Epson, a supplier of POS and print solutions, today announced it will launch a new line of transaction printers that includes a compact, thermal printer with all-front access for use in specialty POS and kiosk applications. According to a news release from Epson, the new printer will be released sometime in the next two quarters, along with two other models for use in retail applications.

Epson says that in a 2009 brand-awareness study, 79 percent of resellers said that Epson's range and variety of printers gave them a sales advantage when selling to retailers. Keith Kratzberg, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Epson America, says the new line of printers will offer its partners even more options:

Resellers are extremely important to our success. We listened to the feedback throughout the channel, and we designed new products to meet market demands. Whether the customer needs a simple plug-and-play printer or a highly configurable printer for use across a large retail enterprise, our partners will have an Epson solution. This new lineup of products will generate new revenue streams for our channel partners and help them cultivate and grow their businesses.

Epson says that, according to a 2009 IHL retail study, the company holds a 41 percent share of the thermal printer POS installed base.

Target applications include POS, ticketing, banking and kiosks systems used in retail, transportation, gaming, convenience and hospitality environments. Its quiet operation and durability make it equally suitable for use in medical devices and scientific equipment.

Seiko Instruments USA Inc.'s Thermal Printer Division and Arrow Electronics have announced a distribution partnership for the Americas. According to a news release from Seiko, the agreement means that Arrow's OEM Computing Solutions group will provide a full range of engineering integration and logistics services and Seiko will provide its kiosk printers, mobile printers and thermal print mechanisms.

Kaz Onishi, vice president and general manager of Seiko Instruments USA, says the partnership will benefit manufacturers and integrators in the kiosk and ATM markets, among others:

Arrow offers very high-caliber outsourcing capabilities and a robust line-up of complementary technologies. Arrow can support the full gamut of customers, from small integrators to multinational OEMs. This is a great fit for our best-in-class printers, and most importantly, it is a big win for the customer.

Arrow's OEM Computing Solutions group's capabilities include product design, prototype development, compliance, documentation, manufacturing and integration, logistics, post-sales services and financing. Arrow operates state-of-the-art, value-added and logistics centers in the United States, Mexico, China and Hungary.

Star Micronics announced today at KioskCom Europe it has been selected as the exclusive kiosk printer manufacturer for Premier Inn, which is rolling out self-service check-in kiosks across its chain of hotels, as well as replacing traditional A4 laser printers at the reception desks.

Premier said the reason for the change was to improve customer service and turn to newer, greener solutions. Customers can enter their booking information into the kiosks and swipe their credit card to check in, which cuts back on queues at the reception counter.

The Premier Inn kiosk at KioskCom Europe.

The primary printer used for the project is the Star Micronics TUP992. The printer holds a large-capacity roll measuring up to .25cm and is capable of two-color output at 150mm per second.

At the reception desk, Premier selected the TSP800 printer from Star.

"Reducing queues at busy times and providing an improved service to our customers is key,” said Trefor Price, project manager at Whitbread PLC, Premier’s parent company. “At the reception desk, the TSP800 allows us to not only save space and reduce CO2 emissions, but provide a more efficient billing service to our customers."

Giving our customers an exceptional photo-creation experience is an integral part of our mission, and we felt that KODAK, as the market leader, best delivered that experience. KODAK is providing both an integrated suite of photo-finishing solutions and the technical and business expertise needed to enable all our locations with one-stop access to award-winning photo products and services.

Source Technologies, a provider of secure print solutions, today announced an upgrade to it downloadable emulation, or DLE-based, MICR printers. All current model Secure MICR, Secure MICR Prepped and Secure Document printers now will include 32MB of user-addressable Flash memory. The modification takes effect immediately on DLE-based versions of the company's ST9620, ST9630 AND ST 9650 models.

In a news release, the company says the enhancement means users are no longer required to purchase Flash memory to support additional system fonts or store signatures for access. Sarah Burkhart, Source Technolgies' director of product marketing, says the new feature will help deployers protect themselves from fraud:

Source Technologies continues to offer the greatest value and highest security check and secure document printers. The addition of 32MB of user-addressable memory enables users to step up their security efforts at no extra charge, protecting their organizations from fraud while providing the highest possible return to their stakeholders. This change will encourage more users to take advantage of the printer's security features, strengthening their fraud arsenal at a lower cost.

