in print
P:Us
FROM THE MAKERS OF PIXEL MAGAZINE
RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL
Volume 1 Issue 8 Volume 1 Issue 10
Dear Megapixels... Meet the Instant Lab!
...now at... PLUS: FUJIFILM’S FOCUS ON LAB AND DEALER SUPPORT, P:Us GEARING UP FOR GROWTH IN PRODUCTION PRINTING, DNP DISCUSS GLOBAL EXPANSION, WHY COLOUR IS InPrint 1 CRITICAL, NEWS, THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND MORE.
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DNP PHOTO IMAGING EUROPE - PARIS NORD II - 22, AvENUE DES NATIONS CS 51077 - 95948 ROISSY CDG CEDEx - FRANCE - TEl : +33 (0)1 49 38 65 50 www.dnpphoto.eu - sales@dnpphoto.eu
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contents issue ten
05 - News
Updates from the trade and the wider applications of print and graphics products
08 - The Impossible Dream
The Impossible Project and Swains are bringing instant photography back to the UK in a big way.
in print
14 -
P:Us
FROM THE MAKERS OF PIXEL MAGAZINE
RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL
DNP open Pittsburg Facility
Mr Koike discusses the brand’s latest expansion with Inprint
Volume 1 Issue 8 Volume 1 Issue 10
Dear Megapixels...
17 - Best Supporting Act
Meet the Instant Lab!
Fujifilm on the new initiative to support kiosk and printing customers via online videos.
22 - Printed
...now at...
Our quickfire Q&A with a print business. This Issue: Rob King at AltaImage
PLUS: FUJIFILM’S FOCUS ON LAB AND DEALER SUPPORT, P:Us GEARING UP FOR GROWTH IN PRODUCTION PRINTING, DNP DISCUSS GLOBAL EXPANSION, WHY COLOUR IS InPrint 1 CRITICAL, NEWS, THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND MORE.
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CREDITS & CONTACTS Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 411601 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Marketing Director: Simon Skinner 01323 433700 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Editor: Laura Knight 01323 437946 laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production Design/ Editorial Assistant: Harriet Weston 01323 411601 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk
Subscriptions: subs@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts: Clare Fermor Amelia Wellings 01323 433708 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by: LMG SE LTD Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3YD 01323 411601 www.lifemediagroup.co.uk
Printed by: Unit 6F Southbourne Business Park, Courtlands Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 8UY 0845 601 9478 www.cliffe-enterprise.com All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in InPrint Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of InPrint Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within InPrint Magazine. All prices featured in InPrint Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.
Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2013 ©
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Print Goes Green Verdigris, the environmental initiative from Digital Dots, has welcomed Shimizu Printing as its latest Associate Member. Verdigris is a non-profit initiative designed to help printers and their customers understand more about the environmental impact of print media. The goal is to raise awareness of print’s positive effect, through cooperative content development shared
with an international network of publishers.Dr. Hirokazu Shimizu, President, Shimizu Printing said: “We are committed to reducing our direct and indirect impact through the management of every element of our business, including energy, water, carbon emissions and waste.”
Colour is Critical GMG Color and Studio404, have teamed up to show the synergy between innovative design and ‘brand critical’ colour. Brands and colour are inextricably linked. However, managing consistent and repeatable colour across different print technologies, different ink types and substrates presents many challenges for brand owners seeking to control and protect their brand identity. GMG OpenColor was developed
specifically for multi-colour printing environments. GMG OpenColor gives prepress specialists, print firms, agencies and brand owners the ability to accurately predict how spot and process colours overprint, so that results on multiple different presses are perfect. This capability enables brands to reduce time to market significantly and with the added benefit of reducing costs during the production process.
Red Arrows get Color Confidence The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, better known as The Red Arrows, has installed a 17-inch Epson Stylus Pro 3880 digital inkjet printer, supplied by Color Confidence. The printer is used to produce high quality A3 and A4 lustre, matte and gloss photographs, taken by The Red Arrows’ RAF photographers,
primarily for public relations and corporate events. With its small footprint, the printer is ideally suited to go on tour with the team! Color Confidence has supplied the Ministry of Defence for several years and installed an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer at The Red Arrows’ base in 2009.
