for IT automation. Opsware is the latest in a series of strategic software acquisitions, including Mercury Interactive and Peregrine Systems, which expands HP's leadership in BTO.
"The acquisition of Opsware is intended to enable HP Software to help our customers resolve one of their critical pain points: controlling the increasing complexity and cost of managing the data center," said Thomas E. Hogan, senior vice president, Software, HP.
The acquisition of Opsware is intended to extend HP Software's capabilities to automate the entire data center – from initial provisioning of servers, networks and storage devices to managing ongoing changes and compliance requirements – with integrated process automation, removing the latency inherent in today's IT environments.
The acquisition will be conducted by means of a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Opsware, followed by a merger of Opsware with an HP subsidiary. The tender offer is subject to a number of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close before the end of HP's fourth fiscal quarter of 2007.
26.07.2007
Lexmark 2Q profit declines
 The computer printer maker Lexmark said that quarterly net income had fallen 16 percent as sales of ink cartridges dropped and it sold more lower-margin printers.
Lexmark said its financial woes would stretch into the third quarter because of factors including higher-than-expected costs to make some new printers and slack sales of highly profitable ink cartridges.
Printer makers typically sell printers at a loss in hopes of reaping profits from ink sales.
The results came two weeks after Lexmark slashed its second-quarter profit forecast, citing weakness in inkjet cartridges and lower per-unit revenue from hardware, caused by aggressive pricing and higher-than-expected product costs.
Lexmark posted net income of 46.6 million euros, or 67 cents a share, in the quarter, down from 55.7 million euros, or 74 cents a share, a year earlier.
Excluding a one-time benefit related to a revamping, the company earned 65 cents a share. Second-quarter revenue was 0.87 billion euros, down from 0.89 billion euros a year before. Analysts had expected revenue of 0.87 billion euros.
25.07.2007
Print Academy goes to Moscow
 The Print Media Academy (PMA) of Heidelberg is organizing a three-day forum for managers in Moscow in the fall. Managers from the print media industry will be taking part in this three-day program from October 15-17, 2007, designed to provide them with further training and the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the industry. "This forum is aimed in particular at customers from Eastern Europe but is also open to anyone interested," says Bernd Schopp, Head of the Print Media Academy, Heidelberg.
What role does marketing and technology play in competitiveness? How can modern management methods improve company performance? What is the value of KPIs for businesses? And how can offset print shops standardize their processes and ensure quality? The answers to these questions are the focal point of lectures and discussions, to which the Print Media Academy has invited a range of high-profile speakers. As well as specialists from Heidelberg, these will also include international industry experts. All of them will be taking a practice-oriented approach in presenting their knowledge and experience.
25.07.2007
Google expands Print Advertising Program
 Google is expanding the size and the scope of its Google Print Ads advertising initiative. The program started in November 2006 with a test that included 50 newspapers and a small group of advertisers. Since then, the program has grown to more than 225 newspapers representing 32 of the top 35 DMAs and a combined circulation of almost 30 million.
Google Print Ads enables agencies and advertisers of all sizes to easily plan and buy traditional newspaper media in both national and local newspapers within a single, web-enabled interface. The platform enables marketers to reach new audiences in ways that are relevant for newspaper readers and cost-efficient for advertisers and publishers. And newspaper publishers can increase their bottom line by adding new customers from Google’s network of advertisers, many of whom are new to newspaper advertising. Newspaper publishers will continue to work directly with their loyal base of advertising customers.
Participating newspaper publishers include E.W. Scripps, Freedom Communications, Hearst Newspapers, GateHouse Media, Gannett, MediaNews Group, The New York Times, The Seattle Times Company, Tribune Publishing, and Washington Post among others.
25.07.2007
Océ brings full colour to newspapers
 Some of the world's most famous international newspapers, including the Financial Times, have been printed digitally in full colour by Océ. The company has completed extensive tests and produced full digital colour copies of the Financial Times, Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald as well as Spanish newspaper El Pais and Germany's Mitteldeutsche Zeitung.
The samples were first shown at Océ OpenHouse in Poing, near Munich, Germany, which is Europe's largest annual digital printing exhibition. Ian Denhard, the FT's head of logistics, said: "Through its world-acclaimed digital offering, Océ has played an important part in opening up new markets throughout the world for the Financial Times, and has been an integral part of our development strategy for new printing locations. Producing newspapers in colour is another quantum leap forward and, quite frankly, the quality from Océ's digital printing is better than offset!"
25.07.2007
First Nuvera 288 in the UK
 FCS Lasermail was the first commercial printer in the UK to install the Xerox Nuvera 288 Digital Perfecting System – the so called fastest cut-sheet machine in the world. The investment is expected to increase the company’s annual revenues by as much as 15 percent.
The press, launched at the Xerox Forum in Rome this year, is capable of producing 288 A4 impressions per minute (144 two-sided pages) and will help FCS fulfil the time-sensitive requirements of a new major insurance sector contract.