Germany-based printer manufacturer HECON/Hengstler has announced a new 12-volt version of its C-56 thermal printer. In a news release, the company says the popularity of its original C-56 model led to the upgrade:

   
"The popular HECON/Hengstler C-56 thermal printer is used extensively in gas dispensers, kiosks, car washes and any other application where a robust, reliable receipt printer with a wide temperature range is needed. Now, due to customer demand, HECON/Hengstler has created a 12-volt version of this workhorse printer."


HECON/Hengstler says the printer is especially useful for mobile or battery-powered applications, such as remote or solar-charged kiosks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Source Technologies, a maker of kiosks and secure print solutions, has  introduced a global partner program for original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers, independent software vendors and distributors. The program, designed to give participants a competitive advantage, is built around hardware, software and service solutions for the specific needs of vertical markets, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, government and banking.
 
“Our partners play an important role in our overall corporate strategy, so it’s time we formalized a program that substantiates our commitment to them,” said William Bouverie, chief executive of Source Technologies. “The program is an opportunity to work more closely with our partners. When we work together to create solid business plans, we bring a stronger message to our customers. Ultimately, the objective is to collectively uncover new opportunities and to increase technology offerings.”
 
According to a news release, the program’s infrastructure includes new products that enable participants to achieve attractive sales and profitability levels, a dedicated account-management team, and a plethora of clearly defined benefits.
 
“We’re exited to launch this program at a time when many organizations are looking to strengthen the value proposition they offer to their customers,” said Mimi Bartholomew, director of alliance partnerships of Source Technologies. “With Source Technologies’ full-breadth of products, channel-centric philosophy and dedication to customer satisfaction, our partners will enjoy an advantage in any economy.”
 
Participants in the new program will have access to:
 
• Comprehensive training and sales education
• Incentive funds
• Sales leads eligibility
• Evaluation unit program
• Service expansion opportunities

BOURNE END, England — Zebra Technologies Europe Ltd., a global leader in specialty printing and automatic identification solutions, today announced the immediate availability of the Zebra Kiosk Print Station. This all-in-one kiosk solution is a compact enclosure that can house a Zebra TTP 2000 series kiosk printer and a roll of media and has a mounting for a compact touchscreen kiosk computer. It can be integrated with a touchscreen out of the box, without the long lead time and high cost associated with a custom solution.
 
"As customer self-service applications increase over the years, retailers are keen to develop cost-effective solutions that improve store efficiencies and at the same time increase customer satisfaction," said Rod Rodericks, vice president and managing director, EMEA, for Zebra. "Until now, most kiosk enclosures had to be custom built, causing long deployment times, which has led to lost sales opportunities and a decrease in customer confidence. The Zebra Kiosk Print Station allows even the smallest retailers to realize the benefits of self-service solutions immediately."
 
According to a news release, the Zebra Kiosk Print Station can be easily mounted on a wall or pole, freeing up valuable floor and counter space. The Zebra TTP 2000 receipt kiosk printer is kept secure in a lockable enclosure along with the associated media. Retailers can choose from a variety of media options depending on their needs, including four different receipt label widths. The IBM AnyPlace or Motorola MK Series are both compact, interactive self-service devices that can be securely fastened to the Zebra Kiosk Print Station.
 
The Zebra Kiosk Print Station, combined with the Zebra TTP 2000 unit, supports a range of applications, such as extended aisle, wayfinding, deli self-order, gift registry, loyalty and discount vouchers and recipe/wine search.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — CVS/pharmacy and Eastman Kodak Company have announced a new long-term agreement naming Kodak as the national chain’s provider of in-store photo-processing systems, including the KODAK Adaptive Picture Exchange, or APEX dry lab system, KODAK Picture Kiosk, and Kodak Service and Support.
 
The agreement enables CVS/pharmacy to build on its leadership position within the photo retailing category by providing customers with multiple in-store photo-service options and an expanded portfolio of premium, high-value photo products, such as KODAK Picture Movie DVDs and Photo Books.
 
“CVS/pharmacy has a longstanding reputation for quality products and services, and consumers recognize and trust the quality associated with the Kodak brand. We believe our strong relationship with Kodak will continue to resonate with our consumers and help us to continue our growth in this important category,” said Grant Pill, vice president for CVS/Pharmacy.
 