news
Time Art Gallery on Tour With Epson Time Art Gallery’s Art on the Street team have been on their annual tour of the UK’s Summer festivals, including Glastonbury, T in the Park, Latitude, Womad, Bestival, Strawberry Fields, V, Reading and Leeds, where they promote and sell signed, collectable Limited Edition prints and original works of art using Epson large-format inkjet printers. Originally set up to sell artworks from an outlet in London’s Camden Lock Market, the company expanded and opened further outlets in Greenwich Market and Portobello Road Market – all of which are still in operation. It also launched its first edition website www.timeart.co.uk which offers quality signed Limited Edition prints and original works of art to order online. Recognising the consumer demand for high quality prints and artworks, Yannick and Michael opened, and continue to run, successful stores within four UK shopping centres: Bluewater, Kent; Bullring, Birmingham; Meadowhall, Sheffield; and Touchwood, Solihull. The company currently owns six Epson printers: three 44inch Stylus Pro 9800 models and three 24-inch Stylus Pro 7890s, all supplied by Epson distributor Colourbyte (www. colourbyte.co.uk). Each of the four shopping centre stores
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news Ilford Lab USA Open for Business Harman technology, the company behind the Ilford brand of black and white photographic products is pleased to announce the availability of processing and printing services in California. The service based at the Harman factory in the UK has ran successfully for over 15 years. This Mail Order service was originally introduced to satisfy amateur and hobbyist photographers who found it difficult to have their films processed and printed on real black and white silver gelatin photo paper at a local facility. Harman’sDirector of Marketing and North American Sales, Steven Brierley, explained, “Our Lab based at the HARMAN factory in England has provided a continuous quality service to UK photographers for many years, and we are seeing an increased number of enquiries from overseas, including North America. We are excited to announce that built on that success we can now offer the same service from a base in California.”
Platinum Print Streamlines and Simplifies Platinum Print has recently integrated GMG software solutions to streamline proof production and increase output accuracy and consistency across its Epson, Mimaki, Ricoh and Konica digital printers and B2 Komori offset printing presses. This Harrogate-based print services provider offers a range of personalised direct mail, fulfilment, large-format and general commercial print to clients ranging from SMEs
to national bluechip companies. Since implementing GMG ColorProof, ColorServer and InkOptimizer, Platinum Print has been awarded Fogra certification, giving its clients an even higher level of quality assurance. “Prior to installing GMG software, one of our biggest issues was maintaining consistent colour across all our output devices,” says Production Director Mark Plummer.
Samsung Aims High! Samsung is developing its printing portfolio through a focus on mobility, the user-experience and design with an aim to become the number one A4 laser and Multifunction Printer manufacturer by 2017. Advances in mobility, security and the dramatic growth of digital content are driving the need for modern devices that let users personally manage their work and home printing environments. Samsung has been developing mobile focused
printing applications since 2009 including a dedicated Mobile Print app, Wi-Fi Direct support, and a Native photo printing button and recently added Google Cloud Print and NFC functionality. At IFA in Berlin, Samsung showcased the world’s first NFC multifunction printer, the Xpress C460. Evolved from the desire for connectivity, users can now print photos and documents from smartphones with just a simple tap. Scanning and faxing documents is also easy as users are able to sync the contacts on their smartphones with the printer.
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news feature
Paper Manufacturers On a Roll Major names urged to keep investing in substrate production as production printing gears up for growth. © Radu Razvan Gheorghe - dreamstime.com
Two converging sets of results from InfoTrends highlight substrate opportunities in production color digital printing. These studies will help paper companies and equipment manufacturers better understand the substrate needs of users of production digital color printers to facilitate the potential growth in the North American and Western European markets. These two regions have significant differences in terms of most important production digital color print applications and, of course the relative popularity of specific paper brands and paper brand groupings (e.g. mill brands versus OEM and private label). However, InfoTrends has also found some common recommendations that apply to both regions, and quite likely even beyond into the emerging markets. One key common concern is whether inkjet-optimized/treated papers will become a significant market in terms of total tons. The short history of the high speed roll-fed inkjet color digital presses that use this new grade
consists of very high growth rates, but from an initially very small base. How sustainable are these growth rates? The evidence from these studies indicates that the volume will indeed come, and therefore a key recommendation is that paper manufacturers stay on the course, continuing to invest in both further product development and marketing activities. “Production color digital print volume is expected to grow in both North America and Western Europe,” says John Shane, Director of InfoTrends’ Communications Supplies Consulting Service. “Since the market for production digital printers will remain strong through the forecast period, OEMs should work with paper manufacturers to develop recommended matches between print equipment,
“Since the market for production digital printers will remain strong, OEMs should work with manufacturers to develop recommended matches.” - Infotrends print application, and specific sheets.” InfoTrends also recommends that print providers continue to build the volume in print applications in which they are already successful, but to achieve greater awareness of applications in which they do not currently participate. InfoTrends’ Substrate Opportunities in Production Color Printing sets out to establish the main criteria influencing the type of substrate currently being used and determines any changing direction in this usage – thereby ascertaining any correlation in the paper types used by certain applications.
