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PMA News 6Sight Future of Imaging Conference to host discussion between leading imaging analyst firms A must-see on-stage participation of major imaging analyst firms in one event - contrasting and comparing varying opinions on the future of imaging - will be offered Nov. 12 during the popular "Analyst View" session at the 6Sight Future of Imaging Conference, Nov. 10-12, 2009, at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, Calif. The session is moderated by InfoTrends founder and consumer electronics reporter, Kristy Holch, with top industry analysts from Future Image, Gfk, IDC, InfoTrends, Lyra, NPD, Photo Imaging News, and PMA comparing and contrasting views and predictions. The 6Sight conference brings together technologists, marketers, futurists, artists, industry and financial analysts, educators, high-volume users, and members of the media who meet to preview breakthrough technologies; forecast innovative uses; and spark new ideas and alliances that benefit current and potential customers, participating companies, and the imaging industry as a whole. Also, for the first time, the top imaging analysts will provide discussions with conference attendees in the 6Sight Tech Fair during the conference. "We are thrilled to have all the leading imaging industry analysts come together at 6Sight to discuss their views with our attendees," says Alexis Gerard, 6Sight cofounder and conference chairman. "The participation of these competing firms speaks to the central place 6Sight has achieved in the imaging industry. This year we are offering attendees one-on-one discussion time with these leading analysts - one of several steps we plan to implement to create maximum value for all participants in this unique opportunity." Ron Glaz, program director of IDC, notes "rich digital media," such as photo and video, enhance communications with more visual features. "The 6Sight conference is a great forum to explore the growing use of rich media, and I look forward to participating on the analyst panels at 6sight and sharing my insight." Other analysts participating in the session spoke similarly: "The 6Sight conference is an excellent forum to learn about new and exciting technology developments in the digital photo space," says Ed Lee, group director, Worldwide Consumer Imaging Services, InfoTrends. "As a leading digital photography information provider, InfoTrends looks forward to sharing some of our market insights at 6Sight. We hope, by educating the vendor community and facilitating an open exchange of ideas, we'll help drive the development of innovative products and services." "Lyra is pleased to once again share its market intelligence as a participant in the analyst panel session at 6Sight," says Steve Hoffenberg, director, Consumer Imaging Research, Lyra Research. "The conference provides outstanding opportunities to tap into the collective wisdom of high-level speakers and attendees in a stimulating and collaborative atmosphere, and 6Sight has become the premier gathering of movers and shakers in the photo imaging industry." "NPD is pleased to participate with industry leaders to explore the opportunities presented by the future of imaging," says Liz Cutting, director and senior imaging analyst, The NPD Group. "We have found 6Sight to be a great place to meet new up-and-coming companies that present exciting new technologies, as well as industry-leading companies that have new and compelling stories to tell. The 6Sight conference is a valuable event for analysts and clients alike." "We have attended the 6Sight conference since its beginning, providing valuable reviews for our readers," says Don Franz, group publisher of Photo Imaging News. "It brings together photo imaging industry visionaries from around the world to discuss developments that will have an impact on outputting and sharing images in the future. It also provides an opportunity to exchange views with industry leaders who are pioneering changes in the ways we use and output images." "The 6Sight conference has become the annual destination for imaging executive networking and information sharing," says Gary Pageau, publisher, content development and strategic initiatives, PMA. "I'm looking forward to providing the latest PMA marketing research information with vendors and service providers to grow the industry." Additional information about the 6Sight conference program and speakers is available at www.6Sight.com. Information about the I3A annual conference, which will be colocated with 6Sight, can be found at www.i3a.org. Business Jenoptik ceases mid-format camera activities Jenoptik AG, the opto-electronics group based in Jena, Germany, has announced its decision to withdraw from the medium-format camera business. According to a press release, the decision was made due to the insolvency of Franke & Heidecke GmbH, Brunswick, Germany, the supplier of the mechanical components of Jenoptik's Hi6 medium-format cameras.. The company added the business potential in the medium-format camera segment was also significantly affected by the worldwide economic and finanical crisis. The termination will result in extraordinary charges of Euro 7.9 million, which will be included in Jenoptik's second-quarter results. Jenoptik also announced its subsidiary Sinar AG of Feuerthalen, Switzerland, will continue to provide full warranty and after-sales services for mid-format camera systems and will also continue to market professional analog and digital specialist camera solutions. "The business of Sinar AG will be continued outside Jenoptik," the company said, adding it will concentrate on its core business which includes digital imaging systems for