(Weymouth, MA) According to new InfoTrends forecast data, the total wide format solvent inkjet system revenue (hardware, ink, media, and service contracts) will reach over $3.23 billion by 2010 demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. InfoTrends expects the demand for lower-cost digital graphic production processes to drive shipments of wide format solvent inkjet printers throughout the forecast period. Low-end and mid-range units will experience double-digit growth over the forecast period, which will largely be offset by the declines (in terms of unit sales and price per unit) at the high end. In terms of supplies, there have been dramatic improvements in inks, media, and printheads that have drastically improved the achievable print quality from wide format solvent inkjet printers. These improvements have made it possible for a wide variety of establishments to invest in solvent inkjet printers to produce a broad range of applications intended for indoor and outdoor use. InfoTrends believes that there are now really three major types of users of wide format printing equipment: production companies, sign companies, and digital graphics providers. "Wide format solvent inkjet is expected to remain one of the stronger aspects of the total wide format digital printing market, but increasing competition from digital signage and UV-curable will affect solvent production throughout the coming years," commented Tim Greene, Director at InfoTrends. "To overcome this, vendors must focus on post sales and selling service contracts to buyers." InfoTrends forecast, entitled Wide Format Solvent Inkjet Printer and Supplies Market Forecast: 2005-2010, is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends' Wide Format Printing Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, visit our online store or contact Nicole Shown at (781) 616-2100, ext. 207 or [email protected].