DIGITAL digest

On Demand Closes Doors on Its New York City Run

NEW YORK—Two surprises awaited exhibitors and attendees at the recent 2004 On Demand Conference & Exposition. Unfortunately, they both related to the event itself.

On the first day, word spread of a change in location and timing for the next installment of the industry forum, which is scheduled to be held May 17-19, 2005, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the heart of Philadelphia. There was no formal announcement, so most exhibitors first learned of the move when they were approached about reserving a booth for the 2005 show.

The second surprise awaited attendees as they strolled north down the main aisles of On Demand and unexpectedly stumbled into FAME—the Fashion Avenue Market Expo. Produced by Business Journals Inc., it is billed as the "first contemporary lifestyle apparel and accessories show." Some partial cloth walls and a change in carpet color were all that set the fashion expo apart from On Demand.

At the south end of the hall, the show floor again this year seamlessly transitioned into the 2004 AIIM Expo—the Enterprise Content & Document Management event. AIIM conferences also were co-located with On Demand sessions, as was the Digital Marketing Symposium for the first time.

According to the sponsors, the number of verified attendees for the first day of the co-located events exceeded 10,000 people. However, of the some 500 exhibitors reported taking part, fewer than 175 were listed in the official show guide as being in the On Demand portion of the show floor.

Another bit of news that built into a buzz on the first day was the announced deal for Heidelberg to transfer all of its digital printing assets—black-and-white and color—to Eastman Kodak. A press conference scheduled by Kodak Versamark at the end of the day became a standing-room-only affair as it was expected that the Heidelberg deal would be addressed.

James Langley, president of Commercial Printing and senior vice president of Eastman Kodak, did fly in to make a brief statement about the deal and to answer some questions. Also on hand was Venkat Purushotham, president and CEO of NexPress Solutions, who has been tapped to lead the combined digital businesses.

According to Langley, the initial agreement does not include any provision for Heidelberg to continue distributing either the black-and-white or color products. Previous statements from Heidelberg had indicated it intended to maintain its broad print market coverage even if it got out of the manufacturing side of the business.

The division president did note that Kodak would look to expand its geographic and market sales coverage for digital presses and hasn't ruled out any options.

A Bit of Clarification

When pressed for clarification of the non-compete terms agreed to by Heidelberg, Langley explained that the two-year restriction only pertains to the NexPress business space as it existed at the time of the agreement. This should leave Heidelberg free to compete in the black-and-white market segment and any portions of the color market outside the competitive sphere of the NexPress 2100 product line.

Xerox Corp. got a jump on the start of the expo by holding a press briefing the night before. The company's Business Partner Program in the workflow solutions arena and business tools for its user base were the topics of the hour.

Receiving special attention was the Xerox FreeFlow Print Manager, which is said to enable print providers to manage digital and offset jobs via a single workflow. The company has been working with Creo Inc. on the initial implementation, which will be offered as an option with the 2.20 release of the Prinergy workflow system. It will enable users to enter and view detailed Xerox job ticket information within a Creo Prinergy system, as well as interface Prinergy (for non-variable data work) with Xerox DocuColor and DocuTech digital presses controlled by a Creo Spire or Xerox DocuSP front end.

On the business development front, the company reports sharpening the focus of its efforts through the Profit Accelerator initiative. This includes offering, at no charge, a portfolio of resources designed for use by three main departments within a commercial printing organization—executives, sales and marketing, and operations. Leading the way is ProfitQuick, a financial modeling tool that helps users justify the purchase of digital production equipment and evaluate ongoing performance.

New Platform from Océ

Along with providing an update on the status of its unified operations, Océ North America debuted its new VarioStream 9000 digital printing system platform at On Demand. The production-class, webfed printing system is being rolled out in a black-and-white configuration, the VarioStream 9210, which offers a switchable resolution of up to 600 dpi, 19˝ printable width and maximum print speed of 195 fpm. Slated to be available in the second quarter of 2004, it will feature two Quick Change Developer (QCD) stations in a one/one configuration for single-pass duplex printing.

The company says it plans to offer a near-term upgrade path to CustomTone highlight color and, ultimately, full process color printing with up to a five/five configuration. The VS 9220, scheduled for commercial release in the fourth quarter, will feature four QCD stations in a two/two configuration.

According to Guy Broadhurst, director of product marketing, Océ is not prepared to commit to a timetable for full development of the platform, but it anticipates focusing on the one/one and two/two configurations over the next 18 months. In the meantime, the company will continue to offer and further develop the VarioStream 7000 product line.

