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Business Photo-Me Group to sell Imaging Solutions The board of Photo-Me International (PMI), Bookham, U.K., announced the company has today agreed to sell its 86 percent interest in the Swiss-based specialist in digital high-speed photofinishing systems, Imaging Solutions AG (ISAG), together with ISAG's subsidiaries, (ISAG Group), to the RB Imaging Holding GmbH. RB Imaging is company incorporated in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, and wholly-owned by Rainer Bauer, the sole director of RB Imaging and also CEO of ISAG, who already owns the remaining 14 percent of the company. According to a press release, the consideration for the proposed disposal is Euro 200,000 (£170,340/US$ 284,000) plus a contribution of £136,000 (Euro 158,000/US$ 225,000) towards the Company's costs of the proposed disposal, all payable in cash on completion. In addition, PMI will be entitled to an amount of approximately CHF 633,605 (Euro 417,000/US$ 591,000) in respect of a patent licence agreement to be entered into. The latter sum is to be set-off against a loan of the same amount owed by PMI to ISAG. The agreement further provides that, if the shares of ISAG or ISAG's business, or material parts thereof, are sold to a third party within one year of the date of completion, any profit derived from such sale will be shared with the PMI on a 50/50 basis, the company's share being limited to a maximum amount of euro 4.5 million (US$ 6.4 million). For the year ended April 30, 2008, the most recent year for which Photo-Me's audited consolidated accounts are available, the ISAG Group generated a loss before taxes of £0.9 million (Euro 1.05 million/US$ 1.49 million), comprising a pre-exceptional items loss of £0.8 million and exceptional charges of £0.1 million. For the six months to Oct. 31, 2008, the ISAG Group generated a loss before taxes of £1.3 million (Euro 1.51 million/US$ 2.14 million). On 4 June 2009, PMI had announced it had initiated discussions with interested parties with a view to a possible sale, reflecting the board's conclusion ISAG's activities were neither a core element of Photo-Me's strategy nor capable of further integration within the group. Further, the board was keen to avoid exposure to further substantial losses and a requirement to fund a capital expenditure programme to develop photo-processing equipment which uses different printing technology from silver halide, ISAG's current technology. PMI pointed out the company's board considered RB Imaging's offer to be the best solution for Photo-Me shareholders in view of ISAG's operational losses and the potential of a loss on disposal. The board had also evaluated the potential for closure of the ISAG Group. PMI said it will issue its preliminary announcement of annual results for the year ended April 30, 2009 today. The ISAG Group will be accounted for as a discontinued business in the results for the year ended April 30, 2009 and as assets and liabilities held for sale at April 30, 2009. In these results, the proposed disposal is expected to result in a write-down, totalling approximately £8 million (Euro 9.3 million/US$ 13.2 million), of ISAG Group assets. No taxation payable or receivable is expected to arise on the proposed disposal. The proceeds of the proposed disposal will be used to reduce Photo-Me's debt. The transaction is subject to the approval of PMI's shareholders. A circular is expected to be posted to Photo-Me shareholders by July 10 to convene a general meeting. New Facebook application offers users a chance to convert "social capital" into money A new Facebook application lets users convert their "social capital" to cash. Los Angeles, Calif.-based ReferQuest.com, and the Facebook version of the application, which launched this week, let users state what they're looking for, along with the reward they'll pay the person who finds it for them. ("50 if you find us temp office space.") The future of Skype threatened by legal battle Business Journal reports a legal battle between eBay Inc. and the founders of voice-over-internet service Skype, now part of eBay, has taken a turn for the worse. As a result, a planned Skype spinoff may be delayed, and the amount Skype fetches in an IPO may be decreased. Skype founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis still control some of Skype's software and have accused eBay of breaching a license agreement. If Zennstrom and Friis follow through on threats to pull their technology, Skype will be disabled. Canon U.S.A. and Arbor Day Foundation join forces with new reforestation initiative Canon U.S.A. Inc., Lake Success, N.Y., will make a donation to plant 10 trees through the Arbor Day Foundation for every Factory-Certified imageRUNNER model purchased from a Canon authorized dealer or Canon Business Solutions. Imaging News Racer Tony Stewart and Office Depot present 'Show Us