WritingPros Asia - Digital Printing

Hitachi's Unrollable E-Paper in 2006

2005-02-10T11:28:00.000+08:00

(The following Press Release was made for Los Angeles Printing Services. 012805.)

Hitachi's Unrollable E-Paper in 2006

The introduction of the electronic paper, or E-paper, may just be the ticket to save our tress from being converted into paper.

January 29, 2005 – Most of us believe that to start having a greener earth, we must begin with paper. Whether it's recycling newspaper, cardboard, and perhaps mixed
paper, environmental acts are defined when we don't waste paper.

Countries all over have suffered from the effects of landslides due to the depletion of trees. The world has lost nearly 200 million hectares of tree cover. Some of these trees
have been used to produce new paper. Do you know that when new paper is produced, whole trees (e.g. round wood) are used?

To complete the environment cycle, we have to put back into production the paper that we used to conserve and reduce the cutting of trees for new paper. This is called
recycling. However, this is far from what is happening. The paper we send to recyclers has not always gone back into products, but ended up in landfills. The reason for this
is that there is not enough demand for recycled papers. In addition, mills find it to be more expensive to acquire equipment to handle recycled stock.

But advances in technology might just be the ticket to save trees from being turned into paper. With the introduction of E-paper in the market, traditional paper won't be in
demand anymore.

E-paper (or electronic paper), according to searchMobileComputing.com, is a portable, reusable storage and display medium that looks like paper but can be repeatedly
written on (refreshed) by electronic means, thousands and even millions of times. They are used for applications such as e-books, portable signs, and foldable, rollable
displays. They're reusable and relatively cheap to produce.

Developers such as Xerox PARC and Lucent Technologies have cashed in on the technology. Xerox, in partnership with 3M, has created Gyricon. Lucent, on the other hand,
is working with E Ink to create their own brand of e-paper. Both of these technologies made possible a black and white display.

On the other hand, Philips introduced an e-paper in full color. Another brand that plans to sell a color-capable electronic paper in 2006 is Hitachi.

Hitachi's Unrollable E-paper

In the December issue of Asia Pulse, it was announced that Hitachi Ltd. plans to start selling these color-capable electronic paper based on its newly developed 3mm-thick
LCD as early as 2006.

As most types of e-papers can display only black and white images, Hitachi applied a color display capability by employing a mechanism that shifts the distance between
electrodes. Equipped with a special panel that has more than double the surface light reflected on the conventional counterparts, the new LCD panel can produce an image
bright enough to provide easy viewing even without a backlight.

According to Hitachi, a 7-inch prototype of the new LCD panel can continuously show a high-resolution image for several months on lithium ion battery cells. And the image
on display can be changed remotely. However, the Hitachi e-paper cannot display video unlike its Philips counterpart.

Moreover, with its unrollable feature, the company shares that it may be successful for use in shopping malls and trains for posters and ads, as well as at public facilities,
offices and homes for information and message boards.

Hitachi announced their intent to release the 7-inch electronic paper in the latter part of 2006, and the larger versions, including 14- and 21-inch models even later.

About Los Angeles Printing Services
Services offered by Los Angeles Printing Services include catalog printing, brochure printing, book printing, poster printing, flyer printing, folder printing, direct mail marketing,
presentation folder printing, postcard printing, magazine printing, offset printing, and digital printing.

About Hitachi Ltd.
Hitachi is one of the leading global electronics companies that offer a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors, including information systems,
electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services.###

Dataglyphs: The Alphabet of the Future

2005-02-10T11:21:00.000+08:00

Dataglyphs: The Alphabet of the Future

(The following PRESS RELEASE was made for Printing Quotes Online. Submitted to Anna Lim via email- 020105.)

Similar to the invention of the alphabet, dataglyphs are made to communicate clear information that increases computer literacy. Dataglyphs are the new breed of alphabets in digital technology.

February 2, 2005 – Try focusing a lens on an individual letter and you will be able to see tiny dots that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. This is how a microscope works. It projects tiny particles and elements to great magnitudes so that a person would be able to see even the smallest component.

Microscopically, dataglyphs are similar.

The alphabet and tiny dots and dashes…Dataglyphs are tiny forward (/) or backward (\) slashes which represent the ones and zeroes of the binary code. According to Xerox, they are the next generation barcode for embedding digital data in printed documents. These dataglyphs work by communicating important information that a computer can understand, while the written words on the page speak to a human being.

