May 31st, 2011

In this week's newsletter  Editor's note, Pick of the news, Features, Talk Print!, On the calendar, Video of the week, Get in touch

Editor's note

Another trade fair, another volcanic ash cloud: visitors to last week's FESPA Digital may have experienced a spot of déjà vu if they also attended Sign and Digital UK or Ipex in 2010, with air space closures leading to a will-they-won't-they situation for visitors, exhibitors and journalists alike.

While FESPA announced a drop in numbers on day two as a result of the travel disruption, it could have been much worse given the closure of Hamburg Airport for much of the day. The fact that so many people made it, or at least tried to, is proof of a variety of things: the importance of such shows, the effort put in by the organisers and exhibitors, and that most businesses are not once bitten, twice shy when it comes to overcoming obstacles.

Output's James and Camilla did make it to the Messe Hamburg and have dutifully returned with hours of video footage – stay tuned to our YouTube channel over the coming week to see what you may have missed.

Morwenna Kearns, managing editor
www.twitter.com/morwennakearns
morwenna@outputmagazine.com

Pick of the news

Barbieri launches world's first portable spectrophotometer for digital printing
Wide-format print Barbieri has launched its new Spectropad spectrophotometer, which it says is the 'world's first' fully portable and WiFi-enabled device of its kind designed for professional digital printing. Read more >>>

Brands failing to capitalise on digital potential, says JCDecaux
Digital signage Research undertaken by JCDecaux reveals that consumers expect engagement and 'dialogue' with major brands through digital displays, but many brands are yet to realise the potential of DOOH. Read more >>>

Canon-printed Chelsea Flower Show images raise £10k for ambulance trust
Wide-format print Work by landscape photographer David Anthony Hall, printed on Canon wide-format equipment, has been incorporated into an exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show. The first artist's proof of one of the pieces has been sold for £10,000. Read more >>>

Businesses warned to carry out risk assessments on cloud computing
Digital signage Protiviti has urged companies to ensure they have a clear understanding of the risks surrounding cloud computing implementation, after two cloud providers crashed recently. Read more >>>

FESPA Digital: EFI launches five new printers
Wide-format print At FESPA Digital, EFI officially launched the VUTEk GS3250LX, an upgrade to the original GS3200 platform which offers LED UV curing and multi-queue functionality for two-up printing. This allows users to run two different job queues simultaneously. Read more >>>

FESPA Digital: Agfa's Barham comments on 'new cub in family'
Wide-format print Agfa's Richard Barham has commented on his company's launch of the :M-Press Leopard at FESPA Digital, stating that he believes that Agfa's 'is the widest portfolio in UV in the market today'. Read more >>>

AllSee adds new features to freestanding digital posters
Digital signage AllSee Technologies has updated its range of HD Freestanding LCD Digital Posters with a number of new features. The new products offer faster updating from the plug-and-play USB drive, and upgraded Playlist Editor software. Read more >>>

Spandex expands roll-up display range
Sign-making Materials provider Spandex has added 16 new designs to its 300 Series of roll-up displays, which the company says will help sign-makers meet heightening demand for 'vibrant, attention-grabbing displays'. Read more >>>

FESPA Digital overcomes ash cloud threat
Wide-format print The organisers of last week's FESPA Digital say its visitor numbers were 'undoubtedly impacted' on its second day due to travel disruption caused by the Grímsvötn volcano in Iceland, but attendees were generally 'undeterred' and sought alternative routes. Read more >>>

Features

Wide-format print

No smoking, please: ash plume threatens to disrupt FESPA Digital

James Matthews-Paul reports from FESPA on the threat of the volcanic ash cloud and how such disruption could affect a small business severely.

Sign-making

Education, education, education: sign-making and graphics training

Morwenna Kearns explores the options for filling the skills gap and why training is always a good investment.

Talk Print!

A hairy issue: signage for niche events

Laurel Brunner looks at the sometimes bizarre world of specialist events and how they can offer a lucrative market for the display industry.

On the calendar

IMI Europe is hosting this expo of ink-jet technology and how it can be used in a number of industries. There are also two courses on UV ink-jet printing and the theory of ink-jet technology before the showcase begins, on June 6th and 7th. http://www.imieurope.com

'Australasia's largest dedicated tradeshow and conference for digital signage', says the blurb, and this year's exhibition will feature companies such as NetComm and TechMedia. Co-located with Kiosk Self Service World Australia, and with an emphasis on promoting ideas and solutions to businesses. www.terrapinn.com/2011/digital

This congregation of the audio-visual industry starts with a conference on June 11th, while the exhibition opens its doors on June 15th. Digital signage, projection, lighting and a range of other technologies will be on show. http://www.infocommshow.org

Video of the week

Output reflects on trends at Screenmedia Expo

Here, Output's James Matthews-Paul comments on London's recent Screenmedia Expo and reflects on how the show delivered a more holistic, consolidated view of the digital signage sector. Matthews-Paul also notes that the growing emphasis on solutions is attracting different types of visitors to the show, as well as mentioning unusual and attractive applications on display.

Also referenced are key trends within the industry, such as digital campaign measurability and the ways in which tecnologies enable companies to communicate with consumers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1juCb9chPeQ

Don't forget to keep an eye on our channel for several more videos and playlists from around the industry, including in-depth applications and equipment pieces, all on our stream at http://www.youtube.com/user/OutputMagazine.

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