Your 14' online photo contest Office Depot, Boca Raton, Fla., and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart are asking fans to send in their pictures to the new Office Depot "Show Us Your 14" online photo contest. Office Depot is the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR and co-primary sponsor of Stewart and the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet Impala SS. Retail Markets Ritz Interactive named to Internet Retailer's HOT 100 Best Web Sites Ritz Interactive Inc., Irvine, Calif., was named to Internet Retailer's 2009 Hot 100 Best Retail Web Sites. The Internet Retailer's Hot 100 Web Sites offer many lessons on how to inspire, inform and serve web site shoppers, and also how to reach out beyond ecommerce sites to connect with consumers. The Hot 100 Web Sites were chosen for their innovations that go beyond the primary web site and their performance metrics, which include response time, site availability and consistency. According to Ritz Interactive president and CEO Fred H. Lerner, "We have a very straightforward philosophy; we present our customers with options. This stretches from payment options; whether it is credit cards, Google Checkout, PayPal or Bill Me Later, or choices in navigation methods and customer service. We're all about convenience to our customers." Sears Adopts OpenID technology connecting consumers to social media sites Sears Holdings Corp., Hoffman Estates, Ill., is the first major retailer to launch the Open ID platform for Sears Communities, which will connect over 1 million monthly visitors via MySears and MyKmart sites to major social media. The OpenID universal login standard enables visitors to consolidate their Internet identity by providing them a single login for all of their online interactions. This is the first step toward enabling customers to log in to Sears communities using their social IDs rather than set up new accounts. This covers the most popular, familiar web sites such as Google, Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo! and Twitter. Through this new innovation, users in the Sears and Kmart communities can use the ID and password they already have to write product reviews and can share information on products, services and solutions. Future updates planned with the OpenID platform will allow users in the communities to share their posts and product reviews with friends easily via Facebook. Vistaprint announces new summer invitation themes Vistaprint Limited, Hamilton, Bermuda, announces a full line of seasonally themed invitations to help maximize the joy of summer eventsVistaprint has fully customizable invitations to fit any celebration's theme, from flags and fireworks to flip flops and seashells. Packages start at US$7.99 for 10 invitations. Trends Market for green PCs will exceed $190 billion by 2013, study shows Personal computers and servers are power hogs that exacerbate growing electrical consumption trends, which results in increased pollution. In addition to the products themselves, the inefficient manufacturing and packaging of these products also adversely impacts the environment by using toxic substances, and/or by not taking advantage of reusable or recycled materials. The toxic substances used find their way into landfills around the globe (particularly in developing countries in Africa and Eastern Europe), where they can seep into the atmosphere and the ground water supply, creating potential health hazards for humans, animals and plant life. According to a new study by Oyster Bay, N.Y.-based NextGen Research, "Green Computing: Reducing the Environmental Impact of PCs, Servers By Using Safer Materials, Slashing Power," computer and server vendors are making their products increasingly green: the newest equipment consumes less electricity than legacy hardware; toxic substances once used in their construction have been replaced with more environmentally friendly materials; and most vendors will take their products back at end of life cycle for reuse/recycling. As a result, purchases of green desktop and notebook computers and netbooks will grow from less than a sixth ($37 billion) of the $249-billion PC market in 2009, to nearly two-thirds (more than $190 billion) of the $323-billion PC market in 2013. Best Buy Mobile survey reveals America's appetite for smartphones and apps Best Buy Mobile, Minneapolis, Minn., commissioned a survey revealing that a large portion of adults in America plan to buy a smartphone in the next 12 months. However, many barriers stand in their way, including confusion about the technology, the shopping experience and price. The poll of 1,000 Americans, half men and half women all over the age of 18, was conducted by telephone May 29-31 by GfK Roper, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, to obtain a snapshot of current habits, preferences and purchase intentions among today's mobile phone users.
