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« June 2006 | Main | August 2006 »

Posts from July 2006

Making Memories Posts New Product Release Schedule

Making Memories has posted their New Product Release Schedule on their blog.

In stores Mid-August

Leather Albums
Single Size Rim Packs
Slot Punching Tool
Cheeky™ Style Program
Large and mini blossoms

Arriving in late August

Textured Tape
Halloween

Available late September

12” x 12” Precision Paper Trimmer
Winter and Holiday

Kim Luty Joins NSA as Director of Product Services

Kim Luty, owner of Same Differences, recently announced on her blog that she has been "brought on to the as the Director of Product Services".

My role is to help people who want to bring their products to the scrapbooking market in the best way possible for them. This is actually something I have been thinking about wanting to do "next" for quite some time, and the timing worked out perfectly.

Read Kim's initial documentation on the NSA Product Services program, which addresses some of the most common myths and truths about entering the scrapbooking product marketplace.

NSA's Product Services Division provides consultative services to help prospective manufacturers evaluate their product idea and guide them in the beginning of the process.

Epson StoryTeller Refills Now Available

Chief Memory Officers™ and Photo Enthusiasts Have Even More Reasons to Preserve and Share Memories of Summertime Fun

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether commemorating vacations, picnics or other summer activities with family and friends, photo enthusiasts will have even more reasons to preserve their memories, as Epson America, Inc. is now offering a refill kit for its popular StoryTeller® Photo Book Creator. The StoryTeller Refill Kit provides a great value for Chief Memory Officers™ (CMOs) and photo enthusiasts who have already created a personalized photo book using
the StoryTeller Photo Book Creator software and want to make additional books of their most treasured memories.

For those who already have the software and an ink jet printer, the refill kit includes all the materials needed to easily create and publish at home two additional 10-page 8"x10" personalized, hardcover photo books that are ideal gifts for family or friends or as a personal keepsake to display on a coffee table. The kit includes 24 glossy photo pages; two pre-bound, hardback books; three glossy cover sheets; and two clear outer covers for only $39.99.

"Once customers try StoryTeller, they are hooked and want to make multiple books for so many occasions," said Kara Aptor, product manager, StoryTeller, Epson. "The refill kit is ideal for these repeat purchasers."

SOURCES: Digital Camera News & Epson Media Room

Epson Perfection V100 and V350 photo scanners

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America Inc. today announces its newest consumer scanners -- the Epson Perfection™ V350 Photo and Epson Perfection V100 Photo, targeting Chief Memory Officers™, photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers who want to easily restore and archive their cherished photos, negatives and slides, as well as scan items for creative projects with ease.

The Epson Perfection V350 Photo and Epson Perfection V100 Photo scanners, with estimated street prices of $149 and $99 respectively, both feature a newly designed slim case suited for either portrait or landscape orientation with a high-rise lid and hinge that can be opened up to 180 degrees. This lid allows for greater flexibility in scanning three-dimensional objects up to 25mm thick, as well as oversized objects, photos and documents. In addition, the scanners offer premium value with a maximum hardware resolution up to 4800 x 9600 dpi on the Perfection V350 Photo and up to 3200 x 9600 dpi on the Perfection V100 Photo. Both models offer 48-bit color scanning and 3.2 dynamic range for high quality scans, as well as Epson Easy Photo Fix® for automatic color restoration of faded photos.

The scanners also feature Epson's new Digital Dust Correction technology, a more intelligent tool that automatically detects and removes unwanted dust particles from scans while maintaining the integrity of the original image. Some dust removal technologies apply detection to the whole image, which can mistakenly remove important details that resemble dust or debris. Epson's solution separates an image into different areas -- those with many image elements and those with few image elements -- and works to remove defects only in the clearer areas. In this manner, dust is removed from only those areas where it would be most visible, minimizing the risk that real image content would erroneously be deleted. This patent-pending technology is only available for Epson scanners.

Another key advancement for the Perfection V350 Photo and Perfection V100 Photo is Epson's improved Back Light Correction technology. This feature corrects poorly exposed photos that result when the subject is in front of a bright background. In addition to automatically adjusting the underexposed foreground subject, this feature takes the process one step further by color balancing the overall image. This results in a more natural-looking image with corrected exposure and better color reproduction.

"Epson Perfection scanners strive to deliver the best quality and overall value for preserving treasured photos at these price points," said Philip Amato, product manager, scanners, Epson. "With so many digital imaging enhancement tools housed within a sleek, innovative design, these consumer-level scanners continue to be a smart choice for anyone who wants outstanding imaging technologies without breaking the bank."

These scanners also have four convenient front panel buttons that allow customers to automatically scan for copies and e-mail attachments, as well as generate Adobe® PDF files. Both feature Hi-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast data transfer.