Canon U.S.A. introduced some additions to its print-on-demand offerings, but primarily used the New York event to showcase its new strategy and products for the corporate/office market. The company unveiled what it calls hybrid copier-printer solutions that support "occasional" use of color (30 percent or less of total pages produced). The imageRUNNER C6800 and C3100 are classified as color-enabled devices that output 16 and seven color pages per minute (ppm), respectively, as compared to 68 and 31 ppm in black-and-white mode.

For POD applications, the Coverbind 301 can be connected in-line with the Canon imageRUNNER 110 and Pro150+ printers to automatically jog, bind and deliver finished documents at each engine's rated speed. Designed for CLC production systems, the Offset Stacker B1 has a 3,000-sheet capacity and stacks printed sets in an offset manner for easy transfer to off-line finishing devices. Digital StoreFront Express is a Web-to-print system that allows print centers to serve customers via a personalized, interactive intranet and/or Internet presence.

EFI released version 6.3 of MicroPress, its workflow management solution for driving multiple color and black-and-white printers. Enhancements include connectivity to new printers/copiers, the ability to integrate with EFI Digital StoreFront Web submission and procurement software, and new features such as automated archiving, advanced document editing and imposition tools.

Also new, EFI PrintSmith 7.0 features a redesigned user interface and greater functionality. Upgrades include the ability to open multiple invoices and estimates simultaneously, with easy copying of jobs from one to another.

Enhanced list price estimating enables users to base prices on the quantity ordered, press sheets or press sheets plus bindery waste. Bindery spoilage calculations help ensure all jobs have sufficient overage to cover additional operations after printing. Version 7.0 runs natively on Macintosh OSX, Windows and Macintosh Classic.

Spire Server Is Upgraded

As a follow on to the reseller agreement it recently signed with Xerox Corp., Creo Inc. previewed version 4.0 of its Spire CXP6000 color server for the Xerox DocuColor 6060, 5252, 2045 and 2060 digital color presses. The upgrade introduces a new GUI design that is easier to use and that enables better customization. The server also offers new, more robust security options and the ability to optimize printer output for different substrates by using ICC profiles.

In addition, the company released version 6.0 of its Darwin variable information (VI) authoring software. The upgrade is capable of handling extremely large databases, offers a new Aqua-based user interface and improves the workflow. As an entry-level alternative, Creo has introduced VI Toolbox—a Windows-based application that enables variable information printing from any desktop application by generating a Variable Print Specification file.

IBM Printing Systems announced new security and process automation capabilities for its Infoprint Workflow, an end-to-end solution for managing digital print production. New print content verification tools enable customers to verify the accuracy of printed information by, for example, checking that an amount appearing on a printed check matches a database entry.

Enhanced document authentication capabilities support printing of watermarks and other non-alterable markings to ensure that a document is original and unaltered. Print quality monitoring functions complement the new security features by examining a printed page and evaluating the clarity and quality of the applied print.

Along with providing an update on the status of its business unification, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. gave the media a "sneak peek" at its product roadmap for 2004. Due for release in the on-demand segment is the 1050 printing system, which is a 105 ppm black-and-white machine designed for low cost per copy production. It will feature 100-sheet stapling, 50-sheet saddle stitching and seven-position folding.

Also in the pipeline is the C350 printer/copier, which outputs 35 ppm in black-and-white and 22 ppm in color. It uses the company's Simitri polymerized toner.

In other news around the show floor, Standard Finishing Systems launched the new Standard Horizon AFC-546AKT floor-model folder. It features advanced setup automation (JDF enabled) through a user-friendly touchscreen control panel and the ability to store up to 100 different job settings. Stepper motors drive six fold plates and the end stops to set up for the fold type and sheet size, up to a maximum sheet length of 43.3˝. The folder has a maximum speed of 35,000 sph.

Timing and logistical issues left Xeikon America with only sample output, pictures and brochures to stand in for the new Xeikon 5000 digital color press. The machine will have its U.S. debut at Graph Expo in the fall, following its introduction at Drupa. The press prints a maximum 20˝ media width at up to 32 fpm, or 7,800 pages per hour, at a 600 dpi resolution. Improved reliability and operational efficiency are said to boost productivity, and an in-line densitometer helps ensure image quality.