Michael Fay, FCS Lasermail’s Managing Director said: "Our client's requirement is to produce 7,000 different letter variations on more than 30 different stationery types as part of the day-to-day production cycles on this job. The nature of this work requires a press that can not only print fast, but one that also demonstrates proven quality and sufficient input trays to accommodate multiple stationery types. Xerox's Nuvera 288 offers all three attributes, and is without a shadow of a doubt the best-fit option for our needs. Coupled with our leading-edge workflow software, it allowed us to win this contract and is a powerful tool that will definitely attract other similar jobs.
24.07.2007
M-Real increases prices
 M-Real is going to increase the cut size office paper and business reels prices, in September.The fine paper manufacturer will boost prices due to the continued cost pressures in paper production. All markets will see a price rise of 5-8% across all size office paper and business reels.For this initiative, M-Real is working closely with its customers. Individual discussions will take place shortly.
24.07.2007
Q2ID now for CS3
 Adobe CS3 has now the ability to open Quark v7 Documents. Markzware Q2ID v3 is the name of the product, that allows users to apply a one-stop shop solution to easily import QuarkXPress documents into Adobe InDesign v5 (CS3).
By using this product, the consumers will convert and transform files created with QuarkXPress, on Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh systems, into Adobe InDesign files.
“Markzware’s Q2ID product has been a real time saver for our production staff. For people who prefer using Adobe InDesign over QuarkXPress, it is a tremendous benefit to be able to convert an Xpress document for updating versus recreating the InDesign document from scratch. And its ease of use is an added benefit. I’m glad we have Q2ID in our production toolkit”, said Michael Deme, editor of Adventure Cyclist Magazine.
24.07.2007
Gradual Software at Graph Expo
 Gradual Software will showcase its newest line to the US market.
With its new SWITCH family of products, the company shows at Graph Expo, from September 9-12, for consumers to utilize workflow automation solutions in order to solve production needs of individual work environments.
24.07.2007
DxO and REALVIZ Stitcher join forces
 DxO Optics Pro and REALVIZ Stitcher are available together, for a limited time at a significant saving of up to $230, from the online stores of REALVIZ and DxO Labs.
Photographers can now use this initiative to produce dramatic panoramic images and to achieve the best correction of distortion, vignetting, lens softness and chromatic aberrations, as Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography business at DxO Labs, defends. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to join with DxO Labs to offer these two important digital imaging software programs that enhance the workflow of today’s busy photographers especially with such a significant saving”, said Dominique Pouliquen, REALVIZ CEO.
23.07.2007
SS launches cheque printing system
 SS is embarking in an improved method that makes possible to print cheques with signatures automatically placed on them. If you want to reduce the number of hours of manual labour, such as bursting, decollating, sorting or signing, this system can be a solution.
This technique also provides protection for your data, signature and logos because they are encrypted in order to avoid changes or alterations. With a new image, the cheques will now be colour-coded blue to administration expense cheques and green for benefit cheques.
23.07.2007
Atlantic Zeiser opens up printing solutions
 Atlantic Zeiser will present its new products at Labelexpo, on 26-29 September. The company will introduce a modern high resolution ink jet printing systems and RFID label encoding solutions.
OMEGA 36/36i is the name of the new inkjet printing system, that offers a high quality digital inkjet printer featuring drop-on-demand array jet technology. Atlantic Zeiser will also launch the TAGLINE, a RFID smart label personalization system that improves quality control and encodes RFID tags in the ticket and label process.
Labelexpo represents an important event for Atlantic to highlight the new printing solutions. “Atlantic Zeiser has years of experience as a leading innovator and developer in personalization and encoding solutions for the printing industry. Labelexpo offers an ideal platform to present our newest offerings to the global label production market”, explains Hans Wyssmann,
VP Marketing of Atlantic Zeiser.
23.07.2007
ERA Annual Meeting back to Italy
 One of the most important events of publication gravure printing is arriving. ERA Annual Meeting 2007 will take place in Verona, Italy, on 22-24 October. Mondadori Printing, the largest printing house in Italy, will participate in the meeting, that brings to the country the debut over the theme of “Gravure’s changing environment”. This year, the visitors will have the opportunity to talk over the future challenges for the gravure industry.
The major markets of gravure, such as magazines and mail order catalogues, will also be discussed at ERA Annual Meeting. The cases of emerging markets for gravure printing such as Russia will be presented by the example of mail order company Mir Knigi.
23.07.2007
Epson launches Stylus Pro 11880
 Epson has announced the launch of Stylus Pro 11880. The large formats machine uses UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta and combines the quality with fast print speeds for colour critical printing applications. The new MicroPiezo TFPprint head with 360 nozzles for each of the nine ink cartridges, active Photo and Matte black inks are some of the advantages of Stylus Pro 11880. It has also high capacity 700 ml ink cartridges, professional media handling capabilitues from A4 to 64 inch wide rolls, automatic nozzles check technology and improved image processing algorithms.