Continue reading "Epson Perfection V100 and V350 photo scanners" »

Wacom adds Photoshop Elements to Studio XL

July 26, 2006 -- Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays today announces an update to the Studio and Studio XL versions of its Graphire4 range, aimed at amateur photographers who record family events such as birthdays, weddings and holidays, and who want to get the best out of their digital photographs. From now on, all Graphire4 packages will be equipped with Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 provides new tools for creative image editing and helps the user to organize his pictures more effectively. Pen tablet users profit especially from two new tools: the magic selection brush and the magic extraction brush. Both brushes allow selecting and editing parts of a picture more easily. With the pen, these selections can be done very easily and precisely.

The Graphire4 pen tablets have a resolution of 2,000dpi for enhanced precision in photo editing, video editing and graphics applications. The Graphire Pen has 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering pinpoint accuracy when working with digital photographs.

The complete packaging of Graphire4 Studio and Studio XL consists of a tablet and pen, driver CD and Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0.  Like all Wacom pens, the Graphire4 pen is also cordless and battery-free.

SOURCES: Digital Camera News, and Pixel Perfect Digital

Adorn Crafting Magazine Now Available

A little more information on Adorn magazine, originally mentioned in the post, New Crafting Magazine to Launch.

It's subtitled, "The Crafty Girl's Guide to Embellishing Life".

The Summer '06 issue (premiere) is now available at newsstands including Target, Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Waldenbooks and Books-A-Million as well as all the major craft chains.  The Fall/Winter issue for Adorn will be on sale November 7, 2006. Newsstand dates for 2007 are: Spring (February 7), Summer (May 9), Fall (August 6) and Winter (November 7).

They have a blog.

Meredith Corporation Names New Editorial Director of Special Interest Media

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation today named John Riha Editorial Director of Meredith Special Interest Media, a group of 230 issues covering building and remodeling; decorating and design; gardening and outdoor living; food and entertaining; diet and health; and various crafting activities including quilting, scrapbooking and knitting, effective Aug. 15.

"John has an amazing track record. With his expertise across a wide variety of subject matter and proven editorial and leadership skills, John is a perfect match for our Special Interest Media group," said Doug Olson, Senior Vice President Publishing Group. "The possibilities for collaboration between Special Interest Media, Better Homes and Gardens magazine and the Interactive Media Group are endless."

Riha currently serves as Executive Editor for Better Homes and Gardens magazine, where he is responsible for daily management of the magazine and developing editorial content, ranging from home design and architecture to gardening and outdoor living to food and family matters.

Riha has more than 30 years of publishing experience, including several top editorial positions at Meredith titles.  He was the founding editor of Renovation Style and also served as Managing Editor for Traditional Home.  He originally joined the company in 1983 as Building and Features Editor for Country Home.

An accomplished writer, Riha has published articles and books for Architectural Digest, Esquire, Family Money, GQ, Men's Journal, Black and Decker Home Improvement and many others.

Riha is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.  He currently resides in West Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife Debra.

SOURCE: Yahoo! Finance

Long Term Photo Care program designed to provide education, tools for PMA members

Photo Marketing Association is creating a new program called Long Term Photo Care (LTPC) for photo retailers. Long Term Photo Care, a term coined and promoted by author and industry journalist Laura Oles, entails providing education, products, and services for consumers who have hard drives filling up with digital pictures and aren't sure what to do next. Oles will head the Long Term Photo Care project for PMA.

"We know from industry studies and recently published white papers that many consumers are confused about what steps to take after the moment has been captured; they don't know where to start," states Oles, author of "Digital Photography for Busy Women: How to Manage, Protect and Preserve Your Favorite Photos." "We also know that retailers can be the missing link in this process, guiding consumers through the acronym-filled world of digital photography."

The LTPC program will include ready-to-use educational brochures and a LTPC web page designed for retailer use on their sites. The program will also include sales training to help retailers provide solutions based upon customers' specific issues and current behavior.

The Long Term Photo Care program will cover issues including (but not limited to):

  • Building awareness and education related to Long Term Photo Care.
  • Creating LTPC campaigns designed around consumers' existing behavior while
    providing tools and solutions so they don't feel they are in this alone.
  • How to organize, catalog and file digital photographs for easier retrieval.
  • The benefits and risks of various digital photo storage methods.
  • The benefits of printing photographs for backup purposes and how to choose archival-quality printed materials.
  • Creating a long-term plan to help protect against hardware obsolescence.

The program will be available in November.

SOURCE: PMA Newsline International.

Lasting Impressions Announces MemoryMixer Lite

WOODS CROSS, Utah, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Lasting Impressions for Paper, Inc., the leading manufacturer of embossing templates and digital scrapbooking software, today announced MemoryMixer(TM) Lite. The new product has the same popular features as the original MemoryMixer, the only difference being the quantity of content. MemoryMixer Lite offers less QuickMixes, backgrounds, and embellishments, but allows a Lite user to buy additional content as desired. Thus customers can upgrade to the full version at their own pace.

