[See exclusive WhatTheyThink video with Ken VanHorn, Category Manager for HP Scitex, talking to Richard Romano about this announcement]

Company Introduces New Large-Format Industrial Press Driven by High Dynamic Range Printing Technology

LONDON - HP today introduced the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press powered by HP Scitex High Dynamic Range (HDR) Printing Technology to help high-volume print service providers (PSPs) increase profitability by shifting their retail graphics and corrugated display applications from analog to digital.

The point of purchase (POP) graphics and corrugated display market has been dominated by analog production methods. As demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround times has increased, PSPs have found it more difficult to profitably produce these applications with analog printing presses. Other applications required a combination of higher print quality and productivity than digital could historically deliver.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press addresses these challenges, enabling PSPs to capture part of the 6.8-billion-square-meter page opportunity in the retail graphics and corrugated display markets.(1)

"To date, digital printing customers have had to choose between productivity and quality, always sacrificing one feature for the other," said Stephen Nigro, senior vice president, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. "The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press changes the game, providing a unique combination of speed, quality and versatility to cost-effectively meet the standards set by offset while taking advantage of the short runs, personalization and quick turnarounds possible with digital."

The six-color HP Scitex HDR printing system delivers high quality and industrial productivity along with dynamic dot-size control. Using HP Scitex HDR printing technology, the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press combines 16-gray-level printing with the ability to produce 1,000 B1 sheets in less than two hours.(2) These features help PSPs achieve the quality and speed required by traditional offset applications while addressing growing demand for short runs, quick turnarounds and variable content.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press with HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology will be demonstrated for the first time on the HP stand (H50S/H80S) at FESPA Digital 2013, June 25-29, at the ExCeL London convention center.

At the show, HP also is announcing Sabate as a new customer for the HP Latex 3000 Printer, which delivers high-value applications with improved productivity, quality and versatility. Additionally, HP is introducing two new HP raster image processor (RIP) software options for HP Scitex and Latex printers.

The productivity and quality required for nearly any large-format print job With the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press, PSPs can now meet peak demand with print capacity up to 625 m2/hour (6,727 ft2/hour)(3) and direct-to-board printing. HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology provides precision control over color and tone for clarity of image detail, producing prints with the highest dynamic range.(4) HP Scitex HDR uses combinations of light and dark inks and three drop volumes to achieve the quality required for high-impact graphics.

The new press also delivers unmatched media versatility, including acrylics and polypropylene as well as flexible and rigid media. New HP HDR240 Scitex Inks achieve excellent adhesion(5) on a wide media range at high productivity and comply with ISO proofing standards,(6) helping customers match colors between digital and analog processes. Furthermore, upgradeability is built into HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology, helping customers protect their investment.

"We have been beta testing the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press since April and have found it offers improved performance in terms of speed and output quality over any other technology we've run to date," said Gerhard Worch, managing director, KL Druck. "Thanks to the press' new inks, we can now print to more plastic surfaces. We are also experiencing better margins that ensure we remain competitive, while still enjoying healthy profits."

To improve customers' productivity and profitability, HP Scitex bundles the HP On-site Uptime Parts Kits, HP Ramp-up Service and HP Customer Care Programs in contracts.(7) Automated press calibrations help operators maintain productivity, save time and improve efficiency, while the HP Scitex Print Care proactive maintenance scheduler with automated diagnostics and alerts helps customers keep their printers running smoothly.

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press featuring HP Scitex HDR Printing Technology is expected to be available worldwide beginning Nov. 1.(8)

HP Latex 3000 Printer beta customer Sabate purchases device After a successful beta testing period, Barcelona, Spain-based Sabate has purchased an HP Latex 3000 Printer. A family-owned digital photo lab with 70 years in the business, Sabate can now deliver high-quality retail and POP output using backlit, textile and paper substrates for indoor and outdoor advertising.

"The HP Latex 3000 Printer has revolutionized our business, allowing us to expand our application offerings with state-of-the-art image quality at amazing turnaround times," said Cesar Diaz Bernal, commercial and production manager, Sabate. "This new HP technology will keep our company at the forefront of printing quality and service for our customers."

New RIPs provide optimal scalability, compatibility and performance

HP Scitex and HP Latex customers can now select RIPs based on leading new solutions from Onyx and GMG. HP Scitex Onyx Thrive 211 RIP Software combines accurate, predictable results with the new web-based Thrive Production Manager and scalability for all HP Scitex and HP Latex printers. GMG ProductionSuite for HP Scitex and HP Latex products offers a customized software bundle for HP users to optimize their print production workflow. Customers have control from file to output with accurate color reproduction and faster preprint file handling.

More information about the latest additions to the HP sign and display portfolio is available at www.hp.com/go/signanddisplaylaunch2013 and www.hp.com/go/latex. Videos and updates of the new products are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HPdesigners, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts using the #HPFESPA hashtag.

About HP HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

(1) Based on HP internal research.

(2) At 625 m2/hour (6,727 ft2/hour) on 160 x 320 cm (63 x 126 inch) sheets, including a full loading and unloading cycle. Compared to digital presses of comparable speed and price in the market as of January 2013. Performance according to stated technical specifications as of commercial availability of the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press.

(3) On 160 x 320 cm (63 x 126 inch) sheets, including a full loading and unloading cycle. Performance according to stated technical specifications as of commercial availability of the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press.

(4) Compared to digital presses of comparable speed and price in the market as of January 2013.

(5) According to D3359-02 ASTM Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape. Tested in Sample 65, POP80 and POP100 print modes.

(6) Printed in POP100 gloss mode on Calpaper, validated with the Ugra/Fogra media wedge V3 and IDEAlliance Digital Control Strip 2009. Color verified with GMG ProofControl. Tested February 2013.

(7) Service package not bundled with the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press in all regions.

(8) Availability subject to change.