HP’s expanded digital printing solutions will strengthen Print Service Providers’ value proposition to their customers in the signage industry

Bangkok--29 Jul--Hill & Knowlton HP’s expanded digital printing solutions will strengthen Print Service Providers’ value proposition to their customers in the signage industry Next generation digital printing portfolio will boost productivity and accelerate large format workflow HP today announced an expanded range of new digital printing solutions that will strengthen Print Service Providers’ (PSPs) value proposition to their customers, allowing them to capture a larger share of the fast growing signage industry in Asia Pacific. It is forecasted that by 2013, 58% of all wide format signage output in Asia will be printed using digital technology. Likewise, digital printed signage output in Asia will account for 38% of total global digital printed signage(1). Asia has the highest CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) at 19% when comparing print value from 2008 to 2013(1) “HP has a deep understanding of the trends and developments in the signage industry and the impact it will have on PSPs. We have long recognized the need for PSPs to transition to be a Marketing Service Provider (MSP) to remain competitive in an increasingly price-sensitive market”, said Gido van Praag, Vice President, Graphic Solutions Business — Asia Pacific and Japan, HP. “HP is best positioned to help PSPs in their conversion to MSP where they will move beyond just competing on price to providing a full spectrum of value added services that will help differentiate them from competition. The HP Scitex business already leads the industry with 60% market share of all large format printing in Asia Pacific(2)“. Environmental matters are growing in importance within the printing industry and there is now an increasing emphasis for PSPs to be able to provide eco-friendly printing alternatives. HP has long recognized this growing trend which resulted in the introduction of the HP Latex printing technology in March 2008. HP’s Latex printing technology that was developed based on the needs of PSPs would enable PSPs to increase their print capacity and grow their businesses while reducing the environmental impact of their printing. HP’s broad and unrivalled large-format printing portfolio spans from flexible to rigid applications, ink technologies from low solvent to UV-curable to the latest water-based HP Latex Ink and production volumes from entry level to high productivity. Highlights of today’s announcement at the 19th Shanghai International Advertising & Sign Technology & Equipment Exhibition: - The expanded digital printing solutions will empower PSPs in the signage industry to capture new business opportunities while boosting productivity and accelerating their large format workflow - The HP Scitex LX850 Printer, being unveiled for the first time in Asia Pacific is a 126-inch (3.2 m) latex ink printer that delivers maximum versatility and productivity. HP Latex Inks offer the durability and versatility typically associated with solvent inks, together with the low maintenance and environmental advantages of water-based inks. - PSPSs can boost productivity with the HP Scitex FB7500 Printer which delivers industry-leading productivity along with high print speeds and standard three-quarter automation. The printer is being showcased for the first time in China - An application showcase area which features three lifestyle themed concepts (ie: living room, open kitchen and children’s room) will help PSPs to explore new growth areas - HP will announce the winners of the HP Digital Print Awards 2011 (Asia Pacific & Japan) — HP Scitex. The Awards have an important role to play in enhancing the service standards and quality of digital print signage across the industry Differentiate, boost productivity, accelerate workflows and win new business with the HP Scitex LX850 HP’s latest latex ink printer — HP Scitex LX850, which is being announced for the first time in Asia Pacific, will allow PSPs to differentiate, win new business and generate new profits. The HP Scitex LX850 printer will enable PSPs to expand the variety of environmentally conscious outdoor and indoor applications they can offer while also improving their overall printing atmosphere. Additionally, the printer will allow PSPs to pursue new business opportunities with leading international corporations that increasingly require them to provide eco-friendly printing solutions. The Application Showcase Area at the HP booth at the 19th Shanghai International Advertising & Sign Technology & Equipment Exhibition will provide a glimpse of the new business opportunities that PSPs can explore with HP Latex inks technology. Delivering high image quality at production speeds, the HP Scitex LX850 Printer allows customers to accelerate their large-format workflows. The device also enables customers to expand their application versatility with a built-in ink collector for direct-to-fabric printing (3) on flag fabrics. A scaled-down version of the HP Scitex LX850 Printer, the new HP Scitex LX820 Printer, is available with an optional dual-roll kit upgrade. The HP Scitex FB7500 printer delivers industry-leading productivity along with high print speeds and standard three-quarter automation Magnify Media, based in Melbourne, is one of the leading PSPs in Australia. The company started in 2002 with a single HP Designjet printer operating out of the founder, John Duplock’s home. Magnify Media’s evolution into one of the leading PSPs in Australia is a testament to the great digital print work the company is delivering. Magnify Media installed their first HP Scitex FB7500 printer in October 2009. They installed their second HP Scitex FB7500 printer a year later in December 2010. John Duplock, Managing Director, Magnify Media, said, “We didn’t expect to put a second HP Scitex FB7500 printer in that quickly, but we have literally been overwhelmed by customer demand and we have got work lined up on the existing HP Scitex FB7500 printer. It’s incredible how successful it has been for us. Since the installation of the company’s first HP Scitex FB7500 in October 2009, our turnover has almost doubled. That’s how massive an impact this machine has had on our business.” John added that he believes the work he and his sales team did to educate the market about the benefits of digital screen printing versus traditional methods has contributed to the phenomenal intake of business for the HP Scitex FB7500. Designed for fast-paced, industrial printing environments, the HP Scitex FB7500 printer is a versatile UV flatbed printer that is an ideal solution for close-view high-quality point-of-purchase/point-of-sale (POP/POS) applications, exhibition graphics, signage, backlit displays and posters. With speeds of up to 500 m2/hr (5380 ft2/hr) and three-quarter automated loading to reduce idle time between sheets by up to 85 percent, (4) the HP Scitex FB7500 printer delivers the highest productivity of digital flatbed printers in its price class (5). HP supports PSPs in their drive for new growth and revenue streams by providing complete end-to- end solutions HP supports PSPs in the signage industry in their drive for new growth and revenue streams by providing a portfolio of complete end-to-end solutions and support including: - Business development — helping PSPs move from solvent to ultra violet (UV) and/or latex inks. This provides PSPs with more tools to go beyond mainstream signage to new applications such as billboards - Education programs such as HP’s business development courses, seminars, workshops that bring together customers for an opportunity to learn and develop their marketing capabilities, to look at strategic growth plans and examine new applications and business ideas - Eco-system engagement programs — media/workflow partnerships that provide PSPs a compelling end-to-end solution to support their growth in new application areas - Brand managers campaigns — HP works to convince actual brands to print on HP technology, which can potentially translate into new job opportunities for existing customers The HP Digital Print Awards 2011 (Asia Pacific & Japan), where the HP Scitex winner will be announced will also be held in the evening during a gala dinner event. HP at 19th Shanghai International Advertising & Sign Technology & Equipment Exhibition Customers visiting the HP Booth (number W1 and E6) at the 19th Shanghai International Advertising & Sign Technology & Equipment Exhibition will also be able to preview other innovative digital printing solutions that HP is making available to Asia Pacific customers. (1) Source: The Future of Printed Signage, published by Pira International Ltd (2) Based on LFP IDC Market Share Tracker CY11Q1 (D size and above) (3) For best results, textile applications should be printed on fabric that does not stretch. Performance may vary depending on media. Compatibility details are available from media suppliers. (4) Manual loading and unloading of a sheet can take 45 seconds or more; the loading mechanism reduces that time to no more than nine seconds. (5) Based on published manufacturer specifications as of July 2008. For more information please contact: Sriratda Sriudomsiri Team Assistant Hill & Knowlton Thailand Direct Line: 66 (0) 2627 3501 ext. 118 Fax: 66 (0) 2627 3545 [email protected]