Traditional mobile phones have been characterized largely by the twin features of calling and texting. Interest in smartphones has centered around a wider universe of applications that allow consumers to read digital books, film videos, get directions from any current location, make travel reservations, download real-time content from the Internet and much more. Digital photo frame market will get connected according to In-Stat In-Stat reports the market for digital photo frames has taken-off, especially when prices became affordable in the first half of 2009. According to PMA Marketing Research, 22 percent of "Prices for connected frames will continue to decline, and as manufacturers educate consumers about these devices; the mass market will become more comfortable using the Internet services connected frames support," says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst. "Applications such as sharing and downloading pictures over the Internet, as well as streaming Internet radio and video from online sites like YouTube, are expected to be primary drivers." PMA Marketing Research reports 29 percent of Recent research from In-Stat indicates worldwide unit shipments of all digital photo frames are expected to reach 50 million by 2013. Integrated wireless connectivity was identified as a desired feature on their next digital photo frame purchase by more than half of the In-Stat's For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/mmcatalogue.asp?id=212 or contact a sales representative: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp. Professional digicams to drive Canon sales growth in China Despite a decrease in global demand for technology products, Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan, expects sales of professional digital cameras to grow rapidly China this year, according to China Daily. Tatsuo Yoshioka, vice-president of Canon China, said its sale of SLR cameras in China is expected to increase 115 percent this year, as Chinese consumers continue to grow more interested in professional photography, China Daily reports.  PMA News Discover how to motivate employees even in tough times with today's AIE Imaging Executive podcast
Despite the fact that different people have varying emotions and experiences, there is a single key to motivating anyone: purpose. In today's AIE Imaging Executive podcast, Bates Communications president and CEO Suzanne Bates, author of the new book "Motivate like a CEO," explains how to leverage purpose to get your employees motivated, regardless of the circumstances. PMA Australia bigger, brighter than a 'trade show' Photo & Imaging News (PIN) says PMA Australia Imaging Technology Show, held June 25-28, 2009 in Sydney, Australia, is no longer a "trade show" but an "imaging showcase" for industry members and photography enthusiasts. PMA director of Australian operations Peter Rose told PIN attendance is higher than at previous events held in Brisbane and Melbourne. The exhibition was open to the public beginning Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday and several suppliers reported strong interest in new models of DSLR cameras and photo gift products, PIN reports. Read the full report here. Business Photobucket reduces workforce by one-third, according to BoomTown About one-third of Photobucket staff of 120 were let go this week, according to a report on Boomtown blog by Wall Street Journal reporter Kara Swisher. Photobucket was acquired in 2007 by News Corp. for $250 million. The report said the layoffs were part of News' Fox Interactive Media division's cost-cutting, which included sweeping layoffs at MySpace last week. HP expands Access Program to assist small and mid-size businesses HP, Palo Alto, Calif., announces updates to and expanded availability of HP Access, its small and midsize business (SMB) assistance program, which provides customers with discounts, free software and services, offers and training tailored to fit the needs of SMBs. Nikon Systems and Fujitsu Broad Solution & Consulting establish joint company Nikon Corp., Tokyo, Japan, announces subsidiary Nikon Systems Inc. and Fujitsu Broad Solution & Consulting Inc. have established a new joint company, named Nikon Imaging Systems Inc. The objective of the company will be to proceed with the establishment of firmware platforms and to accelerate the speed and quality of firmware development in Nikon digital cameras Firmware is the software built into devices that provides fundamental control over hardware. As the performance of digital devices becomes higher, so does the importance of firmware. To date, all firmware installed in Nikon digital cameras has been developed by Nikon Corporation and its subsidiary, Nikon Systems Inc. Nikon Imaging Systems Inc. will initiate operations in August 2009.
Canon cutting 700 jobs at chip gear operations Reuters reports Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan, will cut about 700 jobs in its chip equipment operations, a result of the global economic crisis. Canon is the world's third-largest maker of chip steppers behind ASML and Nikon Corp. The company says most workers to be affected are in Japan, and that the workers will be transferred to other sections within Canon. Framing Markets Drytac giclee coating recommended for use with Fredrix canvas
Aqueous coating made by Drytac Corp., EnduraCoat Giclee, available in gloss or satin matte finishes, contains a blend of acrylic and non-yellowing urethane polymers to give coated prints flexibility, contains UV absorbers and light stabilizers to increase durability and increase fade resistance for giclee prints. Coatings can be applied by hand with a roller, paint pad, airless sprayer or brush as well as with Drytac AFC aqueous liquid coaters. Retail Markets Shipping costs and other issues lead to online shopping cart abandonment eMarketer.com reports a new e-tailing group survey shows nearly 60 percent of U.S. online retailers are seeing cart abandonment rates of more than 20 percent this year. Additionally, research by PayPal and comScore indicates 45 percent of U.S. online shoppers had abandoned shopping carts multiple times in just three weeks. The average cost of abandoned goods in those shopping carts was $109. Technology Sigma expands lens availability The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM super-wide angle lens announced by Sigma Corp. of