With Stylus Pro 11880, users can improve productivity and reduce paper use as well as print borderfree sizes on media from 8 x 10 inch through to 54 inch wide. It also includes Epson’s new Image Processing Technology that improves print speed and produces more stable half tones and better print quality in both high and low resolutions.
21.07.2007
New York Times chooses Agfa
 As a part of its five-year strategic alliance with The New York Times Company, Agfa has completed the installation of :Arkitex Courier and :Arkitex Director. Together, :Arkitex Courier and Director operate as an automated, single transmission and printing solution giving The New York Times newspaper a seamless workflow between its newsroom operations and printing facilities across the United States.
:Arkitex Courier, which is installed in the Times Square location, transmits all of The New York Times' pages to 22 of its national print sites. A full disaster recovery system is installed at The Boston Globe, owned by the Times Company, which receives real-time data on a continuous basis.
:Arkitex Director is installed at the 22 print sites giving each site complete control over production, including all aspects of workflow management and the tracking and control of all imaging processes. Director also provides tracking information back through the Courier system.
The Times Company has also invested in six high-performance violet CtP systems (four :Polaris XTVs and two :Polaris XCVs) for its College Point, NY, printing facility. This is in addition to the 17 :Advantage CtP imaging units purchased as part of the five-year strategic alliance that began in 2005. The :Polaris systems will run Agfa's :N91v plates.
21.07.2007
New technologies at Labelexpo
 Sun Chemical plans to announce a significant development in digital label production as well as an innovation for the UV flexo market at LabelExpo 2007 in Brussels from September 26-29.
Jonathan Sexton, Sun Chemical Europe’s business manager, narrow-web labels, said: “We are pleased with the response to our Solaris range since its launch at the last LabelExpo Europe. The range has brought to the narrow-web market important benefits that include faster cure speeds, low press room and cured print odour, lower humidity sensitivity and improved adhesion and resistance.”
The Solaris product line includes high performance inks and customized solutions that make labels stand out by being specially formulated to meet the needs of customers. These inks can be paired with coatings that add effects such as gloss, matt and chemical resistance. The full lineup includes products for virtually all narrow web-printing processes, including UV flexo; water-based flexo; screen whites and colours; letterpress and lithography.
Felipe Mellado, corporate vice-president, Sun Chemical Europe, said: “We will be revealing a number of unique and innovative products specifically designed for the narrow-web market at LabelExpo 2007. These exciting new technologies open up new opportunities for printers. They also keep Sun Chemical at the forefront of the industry and represent our long-term commitment to the sector.”
20.07.2007
And the winner is…
 Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is announcing the recipients of the 2007 InterTech Technology Awards. For over a quarter of a century, recipients of this award have not only had a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but they also consistently prove to be successful in the commercial marketplace.
The independent panel of judges deliberated over technology submissions ranging from printing presses to software solutions to ancillary services. A recurring theme with 2007 InterTech nominations was green printing, and numerous submissions contained solutions to minimize the environmental impact of printing. Great strides in technology were also demonstrated in the form of innovative press design, touchless workflow systems to automate production steps, anti-fraud measures, and new materials and systems that increase productivity.
Thirty-one nominations were submitted, and eleven innovative technologies were selected to receive the award. The 2007 InterTech™ Technology Award recipients are:
- Energy Elite Dual Layer "No Bake" Plate
AGFA Graphics N.V.
- Kodak Traceless System
Eastman Kodak Company
- EIS UV Printing Blanket Refurbishment
Enviro Image Solutions, Inc.
- Esko DeskPack 3-dX
Esko
- Fujifilm C-Fit Image Intelligence Software
FUJIFILM Graphic Systems, Inc.
- Font Emulation in the Harlequin® RIP
Global Graphics Software, Inc.
- Heidelberg Anicolor Inking Unit
Heidelberg, Inc.
- Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105
Heidelberg, Inc.
- KBA Sensoric Infeed System
KBA, Inc.
- ROLAND 700 DirectDrive
MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
- Océ VarioPrint 6250 Digital Printer
Océ, Inc.
20.07.2007
Third “UV Days” at IST METZ
 Following successful events in 2002 and 2005 IST METZ has just held its third “UV Days” at its Group headquarters in Nürtingen. The UV manufacturer welcomed a total of 697 visitors during the five-day event. “UV Days 2007” consisted of an in-house exhibition, two workshops and a tour of the production facilities. This format provided many opportunities to learn about UV technology from specialists as well as to compare experiences and develop contacts within the printing industry.
There was very enthusiastic participation at the in-house exhibition from industry partners. With 27 exhibitors the exhibition area was full to capacity (2005: 24 exhibitors). The different partners covered a broad spectrum of subjects with their presentations. These included consumables such as inks, varnishes, adhesives, blankets and chemicals in addition to substrates such as paper and films. Other exhibitors covered ancillary areas such as systems for the neutralization of electrostatic charges, monitoring and inspection equipment, cooling and temperature control systems as well as die cutting tools and anilox rollers.