"MemoryMixer Lite is a great addition to the MemoryMixer collection," said Sharlene Wells Hawkes, former Miss America and a working mother. "As an active mom, I am constantly searching for products that enrich and simplify my life. The new product lets you use those photos hiding in your computer files and quickly create, design and share those memories."

MemoryMixer Lite allows users to combine digital video, sound, photos, computer graphics and typewritten text into a multimedia experience that brings memories to life. It also incorporates narration capabilities, such as a family member's voice, adding a more personal and meaningful touch. In addition, users can digitally scan memorabilia such as report cards, ticket stubs, or a child's drawing. MemoryMixer has multiple output options that include DVD, CD, beautiful hardbound photobooks and traditional print (professional printing or at-home printing) and uniquely retains its print quality throughout the creative process.

MemoryMixer Lite will be available in July 2006 and will be priced at $29.95 for a broad consumer audience. The new product is compatible with either PC or Mac systems.  For more information please visit www.memorymixer.com.  For information regarding Lasting Impressions' other products, please visit www.lastingimpressions.com.

SOURCE: Yahoo! Finance

Canon Releases New Photo Printers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 10, 2006 – Need to print out a recipe? Need directions to a friend's house? How about printing out photos taken over the weekend? For whatever your need may be, Canon has the right solution with the introduction of three new single function models, including the Canon PIXMA iP6700D, PIXMA iP6310D and the PIXMA iP1700 Photo Printers.

"From Grandma to the grand kids, our new PIXMA photo printers give consumers with varying printing needs more choices, more features and a better value," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. "In addition to options, we wanted to offer all our customers a unique cutting edge design that is very much in line with today's tastes and styles."

PIXMA iP6700D Photo Printer: A Worthy Successor to the Award-Winning PIXMA iP6600D
Providing the perfect match to its award-winning digital SLR line-up, Canon introduces the PIXMA iP6700D Photo Printer (estimated selling price $199.99)1 for vibrant, high-quality photo prints. When used in conjunction with the new Canon EOS 30D digital SLR for example, the new, six-color, iP6700D Photo Printer supports the user-friendly Canon-to-Canon Direct Advantage. Connected via PictBridge, the iP6700D printer's Canon-to-Canon connection allows users to brighten faces, print shooting information on a print, or even print a contact sheet with up to 35 images all directly from the camera controls without a PC. The Canon-to-Canon workflow allows consumers to take advantage of added convenience and power to produce outstanding image quality directly from the camera to the printer without the need for a PC.

The iP6700D utilizes Canon Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) technology and the ChromaLife100 ink system to produce high-quality, long-lasting photos2 that any pro would be proud to display. With an extra-large 3.5" color LCD screen for easy viewing and editing of photos, Smart LED equipped ink tanks and the Canon Advanced Paper Handling System, the PIXMA iP6700D Photo Printer has the capabilities of a photo kiosk built right in.

PIXMA iP6310D Photo Printer: Personal Minilab For The Home
The PIXMA iP6310D Photo Printer (estimated selling price $99.99) is a 6-color photo printer that features Canon's ChromaLife100 ink system for long lasting, beautiful photos. The printer also supports a number of direct photo printing capabilities including select memory cards, digital cameras, DV camcorders, camera phones and other PictBridge ready devices. The iP6310D model has a maximum of 4800 x 1200 dpi3 resolution with microscopic droplets as small as two picoliters, to produce photos that are virtually grain-free - fast. In fact, it can create a borderless 4"x 6" photo lab quality print in approximately a minute4, as well as other popular sizes that are accepted by the iP6310D, from wallet to 8.5"x11" size prints.

PIXMA iP1700 Photo Printer: Your Family's First Photo Printer
Customers can easily print digital photos at home with the affordably priced PIXMA iP1700 Photo Printer (estimated selling price $49.99), using the included Easy-PhotoPrint software. Plus, this 4-color product produces laser-sharp text for documents and colorful web pages. The pigment black ink will even resist smudging when highlighted. The printer produces a maximum 4800 x 1200 color dpi3 resolution for borderless printing in a variety of sizes including wallet, 4"x 6", 5"x 7", 8"x 10", and 8.5"x 11".

Creative Park Website:
Looking to extend your creativity beyond just photos and documents? Customers can now try Canon's new Creative Park website at www.canon.com/c-park. The site offers 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates, novel greeting cards, educational materials and the opportunity to learn more about digital photography.

Related News: CANON DEBUTS FOUR NEW PIXMA 'ALL-IN-ONE' PRINTERS

SOURCE: Canon Press Room and DigiCam News

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