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Previously, equipment intended for retail locations has been unable to produce high-quality photo books. InfoTrends predicts a compound annual growth rate of 22% for photo books through to 2013, and HP officials claim the ML1000D will allow retailers to capture a bigger share of this market by allowing "one hour" service for photobooks.
The ML1000D produces up to 1500 "lab-quality" prints per hour in 16 single-sided sizes and two book sizes. The prints are claimed to be colourfast for more than 200 years.
Environmental benefits compared with traditional processes are said to include reduced energy consumption, the elimination of hazardous chemicals, and the elimination of water consumption. Labour costs are also said to be reduced significantly.
The first ML1000D customers in Australia will be Kmart and Ted's Camera Stores.
"The HP Photosmart ML1000D Minilab printer will allow Kmart to offer our customers arguably the best quality photo books in retail all within one hour, while using HP technology to reduce the environmental footprint of our photo centres," said Adam Gradon, Kmart's divisional merchandise manager, entertainment.
"One of the key reasons we have chosen to implement HP technology is to move away from traditional chemical based photo production to a 'greener' method," said Jason Robertson, photofinishing executive at Ted's Camera Stores.
"With the HP Photosmart ML1000D, HP was able to offer us environmentally friendly technology with duplex capability that will also enhance our customers’ creative photo experience," he added.