20.07.2007
Samsung goes for larger displays
 Samsung Mobile is introducing an addition to its Ultra Edition line-up, with the arrival of the Samsung D840 metallic slider. This compact handset, which has a cool metallic silver finish, offers a wide 2.12” 262K TFT screen with 240x320 pixel resolution, and measures in at 11.9 mm slim. The extra large screen offers enough space to view 12 lines of text together and is fully capable of displaying text/photo/video caller ID. If that wasn't enough, the high quality screen also means that you can maximise your experience when viewing a rich world of multimedia features, or use the 2 Megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom and built-in flash. The Samsung D840 has been crafted from featherweight materials including magnesium, and fiberglass-infused plastic give the mobile phone’s svelte form significantly enhanced durability without ever weighing down. With a slight nudge of the thumb, the mobile glides up effortlessly to reveal the designer metallic finish within.
20.07.2007
Beyond the Printed Word
 “Connecting with the digital consumer” is the motto of the international conference, Beyond the Printed Word, on 8 and 9. November 2007. The event, the largest of its kind, will be held for the first time in Dublin. Ifra is organising this conference, which has become a firm fixture in the calendar of digital media industry, for the 15th time.
The venue this year is the Citywest Hotel in the Irish capital. Elan Lohmann, publisher of News24.com from South Africa, will chair the conference. His vast “digital professional experience” makes E. Lohmann ideally suited to act as the “browser” of this Ifra event: In the last years, he has been responsible for advancing the spread of the Internet and its use in South Africa.
The digital revolution is confronting traditional media with new challenges, but also new possibilities and opportunities. How can newspapers make better use of the new technologies for their own benefit? Which new media formats can logically complement the online offerings of newspapers? How is it possible to stay profitable online? The conference will use international case studies as well as first-hand reports of experiences and concepts from the industry to provide answers to these questions.
19.07.2007
New Gluer from Heidelberg
 Easygluer 100, the new folder gluer from Heidelberg, is available now. The machine is ideal for customers looking to move into professional production of folding cartons. Straightline folding cartons, lockbottom cartons and folding cartons with lids can be processed as standard. If required, 4- and 6-corner collapsible cartons can also be produced. The lockbottom module can also be equipped with fixed folding elements for special cartons or a CD cover device. A touchscreen makes for simple operation, and the machine can be controlled using a cable-free remote control.
Easygluer 100 operates at a speed of up to 300 meters a minute, amounting to a maximum output of 50,000 lockbottom cartons an hour. It processes board for folding cartons with grammages ranging from 200 to 600 grams per square meter and N, F and E flute corrugated board.
Easygluer 100 is the latest solution from Heidelberg to have been developed in cooperation with its Taiwanese partner. Another product to come from this partnership is the Varimatrix 105 C and CS die cutter, of which more than 80 machines have been sold worldwide since it was launched at China Print 2005.
19.07.2007
Only 48% prints at home
 According to a survey, only 48 percent accounts for the number of digital printing reproduced at home. Out of the 7.7 billion accounted for digital printing of materials such as brochures, postcards, business cards, and even reproduction of pictures and photos, not even half of that can be attributed to homemade printing. And this is a downhill trend from the 64 percent of the rate that was gotten from the previous year that the survey was made.
This is the reason why the prices of personal printers have made a significant drop of almost 30 percent. With fast and print-in-less-than-blank-seconds personal printers, no wonder many of the consumers are drawn to the promises made by the manufacturers of these equipment.
It is further revealed that despite the relatively low prices of printers, the products that are tied up with the printers cost much more. For example, the ink and the cartridges can catch a price that is the same with that of popular perfumes.
It is a fact that although consumers are more prone to use their digital cameras, instead of printing them, photos are now often shared via the internet. And consumers are also using the vast storage and sharing capacities of the web, not to mention that you can use online services for free and without limit.
19.07.2007
BeConnected 2007 to be held in Paris
 The newly founded European Public Sector Print and Document Solutions Forum will have its first network meeting, called BeConnected 2007. The event will take place at UNESCO in Paris, September 13/14. The purpose of this forum is to enjoy the benefits of European wide joint working, benchmarking, training, personal development, cost savings, use of best practice procedures and sharing of knowledge and skill sets.
Rudi Swinnen, Chief Documents Section CLD/D Conferences, Languages and Documents Division of UNESCO and member of the Advisory Board of EPSPDS: “We are excited about this new initiative to combine the European knowledge of printing and document management in such an event. The program is very promising and provides enough time to develop further plans to share knowledge and to co-operate.”
The European Public Sector Print and Document solutions Forum (EPSPDS) is open for any senior member of a Print & Document Management Department from the Public Sector, the Central Government, an International Organization, Educational establishment, a Local Authority or Public funded Organisation in any country of Europe.