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The Impossible Dream One company’s vision has brought instant printing back to the photography market in a big way. From the ashes of Polaroid’s instant film legacy, The Impossible Project have crafted an analogue business in a digital world, and made it their personal mission to keep instant printing alive. Now, they’re bringing their products to the UK via distributors Swains. Impossible’s new hero product, the Instant Lab has been designed to bridge the gap between digital and analog instant photography. Now, via the ubiquitous iPhone, every photographer can transform digital images into unique instant photographs, creating memories to share, show or simply treasure, and recapturing that instant film magic. The Impossible Story On June 14, 2008, Polaroid held a closing event at its last intact film production plant located in Enschede, The Netherlands. There, analog instant film enthusiast and online distributor Florian Kaps met the former Polaroid production manager André Bosman. Together they decided that they would try anything to save analog instant photography from extinction. They launched The Impossible Project with one concrete aim: to keep the magic of analog instant photography alive by inventing and producing new instant film materials for Vintage Polaroid cameras. Impossible saved the last Polaroid production plant in Enschede literally days before it was to be demolished, and engaged the most experienced team of integral film experts worldwide who started their work in October 2008. In order to carry instant film production into the 21st century Impossible’s team had to find new solutions
for replacing and upgrading problematic or unavailable components. The mission was not to re-build Polaroid film, but instead to develop a new product with new characteristics. In March 2010 Impossible announced that analog instant photography was saved and introduced its first new instant film materials for classic Polaroid cameras. Since then a wide range of monochrome as well as color film materials for classic Polaroid SX 70, 600 and Image/Spectra cameras has been introduced as well as a new 8x10 large format instant film and, most recenty and perhaps most excitingly for retailers looking to target new audiences and harness the potential offered by phone photography, the Instant Lab. The Instant Lab allows users to simply select an image on their phone, place the iPhone in the cradle and slide open the shutter on the base. A signal then alerts them when the exposure is finished. Close the shutter, push the button and Impossible Instant Lab ejects the instant film, ready to develop in the palm of your hand. In addition to the Instant Lab, The Impossible Project continue to produce films for users of Polaroid cameras. The new analog instant films by Impossible have been invented and manufactured by the Impossible team in Enschede, all films are based on a new film
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focus
“Don’t undertake a project unless it is manifestly important and nearly impossible.” - Edwin Land, founder of Polaroid recipe and consist of 31 new components. In a digital 21st century, Impossible prevents millions of perfectly functioning Polaroid cameras from becoming obsolete, changes the world of photography and keeps variety, tangibility and analog creativity and possibilities alive. Keeping the Magic Alive Since its inception, Impossible has attracted interest from worldwide media. Stories have been published in The New York Times, Monocle, The Observer, Financial Times, Wired and Le Monde among others – proving that even in our digital age, the fascination for the magic of analog instant photography is still
alive and well, and Impossible are passionate about keeping it that way. Set apart from the highly standardized and traditional Polaroid films, Impossible films push analog instant photography beyond all traditional limits and offer a broad new range of possibilities, characteristics and results. Since March 2010 Impossible has brought to market both black & white and color films for the most popular Polaroid cameras – 600, SX 70 and Image/Spectra/1200 cameras. Beyond Impossible produces 8x10 large format instant film for 8x10 cameras using the original Polaroid 8x10 holder and processor. But Impossible’s ambitions reach far
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beyond the production of instant films. Several collaborations and projects are dedicated to supporting and promoting analog instant photography amongst artistic and photographic communities. Impossible has opened Project Spaces in New York City, Paris, Tokyo, Vienna and Warsaw. Impossible Project Spaces have been specially designed to serve as a vivid hub for analog instant photography - beyond carrying all available analog films and cameras, a wide range of exhibitions, workshops and artistic projects are on view at every Impossible location. Impossible also creates limited special film editions together with carefully selected partners such as Ace Hotel NYC, colette Paris, Huge and Milk X magazine. The launch of the Instant Lab coincides with the release of an official Impossible Project App for iOS. As well as enabling users to transform their digital photos into real analog photographs with the Instant Lab, the App also provides a platform for scanning, uploading and sharing those analog instant photos. Supporting a variety of social media, the Impossible Project App encourages photographers to share their instant photographs and at the same time get inspiration from the photographs of others; an international community for analog instant photography lovers. Creed C. O’Hanlon, Chief Executive Officer of The Impossible Project
Tell us about the alliance with Swains - how did it come about? Our relationship with Swains was spurred by a sense that we could – and should – be doing a lot more in the UK market, where we have always had a large number of very enthusiastic and communicative fans of analogue instant photography. We had always wanted to work
with Swains but we wanted to achieve a clearer identity and greater consistency of quality for our product before we approached them. Now, with a coherent family of instant films and the first of a series of new camera products ready for the market, we felt the time was right. What will Impossible offer UK retailers through Swains? We are the only manufacturers of films for classic Polaroid analogue instant cameras, including the popular 600, SX-70 and Spectra-Image cameras. We also supply factory-refurbished Polaroid cameras and we design and manufacture new cameras utilising our instant films. We make 8
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focus x 10 black and white and colour instant films. As these have been so popular and there are ‘stranded’ Polaroid camera owners who no longer have any other source of consumables, the appeal there is clear. Our biggest selling new product is the Instant Lab, which translates images from iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s and iPod Touch 4/5 via an analogue photographic process into instant photographs. We are also redesigning our range of accessories and books, part of an overall revitalising of our distinctive brand around the world. Can our readers expect to realise a healthy margin, working with Impossible/Swains?
