Xerox has launched new software for the iGen3 Digital Production Press on top of similar software it released in July. Developed by the company’s product engineers and research scientists, the iGen3 image quality software makes it possible to print a range of photo-filled materials on the iGen3 digital press, including photo books, greetings cards, posters, calendars, and personalised photo books.
Such items are increasingly ordered by consumers through online photo services, the company says, adding that the Photo Marketing Association has given a value of the custom photo service market in 2005 that approached $1 billion, with that figure expected to double by 2007.
Quincy Allen, president, Xerox Production Systems Group says the image quality software provides ultimate colour reproduction by improving colour consistency in prints, making it easier to know when to reset the press for optimum colour performance.
The new software was first shown at Graph Expo.
Quincy adds: “We continue to invest in and enhance the iGen3 technology platform to deliver more value and productivity based on Xerox’s expertise in digital technology, colour science and control systems.
“Our customers will now be able to generate new business in the burgeoning market where photos and printing intersect.”
Xerox’s July release was another photo enhancement software called Automatic Image Enhancement. This software is designed for all Xerox digital colour products, including the iGen3 press.
AIE adjusts for sharpness, exposure, contrast and colourfulness to enhance poor photograph quality. It also optimises each photo independently with smart evaluation that only touches those photos in need of repair. This software can be found in a new 5.1 version of Xerox’s FreeFlow DocuSP controller - which processes and submits jobs to digital presses - and FreeFlow Process Manager 5.0 software.
The new iGen3 image quality software will be available worldwide by the end of this year and will be standard with the purchase of a Xerox iGen3 digital press. It will be available to existing customers via a software upgrade in 2007.