19.07.2007
Transatlantic Anilox-Alliance
 Kurt Zecher, from Germany, and Interflex Laser Engravers, from South Carolina, have agreed on a strategic partnership. Starting with the 1st of June 2007 both manufacturers of Anilox rollers agreed that Interflex is supporting all Service-Activities on Zecher Anilox rollers in the market of North America. „With this partnership we react on the increasing needs of our customers in North America, who understandably expect a quick service reaction and prefer a local support.“, explains Rüdiger Wand, Managing Director of Zecher GmbH.
The circulation of Zecher products in the market of North America increased significant during the past years mainly by new installed presses, which are original equipped with Zecher Anilox rollers. In addition the direct request of printers, stating an increased quality demand, which are requiring special engraving specification, raised steadily.
18.07.2007
Stora Enso plans to build a pulp mill in Russia
 Stora Enso said it has started a pre-feasibility study for a pulp and paper mill in Nizhny Novgorod, which would produce paper for Russian consumers from Russian wood.
The company will work closely with federal and regional governments to establish the right investment conditions prior to reaching any decision to go ahead with the project, said CEO Jouko Karvinen.
The Finnish paper company gave no financial details.
18.07.2007
Alwan upgrades CMYK Optimizer
 Alwan Color Expertise is releasing version 3 of CMYK Optimizer, the optimal solution for color preflighting, standardization and optimization for CMYK separations and data. Customers benefit from using CMYK Optimizer by achieving optimal print quality and proof matching while, at the same time, reducing print costs.
Version 3 further expands on Alwan CMYK Optimizer's technological advantages, thanks to its full support of the latest ICC colour management system, Adobe PDF v8 library and state-of-the-art Alwan Dynamic DeviceLink Profiles. It will debut at GraphExpo, Chicago in September 2007.
Alwan CMYK Optimizer v3 offers many innovating and unique features, including new press calibration option, new image enhancement technology, integration and full support of the latest Adobe PDF Library v8.0 and Pantone PMS colors improved color rendering and dot gain management.
Alwan CMYK Optimizer enables design and prepress companies to quickly and accurately produce documents for problem-free printing. Printers gain the ability to control and improve the printability of jobs by optimizing separations according to the process, press and paper used. Files standardized using CMYK Optimizer generate accurate proofs that are easy to reproduce on press while facilitating optimal printability.
Version 3 will be commercially available as of September 9th 2007, at a purchase price of €1,990 for the Photo version, or €4,990 for the Publish version.
18.07.2007
Adobe launches Visual Communicator 3
 Adobe has announced Visual Communicator 3, which enables teachers, lecturers and students to easily create scripted, television-quality broadcasts. Designed for those new to video, the company says that the software is ideal for project-based learning, distance learning courses and campus-wide newscasts.
A beta version can be downloaded from the Adobe Labs Web site. This is the first major upgrade to Visual Communicator since Adobe acquired it from Serious Magic in 2006, alongside the rest of that company's products and technologies.
The new version features simplified templates and wizards to give inexperienced users the ability to create professional video presentations that can be streamed live over the Internet in the FLV format using Flash Media Server software, or output to a projector, television, or Channel One Closed-Circuit System.
Visual Communicator 3 doesn't have a traditional timeline, which aims to make video production faster and easier. Enhancements include new set-up wizards, drag-and-drop animated templates and an interactive "Coach" that gets users up and running quickly. Users can preview up to three cameras at once while recording or presenting live with the mini-switcher feature to create interview-style videos in real time. In addition, a full-screen teleprompter allows the presenter to read scripts from a distance.
Visual Communicator 3 runs on Windows and will ship in Autumn 2007. It costs 412 euros plus VAT, with upgrades costing 155 euros plus VAT. Education customers can purchase the software for 175 euros plus VAT.
18.07.2007
Printing increases pizza sales
 Taradel LLC now offers a solution for pizza restaurant owners who depend on pizza menus for sales. With a few clicks of a mouse, advertisers can coordinate the design, printing, and distribution of their pizza menus and flyers through local area newspapers.
With years of experience in food industry advertising, the staff at Taradel is proficient in determining the strategies and layouts that will generate the most sales for each restaurant. To ensure that each pizza menu is produced with the right specifications, quality standards, and graphics, Taradel offers professional assistance with each print order. By working with a graphic designer via the phone and web, advertisers are able to describe their restaurant in detail, provide specific menu items, and pinpoint pricing. The end result is a pizza menu that furthers the identity of the restaurant, lends credibility to the business, and produces fast and predictable sales.
The cost is virtually a non-factor as print advertising has become more affordable than ever for small business owners. For as little as five cents per menu, which includes professional design, advertisers can produce a full-color, glossy pizza menu that will serve their business for years.