“We want to work more closely with retail partners... these are exciting times for impossible and we want to share them!” We believe so, particularly on our newest products such as the Instant Lab and on our revised and repackaged family of colour and black white instant films. With such a resurgence of interest in analogue technology, do you believe the trend for Instant Printing is now mature, or can we expect to see continued growth? We are planning on quite exceptional growth over the next three to four years, driven by exciting, design-conscious new analogue instant camera products – not just from us but from Fuji, too – that will create new interest and demand from a younger generation of photographers, who are just now beginning to discover the distinctive,
iconic ‘white frame’ of classic instant film. We also think that the interest in instant photography is not faddish, or ‘retro’, but driven by a need for greater substance and meaning in the photographic output that digital just can’t provide – besides, there is nothing quite as distinctive as the classic Polaroid-style white frame around an image. Can you tell us a bit more about your road map, running into 2014? What products are in the pipeline and how will you continue to roll out your media campaign, both with Swains and consumer facing? We are working harder than ever, with much greater investment, in improving the quality and increasing the development speed of our analogue instant films. We currently plan to release a series of significantly improved films over the next year, and with them, new and better analogue instant cameras. We have spent the last year restructuring Impossible’s finance and management, moving its creative, sales and marketing to a new headquarters in Berlin, Germany (from Vienna, Austria), improving and repackaging our family of films, and devising what are likely to become the definitive ‘next generation’ of analoge instant cameras with some very talented European industrial and optical designers. We have already a dedicated following among analogue instant photography fans and socalled ‘hipsters’, and we continue to build this audience with unusual promotions, engaging communications strategies, partnerships and events that directly involve consumers with our products. We are also very adept in our use of social media. Over the next year, we will refine this approach to target an even wider audience and draw them into the world of Impossible, utilising only very little traditional advertising. We also want to work a lot more closely and directly with retail partners. These are exciting times for Impossible and we want to share them!
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focus Understanding the Impossible - 6 easy steps! 1. The Instant Lab is a camera, not a printer With its four element, high-quality, coated glass lens, its metal dark slide and its shutter mechanism, the Instant Lab works completely differently to a digital printer. It is an analog – not digital – photographic tool, for the flexibility, quality and creative possibilities of both digital and analog media (with maybe a little of the latter’s unpredictability too...) 2. The Instant Lab is portable Drawing on the traditions of the best analog instant camera designs, such as the SX-70, the Instant Lab is compact and portable. With its telescoping tower collapsed, it measures only 148mm long x 111mm wide x 62mm tall, as well as having a rechargeable Li-Ion battery to power the processing of hundreds of instant photographs wherever you happen to be. 3. The Instant Lab has an iconic design, with an excellent pedigree The Instant Lab’s distinctive profile was conceived by famed Berlin-based industrial designer Prof. Achim Heine, who also designed the Leica Digilux 1. The Instant Lab’s integrated FPU (film processing system) was engineered by DHW at the former Rollei factory, in Braunschweig, Germany. 4. The Instant Lab is simple – and fun!Utilizing The Impossible Project iOS app, developed in collaboration with Berlin-based software developers, nxtbgthng, the Instant Lab process
is quick and easy-to-use. The Impossible Project want to engage your imagination and encourage experimentation - just as you might with a conventional camera. The Impossible Project app’ enables you to share the results instantly via Impossible’s online gallery and their other social media channels. 5. The Instant Lab is environmentally friendly. Unlike classic Polaroid cameras, which require instant film cassettes pre-loaded with batteries to operate, the Instant Lab includes its own rechargeable battery. It is supported with colour and black and white instant film packed with the specific batteryfree cassettes made for Impossible cameras. Oother Impossible batterypowered films can be used in the Instant Lab but Impossible’s soon-to-bereleased battery-free film is recommended. 6. The Instant Lab is a bridge between pixels and traditional photographic chemistry Any digital printer can turn a digital image into a print, but only with the Instant Lab can a digital image be transformed into an analog instant photograph. The Instant Lab’s brand-new highprecision platform, the FPU (film processing unit) activates traditional photographic chemistry within the instant film to develop a digital image and give it a quality – not to mention the instantly recognizable instant film format – one very different to digital prints.