An integral strategy for CVS/pharmacy will be to implement Kodak’s latest G4X consumer kiosks in stores and to significantly expand its fleet of KODAK APEX dry lab systems. The KODAK APEX system is a modular, behind-the-counter thermal dry lab system, which combines a number of new products into one powerful, integrated and industry-leading retailer solution.
 
“CVS/pharmacy has been a great business partner for Kodak. This new agreement will build on our already successful partnership by enabling more growth in premium photo products and by broadening the reach of Kodak’s state-of-the-art APEX system at CVS/pharmacy locations,” said Mike Saturnia, vice president of sales for Eastman Kodak Company. “Kodak is proud to be working with this innovative retailer to optimize its photo services fleet with advanced dry lab and photo kiosk systems.”
 
In 2008, CVS/pharmacy was the first national retailer to offer customers both KODAK Picture Movie DVDs and Photo Books. These innovative photo-processing products turn customers’ photos into hard-cover books and movies in minutes using the KODAK Picture Kiosk. Both of these products are now available in more than 5,600 CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.

 

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Fujitsu Components Americaok Inc. has released a new series of ultra low-profile, 24V, receipt and journal printer units that can either be combined together into one modular unit, or mounted separately for design and installation flexibility. Target applications include mini kiosks, banking and POS terminals, and scientific and medical equipment.

The new FTP-627USL525/526 series consists of two units: a 2-inch thermal receipt printer/cutter unit (FTP-627USL525), and a 2-inch journal printer/rewinder unit (FTP-627USL526). The receipt printer unit measures a compact 82 (W) x 150 (D) x 110 (H)mm, while the journaling unit measures 86(W) x 150(D) x 157(H)mm. Both units weigh 350g each.

Designed for medium-duty applications, both the receipt and journal units have output speeds of up to 150mm per second and have an operating life of 100km of paper. The receipt printer unit’s guillotine cutter features its own dedicated stepper motor to deliver 1 million cuts at 20 cuts per minute.

The platen release mechanism on both the receipt and journaling unit resists paper jams and allows drop-in paper loading into a plastic paper bucket for rolls up to 58mm wide and 83mm in diameter. Print capability includes a variety of text, standard, extended and 2D barcodes, logos and graphics at 8dots/mm resolution.

Both units feature a die-cast frame that provides shock and vibration resistance, mounting stability, ESD absorption, and static electricity dissipation. It also enables combined or separate unit use, while ensuring suitability for many types of installations.

ORLANDO, Fla. — At the NACHA Payments Conference, Epson introduced a suite of three scanning devices optimized for small business payment processing.
 
According to a news release, the three products include the CaptureOne Single-Feed check scanner, the Perfection V30 flatbed check and document scanner, and the WorkForce 500 All-in-One Scanner with print, copy, fax and photo capabilities. Epson’s Perfection V30 and WorkForce 500 combine customized remote deposit capture software with multifunction scanning and document processing devices for more robust functionality. And Epson says the CaptureOne Single-Feed scanner offers the highest MICR accuracy of any competitive single-feed RDC device in its class.
 
According to Celent, checks represent 75 percent or more of the total receivables for more than two-thirds of small businesses, and RDC is an untapped opportunity in this segment.
 
“Until now, RDC has been too complex and expensive for small business users,” said Bud Weist, vice president of sales and marketing for the Epson System Device Group. “Epson has just made RDC easy, affordable and flexible, with three low-cost check processing options that conform to small business workflow.”
 
The Perfection V30 and Workforce 500 are the only SMB scanners available today with Epson’s SureCapture check imaging software. Designed to automatically handle the check imaging process, SureCapture crops, aligns and matches both sides of the check to prevent item errors, reads the MICR and sends the check data to the bank with all formatting required by the RDC application. The software comes bundled with both scanner models and is simple to install and use.
 
Epson’s CaptureOne Single-Feed scanner is ideal for small business customers processing up to 30 checks per day. It boasts the highest MICR accuracy. With an industry-leading two-year warranty and overnight replacement options to minimize downtime, Epson’s CaptureOne Single-Feed check scanner is the ideal option for banks and ISOs looking to implement trouble-free RDC in a large number of small businesses with geographically dispersed locations.
 