When Oregano's Pizza, Catering & More needed to deliver opening-day profits along with pizzas, they turned to Lorrine Sekban. As an accomplished Sales Executive for a large newspaper publisher, Lorrine knew the benefits of advertising with pizza menus and newspaper inserts. Sekban visited Taradel's online resource center in order to plan her advertisement, review her design specifications, and coordinate her pizza menu printing and delivery dates.
Newspaper advertising remains substantial and is the most effective way to reach new customers and generate instant results. According to the 2006 Consumer Usage of Newspaper Advertising Report, sixty-four percent of consumers had used a newspaper insert within the past thirty days to make or plan a purchase. The report also concludes that seventy-nine percent of consumers actively read food-related newspaper inserts.
17.07.2007
Esko goes for South Africa
 Esko announced a distribution agreement with Kemtek for South Africa and other countries, such as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Mozambique.
This agreement can be profitable for both Esko and Kemtek. On one hand, it will promote a strategically expansion of Kemtek’s products in the packaging market. On the other hand, Esko can use Kemtek’s technical expertise and costumer service.
“Esko is a highly regarded brand in our market and its solutions are an ideal match for the needs of our customers”, comments Gavin van Rensburg, CEO of Kemtek Print Solutions. But it will also improve Esko brand, as Walter Dhooge, Esko sales manager Turkey, defends. “Customer service is extremely important to Esko, and with Kemtek we can be assured of a well-balanced service and maintenencae program”, said Walter Dhooge.
17.07.2007
Photo printing… now inkless
 It is now possible to print photos and images from its source without the application of inks, ribbons or evens toners. Zink Imaging is the company that created the inkless printers. This equipment is connected to digital cameras and mobile phones, making fast quality printing of photos without the application of inks. For the makers of the inkless printer, this modern technology can improve color images and photos, especially in poster printing.
With inkless photo printing, Zink uses a patented paper that changes its color when heat is applied. This invention makes possible to have a photo paper looking common at a certain temperature and a different color when it is inserted in the printer. When the heat is activated and the user stars printing releases, the shades in the embedded crystals creates a plethora of colors.
One of the advantages of this equipment is that the user no longer needs to purchase boxes of color inks. According to Zink Imaging, users can reduce their costs about 20 to 25 cents per piece. The small size is other advantage. The inkless photo printer is also “ultraportable”, making possible to connect to portable gadgets like digital cameras and mobile phones.
17.07.2007
Brother showcases new printing solutions
 Brother is presenting retail label and mobile printing solutions at RetailNOW 2007 show, at the Rio All-Suite Hoterl & Casino in Las Vegas. The company will give consumers a complete industrial label printer development kit, that includes the Brother QL-1050 & QL-550 Label ±Printers, label media roll and a software development kit.
“Brother has a long, successful history of supplying label printing solutions for small, medium and even large retail accounts; and with our industrial label printers, we now have an even more versatile portfolio of products with innovative features for value-added resellers and solution providers”, says Ravi Panjwani, director of marketing, Brother International Corporation.
The visitors of RetailNOW 2007 will have the opportunity to see Brother Mprint line of wireless mobile printers. In this group, Brother shows its small, ultra-portable printers and feature Bluetooth, IrDA, USB and serial connectivity options for use in retail operations.
17.07.2007
Google gets Postini
 Google announced an agreement to acquire Postini. The users can now work with Postini’s service, that includes message security, archiving, encryption and pollicy enforcement, using Google. “With this transaction, we’re reinforcing our commitment to delivering compelling hosted applications to businesses of all sizes. With the addition of Postini, our apps are not just simple and appealling to users – they can also streamline the complex information security mandates within these organizations”, says Eric Schmidt, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Google.
16.07.2007
Xchange International launches Layer Tools plug-in
 Xchange International has created a Layer Tools plug-in for Adobe After Effects. With this software, users can enable the motion graphics artist to create 3D layers. One of the advantages of Layer Tools plug-in is that it can contribute to solve problems when users try to convert Photoshop image layers into 3D graphics only to have the design fall apart due to perspective. It also creates match-frames between 3D animation and 2D movie footage.
If you need to rotate, move and scale many layers this software can be important. It is also possible to work with layers in 3D without having them change screen size.
16.07.2007
“We Love labels” says Torraspapel
 Torraspapel will participate in the next Labelexpo Europe, in Brussels from 26 to 29 September. The company will present its extensive range of laber papers: one-side coated, metallized, high-gross and self-adhesive materials. In order to show how the company is decided to invest in the label market, Torraspapel presents “We Love Labels”, a theme chosen especially for Labelexpo.
Adestor group of papers and films from Torraspapel will also be present. Labelexpo Europe 2007 will have over 500 exhibitors and more than 23,000 visitors are expected from different parts of the world.
16.07.2007
SunJet in China
 SunJet emphasized its commitment to invest in inkjet technology, at Shanghai Advertising and Media Show in Shanghai.