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From Lucidiom...
ONLINE • KIOSK • MOBILE Let us tailor the perfect solution for your store: custom photo sharing website, coordinating iPhone ordering app and in-store kiosk software.
Contact us for your very own BRANDED App listed on the Apple store.
For a complete software demonstration, please contact Kevin Andrews on: kandrews@lucidiom.com • Direct 01279 874160 • Mobile 07791 951005
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Lucidiom Finance Ltd, The Stansted Centre, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Essex CM22 6PU InprintIssue10.indd 13
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d re ,” ral y p
ng
rint
A Global Approach DNP added a manufacturing line of thermal transfer ribbon at Pittsburgh plant this spring. September 2013 will also see construction completed of the plant for dye-sublimation thermal transfer media in Malaysia. During his visit to Europe this July, Mr. Masato Koike, DNP Senior Corporate Officer and General Manager of Information Media Supplies Operations, was so kind as to provide insights about the global market development for information media, the challenges in this area at present and mid-term strategies Mr. Koike, please tell us about the history of DNP’s IMS Operations. In the 1980s, DNP developed two thermal transfer media, a Thermal Transfer Ribbon and a Dye Sublimation Thermal Transfer Media, and started manufacturing and sales. Initially, the thermal transfer facsimile ribbon was the core business, focusing on overseas markets. Further, we developed new products such as barcode printing to set DNP up for the future. Significant investments into production and business were made. Dye-sublimation products initially began with supplies for video printers used for printing out images from TV screens, and we have experienced explosive sales growth in 1996 and 1997, based on instant photo machines that produced tiny photo stickers. Dye-sublimation products supplied to printer manufactures on an OEM basis took advantage of high resolution, and immediacy features, and also began to be used for output uses for digital still cameras around the same time as the video print boom. We established a business model which was developed under our own brand using the DNP logo in the photo market directly by acquiring Pixel Magic Imaging Inc. in 2004 and the purchase of photo business from Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. in 2006. What is happening with the manufacturing and sales system, right now? At present, we have five domestic manufacturing
“DNP is holding its own in terms of product capabilities, and we are looking to capture the top global share on the back of increased cost competitiveness” bases. We also have two U.S.-based manufacturing plants. Dye sublimation production in U.S. is concentrated in Concord. We also have a plant at Amsterdam in the Netherlands which mainly performs the slitting and winding of ribbons for barcode printer use and dye sublimation ribbons along with regional sales. Tell us a little about developments at the Pittsburgh plant – we gather that an extra manufacturing line has been added? That’s right, and in line with the addition of the new manufacturing line we have been adding further personnel at the Pittsburgh plant. As a result, production capacity is almost doubled, and it is also planned to boost the number of items manufactured. Because we source raw materials on a dollar-denominated basis in the U.S., it is possible to reduce the impact of foreign
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of them achieve” reflected in the volumes many and services and this is clearly promoting in-store products more proactive in general in Europe, seem to be far “Independent vendors in
exchange. DNP is holding its own in terms of product capabilities, and we are looking to capture the top global share on the back of increased cost competitiveness, in line with the addition of the new production line. Tell us about the establishment of the Malaysian plant. Why was that location chosen? Our photo business is the area of dye sublimation operations that we aim to expand most. Overseas operations are overwhelmingly larger than Japan. In order for DNP to expand share, it was necessary to position manufacturing bases offshore considering cost competitiveness and shorter delivery times. We commenced coating at the Concord plant in 2011, and in order to expand product volumes, the decision was made to add a manufacturing plant in Asia. Among the candidates for the new Asian plant, Johor of Malaysia was selected following considerations from a variety of perspectives, especially logistics. The new plant is being created with considerable investment. Both site area and buildings have been arranged so as to be able to respond to production expansion anticipating future sales growth.
How do you view your position in the global market going forward? With the addition of the manufacturing line at the Pittsburgh plant, and establishment of the new Malaysian plant, our overseas production capacity has expanded considerably to reduce foreign exchange impact, and I believe DNP’s cost competitiveness can be further enhanced. Looking ahead, we will expand our overseas manufacturing bases, including the Pittsburgh and Malaysian plants. In particular, we will grow the Malaysian plant that includes the coating process to become a core plant for dye-sublimation photo media, and want to provide products developed for emerging countries not only to Asia, but also to other developing markets of Eastern Europe, Russia and Latin America. On the other hand, it is necessary to develop sales bases in response to developments in Asia, Europe and Russia. I am proud of the fact that IMS Operations is at the forefront of global expansion among DNP operational divisions, and I want to see us further increase our overseas sales ratios. Thank you very much, Mr Koike!
