Kodak tests non-process plates for newspapers

Kodak is running tests at several locations in the US and Canada of non-process plate technology for newspapers that will shorten the prepress time required for newspapers and reduce costs, reports GraphicRepro.

"Kodak's non-process thermal plates remove steps from the plate-making cycle, save floor space and money required for plate processors, and eliminate the need to buy, store, handle and dispose of chemistry," said Jack Knadjian, VP of Publishing, Kodak.

Kodak's non-process plates are compatible with all popular thermal CTP devices without any modification of the equipment.

Lexmark International has been hurt by declines in laser and inkjet computer printer sales, reports the New York Times.

This, according to quarterly profit reports which did not meet Wall Street expectations, with a share drop of close to 9%. The company said unit sales of inkjet printers fell 10% and laser printers were off by 6%.

Lexmark said last year it would reduce sales of unprofitable inkjet printers - a move that some analysts said would reduce the number of its printers on the market and cut sales of supplies.

Hewlett-Packard will gradually change the way it delivers inkjet cartridges, by instituting three new colour-coded categories and a lowered, two-tiered pricing scheme for its inkjet printer cartridges, reports E-Week Channel Insider.

Throughout the year, HP will introduce new consumer printers that will be rolled out alongside the revamped cartridge system, which will introduce standard, value and specialty cartridges labelled with blue, green, and red colour coding respectively.

The programme will be introduced in various retail stores, as well as online, in the hopes of offering its customers a simplified shopping experience, more choice and greater value, the company said. HP's current printer cartridges will still be supported, HP said.