Epson’s Perfection V30 is the only color flatbed scanner available today that offers everything SMBs need to take advantage of RDC. Ideal for small businesses that process up to 10 checks per day, it combines high-resolution color flatbed document and photo scanning with customized check processing capabilities. The Perfection V30 allows users to scan, copy, create PDFs, email documents and photos and, with its unique SureCapture check imaging software, it also captures and formats check images for the unique RDC application.
 
The Workforce 500 offers everything SMBs need to take advantage of the benefits of RDC. In its class it is ideal for small businesses that accept up to 10 checks per day. It allows users to scan, print, copy and fax documents and photos, and, with its unique SureCapture check imaging software, it also captures and formats check images tailored to their RDC application. In addition to check imaging, it offers fast print speeds and laser-quality printing. The device also includes a 30-page automatic document feeder for quick copying, scanning or faxing.
 
Other features include double-sided printing to conserve paper, color faxes up to 3 seconds per page, and it uses up to three times less power than a regular laser printer.

DENVER — CognitiveTPG, provider of on-demand label and transaction printing solutions, introduced its new line of kiosk printers, the K798 and K799. The K798 and K799 thermal printers incorporate the same platform technology as its A798/A799 Point of Sale receipt printers.

These kiosk printers feature an exclusive full-steel modular frame to withstand the harshest environments and facilitate kiosk construction and maintenance. The compact clamshell design provides significant design flexibility and access to common areas required for media loading and maintenance. This ensures easier integration in retail, self-checkout, healthcare, hospitality, and banking self-service applications.

Unique to the kiosk printer market, the K798/K799 features a self-sharpening rotary ceramic auto-cutter knife with a minimum service life of 2.3 million knife cuts, which is 50 percent longer than many existing offerings. Combined with a 200 kilometer (7.8 million inches) printhead, these kiosk printers deliver unsurpassed performance and reliability.

"With the growing significance of the self-service sector, CognitiveTPG designed a printer mechanism that can work in a kiosk application as well as our single station point-of-sale unit," said Jose Basa, director of new product development. "The modular design allows us to offer the service, flexibility and reliability that our POS customers have enjoyed for over twenty years."

KENT, England — POS and printer manufacturer DED has launched the NP2511V and NP3511V 2-inch and 3-inch thermal kiosk printers, designed for use in vertically challenging applications. Specifically designed to be mountable in kiosks where space is limited, the printers offer vertical paper mounting as a standard feature. Speed is almost 8 inches per second on a variety of paper weights, including tickets, with a width of up to 3.27 inches.
 
According to a news release, additional features include a lock-free cutter capable of a full or partial cut, drivers for XP/2000/Vista and Linux CUPS, and a choice of RS232C or USB interface.

TORRANCE, Calif. — Seiko Instruments USA Inc.'s thermal-printer division has introduced three kiosk printers to its APU-9000 line.
 
According to a news release, the kiosk printers are ideal for indoor and outdoor deployments, and ensure easier integration in retail, self-checkout, healthcare, hospitality and banking self-service applications.
 
The new printers have an output of 250 mm/sec print speeds, a minimum 150 kilometers total output, and more than 1 million cuts.
 
They also support extreme temperatures, from -20C to +60C, and offer a choice of 2-, 3-, and 4-inch print-width models. Measuring 5.5 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep and 5.2 inches high, the small footprint is designed for easy integration. The printers offer 203 dpi resolution, accommodate a wide range of media thicknesses, and can operate as a ticket or receipt printer.
 
USB, serial and parallel connectivity are supported.
 
"These new high-performance kiosk printers demonstrate our commitment to providing innovative solutions for the growing self-service sector," said Kaz Onishi, vice president and general manager of Seiko Instruments USA.

TORRANCE, Calif. — Seiko Instruments USA Inc.'s Thermal Printer Division, a provider of thermal printer technology, announced a new small-form-factor, low-cost two-inch kiosk printer. The APU-G247 packs many of the features commonly found on larger kiosk printers, and frees mechanical design real estate, making it ideal for entry-level and mid-range self-service applications.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — Microcom Corp., maker of specialty-use thermal printers, has announced a new printer designed specifically for kiosk applications. The 428M thermal kiosk printer offers a small footprint and affordable price without compromising performance.

The 300 dpi heavy-duty-use kiosk printer can output on all types of media, including tickets, wristbands and customer loyalty cards up to 11 mils thick and at 8 inches per second. The adjustable paper guides make loading easy, and the field replaceable wear parts and reliable rotary cutter make it inexpensive to maintain. Other features include a steel construction, USB connectivity, and movable sensors that detect gaps, holes, notches and black lines.