medical, traffic safety, and military applications. Last year, Jenoptik AG recorded sales of Euro 548.3 million (US$ 773 million) with earnings after taxes of Euro 16.6 million (US$ 23.4 million). Earnings Fujifilm reports first-quarter net loss Fujifilm Holdings Corp., Tokyo, Japan, posted a first-quarter net loss of 695 million yen for the first quarter ending in June, compared to a group net profit of 31.93 billion yen for the same period. Revenue fell 12.8 percent to 502.42 billion yen from 653.67 billion yen. For the fiscal year through March 2010, Fujifilm left unchanged its outlook for a net loss of Y60 billion, an operating loss of Y90 billion and sales of Y2.3 trillion.The company said it is embarking on a company-wide restructuring to "generate profit amid the current unprecedentedly harsh operating environment and ensure that it can continue to achieve corporate growth." In the Imaging Solutions segment, consolidated revenue was negatively affected by such factors as declining demand for color films and digital minilabs as well as the impact of falling prices in digital camera markets owing to intensifying competition, the appreciation of the yen, and other factors, the company said. As a result, consolidated revenue in the Imaging Solutions segment amounted to 80.3 billion yen, down 28.4 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year. Reflecting such factors as the decrease in consolidated revenue and the impact of yen appreciation, operating income before restructuring and other charges for the segment amounted to a loss of 6.9 billion yen. The segment's operating income after restructuring and other charges amounted to a loss of 9.7 billion yen, reflecting the recognition of ¥2.8 billion in restructuring and other charges. Regarding the color paper business, Fujifilm's sales fell below the level in the same period of the previous fiscal year, reflecting a decrease in demand, yen appreciation, and other factors, the company said. Going forward, the company will continue strengthening its marketing-promotion measures for photo books and other high-value-added print services and implementing other strategies to increase market share in principal countries. Sales in the electronic imaging business field decreased due to the impact of yen appreciation and a fall in prices. Zoran has higher second-quarter revenues, reduces net loss to $13.8 million Digital-imaging component provider Zoran Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., reported second-quarter revenues were $102.7 million, compared to $68.5 million last quarter and $128.7 million for the second quarter of 2008. The company reported a second quarter GAAP net loss of $13.8 million, compared with a GAAP net loss of $21.1 million, for the previous quarter and a GAAP net loss of $36.6 million, for the second quarter of the prior year. "While the global economic downturn continues to affect consumer spending, we are pleased with the 50 percent sequential revenue growth and better than expected results we are reporting today," says Dr. Levy Gerzberg, Zoran's president and CEO. "In DTV, we continued to see increasing demand for low to mid-range LCD TVs, where we have a leading position. We saw a similar trend in digital cameras, where growth was driven by demand for low to mid-range models. The DVD market appears to have stabilized, and Zoran is benefitting from increasing demand for higher margin, value-add DVD products such as HDMI players and portables. While consumer spending has not yet reached previous levels, we are encouraged by these positive trends in our end markets." Revenues by product line for the second quarter of 2009 were 40 percent DTV, 28 percent digital camera, 14 percent DVD, 12 percent printer imaging and 6 percent mobile phone processors.
Professional Markets ExpressDigital releases Darkroom Assembly Edition update for school photographers ExpressDigital, Austin, Texas, re-released Darkroom Assembly Edition, workflow software designed for school and team photographers. It can be be purchased outright, is plug-in free, completely manages nine different workflow scenarios, features greenscreen, online storefronts and lab connection, and interacts with cameras, work stations, barcode scanners, and digital media burners while automating business functions. ExpressDigital reached an agreement with Desktop Darkroom to serve as a dedicated support and service arm available to provide free online training and one-year phone support, as well as $1,300 in free software and templates through August. Express Digital says the re-launch, coupled with training, support and software giveaways, is its most significant opportunity made to school and sport specialty photographers in the company's 15-year history. ExpressDigital's CEO, Graham McFarland says, "We are taking advantage of our unique opportunity to celebrate and provide the most relevant solution at a price and promotion that ensures that school and team-sport photographers have every tool available to succeed. This past year we worked closely with manufacturers, school photography entrepreneurs and large institutions to ensure that our software will holistically improve productivity and efficiency while, more importantly, doing so better than ever before." Updates of Assembly Edition to version 8.91 are free to anyone that currently owns version 8.9. Upgrades and purchases are available online. New features are also detailed, such as enhanced data entry and import features, new batch ordering and product composite tools, and a large list of compatible printers, cameras, technologies, and product templates. Photographer sues ESPN for copyright infringement over unauthorized photo use According to a news