Digital Printing Observations — The Technology Race Is On

Labeled the Xerox 490/980, the 20˝-wide press uses an LED imaging array rather than multi-beam laser scanning imaging systems. When we saw a prototype running in Rochester, NY, this past summer, the output quality was not as good as is produced on sheetfed xerographic equipment. By the time the product reaches the U.S. market, we expect to see quality improvements but, nevertheless, with output a cut below sheetfed digital. However, this quality range will be more than adequate for the transactional printing market and for many direct mail applications, which are the target markets.