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Retail Photo Gift Solutions Mitsubishi Electric’s latest photo retail solution Gift Kiosk has been designed to offer ID photos, instant print and personalised gifts quickly and easily. Gift Kiosk enables customers to create and print personalised calendars, albums, gift & greetings cards, mosaic and collage prints and instant prints, using their own images stored on memory card, USB memory stick, CD / DVD or via their online Facebook and Picassa accounts.
Mitsubishi are currently offering Gift Kiosk bundle packages starting at £3899 which includes hardware, starter media, point of sale material as well as installation, training and warranty.* For more detail contact Mitsubishi 01707 278684 email printer.info@meuk.mee.com or visit our website! * Check availability
All of our systems include passport photo printing services and Mitsubishi’s integrated biometric ID software makes the process of making a passport or ID photograph, very simple and quick; instant prints are available in 6"x4", 5"x7" & 6"x8" formats in either a gloss or matt finish.
16 01707 InPrint278684 | Fax: 01707 278541 | vis.mitsubishielectric.co.uk | printer.info@meuk.mee.com Tel: InPrint 27
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interview
Fujifilm Launches Online Support for Kiosk and Printing Products Fujifilm has expanded its support services to incorporate instructional videos aimed at photo retailers and high street lab The company’s Imaging Support Services department has set-up an exclusive YouTube channel dedicated to providing free, short, easyto-follow training videos all designed to help retailers set-up and manage the hardware and software they have bought from Fujifilm. The newly launched tutorial service, available at www.youtube.com/user/FujifilmSupport, currently features around 30 videos covering a variety of products including minilab printers, ASK printers, Quick Print Station, Wide Format printers, DPC6 & DPC 9 kiosks, legacy equipment and instruction on how to make a Wunderbars canvas. Software videos include Smartpix configuration and guidance on how to set-up templates and packages for Easy Studio Print (ESP). Russ Barlow, Training Manager, explained the launch: “We are always striving to improve our customer support and the beauty of having instructional videos available on the internet is that they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A customer can access this archive of training content at a time that suits them and it also makes it much easier for a photo retailer to disseminate the information to their team. Fujifilm
remains committed to continuing its face-to-face technical support but we hope this new video service will prove a useful additional tool for our customers.” We took the opportunity to quiz Russ further on this new offering and what it really means for Fujifilm’s lab customers. What training and support did you have in place before? Will this replace or supplement it? We take a pro-active and understanding approach
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to our customers’ training and subsequent support needs, tailored to their individual requirements. Generally, if a customer purchases equipment and/or software, we aim to provide both residential (Bedford Training Centre) and on-site post install support. The standard model for ‘Dry-lab’ training is 2 days in Bedford and 2 days further on-site support after the install. Having the customer in our relaxed training environment aids the retention of technical information, without the distractions which a busy retail environment can present us with. We support on-site to further guide the customer within their specific retail environment these are very rarely similar! The YouTube site supports and reinforces the delivered training. We will guide the customer to its existence as a ‘memory jogger’. It will also be useful for allowing customers to review products which they may not currently have, but may express an interest in at a later date. What difference do you expect it to make to retailers in real terms? In real terms, the difference can be immediate. Whether a customer is directed to some content by a Fujifilm Support Colleague, by another viewer, or by one of our Accredited Service Agents, a good deal of confusion and downtime can be avoided in the delivery of the information they need. We push the service to all new customers who have training for an immediate association with the link to ‘support’. How important is proper training for lab operations? We feel that the complex dynamic of the modern
minilab workflow requires an increasingly expanding level of training. Of course that means we are always having to incorporate new equipment developments, upgraded software and revised methodologies into our training programs. Hence, what we can offer in support terms, changes and evolves. How do you feel this additional training could lead to increased sales/profits for labs and retailers? Equipment up-time, and subsequent sales, are directly related to sound technical & operational knowledge. Some of the posted video’s offer quick technical tips on how to load media into printers, for example. Viewers may never have had official Fuji training, and this is where a little confidence can be gained from watching our recommended method of doing so. We also plan to add ‘new products’ video’s. Once viewed, they can contact Fujifilm for further information, prior to investing. Why did you feel this was something Fujifilm should offer? We felt that the support material already available, would be more controllable if we created our own channel and content. The feedback so far has been particularly positive. It’s early days but the scope of material available to our customers will expand and grow to include ‘ legacy’ machines and indeed, new and exciting software and hardware products. Watch this space!! If you have any comments or suggestions for other videos you’d like to see please contact Russ Barlow on 01234 572423 or email rbalow@fujifilm.co.uk
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TRADE
AWARDS
2013
PIXEL TRADE AWARDS 2013
15th November 2013 Park Plaza Riverbank London
Now in their 9th year, the Pixel Trade Awards have been extended to include various subcategories for 2013. Guests at this year’s awards ceremony will be invited to join us in celebrating our trades recognition of the elite in technological innovation and service across the imaging industry, and our overall winners will be announced on the night. Voting for these sub-categories will be cast by a panel of expert judges from all areas of our industry, whilst the overall categories will, as always, be voted for by the readers of Pixel Magazine, and the industry at large.