During the first half of 2007, SunJet consolidates its presence in the Chinese market, by investing in a Shanghai-based sales and business development manager position. “Our experience in China is common with many other industries, to do business and build relationships, it is essential to have staff based locally to provide support and to aid communication of customer requirements back to the SunJet research and development team in the UK”, said Peter Saunders, SunJet sales & marketing manager.
In an important meeting of professionals of digital printing in China, Shanghai Advertising and Media Show receives annually visitors from around the world, promoting at the same time the debut of new hardware.
16.07.2007
Kingston Technology sets out DDR3 Memory
 Kingston presented DDR3 SDRAM, an improvement in the current DDR2 memory standard. With larger performance gains at lower voltage levels, this release coincides with X38 motherboards to be launched later this summer.
According to JK Tsai, director, Technology Resource Group, Kingston, this technology was already tested in motherboard companies in their labs and they are all satisfied. “Introducing revolutionary technology such as DDR3 to support the newest mothetboards – our ValueRAM 1333Mhz supports boards not yet on the market, refers JK Tsai.
In a modern and efficient thermal solution, DDR3 is expected to be twice as fast as today’s highest speed with DDR2. It also improves systems using dual and quad core processors.
14.07.2007
Epson to Sponsor Osaka World Championships
 Epson will sponsor the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, to be held in Osaka, Japan, from August 25 to September 2, 2007.
This year's Championships will involve more than two thousand of the world's finest athletes from over two hundred countries and territories. With an estimated total of more than six billion viewers worldwide, the event ranks not only as the world's leading tournament for track and field events, but also as the largest sporting event to be held in 2007, and the biggest ever to be held in Osaka.
"Epson believes that the spirit of challenge and the desire to exceed shown by the athletes matches perfectly with its corporate ethos of creativity and challenge," said Seiji Hanaoka, President, Seiko Epson Corporation. "And just as the athletes drive themselves to exceed ever higher targets, we are dedicated to providing products and services that exceed the expectations of our customers. This is embodied in our global tagline - Exceed Your Vision."
14.07.2007
Kodak earns “Better Buys for Business”
 Better Buys for Business calls the Kodak Digimaster EX Digital Production System Series “an impressive on-demand printer series that has great appeal for high-volume print buyers” and the Kodak Nexpress M700 Digital Color Press “an excellent entry point for print providers who plan to grow their business” in its annual review of digital printers. Better Buys for Business evaluates hundreds of models of copiers, printers, faxes and scanners from all major manufacturers when selecting award recipients, but only one or two from each category achieve Editor’s Choice status, a designation for those products that provide the best performance and represent the best value.
“This award echoes what we hear from our customers, that Kodak’s digital color and black and white systems are helping them grow their businesses through new applications,” said Mike Howard, Vice President Marketing, Digital Printing Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “We aim to offer our customers a variety of innovative digital print solutions with the speed, flexibility and quality necessary to drive demand for short run and variable data print.”
13.07.2007
Xerox unveils 7142
 Xerox has said it is committed to growing its wide-format business and believes it is clawing back some market share in the CAD sector.The company has launched the Xerox 7142 colour printer, which primarily targets the CAD market, but also the entry-level graphics sector.
According to Xerox UK manager for wide format Howard Witt, the 7142 complements its range of monochrome products. The machine can print at a maximum speed of 40sqm per hour and at resolutions from 360 to 2,880dpi, using printheads that control each individual droplet size.
“It is primarily a CAD product, but it’s a very good value-for-money graphics option as well,” he said. “In the CAD market in the past 18 months, we believe we have taken back some market share in the low end of the sector.”
Witt added that Xerox would be highlighting its large-format range at Digital Print World later this year. “We are committed to bringing in more products to the sector,” he said. “There are a number of things we are doing to enhance our engineering products and we will further expand in graphic arts.”
13.07.2007
Xaar posts positive half-year results
 Xaar has issued a half-year financial update and claimed year-on-year revenue rises.
In a statement, the print head specialist said its half-year revenues of € 34.5m were 5% ahead of the first half of 2006 and up 18% sequentially.
The company's pre-tax profits came in at € 4.5m, taking into account costs for its new Huntingdon plant, amortisation of R&D funding and share options, which amounted to € 3.1 m in total.
As of 30 June 2007, Xaar had € 14.7m in cash, down from € 14.8m for the first half of 2006.
The board expects its full-year results to be on target.
Analysts expect Xaar's full-year revenues to be in the region of €73.8m with a net profit of € 11.6m.
Shares in the company were down 2.5% to €3.37 in early trading this morning.
A full statement on Xaar's first-half performance will be available on 12 September.
13.07.2007
Esko upgrades packaging products
 Esko, the Belgian packaging design and pre-press supplier, has grouped its full product range into the newly launched Esko Software Suite 7.The suite includes new elements and updates to packaging software components such as ArtiosCAD and DeskPack.