Under a magnifying glass, dataglyphs are composed of hundreds and thousands of tiny diagonal lines, either forwards or backwards. Each dataglyph is about 1/100th of an inch across, and represents a single, binary value. When compared to the size of a postage-stamp, a block of dataglyphs the size of such already represents hundreds of bytes of data. However, unlike its contemporary, dataglyphs can be integrated in the whole design, thus creating attractive and discreet barcodes. Shades, backgrounds or even logos may be created to accommodate digital information.

"Diagonal lines tend to unobtrusively blend—and by varying the color and thickness of these marks, we achieve a lot of aesthetic control," says a Xerox PARC research scientist.

Dataglyphs' features… Dataglyphs are distinct from barcodes in their features. They are more flexible in shape, size and color. Their structure and ability for error correction also make them suitable for curved surfaces and other situations where barcodes fail. They have high data density of nearly twice the capacity of PDF417, and dataglyphs can also be used with cryptography.

At 600dpi, dataglyphs can offer up to 1KB per square inch of data. One classic example of its density feature: with its application, one may be able to fit the whole Gettysburg Address in a block the size of a small US postage stamp.

Its aesthetic quality creates advantages… With the aesthetic control provided by dataglyphs, users can take advantage of their features especially when creating designs and graphic arts.

Because of its unobtrusive quality, dataglyphs can be created into logos or embedded into a picture or image. Varying their color and density can make the individual marks almost melt and combine with the real content of the document. Thus, dataglyphs are not able to detract from the overall appearance of the material. At the same time, they can store more information than barcodes and deliver the same information in style.

They may also be used as alternative to the ubiquitous fax cover sheet. A simple dataglyph can seamlessly and invisibly automate the same process that a fax cover sheet applies— where to direct the information, who sent it, the date, time and other basic information—with a difference. With dataglyphs, you don't need to use words that take up an entire page.

Applications… Because of its simplicity and flexibility, dataglyphs have been used by Xerox in its applications. Xerox Glyphs, particularly, provided literacy with computers. They represent a new alphabet that increases computer literacy and makes it easier for machines to handle tasks such as document automation. Dataglyphs are used on coversheets called "PaperWare forms" that identify the form and the workflow associated with the form.

Xerox also used dataglyphs in its products, licensed under a major manufacturer of airplane parts. They have also been licensed to an insurance company for turnaround documents, as well as to other markets such as financial services, software, government, and health care and pharmaceuticals.

In addition, dataglyphs may be applied to other purposes like documents management, fraud prevention, inventory tracking, ID cards, parts marking, or product tagging.

About Printing Quotes Online
Printing Quotes Online is an online printing company that offers four color process printing, digital printing, large format posters printing, and variable data printing. Getting your job done is easy with their online instant pricing and ordering. For inquiries on online shopping, contact their company representatives at 1-888-888-4211.###

Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro: Your Answer to Direct Plate Imaging

2005-01-26T14:30:00.000+08:00

Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro: Your Answer to Direct Plate Imaging

(The following PRESS RELEASE was made for Color Printing Wholesale. Submitted to Anna Lim via email as part of the job of Content Writer- 012605)

With the introduction of new technologies, the costly creation of film and photographic plates associated with offset printing is no longer a problem. Thanks to the Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro.

January 27, 2005 â€“ Printing documents on your own may not be a fine idea especially when printing machines are quite expensive. This is the main reason why most people rely on copy shops to do their printing for them. Many businesses and organizations utilize the copy shops because they usually need to make copies of documents on a regular basis.

On the other hand, because of the high cost associated with outside printing, many businesses such as charities and non-profit organizations tend to shy away from printing outfits. These organizations don't have that much money to throw around. Fortunately, with digital printing, you can now produce documents you need according to the quantity you need, as well as when you need them.

When there is a necessity to print up a lot of media materials, many companies and businesses nowadays are glad that short run and on demand printing have now been made available by most of the printing shops.

One of the things that constantly raise the most complaints during the printing process is the production of images in the document. However, with the introduction of new technologies, the costly creation of film and photographic plates associated with offset printing is no longer a problem.

