Rochester, N.Y. — A walk-up photo scanning system from Kodak gives libraries, specialty retailers and other photo-intensive retail environments an opportunity to provide new client services and revenue streams. The KODAK Picture Saver Scanning System PS450 is an on-ramp for transforming printed memories, such as photographic prints and memorabilia, into digital files for photo books, digital slide shows, digital frames, online albums and sharing sites, and social media. Kodak exhibited the PS450 at the 2011 Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) show, booth # 1017, PA Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa., March 30 – April 2.

The system expands Kodak’s growing family of professional batch photo scanning systems, which include the PS410 and PS810, and offer new revenue potential for organizations wishing to provide a self-serve photo conversion service. The PS450 uses easy and intuitive workflow software that guides the consumer and tracks order amounts as they scan and enhance their images. Administrator functions enable control over settings including customer output, image enhancement, prices and taxes. Libraries can benefit from a customized photo solution that addresses the opportunity for self-funding, while increasing customer engagement in their communities.

“I never met a machine that I loved better than this one,” said Jill Youngs, Librarian at Liverpool Public Library.

Prior to today’s announcement, Kodak tested units at a number of public libraries, including the Liverpool Public Library in Liverpool, N.Y., near Syracuse, N.Y. Librarians and patrons alike used the systems in everyday situations to gauge ease of use and applicability of the payment methodology.

“Libraries and retail shops can now provide patrons with an easy way to preserve printed memories,” said Andre Bailey, Worldwide Product Manager, Kodak Capture Systems, Kodak’s Business Solutions and Services Group. “Kodak has created an optimal photo scanning experience easily adopted by both experts and novice users.”

The demand for digitized photos continues to rise, as users identify new ways to preserve and capture photos and other printed memories into electronic formats. Many use the images for digitally created photo books, calendars, digital slide shows, t-shirts and other mementos. KODAK Picture Saver Systems deliver an intuitive user interface paired with outstanding image-enhancement features.

Through its KODAK Gentle Photo Handling feature, the PS450 gently scans up to 30 pictures per minute at a resolution of 300 dpi. Image-enhancing features include KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, red-eye removal, auto-deskew, auto-cropping, image rotation and auto-sharpening. Optional A3 (tabloid) and A4-size (letter) flatbed scanners are available for bound, fragile or oversize materials. Once scanned, the included KODAK Picture Saver Scanning Software enables users to seamlessly burn images to a variety of media, including CD, DVD, KODAK Picture CD and portable USB drives. Payment is enabled by an included tabletop device that accepts major credit and debit cards.

Additionally, the PS450 can be leveraged through the administrator as a document scanner, via Kodak’s Smart Touch feature (installed and managed separately from the PS450 software) for customizable one-touch scanning to a user’s destination of choice. The administrator can create PDF, TIFF or JPEG files and email to a recipient or save them to the chosen storage media.

“Photo scanning systems represent a significant revenue opportunity for all types of organizations. Business owners, like retailers, can capitalize on solutions that drive traffic to their stores and monetize photo collections in new ways, while libraries can tap into a resource that attracts new members of the community—like artists, photographers, historians, and others,” said Jeanine Thiemel, Worldwide Portfolio Director, Capture Systems, Kodak’s Business Solutions and Services Group. “As users seek novel ways to leverage cherished memories captured in photo prints, from Facebook posts to customized photo products, Kodak provides a digital pathway that is both easy to implement and beneficial to the future growth of libraries and retail.”

The PS450 comes equipped with a Scanning Event Promotion Kit, including marketing materials to assist with the promotion of the new service to clients. Materials include both electronic and print formats to quickly engage new clients.

List price for the PS450 system in the United States and Canada (US&C) is $2,995 and will be available for order in the US&C on April 8, 2011. For more information on the KODAK Picture Saver Scanning System PS450, visit: www.kodak.com/go/picturesaverwalkup.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging, data storage and retail industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.