America, Ronkonkoma, NY, at PMA 09, is scheduled for July availability in Sigma, Pentax and Sony mounts. It had been available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The lens incorporates two Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements, combined with a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element, along with four aspherical lenses. Micron and Lexar deliver faster, smaller cards Micron Technology, Boise, Idaho, started mass production of new flash memory products to be marketed by subsidiary Lexar Media, Fremont, Calif. Micron says its NAND chips are made with a the 34-nanometer process technology. The 32Gb multi-level cell chip is 17 percent smaller than Micron first-generation 32Gb chip. The 16Gb chip is just 84mm square. The ONFI 2.1 synchronous interface in both Micron chips delivers transfer speeds of up to 200 megabytes per second, the company says, while traditional SLC NAND is limited to 40 MB per second. Lexar Media is using the Flash chips in its latest storage cards. The Platinum II 32GB Secure Digital High Capacity card can store up to 12 hours of high-definition video or more than 20,000 5-megapixel images, Lexar says. The card has a minimum-sustained write speed of 9MB per second, which the company says enables photo enthusiasts to take advantage of their cameras burst-mode setting to capture many images in rapid succession. In addition, a minimum-sustained read speed of 12MB per second ensures fast transfers of images from the card to a host computer. Lexar's 16GB microSDHC card is aimed at mobile phones, and can store up to 48,000 2-megapixel JPEG photos, or 80 hours of standard-definition video. Trends More than $775 billion to be processed in self-service kiosk transactions in 2009, study shows North American consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, as transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $775 billion in 2009. This will grow to over $1.6 trillion by 2013, according to a new research study conducted by the IHL Group, Franklin, Tenn. PMA News Uniform ordering made easy in new PMA Marketing Moment podcast
Learn how to eliminate the need to stock various colors and sizes of uniforms for your employees in today's PMA Marketing Moments podcast. Jeff Gump of Gump's Sports Photography, explains how to set up an internal webpage where employees can order exactly the color and size they want, and have it shipped to their house from your uniform vendor. Gump was introduced to youth sports almost 20 years ago and since that time, Gump's Sports Photography has photographed more than 800,000 athletes. PSPA panel discusses the yearbook industry on PMA TV Understanding the yearbook industry can help your studio be successful in this market. Now on PMA TV is a PSPA 2009 Business Session panel discussion of ways to reach the school decision maker, whether that is the principal, yearbook advisor, or a school administrator. The discussion will also include what schools look for in a vendor, and how your studio can gain their business. Business Gentec International expands headquarters
Gentec International, Markham, Ontario, Canada, has added 26,000 square feet to its headquarters, for a total of more than 100,000 square feet. The company recently held an open house, with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti, to officially open the revamped facility. The new space features state-of-the-art construction, including high-strength steel storage racking providing up to 2,800 additional skid locations. Additional dock doors were installed for receiving and returns processing, with the balance dedicated to shipping. The environment was of prime concern in the new design, with environmental lighting and waste processing systems incorporated to ensure energy and environmental efficiency; high-output T5 light fixtures replacing the old low-efficiency mercury lighting; and a Stormceptor installed to reduce rainwater overflowing into the storm system. Gentec distributes consumer accessory products photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theatre, electronics, wireless, and mobile audio - to the Canadian retail marketplace. Brands include Optex, Sigma, Velbon, SanDisk, Sunpak, Bushnell, Tasco, Zeiss, and Sony. Retail Markets Lab Network offers photo book production systems Lab Network, photofinisher of the Kitamura group, the largest photo specialty store chain in Japan, targeting photo studios and studio/photo retailers, promotes a range of photo book and album production systems exhibiting at the Studio Photo Fair, slated for today through July 1 in Tokyo, according to JPEA Photo Electro News. "Photo Album Pro" fully utilizes the firm's know-how of making photo books using photo papers that have prints on both faces. The system distinctively makes albums that spread fully flat, using special thin photo paper and 15-micron shield laminate coating so pages hardly warp. The photo books will be in square A3 and A4 sizes, 6 to 60 pages, priced at around 9,000 yen (US$90) to 36,000 yen (US$ 360) on the street. To order the photo book, free software may be downloaded. Jessops to sell the Olympus Pen EP-1 exclusively in the UK British photo and imaging specialty retailer Jessops introduced the Olympus Pen EP-1 to the U.K. market at Jessops' flagship store in London, England. The launch event on June 26, attended by acclaimed photographer David Bailey, attracted a crowd of hundreds of consumers all hoping to catch a glimpse of the reinvented cult classic. Office Depot announces data recovery service at retail store locations Office Depot, Boca Raton, Fla., formed an exclusive agreement with data recovery services provider DriveSavers to offer professional data recovery services to customers at Office Depot retail locations nationwide. In the event that a storage drive -- such as a computer hard drive, USB drive or a media card - fails, and critical data is lost, Office Depot customers can now take advantage of certified and secure data recovery services from DriveSavers. Imaging News Bark Avenue Press looking for "Top Dog" designers of pet photo books Bark Avenue Press, Phoenix, Ariz., a publisher for pet lovers, is launching a Dog Days of Summer promotion, looking for the best original pet photo book designs. Each new photo book entered until Sept. 22, 2009 using free BAP!t software, will be eligible. The