The Heidelberg Quickmaster DI 46-4 Pro

So how does it help quicken the process and lower costs? The Heidelberg Quickmaster DI uses direct imaging technology that automatically creates all the necessary registered plates when a digital job is sent to the press. Hence, it speeds up preparation and production by as much as 60%. The "direct imaging" process reduces the labor-intensive procedures normally associated with offset printing.

The Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro is especially effective when the print shop engages in short run color printing. The machine can become your solution for printing short color runs in 34 x 46 centimeter (13.38 x 18.11 inch) format, giving you offset quality printing with short delivery times, high flexibility, and the advantage of having your documents customized to tailor to your target market. And with a range of different applications and a press, which is simple and convenient to use, print shops may now be able to keep clients, as well as new ones, over a long period of time.

The Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro Features

â€¢ Direct Imaging with the ProSpot technology that allows for direct imaging of the printing plates to the press;

â€¢ Excellent print results through waterless offset printing that provides consistent optimum color, alcohol-free printing, fast finishing, and low amount of waste;

â€¢ The printing press at its best â€“ feeder included, ensures fast, simple format and stock changes.

â€¢ Maximum functionality in minimum space- All four print forms are imaged synchronously in the press during the imaging process, with complete register accuracy;

â€¢ Smart Spooling mechanism makes optimum use of the plate by matching it to the format of the print job;

â€¢ The Particular Delivery Concept reduces noise levels, lowers maintenance outlay and increases lifespan for the delivery chain;

â€¢ A Digital Workflow that demonstrates openness, ease of operation, standardization, reliability, speed, flexibility and quality; and

â€¢ A Compact Design that allows reduction of stress on printed sheet and during delivery, and small footprint.

About Color Printing Wholesale

Color Printing Wholesale is a company that offers a wide range of quality digital printing services from brochures, flyers, business cards, postcards and posters, to digital, inkjet and web solutions, as well as laminating services. They are currently conducting further research to ascertain the productâ€™s feasibility to assure quality output to the public. For further information, visit their website at http://www.colorprintingwholesale.com/. Or contact a company representative 1-888-888-4211. ###

Producing Limitless Possibilities with DURABrite Inks

2005-01-24T17:53:00.000+08:00

Producing Limitless Possibilities with DURABrite Inks
by Granny's Mettle

(The following Press Release was submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer- 012405.)

No more worries. Getting your photos and prints to last longer is easy with DURABrite Inks.

January 25, 2005 – Getting your photos and prints to last longer is a Herculean job, especially when you have children around to quickly mess things up for you. When you want to remember the good times (and sometimes even the bad), those special memories can only be captured through the images in your photographs.

However, like any other good things, they never last. With just a few spills and smudges created by your sons' and daughters' little paws can make your memories have an abrupt death. Down the bin they go.

But do you know that now we may be able to make your photos and prints last as long as possible? With the new DURABrite Inks we can.

With Epson's DURABrite Inks, photos and prints can be protected from fading and smudging so they could last a long, long, long time.

DURABrite Inks: The Difference

One of the most significant advantages of DURABrite is the capability it provides the printer for clean and clear double-sided
printing.

With the conventional dye-based inks, they tend to sink into the fibers of the paper making the printed image visible even on the other side. DURABrite's pigment-based inks are made from tough insoluble pigment particles that rest on the surface of the paper. Thus, resulting to a clear and printable side of the paper.

In addition to protecting your photo prints against water, DURABrite also coats and protects the material from the harsh outdoor sun. The same advanced formulation of the pigment-based inks makes this benefit possible. No other ink can offer this kind of light resistance on plain paper.

The DURABrite Inks give clear and clean results, making text as well as photo image printing extra sharp. The inks' pigment-based feature is not easily absorbed, hence, producing text and graphics that are clean, clear and sharp. These insoluble particles feature give the inks the character to resist water even on plain paper.

And because DURABrite inks do not bleed all the way through, you get to save on paper, as well. You could have a choice of substrate material from plain and matte papers, to other glossy photo paper. But for optimum results, users are advised to make use of the Epson DURABrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper.

The DURABrite Inks are supported by Epson Stylus C64, C84, CX5400, and CX6400.

About Printing Quotes Online

U Printing is an online printing company that offers four color process printing, digital printing, large format posters printing, and variable data printing. Getting your job done is easy with their online instant pricing and ordering. For inquiries on online shopping, contact their company representatives at 1-888-888-4211.###

Printer, Paper and Ink Should Mix and Match

2005-01-24T17:23:00.000+08:00

Printer, Paper and Ink Should Mix and Match
by Granny's Mettle

(The following Press Release was submitted to a Digital Printing Site as part of the requirement of the job as Content Writer- 012405.)

