PALO ALTO, Calif.--Feb. 10, 2004-- HP today unveiled technologies and products enabling the graphic arts industry to realize the long- awaited benefits of the digital publishing revolution. Driving this transformation are HP's comprehensive product portfolio, color science advancements, and workflow solutions, which enable customers to capitalize on efficient on-demand printing, effective real-time targeted marketing and streamlined workflows. "Enterprise companies and graphic arts professionals are realizing the advantages of digital content creation and production. From in-house proofing to short-run, on-demand printing, digital workflows ultimately drive more profit," said Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "HP's information technology expertise and the depth and breadth of our color imaging and printing solutions enable graphic arts professionals take advantage of these new opportunities." The centerpieces of HP's announcement include: the HP Indigo press 5000, designed for increased volumes and cost-effective digital color printing productivity; the HP Indigo press 3050, delivering enhancements to the successful HP Indigo press 3000 with a new entry-level pricing plan; the HP color 9850mfp, HP's first high-speed color multifunction printer; and the HP Designjet 30 and 130 - two large-format printing, ink and media systems for photos and graphics that resist fading for 70 years.(1) In addition, HP is enhancing its existing professional color technologies with CMYK Plus, a new color standard that will automatically prepare files for offset printing without manual intervention. Digital print on demand continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the production digital printing market, according to a recent CAP Ventures report. In western Europe in 2002, for example, equipment, supplies and service revenues totaled EUR5.8 billion. By 2007, this figure is expected to reach EUR8.6 billion.(2) HP is working with enterprise companies, commercial printers and their agencies to transform the efficiency and effectiveness of their marketing communications. For example, Caprabo Group, one of Spain's fastest-growing supermarket chains with more than 500 stores, quickly embraced the digital revolution for their print-on-demand, point-of-sale advertising. Instead of using centrally produced marketing materials, Caprabo shops now simply log on to the corporate-controlled Web site, download and customize the collateral that fits their needs, and receive delivery in less than 72 hours -- less than half the time it formerly took. The number of printers has been reduced by 25 percent and Caprabo corporate marketers can now concentrate on managing and improving their retail advertising rather than working on the actual print production. "HP's solution will allow us to grow over the years, be more efficient, reduce our costs and offer our customers a key element that differentiates us from our competitors," said Xavier Alomar, marketing director, Caprabo Group. HP's collaborative efforts also include companies such as Atlas Software BV, Datalogics Inc., GMC Software Technology, Printable Technologies, Techno Design and TripleArc. HP is working with these companies to drive page volume to commercial printers to help them grow their businesses. By seamlessly connecting the digital document delivery system between enterprise companies and commercial printers, HP is making customized, immediate and cost-effective print communications real. CMYK Plus: Standard CMYK without manual intervention HP also is enhancing the workflow process with the introduction of CMYK Plus, a new benchmark for color science and management capabilities that allows graphics professionals to produce output from standard CMYK files (prepared for offset) without any manual intervention -- thus saving considerable time and money. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black, the colors used in printing. CMYK Plus, a part of HP's professional color technologies, enables the production of outstanding output with rich and vibrant colors that are perceptually consistent with traditional offset press in hue and lightness relationships. This new technology truly has the potential to transform the graphic arts industry, similar to the way HP did when it co-developed sRGB (red, green, black), the color technology standard for almost every imaging platform, such as computer and TV monitors, digital cameras and most imaging devices. For mid- to large-size commercial printers that want to take advantage of the significant opportunities in digital printing, the HP Indigo press 5000 provides productivity and flexibility with high print quality, speed and a wide media range. The press prints up to 68 four-color pages per minute and boasts substantial paper handling options and ink system innovation. HP also introduced the HP Indigo press 3050, based on the proven HP Indigo press 3000. Enhanced with reliability improvements and lower pricing, the HP Indigo press 3050 makes it easy to invest in high- quality digital printing. Both the HP Indigo press 5000 and HP Indigo press 3050 will be sold with one year of free service and extremely competitive service pricing after the initial coverage period. HP also announced the availability of HP Indigo Printing Paper, affordable papers optimized for reliability and quality when used together with HP Indigo commercial presses. The current portfolio of 11 HP Indigo Printing Papers ranges from uncoated text and cover to coated text and cover and will continue to expand. Designed for production color printing and copying locations in medium and large businesses, central reprographics departments, quick- printers and copy shops, the HP color 9850mfp delivers professional color quality, performance and solutions at a highly competitive cost. The HP color 9850mfp is HP's first high-speed color printer, printing and copying up to 50 pages per minute reliably and easily. Simplifying the creative process with HP Designjet systems For graphic design, proofing and photography, HP introduced the six- ink HP Designjet 30 and HP Designjet 130 printing systems. Whether it is a postcard or a poster, creative professionals can enjoy the convenience of output that resists fading for 70 years(1) with fast color stability and color consistency at an affordable price. New media and ink cartridges also have been developed for the Designjet systems using HP's state-of-the-art dye-based formulations. The media and ink provide professionals who need rich color depth and gloss uniformity with stunning results. The HP Indigo press 5000 and the HP Designjet 30 and 130 printing systems incorporate the CMYK Plus technology. Support also is planned for the HP color 9850mfp. HP will be demonstrating its products and solutions during drupa 2004, Europe's largest print exhibition, in Hall 4, Stand 4C23. Drupa runs May 6-19 in Dusseldorf, Germany. More information about this announcement is available at http://hppredrupa.directmessage.net.