HP Scitex has always been a big name in the super-wide format market and its latest machine, the FB7500, has been specifically designed to target the screen market. Developed to offer high efficiency, this machine features three-quarter automated loading, reducing loading time between sheets by up to 85 per cent. HP Scitex X2 piezoelectric printheads also maximise uptime as they are easily accessible for replacement or calibration without the need for a service call.

Economy and quality are going to be the buzz-words of 2010. We have endured a financial rollercoaster in 2009 and are now starting to pick ourselves up and look for growth opportunities in a strengthening economy. Product professional, LFP, for Canon UK, Shane Burchett, said: “The impact of the recession has been significant. Print businesses have had to rethink their strategies and to take advantage, they have to keep a tight rein on their overheads and costs.

It’s always difficult when the economy hits a low, but as far as POP is concerned it’s not all bad. POP is one of the only means of advertising that drives an immediate response and therefore budgets have suffered less than in outdoor and magazine advertising.

Like most industries, people become comfortable with what they are used to and despite the benefits of switching to more environmentally friendly inks, there is still some reluctance to make the change. With more and more of the big ink manufacturers producing an alternative however, it looks like it could be time to make the switch.

As one of the fastest growing areas of the digital print industry, the flatbed market has seen some excellent machines emerge over recent years which have more than met requirements for dependability. However, with an influx of new machines and upgrades to existing favourites, these are exciting times. Here we look at today's market and some developments we can expect over coming months.

Advertising and fashion photographer, Miquel González, believes in using the right proofing equipment, as he demonstrated in a recent job when he shot a series of 11 photographs for a fashion publication. After the shoot, Miquel retouched the images digitally, accentuating the lighting before producing proof prints to show his client.

Pop-up displays are certainly not a new phenomenon and have had their place in the industry for many years mostly as a temporary solution seen widely at exhibitions. New digital technology means they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and able to cater for a variety of installations.

Photographer, Tim Flach, is a great fan of Epson equipment. Renowned for his stylized animal portraits, Tim has produced a book, Equus, in an exclusive collectors carbro edition featuring a fine leather case designed and made by Asprey.

From books and leaflets to large format graphics, there are literally hundreds of applications for finishing equipment. Whatever the requirement, there is a technology to meet that need and because businesses each have their own needs when it comes to finishing, Canon offers a range of in-line and off-line solutions.

Neschen is one company which has worked hard to ensure its substrate range keeps up with customers' green requirements. Head of marketing and communications, Frank Seemann, says the company consistently uses green production processes and materials as the Pro Nature product line demonstrates.

The argument for and against using third party inks in wide format inkjet printers is not a new one. But, with inks being so crucial to output quality and durability and the lifecycle of machinery, it's an important topic.