The November 2018 edition of What’s Happening covers a new minilab printer from Epson as well as perforated media for DNP dye-sub printers. In addition, we take a look at a new digitizing service from Kodak that allows consumers to take old photo media into the digital age so they can do more with those images. Moreover, we report on a new environmentally friendly satin canvas from HP.
DNP Adds Perforated Media for Dye-Sub Printers
DNP Imagingcomm America introduced new perforated media options for its DS620A, DS-RX1HS and DS40 dye-sublimation printers. “Delivering brilliant color photos as well as sharp black-and-white images, DNP perforated print media is ideal for high-resolution digital photos, photo albums, photo booths and novelty photo operations,” the company announced. 
Optimized for photo booths, the 2-inch center-perforated media features laser-snap perforations that allow for snap-off photo strips. This also enables the attachment of a range of call-to-action items. As a result, photo professionals can offer detachable vouchers, coupons, wallet-sized images as well as other creative products. The media is available for the DS620A and DS-RX1HS printers in 4×6 inches. For the DS40 printer, it comes in 6×8 inches.
DNP’s 4×6-inch media features a perforation along the right side of the sheet. This perforation provides the ability to create 4×4-inch square prints with an additional 2×2-inch perforated area for creating an Instagram-style print. In addition, it retains a part of the print as a voucher for brand or event promotion.
No special print drivers or firmware are necessary to use the perforated media; DNP printers recognize it as a standard media sheet. Printer operators just need to set the template to begin taking advantage of the perforations.
Kodak Digitizing Box: Converting Outdated Photo Media to Digital Formats
Kodak introduced the Kodak Digitizing Box. The service enables consumers to have their old memories transferred into present-day viewing options. Consumers can use the Digitizing Box to have their videotapes, camcorder tapes, old film reels, photo prints and slides converted to digital formats.
The offering is part of a new brand licensing agreement with AMB Media LLC, a direct to consumer digitizer of home movies and photos. 
The Kodak Digitizing Box brings a modern version of Kodak’s yellow envelope back to customers’ doorsteps. A box is shipped to the customer, and they place the media they want converted inside the box. The media is mailed back in a prepaid, pre-addressed box.
Throughout the entire process, a barcode system is in place to track the progress of the box. In a few weeks, the customer is sent plug-and-play media, DVDs or digital downloads.
The Kodak Digitizing Box offers four options of service, with 19 types of media available for conversion to digital. They include VHS tapes, reel-to-reel audiotape, Super 8 film, 35mm slides and picture negatives, to name a few. Consumers can order their Kodak Digitizing Box at kodakdigitizing.com.
Epson SureLab D700 Minilab Photo Printer
The Epson SureLab D700 professional minilab printer is a fast, compact printer marketed to photographic printing labs, event photographers and e-commerce printers.
Featuring UltraChrome D6-S dye-based ink technology, plus an advanced print engine design, the D700 is engineered to deliver glossy, true-to-life images. For demanding environments, like retail, resort and event photography, the SureLab D700 produces up to 430 4×6-inch prints per hour. It can also print 275 5×7-inch photos or 140 8x10s per hour.
“The Epson SureLab D700 professional minilab printer delivers exceptional image quality in a compact design, offering labs and event photographers a flexible and scalable solution with outstanding print speeds to meet today’s demanding photo production needs,” said Reed Hecht, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc.
The D700 offers various photo finishes, in several border-free sizes, including square photos. It prints on glossy, luster and matte media. Supported print sizes are 4×6, 5×5, 5×7, 6×6, 6×20, 8×8, 8×10, as well as 8×20. In addition, its six-color UltraChrome D6-S ink technology provides a wide color gamut for smudge-, water- and fade-resistant prints on Epson Genuine Photo Media.
The printer also employs Epson’s MicroPiezo AMC printhead and AccuPhoto D6-S image processing and screening technology, said to achieve smooth gradations, accurate skin tones and grain-free photos. It also integrates Epson Professional photographic printer drivers for Windows/Mac, to print directly from popular photo printing applications or kiosk systems. The SureLab D700 minilab printer sell for $2,495.
EFI Appoints a New Chief Executive Officer
Electronics for Imaging announced that its board of directors named William (Bill) D. Muir as its new chief executive officer. EFI is a developer of customer-focused digital printing innovation.
Muir was most recently the chief operating officer of Jabil, a product solutions company. His appointment was effective October 15, 2018, when he also joined EFI’s board of directors.
Muir succeeds Guy Gecht, who announced in July he intended to step down as CEO. Gecht remains a member of the board of directors and is an advisor to the CEO.
“Bill is going to take EFI to the next level,” said Gecht. “At Jabil his experience as well as track record included scaling multibillion dollar businesses, driving execution and setting the firm’s strategic direction. This background uniquely prepares him to be the next CEO of EFI. I look forward to watching him lead EFI and helping him in any way he chooses as the company continues to lead the digital transformation of industries globally where colorful images matter.”
Gill Cogan, chairman of EFI’s board, added: “In conducting a comprehensive search for the next CEO, the board had the opportunity to speak with many highly skilled, strong leaders. Bill was our first choice. His experience in managing a global manufacturing organization, track record in execution as well as leadership style most closely matched the characteristics we sought to successfully lead EFI in its next stage of growth.
“I would like to once again convey the board’s gratitude to Guy for his outstanding leadership, overseeing the transformation of EFI and driving the company’s rapid growth to over $1 billion in annual revenues.”
HP Introduces Recycled Satin Canvas
HP is focused on reducing the impact on the environment by designing print products that are manufactured, used as well as recovered in a more sustainable way. The company introduced HP Recycled Satin canvas. The printable canvas is made 100% from recycled water bottles.
“Between five million and 13 million tons of plastic is leaking into the ocean every year. And 91% of plastic waste is never recycled,” the company noted. “In this time of heightened social awareness, consumers want products that contribute to their overall efforts for environmental sustainability. HP Recycled Satin canvas produces outstanding image quality along with environmental assurance.”
HP Recycled Satin Canvas is REACH compliant and is eligible for return through the HP Large Format Media Take-Back program. Priced lower than similar canvases, the recycled canvas provides a one-step solution for print service providers; it eliminates the need for a costly, time-consuming protective coating.
Moreover, it is compatible with aqueous inks, providing a slightly textured, bright white, satin finish. The canvas produces an artistic look and feel for photo enlargements, reproductions and decor. And according to HP, it produces durable canvas wraps that resist edge cracking.
The canvas comes in the following roll sizes: 24×50 inch, $125; 36×50, $187; 44×50, $229; and also 60×50, $312.
In addition, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association recently awarded a 2018 SGIA Product of the Year Award to HP Recycled Satin canvas.