VOTE NOW*
via pixeltradeawards.co.uk website Week 1. 7th - 11th Oct Hardware Accessory Manufacturer of the Year. Processing Manufacturer of the Year. Overall Hardware Manufacturer of the Year. Week 2. 14th - 18th Oct Independent Retailer of the Year. Multiple Retailer of the Year. Mass Retailer of the Year. Online Retailer of the Year. Independent Print/Lab of the Year. Multiple Processing Retailer of the Year.
Week 3. 21st - 25th Oct Consumer Magazine of the Year. Consumer Imaging Website of the Year. Consumer Marketing Campaign of the Year. Overall Innovation in Imaging. Week 4. 28th Oct - 1st Nov Distributor of the Year. Rep of the Year. Retail Sales Person of the Year. *Voting opens 7th October 2013
Sponsorship opportunities, seats and accommodation for the ceremony are also available. All enquiries: Simon Skinner – simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Tel: 07811 303 606 – 01323 433700 InPrint 19
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MORE PRODUCTIVE TABLETOP LABELING
ONE VISION EXPAND CANVAS OFFERING
The iTech AXXIS HS Digital Label System is comprised of the iTech AXXIS HS Digital Label Printer, a high-resolution roll-fed print engine, and the iTech AXXIS HS Digital Label Finisher that laminates, integrates die-less die cutting, and then strips, slits and rewinds. The iTech AXXIS HS Digital Label Printer includes an LED toner roll-to-roll printer, imaging consumer-quality labels with durable, consistent colour at 1200 dpi X 600 dpi, at speeds up to 7.6 meters per minute. With a maximum width of 216 mm, the printer has a wide degree of substrate flexibility that does not require top coating. The AXXIS HS prints on most standard pressure sensitive paper substrates, which are typically half to a third, the cost of inkjet substrates along with white, metallic or clear films.
One Vision Imaging has launched another wall display product: ‘Canvas Art Frame’. In effect, the product is a Canvas Wrap on a canvas mounted background using the same image and then framed. Varying depths, textures and frame variations enable this product to be incredibly versatile according to the image itself and frame selected. Paul Hill, One Vision’s Product Development Manager said ‘Canvas products are still extremely popular and it seems only right that we try to push its possibilities. This not only compliments the wrap but also it acts like a window mount does on traditional frame. Finding the right frame moulding was the final challenge as we knew it could be an incredibly versatile product. Having selected a bright reflective silver, bare wood effect and a brushed black means we’ve opened up the possibilities even further’
EPSON LAUNCHES SUREPRESS DIGITAL LABEL PRESS Epson has expanded its range of digital label presses with the launch of the SurePress L-6034VW digital label press. The SurePress L-6034VW is Epson’s first single-pass industrial press, the first to use Epson’s new PrecisionCoreTM linehead technology and the first product to use Epson’s new LED-cured UV ink with in-line digital varnish technology. The compact, SurePress L-6034VW delivers precise quality with maximum reliability, flexibility and performance. It is the ideal solution for label converters investing in a digital label press for the first time or wishing to expand their production facilities. The SurePress L-6034VW is designed to print high-quality, short to mid-run labels with outstanding durability on standard film and paper label substrates between 80 and 340mm wide. The curing process uses LED lamps for lower energy consumption. It also enables printing onto heat-sensitive substrates, such as polyethylene, thereby maximising the range of materials that can be used. The SurePress L-6034VW and L-6034V models will be shipping next summer.
