Press Release Almanac: 3 April 2008

Keep up to date with the latest industry news.

DES exclusively unveil the latest from X-Rite - ColorMunki(tm) Photo


Ricoh reinvents black-and-white devices for the e-office


Gandinnovations launches Gandinnovations Iberia


DES, the master distributor for X-Rite colour management tools, is proud to announce the Swiss-engineered ColorMunki Photo, the latest portable all-in-one integrated colour management tool from X-Rite.

X-Rite is the world leader in colour management technology comprising software and hardware for the verification, communication and management of colour across a variety of industries. ColorMunkiTM Photo has been designed for anyone passionate about photography, and delivers an easy, quick and affordable solution for matching colours from display to print.

"Finally, colour excellence can be integrated effortlessly into anyone's creative vision, setting a new industry standard," commented X-Rite Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing Iris Mangelschots.

Developed with the input of professional photographers, ColorMunki(tm) Photo is a completely integrated, versatile solution that calibrates displays, projectors and printers, measures ambient light and captures spot colours. The new AppSet(tm) automatically sets the printer profile for the user. ColorMunkiTM Photo also includes new, exciting colour creation and communication tools, such as automatically extracting colours from images and transporting images with DigitalPouch(tm) to ensure ViewSafe(tm) environments.

 "ColorMunkiTM Photo gives photographers ultimate control over the colour of their images! This product has just made those difficult hard to manage colour issues a thing of the past," commented David Crowther, X-Rite National Product Manager at DES.

 

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Recognising the demand for colour in electronic communication, Ricoh has launched a solution for the cost-conscious business - a series of hybrid black-and-white multifunctional printers (MFPs) incorporating colour scanning capabilities.

Ideal for workgroups of all sizes, Ricoh's Aficio MP series offer fast production speeds and greater paper capacity that allow customers to expand their digital imaging resources without expending their budget.

"Although the popularity of colour printers and copiers is growing rapidly, our experience has shown that, for the majority of our customers, black-and-white devices capable of fast print speeds and offering advanced network and security features, continue to be in high demand," says Stuart Haywood, Product Group Manager - Office Automation, Ricoh Australia.

"While most people are comfortable printing and copying in black-and-white, colour remains the number one choice in online environments because it enhances readability and allows a softcopy scan to exactly mirror the hardcopy original. So for many users, access to colour scanning is the driver behind purchasing a colour MFP that is otherwise over specified for their business," he continues. "By recognising this hybrid market sector, Ricoh is doing more to create products that efficiently address the unique document management needs of our customers and assist in the management of their bottom line."

Additional new features of the Aficio MP series include a full-color 8.5 inch Wide Video Graphics Array (WVGA) control panel that offers animated guidance for ease of use. Professional-grade documents can be produced in a snap with crisp 600 dpi resolution, 256 gray scale levels and three different finishing options, enabling booklets, stapling or booklet production.
 
Advanced security features are an integral part of the new Aficio MP series design. Access to system functions can be protected with Windows/LDAP authentication and temporary data stored on the hard drive can be protected with the optional DataOverwriteSecurity System, which overwrites latent copy, print, scan, fax and Document Server data. All devices also offer Ricoh's HDD Encryption System.

 

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Gandinnovations, a world leader in grand format digital printer innovation announces the establishment of Gandinnovations Iberia.  The Iberian branch received a strong start through the acquisition of the grand format printer assets of New Solution, previously its distributor in Iberia. New Solution was one of Southwestern Europe's leading graphics, textiles and consumables company.   This tactical move is expected to further propel Gandinnovations to the industry forefront and expand access to new business opportunities in Spain and Portugal as Eloi Ferreira and his superb team now has direct access to the full resources of Gandinnovations.

"The New Solution group is one of the most knowledgeable and renowned companies in the Iberian digital printing market.  In addition, this group is one of the most experienced and dynamic teams in textiles in Europe. This is an incredible move for Gandinnovations," said James Gandy, CEO of Gandiinnovations. 

"As managing director of New Solution, Eloi Ferreira has been an exclusive agent, and long-standing supporter of the Jeti Printers.   Now, as a member of our team Ferreira will remain in charge as head of sales and service for the Iberia region and will be the driving force behind our expansion into textiles as we launch the Aquajet," said Terry Vandewarker, COO for Gandinnovations.  

"It's a natural evolution for our businesses to merge," said Eloi Ferreira, President of Gandinnovations Iberia. "We have always shared the same business ethics and philosophy, focusing on client satisfaction achieved through superior products, hands-on customer service, training and development.  This combination gives us a great opportunity to deliver the most innovative products in the industry to with the full power of Gandinovations behind us."