Mohawk Paper Mills demonstrated its Color Copy portfolio of papers running on the Canon CLC 4000 color copier-printer. The four products, including a 100 percent post-consumer recycled fiber paper, have been engineered specifically for use in copiers.

Kodak Polychrome Graphics made its first appearance at On Demand to showcase the KPG DirectPress 5034 DI, its two-page digital color offset press.

At the close of the event, the Books for Schools partners were set to donate more than 10,000 new books to the New York City public school system. Teaming up this year to produce books on the show floor were Delphax Technologies (inside pages printed on a CR130 digital web press), Xeikon America (color covers printed on a DCP 500D), Keene Technologies (LS series flying web splicer), Muller Martini (AmigoDigital perfect binder and Esprit three-knife trimmer), Stralfors (LaserMax LX560 cutter and LX565 stacker), Shuttleworth (Star Roller conveyor), D&K Group (laminating) and Boise Paper Solutions (Dakota digital paper).

Hewlett-Packard Launches Drupa Product Offerings

SITGES, SPAIN—More than 85 trade journalists from around the world gathered in this beach town 35 kilometers south of Barcelona recently to learn what Hewlett-Packard (HP) plans on debuting at the upcoming Drupa trade show. HP used the rocky Mediterranean coastline as the backdrop to showcase several new product offerings.

"Enterprise companies and graphic arts professionals are realizing the advantages of digital content creation and production," notes Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president, HP Imaging and Printing Group. "From in-house proofing to short-run, on-demand printing, digital workflows ultimately drive more profit."

HP is enhancing the workflow process with the introduction of CMYK Plus, a new benchmark for color science and management capabilities that allows graphics professionals to produce output from standard CMYK files (prepared for offset) without any manual intervention.

CMYK Plus, a part of HP's professional color technologies, enables the production of outstanding output with rich and vibrant colors that are perceptually consistent with traditional offset presses in hue and lightness relationships.

The company also made a splash in the digital press marketplace. Targeted at mid- to large-size commercial printers, the HP Indigo press 5000 prints up to 68 four-color pages per minute and boasts substantial paper handling options and ink system innovation.

HP also introduced the HP Indigo press 3050, based on the HP Indigo press 3000. Enhanced with reliability improvements and lower pricing, the HP Indigo press 3050 is marketed as an entry point for printers interested in diversifying into color digital printing.

Both the HP Indigo press 5000 and HP Indigo press 3050 will be sold with one year of free service and competitive service pricing after the coverage period.

HP also announced the availability of HP Indigo printing paper, optimized for reliability and quality, for use with HP Indigo presses.

DIGITAL bytes

WHITE PLAINS, MD—Automated Graphic Systems has purchased a DocuColor iGen3 digital production press from Xerox Corp. to expand its variable data and short-run color printing capabilities. The company already was using a DocuColor 2045 digital color press to produce up to 50,000 pages per month. AGS now expects to increase its monthly digital volume to 500,000 pages. (www.ags.com/www.xerox.com)

TROY, NY—Integrated Book Technology (IBT), an all-digital book manufacturer, has installed a Delphax CR1300 digital web press. The press uses electron beam imaging to enable running at a continuous speed of 2,400 ppm. IBT currently prints more than 1.5 million pages a day in manufacturing complete paperback and case-bound books. (www.integratedbook.com/www.delphax.com)

TROY, MI—J&M Reproduction Corp. claims to be the first commercial printer in Michigan to install a Xerox DocuColor iGen3 digital production press. Management is looking to transition existing jobs from black-and-white to color, along with focusing on producing marketing collateral. (www.jmrepro.com/www.xerox.com)

ST. LOUIS—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has enlisted Jerome Group, a full-service direct marketing firm and digital printer, to bring a new level of personalization to its Starwood Preferred Guest Program. (www.starwood.com/www.jeromegroup.com)

OLATHE, KS—Burns Printing has invested in a Screen (USA) Plate-Rite 8000 thermal platesetter, while maintaining the option of digital film output. The company reports its annual sales exceeded $7 million in 2003, up from $5.7 million in 2002. (www.burnsprinting.com/www.screenusa.com)

SOUTHAMPTON, PA—Digital Color Graphics has added high-speed digital color and variable data printing capabilities with the installation of a Minolta Dialta Color CF5001 copier/printer from Konica-Minolta. The company claims to be the first shop in the area to offer short-run color printing, folding and saddle stitching—all in-line. (www.digital-color.com)