Top Dog and two runners up will receive cash prizes, and have an equal amount donated to a pet-related charity. Shutterfly expands wedding stationery collection Shutterfly Inc., Redwood City, Calif., announces new additions to its wedding stationery collection, including bridal shower invitations, save-the-dates, thank you cards and address labels. Ranging from classic to modern, photo or non-photo designs, Shutterfly's new wedding stationery offers something for every bride-to-be. Trends New research study shows an increase in loneliness and a breakdown in interpersonal relationships and points to photography as a solution A new research study from Kodak, " Two-thirds of Americans say that society today is lonelier than it used to be. Sixty percent felt they have fewer meaningful relationships than they did just five years ago, even though eighty percent feel it is easier to connect with friends and family. On average, Facebook members report 136 friends but only 6 committed confidants. For the majority of Americans, conversations made via technology do not make them feel closer to the other person. According to the study, photography may be able to fight this trend and help people build stronger relationships. Almost all Americans surveyed (92 percent) believe photos make them feel closer to family and friends by reminding them of past enjoyable moments they shared and most admit that photos have motivated them to contact family and friends. Judy Weiser, a renowned psychologist, art therapist, director of the PhotoTherapy Centre and author of the book PhotoTherapy techniques, served as a consultant to Eastman Kodak Co. on this research. Weiser's PhotoTherapy techniques have shown to be an effective application of photography to battle loneliness. "In my decades of teaching, I have found photos to be an effective way of combating loneliness", Weiser says. "The emotional responses photos can stir can be extremely positive and benefit not only one's overall health, but also can assist in deepening relationships. Kodak is extremely well-positioned to remind people of the power and importance of photos to our health." There are numerous ways you can interact with photos everyday to strengthen your relationships with others by taking advantage of these PhotoTherapy tips. One tip is to create a picture-perfect environment, a decorative space with photos of family, friends and enjoyable places. This allows you to revisit those happy moments all over again. Share your world, not just the special moments, but the ordinary ones too. Interview your photos by finding the happiest picture in the collection and imagining a conversation with it. Think about what positive message it would want you to know, how it would want you to feel and what it would want you to remember. Photos can be a real pick me up so find the most positive photo and carry it with you. Looking back at happy times puts you right back there again. Finally, break the ice by turning photos into conversation starters. Sharing photos is like sharing your life and when others hear your anecdotes, lifelong connections can be made. For more PhotoTherapy tips, as well as the comprehensive " Events Kubota Image Tools announces Webinar Wednesdays for professional photographers Kubota Image Tools, Bend, Ore., announces Webinar Wednesdays -- free online educational opportunities for busy digital photographers. Webinar attendees will have a chance to learn tips and tricks for using the Kubota DASHBOARD, Kubota AutoAlbum, Kubota Workflow and much more. Kevin Kubota, owner of Kubota Image Tools, is a frequent contributor to the Digital Imaging Digest Photoship Tips column. Technology Disk copying device offers new business stream
Retailers have a new business opportunity, suggests Howard Kopelson, vice president, EZ Dupe, City of Industry, Calif. EZ Dupe's new Disk Lok systems are designed to prevent unauthorized copying of DVD video material. Photo retailers can now help their videographer customers protect a major revenue stream. The new systems embed copy-protection onto disks during the duplication process. This proprietary technology provides layers of protection to videographers, law enforcement, defense contractors, government and others wishing to conserve the availability of the original material. Disk Lok also can prevent duplicated material from being played on PCs. SATA technology delivers the fastest and most accurate transfer of video and data information ever, says Kopelson. Every Disk Lok unit also works as a standard DVD and CD duplication system. EZ Dupe supports Disk Lok with a two year limited warranty.The company is a manufacturer of high-performance DVD/CD, USB, SD, CF and Micro SD duplication systems. HP to deliver customizable print-on-demand gaming artwork for Sony Online Entertainment customers HP, Palo Alto, Calif., launched a print-on-demand service for Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gamers playing games from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), San Diego, Calif. The HP print-on-demand technology will allow players to view, create and purchase custom prints of classic characters, imagery and scenes from SOE's various fantasy worlds, games and artists. The service, which will be accessed directly from the online games, is scheduled to launch later this year in EverQuest, EverQuest II and Free Realms. SOE's MMO games have hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. Blurb introduces PDF to book workflow Publishing platform Blurb, San Francisco, Calif., announces the new PDF to Book workflow, which gives creative professionals complete creative control to design books using the application of their choice, save the file as a PDF, and upload it directly to Blurb. PMA News John Paxton, Les Brener recognized as industry leaders at PMA Australia convention
John Paxton was presented with a PMA Australia Distinguished Service Award by PMA Australia chairman, Richard Robertson, while Les Brener was made a PMA Lifetime Member by Ted Fox, executive director and CEO, PMA. John Paxton, a third-generation retailer whose company celebrated its centenary anniversary last year, has been a tireless campaigner for PMA and photo retailers for three decades. He has also built the Paxton group of stores into one of the leading photo retailers in the country, with seven outlets in prime Sydney locations.