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Launchpad
Your Essential Guide to the Latest Launches NEW DIRECT-TO-SHAPE PACKAGING DECORATION SYSTEMS
The Xaar 1001 inkjet printhead is a key component of a growing number of innovative direct-to-shape digital decoration systems coming to market. Printing full colour images and text directly onto glass, PET and metal containers cuts out materials and inventory, reduces time to market and avoids many of the costs associated with using labels or sleeves. Images and text can be fully variable if required so that each container can be unique for targeted marketing campaigns or traceability purposes. In addition, decoration can be applied easily to irregular-shaped and textured containers which can pose a challenge for traditional labels and sleeves. The revolutionary design of the Xaar 1001 printhead is ideal for direct-to-shape printing systems. The high native resolution and greyscale capability of the Xaar 1001 gives an effective resolution of over 1000 dpi producing high quality, smooth tone images and pin sharp text. “Leading brands are continuously looking at new ways to innovate their packaging in order to differentiate from their competition,” says Mark Alexander, Director of Marketing, Xaar. “With these new direct-toshape systems, manufacturers can really push the creative boundaries. They have the potential to cut out costs associated with labels, and still achieve high quality results, and they can respond quickly to product variations with the ability to implement new designs quickly and to change them ‘on the fly’ without stopping production. Direct-toshape digital decoration is still a relatively new technique, but one that we predict will grow.” VALUE-ADDING AUTUMN PROMOTIONS Hahnemühle is offering two promotions for photographers and print studios: inkjet papers with a deckle edge and certificates of authenticity are valuable additions to the most sought-after Hahnemühle Digital FineArt papers. For a limited period of time, selected A2 and A3+ boxes will come with two extra sheets of the same paper quality but with hand-crafted deckle edges. “True 100 percent cotton-fibre deckle edged paper is regarded as the most valuable paper in artist circles,” states Andrea Sippel, Hahnemühle Product Manager. “A visible, float-framed deckle edged print represents a valuable unique copy.” Those who want to create limited prints and guarantee the exclusivity use the Hahnemühle Certificates of Authenticity. For a limited time, all the A3+ and A2 boxes of the papers Photo Rag Ultra Smooth 305gsm and Photo Rag Baryta 315gsm will come with three certificates of authenticity and six holograms. Stefan Neumann, head of the Hahnemühle Technical Support, explains: “Every certificate consists of a sheet of deckle-edged paper with Hahnemühle watermark and fluorescent security fibres. This certificate comes with a numbered hologram. A second, identical hologram is applied to the back of the respective work of art.” The free certificates in the promotional boxes represent a true additional value for fine art printers.
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printed Each issue, InPrint calls a UK printing business to bring you the essential information about life on the front line of our trade and prints the results. This issue, our spotlight falls on Rob King from AltaImage. Rob King, AltaImage Tell us a bit abour Altaimage: What’s your main product offering, what could we buy from you if we turned up at your door today? We offer a complete solution for book and magazine publishers, which would be quite relevant for the producers of InPrint personally, so we could offer you quite a bit! Our main product is our colour skills and quick turnaround. After that you can have the output of your choice - we are very flexible! What would you consider your star products at the moment? We have a new printing machine called the Lumejet S200. It gives us – for the first time, and on the same page – true contone images and pin-sharp text down to 1-point size, reversed out of a coloured background, and we’re very excited about what we can do with it. It opens up new markets for us... the output is a step up from anything we have been able to offer previously. It offers by far the best quality output I have ever seen, which in turn allows us to offer this level of product to our customers. What sets you apart from the competition? We believe in helping our customers win more business. For us, our job is only complete when everybody in the process is pleased with the result and we have found a way to ease the production process to make each job more of a pleasure than a chore for our clients.
What might surprise us about your business? I think people might be surprised by the sheer range of services we offer our customers, from retouching to digital publishing production and our ICE (Interactive Cloud Environment) system. It still surprises me on a daily basis. What’s not worth the paper it’s printed on for you at the moment? My lottery tickets! Fortunately, we don’t print those ourselves so it’s no major problem! Any recent additions to the business, or plans to add to it in the near future? We’ve installed four new digital presses, one of which is the Lumejet which is totally in a different class. We are soon to open an office in New York which is very exciting for us, so watch this space!
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Professional quality inkjet prints from a dry lab? Epson. Need we say more?
If we needed to say more we’d probably say that we think you’ll be amazed when you see the quality of prints from the new Epson SureLab machine. Not only is it simple to use, it will save you money on power consumption and chemistry over your traditional lab When it comes to inkjet print technology Epson is the name to trust as it’s what they’ve built their reputation on! •
3 stunning print finishes - Matte, Gloss & Lustre
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Prints from 4" to 12"
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Large panoramic prints up to 48" in length
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Trusted Epson UltraChrome ink set
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Available in single or twin roll configuration
Come and see the quality for yourself! Visit our dedicated Epson showroom to experience the SureLab for yourself along with the rest of our Epson Inkjet printer range.
With a history dating back to 1847, we have the experience, knowledge and expertise to help you maximise the profit potential from your photographic services.
Tel: 0116 289 3644 e-mail uk@tetenal.com VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.tetenaluk.com
SOME OF THE KEY BRANDS DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK by TETENAL LTD.
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DEAR MEGAPIXELS, MEET THE INSTANT LAB
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the-impossible-project.com/instantlab
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