In What’s Happening April-May 2023, we look at several Epson large-format printers, as well as a wide-format desktop printer from Canon. In addition, we cover updates to the PosterArtist Online app. PosterArtist helps all levels of users create professional-looking posters, flyers, banners and signage. In addition, we report on a move by Datacolor to shift to a direct sales model in some regions.
What’s Happening April-May 2023
Epson SureColor P and T-Series Wide-Format Printers Ship
To meet high-volume production needs, new Epson SureColor P and T-series wide-format printers are shipping. They include 24-, 36- and 44-inch production-class SureColor printing solutions with space-saving designs.
The SureColor T-series technical printers are an option for the complex needs of technical and production printing environments. The SureColor P-series photo and graphics printers are for photo fulfillment, retail photo labs, poster as well as graphic art production.
Epson SureColor T Series. Like the 24-inch and 36-inch T-series printers, the new 44-inch SureColor T7770DL ($9,945) features 2.64-inch PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead.
Moreover, it produces posters at 300 square-feet/hour and A1/D-size technical prints in 16 seconds. The T models leverage six-color UltraChrome XD3 ink with red ink to capture color gamut that’s challenging for production printers. They also utilize photo and matte black for printing on glossy and matte media.
Up to 25% smaller than previous versions, they offer front operation for space-constrained environments. Additionally, they provide automated routine maintenance and user self-service. They print on various media, including glossy, technical, bond, matte, specialty media, and rigid posterboard up to 1.5mm thick.
Epson SureColor P Series. The 24-inch SureColor P6570E, SureColor P6570DE and SureColor P6570D, as well as the 44-inch SureColor P8570DL have a flattop design with front operation.
These models also leverage PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology. They use UltraChrome Pro6 ink with gray to produce detailed, vibrant prints with smooth gradations and neutral black-and-white images said to rival comparable 8-color printers.
For various photo applications, they print on photo, fine art, canvas and rigid posterboard up to 1.5mm-thick media. Moreover, the 44-inch SureColor P8570DL ($9,445) includes high-capacity 1.6 L ink bags to reduce cartridge changes.
Canon PosterArtist Online App Gets Updates
Support for two-sided and variable data printing—plus added templates—are among the enhanced feature updates for Canon’s PosterArtist online software.
Additionally, version 1.1 of the application offers a way to improve value with automatic photo color correction and provisional registration of templates. It also features improvements for sharing content via Google Drive.
PosterArtist is a software that helps all levels of users create professional-looking posters, flyers, banners and signage. It also provides additional options for creativity along with flexible printing options.
Canon’s imageRunner Advance DX series of multifunction printers, imagePrograf large-format printers as well as Pixma home printers can all print out finished designs generated by PosterArtist. In addition, Maxify printers and imageClass and imagePress models also have that capability.
The latest software version now supports two-sided printing. Consequently, users can create items such as flyers for retail stores or menus, among potential projects. Further, the variable printing function can assist in printing items like certificates, where the contents of each sheet is changed by importing text data from Excel files.
Moreover, an auto photo fix function enables more efficient editing. It applies auto-color correction, backlight corrections and fixes for lack of exposure, among others. Color tones and photo brightness are also automatically adjusted.
What’s more, the update includes expanded templates and clip art. It also provides ways for unified two-sided designs and variable printing for customized pieces.
The Canon PosterArtist application has prepopulated templates in various categories. These include education, business, health, travel, hospitality and others that users can customize, using just a few clicks.
Datacolor Moves to Direct Sales Model in Nordic Countries
A provider of color management solutions, Datacolor announced a shift in its sales organization in the Nordic countries. Following the retirement of a long-term partner, Datacolor will transition from using agents to directly engaging with customers in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
Moreover, this strategic move underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high customer satisfaction and staying closely connected to its market.
The decision to adopt a direct sales model aligns with Datacolor’s dedication to providing the same level of professionalism that their agent demonstrated over the past 25 years. 
Further, to ensure seamless service support for customers, Datacolor has hired Marcus Lehto. He will continue to serve as well as support clients as he has done in previous years.
“Our move to a direct sales model in the Nordic countries, along with hiring the service team of our former agent, reaffirms our commitmaent to our customers. We aim to maintain our high support level and continue serving them with the same professionalism,” said Patrice Jaunasse, executive vice president of Sales and Support at Datacolor.
Datacolor provides software, instruments and services to assure accurate color of images, materials and products. The company provides sales, service and support to more than 100 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The company serves the following industries: photography and videography; design; textile and apparel; paint and coatings; automotive as well as plastics.
Canon imagePrograf TC-20M Sub-$1,000 Large-Format Printer/Scanner
The desktop Canon imagePrograf TC-20M is a large-format, 4-color pigment inkjet printer. The multifunction printer supports roll paper and cut-sheet media. The printer is targeted at retailers, graphic designers, educators, craft stores, art studios as well as offices.
With the TC-20M, even beginner users can print original large print materials, such as posters and banners, in a few steps. They can also enlarge smaller printed originals, like drawings and flyers, via an “enlarge copy” feature.
The TC-20M is compact enough to fit in any store, classroom or office. Additionally, retail shop owners will benefit from the TC-20M for in-store promotion and merchandising. It produces store signage and promotional materials in minutes for window and in-store displays without having to outsource.
Plus, a repeat copy function replicates an original copied image onto roll paper up to A1 size. For instance, it could produce gift wrap paper.
Moreover, the desktop printer is the first imagePrograf large-format model with a contact imaging sensor flatbed scanner. The scanner digitizes originals to the cloud or USB. It also produces enlarged copies of letter-size originals without a computer. Further, The TC-20M prints common document and poster sizes, up to 24×36 inches.
All print-related operations are performed from the unit’s front. This includes setting the roll or cut-sheet media, receiving printed materials, refilling ink as well as replacing maintenance cartridges.
The printer also has a standard auto sheet feeder to copy and print various sizes, like A3 and A4. Roll and cut-sheet paper are loaded simultaneously, with the printer driver selecting the correct paper source.
Notably, a large-capacity ink tank system (70ml per color) benefits users. The ink slots are color coded to prevent incorrect filling. Moreover, the printer’s pigment inks improve durability by providing water/UV light resistance. $995.
