(Norwell, MA) February 23, 2004…CAP Ventures' research indicates that the worldwide large format digital printing market was valued at $6.62 billion in revenue for hardware, media, and supplies in 2003. By 2007, CAP Ventures expects this market to be valued at $8.71 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% In CAP Ventures' new forecast entitled Worldwide Large Format Hardware and Supplies Forecast: Part 2 , analysts examine the markets adopting the three major imaging technologies (aqueous inkjet, solvent-based inkjet, and laser/LED) on a segment-by-segment basis. The report details the vertical market segmentation of the large format technical and large format digital graphics market. Large format digital printing is a very supplies-intensive business. Supplies revenue was twice as high as hardware revenue in 2003, and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Large format hardware, ink and toner, and media will all experience upward growth during the forecast period, demonstrating respective CAGRs of 5.5%, 11%, and 3.9%. There are many exciting and fast-growing aspects of the large format printing industry, but the market appears to be changing in a very significant way. As users are demanding increased performance at a lower cost, solvent and UV-curable printers are making their way into the spotlight. “As corporate users produce more of their own marketing materials, print-for-pay companies will have to seek new markets, and many of these are eyeing outdoor advertising as the next big thing,” commented Tim Greene, an Associate Director at CAP Ventures. “Photo labs and service bureaus are adopting solvent and UV-curable systems for their production of outdoor graphics, which suggests that these new types of printers will enjoy a solid future.” Parts I and II of the Worldwide Large Format Forecast are available immediately to clients of CAP Ventures’ Visual Communications Technologies Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, please contact Stewart MacDonald at (781) 871-9000, ext. 175 or via e-mail at [email protected].