release, Sherry Martin of Sherry Martin Photography filed a complaint against Walt Disney Internet Group and ESPN in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that Disney, ESPN and Competitor magazine published, without Martin's consent, her photo of Dr. David Martin, a 66-year-old veterinarian and tri-athlete who was killed by a great white shark at Solana Beach in San Diego, Calif. Asked to cover the Solana Beach Triathlon in July 2007 by Osamu Chiba of Opix Photography, Sherry Martin photographed Dr. Martin (no relation) participating in the event. A written agreement was previously made between Sherry Martin and Opix Photography allowing her to retain all digital copyrights. In covering Dr. Martin's death, Bob Babbitt, owner and publisher of Competitor magazine, contacted Chiba and Martin to discuss licensing rights to Martin's photograph. Allegedly, when negotiations between Competitor and Martin failed, Opix sold her digital image of Dr. Martin to Competitor for the undervalued amount of $50, and Competitor magazine then published the photo in its June 2008 issue and provided it to ESPN, again without Martin's consent, for an article published in October 2008, the release says. "The facts demonstrate that ESPN and Competitor knew that any copying and use of Sherry Martin's image was for promotional and commercial purposes, that she owned the rights to the image, and that copying and publishing the image would constitute copyright infringement," said Stephen A. Kennedy, partner at Kennedy Law, which is representing Sherry Martin. "But they also knew that Martin was a young professional photographer without the deep pockets usually needed to protect intellectual property rights. With that knowledge, they made the conscious decision to infringe her copyrights." On behalf of Sherry Martin, Kennedy Law is requesting injunctive relief and impoundment, as well as damages, attorneys' fees and taxable costs. "Regardless of the amount of this judgment, I feel that this lawsuit gives me a platform to defend my rights and the rights of other photographers and artists," said Sherry Martin. Per the agreement, Martin retains ownership rights of all digital images taken in connection with any race being covered by Opix Photography. If someone wants to purchase an image in digital form created by Martin they must negotiate directly with her for the sale. Without Martin's knowledge or consent, Osamu Chiba allegedly sold the photo to Competitor, bypassing her completely, the release said. "This case is not about making money but about defending the rights of artists who produce something unique," said Kennedy. "If the case creates precedent protecting other independent photographers and artistic creation, then it will be worth the time and effort involved." Retail Markets Personalize your work attire
Neil Enterprises Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill, has introduced a new item: the Retractable Badge Holder, with an insert area of 1-1/8-inches. Neil says the item is perfect for displaying a small photo. The badge holder is ideal for those who have to wear identification. It is currently available in black and white and extends to 24 inches. Neil suggests using the #9924 Interchangeable Die Cutter with die #9963D or the small circle hand punch (#9801) to make the photo the proper size to fit the holder. Delkin introduces Fat Gecko Mini
Delkin Devices Inc., Poway, Calif., adds a smaller version of their DIMA Innovative Product award-winning Fat Gecko to its line of camera mounts, the Fat Gecko Mini. The $39.99 Fat Gecko Mini uses one suction cup to attain a powerful suction making video and photography capture possible from almost any smooth surface, the company says. The removable single suction cup mount attaches easily, can hold up to 4 pounds, and is equipped with an adjustable knuckle giving the user unlimited choice of angles and surfaces. There is also a 3-inch extender available. Trends One million photos submitted to website
If you want to see some absoultely stunning images, go here. These are just some of the one million images sent to Weather Underground, San Francisco, Calif. Weather Underground is said to be the world's first online weather service. The photos were submitted to its popular photo section, WunderPhotos. Launched in 2002, WunderPhotos has become one of the most popular sections on wunderground.com, attracting weather enthusiasts and photography lovers alike. The section features user-uploaded photographs depicting current weather conditions, wildlife and almost any outdoors subject matter. WunderPhotos often features images of significant current weather events such as hurricanes, floods, snow storms, and even solar eclipses -- all submitted by fans of the site. "The one-millionth WunderPhoto is a true testament to the power of enabling your users to drive content on your website," says Alan Steremberg, president, Weather Underground. "With the help of our users, what started as a pure weather site has turned into an interactive weather community." Steremberg says the one-millionth submission -- a wildlife shot submitted from a fan in Canada, known by his/her handle of JRW64 -- "demonstrates the wide array of subject matter that users upload to WunderPhotos." With thousands of international users contributing local observations from personal weather stations, Weather Underground is able to provide up-to-the-minute weather conditions for the most finely targeted areas. In addition to serving free online weather information to millions of Web users, Weather Underground also delivers custom-designed weather page solutions to an array of businesses and media clients. |
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