Among highlights of his time at PMA Les Brener nominated establishing the Young Achiever program, work campaigning for a better sales tax deal for Australian retailers, and developing the annual convention into a compulsory event in the photo retailing calendar. He said accepting the award was among his proudest and happiest moments. Les Brener has also been recognized by his country, receiving the Australia Medal for services to the photo industry from the Australian Federal Government. Learn how HP believes new Obama book will change the world of publishing in today's DIMAcast
HP recently announced a fully customizable coffee table book showcasing President Barack Obama's journey to the White House and first 100 days in office. Built using both old and new technology, the book promises to bring on-demand, custom printing to a new, wider audience. In today's DIMAcast, Andrew Bolwell, director of new business initiatives for HP, explains how the "The Obama Time Capsule" is ordered, customized and printed, and what it may mean for the future of press products. Business Plaza Create to market new dry minilab Plaza Create, the largest minilab chain in Japan, announced it has developed with Noritsu Koki Co. Ltd., Wakayam City, Japan, a new duplex inkjet printer dubbed GRASYS JET 500, and will have it installed at 300 directly operated shops and 100 franchisees of the chain, according to JPEA Photo Electro News. The chain intends to eventually offer one-hour service for bound photo books.The minilab chain also plans to sell the inkjet printer to other photo specialty retailers at around 3.8 million yen (US$40,000) including a separate binder, the report said, adding the GRASYS JET 500, although jointly developed by Noritsu, has a different specification from Noritsu D502 and using a photo paper of different make. Plaza Create intends to sell the dry minilab to other specialty camera stores. Sony's DI campaign chases Twilight across the globe
The campaign was developed to highlight Sony's digital imaging technology, including the recently unveiled Exmor CMOS sensor, which enables Sony Cybershot and Sony Handycam products to capture detailed realistic low light photos, the company says. The campaign will also feature Sony's Alpha DSLR products. "Twilight Football is one of the most ambitious projects we have ever undertaken, with seven amazing games of football taking place in highly unusual locations around the world," says James Kennedy, brand communications director, Sony Europe. "We wanted to show the world what they have been missing when shooting images in the most picturesque light that nature has to offer. There is no better way to do this than by using the international language of football. This is an event to show real people the benefits of Exmor CMOS technology, giving them the opportunity to capture firsthand some of the most stunning locations in the modern world." Hoya expects to save $105-137 million in restructuring Hoya Corp. said it expects to save 10-13 billion yen (US$100-130 million) fixed costs from its ongoing restructuring measures during the current fiscal year through March 2010, according to JPEA Photo Electro News. Last fiscal year, Hoya moved its digital camera production operations in Japan to the Philippines and elsewhere, and withdrew from the crystal glass business. These measures are expected to helpHoya saved 7-10 billion yen (US$70-100 million) in personnel costs this fiscal year. Before the end of its FY08/09, Hoya had written down 30.5 billion yen (US$305 million) of the roughly 45 billion yen (US$450 million) in goodwill following the acquisition of Pentax Corp., which is expected to lower Hoya's goodwill amortization burden by about 3 billion yen (US$30 million). Retail Markets Meijer to debut new store format in Chicago area Grand Rapids, Mich., announced a new smaller format, grocery-focused store in the Chicago, Ill., suburb of Niles. The new Meijer store in Niles will be 102,000 square feet, about half the size of most Meijer supercenters. The store, which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2010, will be grocery and pharmacy focused, while still providing some general merchandise offerings. Additionally, the store will feature many grocery items geared toward the diverse community surrounding it. The Niles Meijer, which will create up to 150 new jobs, will be located on W. Golf Road, in the heart of this thriving community. Meijer operates 189 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. DXG offering $149.99 underwater HD camcorder pack
DXG, City of Industry, Calif., introduced a $149.99 HD underwater video camera package, the DXG-579VS Underwater Value Pack. Included in box is the DXG-579VS camcorder, underwater casing, 4-AAA batteries, USB/AV cable, camera pouch, wrist strap, photo editing software CD, user's manual, and quick-start guide. The underwater casing is also sold separately for $49.99. DXG also introduces a new web site/online store featuring its complete product line. Customers can access detailed product specifications, download photos, read reviews, and purchase cameras and accessories directly from the DXG store. To get a 10-percent discount on all products purchased at the website through July 5, use code DXG10. Framing Markets Larson-Juhl offers "Green Marketing & Merchandising Kit" Larson-Juhl, "We believe third party certified products will become increasingly important to consumers and the interior design community over time. We want to ensure that independent custom framers have the necessary tools needed to promote these products to their customers," states Larson-Juhl President and CEO, Steve McKenzie. The kit, which comes in a green, reusable tote bag, includes:
Larson-Juhl offers a limited number of kits, which customers will receive when they purchase one of the new Technology ON turns on LED phone flashes Even the thinnest camera phones can have a powerful LED flash, says ON Semiconductor, Phoenix, Ariz., with a driver that ensures the right amount of light for high-quality photography, and efficient power usage to extend battery life. LEDs can require up to 400 percent more power than a camera battery can provide, the company says, requiring a supercapacitor to drive an LED flash to full intensity. The new NCP5680 Flash Driver manages the supercapacitor to handle peak-power needs such as the flash, as well as zooming, auto-focus, and wireless transmissions. When combined with a prismatic supercapacitor it can deliver 10 amperes, yet its in a 0.55 mm low-profile package -- half the height of a xenon flash package, ON claims, and ideal for thin phones and cameras. LED lighting also provide consistent light for video capture, and the NCP5680 can individually adjust the output current and flash duration of two LEDs in real time for different lighting effects such as an indicator light, pre-flash, and power flashlight for photographing and torchlight for video recording, ON says. The NCP5680 is now available at $1.10 per unit, in 3,000 unit quantities. Trends PMA Data Watch: More than one-third of cameras purchased in 2008 were purchased as a gift for someone else According to the 2009 PMA Lower income households were less likely to purchase digital cameras as gifts than their higher income counterparts. Thirty percent of cameras purchased by households earning an annual income of $30,000 or less were purchased as gifts. This increases to 40 percent for households earning an annual income of $75,000 or more. Lower income households were also most likely to receive digital cameras free through contests, sweepstakes or incentive programs. Households where children under 18 are present are also more likely to purchase cameras as gifts than households where children are not present. Forty-one percent of cameras purchased by households with children were purchased as gifts compared to just 30 percent of the cameras purchased by households without children. Not surprisingly, gifting digital cameras was most common among households with children between 10 and 17 years old. Forty-seven percent of digital cameras purchased by households with children 10-12 years old present were purchased as a gift. Households with young children present were most likely to receive digital cameras for free. For comments and questions please visit the Marketing Research blog PMA Foresight. -- By Kristy Clairmont PMA Marketing Research Analyst Business Phase One, Leaf management to form new Leaf Imaging Ltd. Copenhagen, Denmark, in conjunction with senior management employees of Leaf, Tel Aviv, Israel, announced they have created a new entity, Leaf Imaging Ltd., to purchase certain assets of the Leaf camera business, including the "Leaf" brand product names, engineering design and production tools. The new entity will also enter into an intellectual property license with Eastman Kodak Co. that is royalty-bearing to Kodak. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In collaboration with Phase One, high-end Leaf digital camera equipment will continue to be developed in Israel and marketed under the "Leaf" brand through a global network of specialized and dedicated value added resellers. "We are committed to exciting future developments for the Leaf brand of products through innovative engineering, worldwide marketing and customer service, said Henrik O. Håkonsson, president and CEO, Phase One. "Leaf customers will benefit from the many synergies with Phase One." Phase One is an employee-owned company with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne and Shanghai. Fujifilm powers Greenwood plant with local methane
Fujifilm Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc., Valhalla, N.Y., announced it has begun using methane gas from a local community landfill to power approximately 40 percent of its operations."The completion of this project is a major accomplishment and a step in the right direction for the environment," says Shin Kataoka, president, Fujifilm Manufacturing. "The landfill gas to energy project goes a long way toward meeting our global target for reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere." Globally Fujifilm has committed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 40 percent from its 1990 numbers by 2012, and is engaged in the active pursuit of new energy fuels that will prevent global warming. The company recently announced plans to develop a wind farm in Tilburg, The Netherlands, to supply a portion of the electricity needs of Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., which manufactures color photo paper and offset printing plates. By using the methane as energy in Greenwood, Fujifilm is preventing methane emissions from being released into the atmosphere from the landfill, the company said. Fujifilm uses the gas in two of its specially equipped boilers with a dual burner system that can be switched back and forth between landfill source methane and natural gas purchased from the Commission of Public Works. Fujifilm plans to use at least 197 billion Btu's of energy from the landfill per year. The 500-acre complex currently manufactures digital and conventional pre-sensitized plates, QuickSnap one-time-use recyclable cameras, and color photographic paper. Spectrum Brands receives court approval of its reorganization Rayovac battery brand owner Spectrum Brands Inc., Atlanta, Ga., announced the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division, has approved the company's Plan of Reorganization and will enter a confirmation order upon submission. Following entry of the confirmation order, the plan will become effective -- and the company will exit bankruptcy protection -- as soon as all closing conditions to the Plan, including the closing of the company's exit financing, have been met. Spectrum Brands expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in August. Spectrum Brands and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization, Feb. 3 The main case number is 09-50455. Earnings Micron reports third-quarter net loss; takes charge for Aptina sale Micron Technology Inc., Boise, Idaho, reported a third-quarter net loss of $290 million, on sales of $1.1 billion.The company ended the quarter with cash and investments of $1.3 billion. Revenue from sales of DRAM products increased 14 percent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter principally due to an increase in sales volumes for DRAM products. Revenue from sales of NAND Flash products was flat in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. Memory production in the third quarter was significantly higher compared to the preceding quarter. Sales of CMOS image sensors in the third quarter increased 53 percent compared to the preceding quarter as a result of a significant increase in unit sales. In the third quarter, the company announced the signing of an agreement to sell a majority interest in its Aptina imaging solutions business, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter. In connection with the sale, the company recorded a $53 million charge, the estimated loss on the transaction, to write down the value of Aptina assets now classified as held for sale.
