Langhorne, Penn., November 28, 2006 - It is definitely a sign of the times. Allegra Print & Imaging in Langhorne, which serves the Northeast Corridor (New York, Princeton, and Northern Pennsylvania), has announced it has a revolutionary new wide format printer capable for producing extremely high quality rigid substrates as well as roll materials, such as banners, back-lit transparencies, and vehicle wraps. The Mutoh Toucan LT Board Printer, winner of the DPI Product of the Year award, produces high resolution ñ 1440 dpi, while holding the widest color gamut of all printers in its category. As many businesses face increasing competition, demand is growing for large, colorful promotional pieces that get attention and reinforce messages. At the same time, the cost for such items has sharply declined due to enhanced digital color printing technology. "People are bombarded with thousands of commercial messages each day," said Allegra Print & Imaging co-owner Mark Rice. "Companies are looking for marketing techniques that will set them apart and cut through the clutter. Effectively-designed banners, posters and signs create excitement and a sense of urgency that other communications tools cannot." Mark Rice and Scott Sherer, partners in the business, explained that the new printer includes many cost-saving benefits. "Until recently, most printers could not produce the photographic quality of photo digital imagers such as the Durst Lambda and LightJet," said Rice. "This printer matches or exceeds them. In addition, it produces the equivalent of a mounted and laminated print without the expense and labor of mounting and laminating." Sherer notes that the product is suitable for outdoor use as soon as it comes out of the printer. The prints also can be used in a variety of settings including point of purchase, meetings and conventions, trade shows and exhibits, training programs and company lobbies. Creative uses range from striking back-lit artwork and window graphics to life-size cutouts and vehicle graphics. More substrates are being developed as well, such as silk and canvas, for choices beyond paper and vinyl output. "We can even print on unusual surfaces such as carpeting and ceiling tiles," Rice said. "Digital color printing technology has made banners, posters and signs affordable to any size business or organization - even nonprofit groups," Sherer said. "It has also made it possible to personalize and customize messages for a particular location, audience or venue." Opened in 1990, Allegra Print & Imaging is among the most advanced printing companies in Northeast Corridor and services more than 180 businesses and organizations. The company's traditional and advanced printing technologies include full-color printing, graphic design, digital color output direct from computer disk, online file transfer, high-speed copying, complete finishing services, variable data capabilities, print management solutions, project consulting, and now, banners, posters and signs. Rice and Sherer are known for their innovative business practices and commitment to client service. Rice is also a member of the Digital Distribution of Ads for Production, the Specialty Graphics Industry Association, both New Jersey and New York advertising clubs, and the Visual Merchandising and Store Display Group. Rice was formerly executive vice president of a $20 million digital imaging company in New York City.