 

Net loss for the period was $4,263,000, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, including a pretax charge of $53,392,000 related to the previously announced settlement of a dispute and a licensing agreement with Paxar Americas Inc. This charge reduced basic and diluted 2006 third quarter earnings by $0.51 per share. For the third quarter a year ago, net income was $28,075,000, or $0.39 per diluted share. Results for 2005 were restated to reflect the adoption of SFAS 123, Share-Based Payments.

Dayton, Ohio — TEC Singapore Electronics, a division of Toshiba TEC Corporation, has signed an agreement with NCR Corporation to license NCR's simultaneous two-sided thermal printing technology. NCR's patented printing process reduces paper roll receipt usage by as much as 50 percent and provides additional operational savings on freight, storage, disposal and roll changes.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- HP today announced new technologies, created by researchers in HP Labs India, which are designed to help grow opportunities in rapidly expanding economies.

  NASHUA, N.H. —  Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA), a manufacturer of labels and thermal and specialty papers, today announced that its previously announced planned sale of certain of its toner and developer assets to Katun Corporation closed as scheduled on March 31, 2006 with certain assets remaining to be transferred.  The assets involved in the transaction included certain toner and developer formulations and related equipment. Nashua also said that it expects the remaining assets   to be transferred to Katun within three months.

ROCHESTER, Feb. 17 -- Eastman Kodak Company today reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality, innovative products to help retailers succeed in today's changing marketplace. 

Glendale, Calif.--March 13, 2006--FutureLogic, Inc., the leading manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced today that IGT, a subsidiary of International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT), has tested and approved FutureLogic's GEN2 Universal gaming printer for use in its existing and new gaming platforms.

Designed to provide the ease of integration required for the next generation of electronic games, the FutureLogic USB-compatible TITO printers will be launched this spring with IGT's new Trimline AVP games at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas .

The GEN2 Universal printers anticipate new GSA standards for downloadable games and are compatible with existing platforms as well as the next generation of USB games. The printers include three game ports (RS232, NetPlex, and USB 2.0 Full Speed) and a dedicated promotional printing port to enable the latest trend in casino marketing - promotional couponing.

FutureLogic developed and launched its first TITO printer in collaboration with IGT designers for the introduction of EZ Pay in 1999, and proudly maintains its status as default printer supplier for IGT worldwide. As a platinum member of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA), FutureLogic actively participates in the development of USB communication standards and reference designs. The company also works closely with casinos and global game manufacturers to improve efficiencies and enhance player satisfaction.

About FutureLogic
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Glendale , Calif. , FutureLogic designs and builds high-reliability electromechanical assembly solutions for nearly every printing need. As the undisputed leader in super-robust thermal printer technology, FutureLogic is the industry's premier supplier of thermal printers for casino gaming, promotional equipment, kiosk, industrial, electronic voting, gas pumps and medical applications. In July 2004 the company founded FutureLogic Europe Ltd to provide direct sales and engineering support for the growing OEM thermal printer markets in Europe . More information on the company is available at www.futurelogic-inc.com.

 

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 17, 2006 - HP has appointed Bruce Dahlgren, formerly vice president and general manager of North America Printing Solutions and Services Division at Lexmark, to serve as the head of enterprise sales for the Imaging and Printing Group (IPG).

Effective today, Dahlgren will serve as senior vice president of IPG worldwide enterprise sales, a new role created to bring greater focus to the printing and imaging opportunities in large enterprises. He reports to Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of IPG.

In this position, Dahlgren will drive IPG's enterprise go-to-market approach globally, delivering complete printing solutions to the company's top 1,500 accounts. Additionally, he will work with Technology Solutions Group sales, service and support to aggressively grow HP's enterprise business.

Dahlgren joins HP after six years at Lexmark, where he was responsible for leading the company's most profitable business unit, the North America Printing Solutions and Services Division. Prior to Lexmark, Dahlgren spent 15 years with NCR, AT&T and Teradata.

"Bruce has a deep understanding of vertical industries and a wealth of experience delivering printing solutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of enterprise customers," said Joshi. "His expertise driving solution-oriented sales combined with the world's most extensive portfolio of printing solutions will help IPG achieve its goals moving forward."

About HP