Noritsu Koki reports loss on lower sales Noritsu Koki Co. Ltd., Wakayama City, Japan, announced its consolidated sales for the fiscal year ended in March 2009 plunged 27.5 percent to 45.434 billion yen (US$454.3 million), causing losses in operation, before-tax and net loss at 1.864 billion yen (US$18.6 million), 1.171 billion yen (US$11.7 million) and 3.864 billion yen (US$38.6 million), respectively, according to JPEA Photo Electro News. The company cited unfavorable sales of minilab systems at home and abroad was the main reason for the operational profit loss. The company listed extraordinary loss of 405 million yen (US$4.05 million) occurred at terminating its Spanish agent contract and some losses in liquidating a Chinese unit. According to JPEA Photo Electro News, sales by segments: minilab systems sales notched down 27 percent to 28.501 billion yen (US$285 million), options and spare parts down 39 percent to 8.344 billion yen (US$83.4 million), others down 12 percent to 8.588 billion yen (US$85.9 million). Minilab sales at home came to 2.411 billion yen (US$24.1 million), a 7 percent fall while those at abroad plunged 29 percent to 26.09 billion yen (US$260.9 million). The company sees in the current fiscal term the total sales will further plunge to 37.770 billion yen (US$377.7 million), with minilab systems expecting 24 percent decline to 21.588 billion yen (US$215.9 million). The company said penetration of dry minilabs which are far less expensive, is much faster than expected. Thus the firm anticipates losses in operation at 6.9 billion yen (US$69 million), before-tax 6.2 billion yen (US$62 million) and net loss of 6.3 billion yen (US$63 million). The company expects the sales of dry minilabs in the global market to take 65 percent in 2009, 75 percent in 2010 and 80 percent in 2011. Framing Markets Artgrafix introduces Accent Mount Boards Artgrafix, Edged boards enhance the look of a mounted print and protect the board from handling and shipping damage, the company says. They are lightweight, shatterproof and can be used for a variety of displays from tradeshows and commercial needs to the display of keepsakes and photographs. Artgrafix sized these boards for photographs and common print sizes up to 40-by-60 inches. Accent For a sample, call 800-443-4421 or visit www.artgrafix.com. Retail Markets Take a hike, comfortably, with new Trekking Safari strap
The new Trekking Safari Strap from Brandess-Kalt-Aetna Group Inc. (BKA), Vernon Hills, Ill., is designed to relieve neck strain when carrying a DSLR and a pair of binoculars for extended periods of time. The exclusive concept distributes the weight on the back and shoulders (like a backpack) and allows greater freedom of movement. The Safari Strap has two compartments for memory cards and batteries and includes two sets of camera mounting straps and a pair of binocular mounting straps. It comes in one standard size that is adjustable for everyone. BKA suggests that, because the Trekking Safari Strap is so versatile, it replaces the need for any other straps. Technology Olympus updates firmware for Olympus E-P1 Center Valley, Pa., announced a firmware update for the Olympus E-P1 allowing the camera to operate more effectively with the following Panasonic lenses: Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lens LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8, (This update increases the stability of performance between the body and lens); and anasonic Micro Four Thirds lens LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6. (This update improves auto focus performance for still and motion picture recording, improves the stability of optical image stabilization during motion picture recording, and decreases audible noise during the operation of adjusting the aperture when in motion picture recording.) Firmware updates are available through Olympus Master and Olympus Studio software applications.
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