Photos can last a number of years. It all depends on the printer, paper and ink to help you create a lasting image that may be appreciated by generation after generation.

January 25, 2005 – Photos and prints may last a number of years. Some even for decades and decades to come. While others might just have a home in the bin in just, say, two to three years.

Before the effects of digital technology has reached our homes, we usually run to our favorite photo printing kiosk to develop and preserve our images. When we've just taken a photo of an image and want to keep it fresh and clear for several years more, we naturally run to our photo developer for our prints.

But with every individual and family having the comforts of digital technology in their homes, capturing an image and preserving it is not as easy as it sounds. A research says that 63% of households that has computers print digital photos. And 10% of printer usage accounts for photo printing among people with digital cameras.

Fortunately, there are manufacturers and developers out there who understand the need for making our photos last longer. However, despite the many brands and labels in the market, affordability is still not the key to getting your goals achieved. Both the paper and ink and even the printer make a big difference when you match them with your hardware to create photos and prints that you want to last for a long long time.

General Purpose Ink vs. Specialty Inks
There has been countless discussion in the printing industry on whether to use "general purpose ink" or the "specialty ink" for printing materials.

Some argue that specialty inks are the trend now because they tend to perform better when combined with a certain band of substrates or applications, particularly within their category. As the uses of prints and photos have extended from photo paper to other materials such as shirts and cloths and sheets, specialty inks are particularly helpful in creating a lasting image. Images are made durable when put against the harsh effects of constant washing and pressing.

Specialty inks are also favorable to those in the CD printing industry. CDs are printed on highly automated equipment that requires fast ink cure speed. With general inks, this may pose a problem because cure controls are less precise.

Although general purpose inks are the least expensive, image durability for them is acceptable only for applications where there is less physical contact of the printed image, as well as when the image life is expected for quite a short term only.

And as the trend nowadays among manufacturers, particular printers also tend to create clear and sharp output with inks that are developed specially for their printing equipment. Epson for one has its own pigment inks for its printers so as to achieve the best quality output that their equipment are designed for. Their DURABrite inks are particularly supported by Epson Stylus C64, C84, CX5400, and CX6400. And if you want to have superior output, you are also advised to use Epson's DURABrite Ink Glossy Photo Paper.

The Wilhelm Study of Longevity
In a study initiated by PC World, researchers looked at the latest crop of printers, ink and papers form leading manufacturers such as Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark, to see which produce longest-lasting prints. Along with the notable brands, the team also tested five common third-party papers sold at computer and office-supply stores.

The results indicated that prints made on many third-party substrates won't endure long, and in some cases the print quality is so poor. The study showed prints on third-party papers to project longevity of as much as 12 to 20 years. But in many instances during the research, photos were projected to fade within a couple of years, and still some were not able to print well in the first place. The inks dried improperly; the photos have defects that resulted to other colors having a metallic sheen.

According to the study, if you really want the best longevity and quality, it is best to go for the manufacturers' recommended papers and inks instead of the affordable and cheaper brands.

Prints, Paper and Manufacturers
So why do results vary from one printer to another? They say it's all in the chemistry. Printer-ink-paper combinations vary precisely because of the chemistry that was built among them by the manufacturers. Each developer and manufacturer of printers has his/her own formulas and process to create products that work together and produce the best results together.

Nevertheless, manufacturers now are providing the market with products that save money. Advances have been made by these prominent manufacturers so that endusers can create prints with extremely long life expectancy at a cost that does not hurt too much.All in all, it is better to use an individual tool designed for a specific function rather than a general one that may be the reason to compromise the quality of the result. However, when tight budget is a restriction, use third-party papers and inks. You just need to experiment first to see what brand can work with what kind of printer. Just remember this rule of thumb: People are not created equal- so does printers, inks and papers. To have better results, you just have to learn the art of mix-and-match.

