Carrying Photo Printing to New Heights with DPOF

January 08, 2005 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
(City), (State) (PRLeap) – In today's virtual world of digital technology, images are being captured for display purposes or to send to friends and loved ones as snapshots. Not only are the snapshots confined to one place, but they are virtually being used in the Internet and web development. Even in the simplest email applications you could see images and shots integrated with the message.

As digital cameras continue to expand and enhance their functions and features, printers are trying to upgrade their quality to yield better results. As with Digital Room, they are constantly on the lookout for new digital technology to better their brand of service and products.

Nowadays, there is a boom in digital printing outfits that offer photofinishing services that accept DPOF format. Today, images are being constantly shared over the Internet that many companies are offering their services online. Advances in the market have created the needs for a new level of support for digital cameras and other related equipment.

So what is DPOF? How can one gain from it?

The Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)

DPOF is the acronym for Digital Print Order Format. The web defines DPOF as a format that allows users to embed printing information on the memory card, select the pictures to be printed, and decide on how many prints to be made. In other words, the application allows the user of a digital camera to choose which stored image shall be printed, the number of copies and other image information. It usually consists of a set of text files in a special directory on the storage card, accessed through one of the menu modes on the camera. The storage card can then be taken to a print shop or output through compatible desktop printers at home.

This allows for flexibility and control on the end of the user. No more wasting time and money with negatives and prints that you don't want. With DPOF, the user decides which, what and how much he wants his shots printed. The user can even decide to not use a print shop altogether because one can easily print the images in a desktop printer at home.

There are two versions available in the market: version 1.00 and version 1.10. Where the former defined the basic functions of auto print format for directly printing images, the latter further defines the format for auto transfer and auto play of the images stored in the removable media. The first version is an electronic preview-and-print order process utilized while the images are still in the camera. The second version integrated several features such as Multiple Image Printing, Specific Size Printing, Slide Shows (for intelligent projectors), and 2-byte Unicode text (greater language support).

Printers with DPOF

> HP Deskjet 450 wbt mobile printer

This printer offers customers convenient options for DPOF printing i.e. direct and fast photo printing from digital cameras via USB using select HP digital cameras. Users can also print pre-selected digital images from compact flash cards, without additional cables or PC connections.

> Canon PIXMA iP4000R

The Canon PIXMA iP4000R Photo Printer offers high speed and quality results with the freedom of wireless printing. It can receive wireless transmissions within a range of up to 164 feet. With direct photo printing, connect any PictBridge compatible digital camera or DV camcorder, and print. Produce borderless photos in sizes of 4x6, 5x7, and 8.5x11 inches with the look and feel of traditional photographs.

The iP4000R has a ContrastPLUS five-color ink system that lets you produce true-to-life photos along with laser quality text. To help reduce costs, the system has five ink tanks that can be replaced individually. Plus, a unique low-ink sensor alerts you when ink levels are low. In addition, the printer has a dual paper path with built-in two sided printing that allows you to print documents in from another room without getting up and changing paper.

About Digital Room

A few of the services offered by Digital Room include Digital B&W and Digital Color Printing, Four Color Process Printing, Large Format Printing, Scanning, Pre-Press, Mounting and Laminating. From Traditional Print Advertising to Interactive Websites, Corporate Identities to Point-of-Purchase Campaigns, Digital Room brings a new vision to every marketing challenge. For inquiries, please visit http://www.digitalroom.com

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