Filter
Top Products
Page 14 March 2001
Color Business Report
Netherlands, to serve as a consulting arm, to help
customers implement variable-data printing
applications.
F
PDLs/Interpreters
On February 28, 2001, Harlequin Incorporated
(Waltham, MA) and Motorola Computer Group
(Tempe, AZ) announced that they are jointly developing
board-based RIPs for printing and imaging hardware.
The embedded servers will use Harlequins JawsRIP.
In August 2000, Global Graphics, Harlequins parent,
acquired the Digital Publishing software group or 5D
Solutions Limited, creator of the Jaws PostScript-
compatible interpreter. Global Graphics acquired
Harlequin in July 1999. The first board from the joint
venture, due this summer, will use Motorolas MTX
PowerPC-based ATX-form-factor motherboard. In
addition to PostScript 3, Jaws includes PCL and native
interpretation of PDFs. Harlequin and Motorola expect
to offer peripheral OEMs a range of design and
engineering services. The joint venture will help both
organizations approach broader office markets. Until
now, Harlequins focus has been software products that
support high-end graphic arts workflows. Much of the
work Motorolas Computer Group, a business unit
within the Integrated Electronic Systems Sector, has
addressed the needs of telecommunications industry
OEMs.
Although the near-term products of the Harlequin/
Motorola team will be embedded controllers for printers
and MFPs, the team is positioning itself to help imaging
hardware manufacturers participate in the potentially
hot market for Bluetooth-based wireless peripherals and
accessories.
Web Print Ordering
On February 28, 2001, Danka Business Systems
PLC (St. Petersburg, FL) announced that it will market
an online print procurement and management system
from SMARTworks.com (Dayton, OH) to its
customers. The SMARTworks.com e-procurement
system, which links customers to commercial printers,
quick printers, forms printers, and office supply
companies, incorporates several functions. These include
a document repository feature, which allows users to
store commonly printed documents in an easily-accessed
database, and a supply chain management service,
which tracks inventory levels of printed materials. In
addition, SMARTworks.com includes collaboration tools,
which allow users to transfer document files, make
design changes, and negotiate pricing with vendors.
F
Scanners and Image Capture
On February 9, 2001, Zoran Corporation (Santa
Clara, CA) introduced the CamMini III, a 1.3-megapixel
digital camera reference design kit. The kit, which
includes a working camera, integrates Zorans COACH
(Camera On a Chip) imaging processor and PixelCam 1.3
megapixel CMOS sensor. According to Zoran, the camera
supports rapid shooting of images at full resolution, AVI
video capture, and playback of MP3 music files. The
CamMini III reference design kit, which also includes
software and consulting, is available for $10,000.
F
Large Format
On March 22, 2001, NUR Macroprinters (Lod,
Israel) introduced the NUR Fresco 3200, a large-format
ink jet printer that accommodates media up to 10.5 feet
wide. The NUR Fresco 3200 can print on a variety of
media, including PVC banner material, blueback paper,
canvas, and cotton fabric, at speeds up to 900 square
feet per hour. The printer, which sports a maximum print
resolution of 360 dpi, is targeted at commercial printers,
sign printers, and service bureaus. The NUR Fresco 3200
is available for a list price of $499,000.
Also on March 22, 2001, NUR introduced the NUR
Salsa Ultima series of eight-color large-format ink jet
printers. Designed for printing photo reproductions, the
Salsa Ultima printers are capable of printing at speeds
of 645 square feet per hour, at resolutions up to 600 dpi.
NUR Salsa Ultima printers are available in four
carriage widths. The Salsa Ultima 1500 prints on media
up to five feet wide, and is available for a list price of
$169,000. The Salsa Ultima 2400, which handles media
up to eight feet wide, has a list price of $225,000. The
10-foot Salsa Ultima 3200 is available for $299,000, and
the top-of-the-line Salsa Ultima 5000, which prints on
16-foot wide media, is available for $399,000.
F
Supplies
On February 27, 2001, Océ-USA Inc. (Chicago, IL)
introduced Océ PhotoPerfect, a photobase paper
designed for large-format ink jet printers. Océ
PhotoPerfect is a 7-mil thick, bright white paper
(whiteness rating: 105), available in three finishes,
glossy, satin, and matte. It is compatible with dye- and
pigment-based inks, and is designed to work with
thermal and piezo ink jet printers. Océ PhotoPerfect is
available in 100-foot rolls in six widths ranging from
24" to 60". According to Océ, the average end-user price
for a 36" roll ranges will be between $100 and $125.
F