About U Printing
U Printing is an online printing company that offers four color process printing, digital printing, large format posters printing, and variable data printing. Getting your job done is easy with their online instant pricing and ordering. For inquiries on online shopping, contact their company representatives at 1-888-888-4211.###

Web Design Predictions for 2005

2005-01-24T16:33:00.000+08:00

Web Design Predictions for 2005
by: Nash Ville

The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Predictions on what will happen in the political arena... in the showbiz circle... to famous personalities... and many more... they will always be the talk of the town every time a year nears to its end. And to my surprise, as the year 2004 stretches down its curtain, predictions are also coming out for the web design industry. Quite ironic but true. This only shows how important web design has been for various industries, thus it should set a new trend and take further improvements in 2005.

According to the article on web design predictions for 2005 posted at Forty Media, retro looks will be out and wicked worn will be in, multifaceted categorization will get bigger, pure red will fall into disfavor, web-safe palette will at last be widely understood to be obsolete, chronological info display popularized by weblogs will be downplayed, and the big news - we've gone so long between redesigns that brown will be back in vogue.

It's good to know that some people are actually concerned in enhancing the quality of web designs produced in the past years through these predictions. These predictions will turn out to be guiding principles for web designers and graphic professionals in the creation of their works of art. There's definitely nothing wrong with these things, but we must all remember that the best, most original and innovative designs still come from people who don't rely on such things. What's best is that they let their creativity and imagination work for them rather. All of us will love to see these creative people do their work without following these predictions and come up with something from
themselves.

There's certainly nothing wrong with formulating and following predictions. Their sole purpose is to warn or inform us about the things which are anticipated to happen most probably in a certain period of time. Following it will not take anything from you. For graphic artists, predictions are there to help bring out the best in you while doing your craft.

After all, year 2005 is shaping up to be a great year for web design. This is good news both for designers who will get to flex their muscles a bit more than usual and for their
clients who will benefit from the many technological improvements. Kudos to Forty Media!!!

Violet Tulip

2005-01-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

Review: Violet Tulip
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Year 2005 is full of hope. We all hope for healing, unity and peace. We have been divided by political disputes especially during the presidential elections in the U.S., Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines. Some of us were still in shock and were trying to recover from the devastations brought by natural disasters (e. g. the tsunami in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and India and the three consecutive typhoons in the Philippines) that surprised us before year 2004 ended which took thousands of innocent lives.

It's good to know that what Colorstrology says for the year 2005 is good enough to be our guide on how we'll face the world this year. According to Michele Bernhardt in a press release posted on December 15, 2004 at creativepro.com, violent tulip is the Colorstrology color of the year 2005, which means that spirituality and healing will boom this year. This only means that little by little, we will be able to patch up problems and a heck of misunderstandings in the past. It's a good opportunity for us to continue to ask for God's grace and guidance. Let Him act on us in mysterious ways. It's always hard for us to achieve peace because of our insecurities and immaturities. But then, it's always best to move on and continue to live life to the fullest without hurting other people's feelings. ALWAYS empathize!

Personally, I don't believe in predictions, colorstrology and the like every time a year comes in. However, I'm also aware that there's nothing wrong with these things. Bernhardt also mentioned that violet tulip is a great and powerful color to wear, meditate and surround ourselves with as we actualize our intentions, pursue our life's purpose, and rekindle our sense of community. The violet color ray also ignites a loving perspective so that we are able to see without prejudice and heal old wounds, hurt and resentments. These are good things, really. It can be our guide in living each day fruitfully and meaningfully. If you'll believe it or not, it's certainly up to you.

Bernhardt added that the color vibration of violet tulip could be used to lift our spirits and bolster our faith. It promotes the assimilation of new ideas and helps us connect with the universal spirit of mankind. Moreover, violet tulip is conducive to increase our vision and perspective as we strive for peace and balance in our own lives and the world at large. If these are all true, then this world will become a better place to live in. Let's all hope for the best in 2005, regardless of the said color of the year. Whatever color would it be, it's only us who make our destiny and decisions in our lives.

Photographing the Holidays

2005-01-24T16:28:00.000+08:00

Photographing the Holidays
By: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Christmas time... It is said to be the best season of the year. It's the best time for family reunions and get-together parties. We spend time to attend mass, prepare different meals, exchange gifts, and chat with our relatives and friends. Most of all, we never forget to TAKE PICTURES which is one of the best parts of the holiday season.

We want all the things that we do during this season to be memorable to us. That is why we never let every moment to pass without being captured. During Christmas, we take pictures from the preparation of our most loved dishes till the time that we enjoy eating those great foods while chatting with the rest of the family and friends. We also take picture during the most awaited gift giving. We also take funny pictures. Truly, pictures complete our celebration of the holiday season.