ArtiosCAD 7.3 allows structural design of folding carton and corrugated packaging and for manufacturing of die-cutting tools, while PackEdge 7.0 is a PDF editor designed to prepare packaging and label jobs for volume reproduction.
Users can control step-and- repeat operations for packages and labels using Plato 7.0, while Visualiser 7.0 is a new packaging visualization application which reduces the need for mock-ups and proofs. It also includes Esko’s Digi¬tal Flexo Suite, which optimizes flexo plate production.
A global rollout of upgrades to Esko customers is ongoing, while new customers can buy the package already.
13.07.2007
HP adds color to cell phones
 Hewlett-Packard could soon turn mobile phones into shopping advisors with a color-matching prototype technology it demonstrated. The Color Match mobile service technology, developed by HP Labs, combines color science, imaging science and mobile networking technology to match colors that complement each other and provide product advice over a cell phone.
The technology can be used in anything that requires the assessment of color application, said Nina Bhatti, principal scientist at the digital imaging and printing lab in HP Labs. It is particularly applicable to cosmetics, where buyers can use the service to buy a product that matches their skin color, she said.
Users take a photograph of themselves while holding a specialized color chart under their face. The picture is sent using MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) to an "advisory service" on a server. Software on the server seeks out corrections in the image - it locates the face, adjusts lighting and calibrates the color. Then skin pixels culled from a person's face on the corrected image are compared to an existing database of previously analyzed images. Based on the analysis, the advisory service sends a return SMS (Short Message Service) recommending what cosmetic color and shades would best match the skin color. The service returned recommendations in a matter of seconds in the demonstration.
Among other applications, the service will be able to make recommendations to match and recommend colors for ties, pants and suits, Bhatti said. Images can be taken with any cell phone camera and the mobile service will work with any service provider.
This service can be implemented by retailers and other consumer goods companies to help users select the products they need, according to HP.
12.07.2007
ISO standards help print production
 Representatives from Intergraf members joined forces in a meeting on ISO-standards for print, in Frankfurt, on 28 and 29 of June. The aim was to analyze the ISO-12647-2 for offset printing. Technical experts Rollmann, Eickelpasch, Graumann and Ferch, all from the regional printers associations in Germany, debated the process of standardizing, certifying a company and the advantages of certification.
To examine internal processes in the company, to guarantee quality and color consistency through the stages of print production are important steps in print production. In this sense, professionals emphasized the role of standardization, by presenting optimization in the use of equipment and staff. The method is also a significant suggestion for the future. Many clients and printers are now choosing the standardization as the most competitive solution for their work.
12.07.2007
SEGO buys KBA Compacta 818
 SEGO bought a KBA Compacta 818, from Koenig & Bauer AG (KBA), the first format-variable 80-page commercial web offset press.
Compacta 818 has a maximum web width of 2,060 mm and cylinder circumference of 1,197 mm. The modern technology gives consumers an output of up to 45,000 cylinder revolutions/h. Compacta 818 also offers a hot-air dryer with an integrated chill roller stand, a variable magazine superstructure and a variable V5 folder. Users can also control their work, by pressing a button in the KBA EasyTronic automatic press-presetting system. KBA Compacta 818 is planned to be installed by January 2008.
12.07.2007
New universal desktop for Mac
 A new universal desktop printer for Mac OS X will be launched by MacEase. The company announced the release of EasyPrint, a software that makes possible to use time-date stamps and notes in printing, including stamp URL on Safari pages. Users will be prepared to work with any selection of size, either text or image.
Font and point size selection, the opportunity to decide your settings in application using the hotkey or to hide EasyPrint, by applying a keyboard shortcut are some the main advantages of EasyPrint.
The modern software is compatible with Mac OS X v10.3 or later and will cost $24.95.
12.07.2007
Nokia promotes mobile printing
 Nokia will launch a mobile photo printing service in Europe. To set up prints directly from your Nokia Nseries device is now a possibility, through cellular or wireless LAN networks. With this service, European clients can easily edit photos and order prints. By using Nokia service, consumers of compatible Nokia Nseries multimedia computers will only need one device to capture images. For printing, users only needs to choose images to be printed, insert addresses and other information and select “Order Now”.
“Now you can order prints directly from your Nokia Nseries device, and have them delivered to your doorstep – hassle-free”, affirms Mikko Pilkama, director Multimedia. Each user can make the first ten prints for free.
11.07.2007
GMG increases sales
 GMG, supplier of high-end color management and proofing solutions, achieved an important increase in sales in the first half of 2007. In each month the company surpassed the respective value of the previous year.
GMG achieved an increase of 14% compared to the same period of 2006 (almost 50% compared to the same period of 2005). The german company has an important development in other countries, such as USA, UK, Spain and Italy.
“With Drupa coming up in 2008 and new products in the pipeline, we are confident the constant upward trend since 2004 will also continue into 2008”, says Robert Weihing, managing director of GMG GmbH & Co. KG.
11.07.2007
Sappi presents paper standards
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