Now, we take pictures using different media such camera mobile phones and digital cameras. From these devices, we can print the captured images, place them in photo albums, and keep them for a lifetime. This is how important these innovations have become. The photographing tips which were posted in the article last December 23, 2004 at betterdigitalphotography.blogspot.com will help us to come up with the best photos that we always want to have during Christmas and also, during other special occasions and holidays.

In any season and any time of the day during the holidays, it's always a good thing to capture your best moments with your family and friends. Therefore, it is really important to keep our camera phones and cameras handy and loaded with memory card so that we'll not miss anything. It's nice to keep those pictures and when you look at them after several years, memories of the past will still live on.

Multimedia Politics

2005-01-24T16:22:00.000+08:00

Multimedia Politics
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

The political system continues to experience major transformations indicating a new stage in its evolution. In the political media realm, new communication forms keep on surfacing that spark elite interest and stimulate public curiosity. One of which is multimedia. Why not! The fact that most people cannot meet a political candidate personally is where multimedia gets in.

Today, the relationship between multimedia and politics is most prevalent in the use of the Internet during political campaigns. Multimedia has been widely used for campaign advertising during election. Politicians have recognized the ability to reach a large audience by announcing campaign promises and answering their questions using the worldwide web. These growing media work has gradually established its place in the political communication hierarchy. Print and electronic tabloids, electronic town meetings, news magazines, and computer networks pave the way for multimedia in the political course. Their emergence coincides with and contributes to the current commercial and entertainment focus of political news.

To come up with an effective multimedia advertisement, several tasks such as researching, writing, video recording, audio recording, transferring recordings to digital media, editing, compressing and putting on the web should be done first. In doing so, one must think fast and work fast because campaigns are very fast, too. Aside from this, multimedia still serves various purposes during and after election, on political events and talks, and it's destined to be more important in the political arena in the coming
years.

Computer networks have become political communication tools because we gather political information, express our opinions, and mobilize other citizens and political leaders through them. The information superhighway is fast becoming an electronic town hall where anyone can learn about the latest bill introduced in Congress, join an interest group, donate money to a political candidate, or discuss politics with people they have never seen who may live half a world away.

Truly, multimedia makes the world a merrier place to live in. It doesn't only provide us with a wonderful experience but also a closer look to the world of texts, photos, graphics, audios and videos. Even more amazing is the fact that this revolution has unfolded over such a brief period of time. So brief, in fact, that the impact, especially in politics, is only now beginning to be felt.

Libraries Check Out E-Books

2005-01-24T16:16:00.000+08:00

Libraries Check Out E-books
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Almost everything now is being made easy for us - from the way we communicate, we now have mobile phones and the internet where we send our emails, to the way we do business transactions - we are definitely living in a modernized world. Now, there is also an upsurge of library websites that become information portals for us. We can already track our books and personal favorites or receive lists of suggested reading materials from the web. Electronic Books or E-books are making this process possible.

Will E-books change our reading experience? Are we going to carry a mobile device with us instead of tons of textbooks soon? No! They are not intended to replace the print collection in our libraries. However, since the library has limited funds, they are not always able to maintain their collection of print materials. At least, with E-books, the services found inside a library are now being offered online and lending can be 24/7. You can now borrow from anywhere in the world and have instant portable access to the library collection.

E-books have features that help us understand and study certain materials. With it, we can test ourselves with interactive quizzes, watch a film segment, highlight important text, and make notes and bookmark pages for review. They have built-in dictionaries that will make it easy for us to check definitions of words. More so, they also enable us to search for specific words or phrases much faster than they could scan text while flipping through the pages of a paper book.

Consumer's Advantages
E-books are ideal for those who want information in the quickest possible time. It can provide us with video clips, sounds, color images, games, children's activities, and
many other interactive multimedia elements. They also have search engine and electronic navigation technology.

Author's Advantages
Now, authors have an easier means to publish what they want and how they want it to be and distribute their work at relatively low cost. The E-book and the Internet
technologies will allow anyone who has written a book to publish and market an E-book worldwide.

Business Advantages
Creating and publishing E-books is by far one of the most profitable business ventures anyone can have. Once you have the required knowledge and tools, creating an
unlimited number of E-books will cost you absolutely nothing. In fact, it will only bring bountiful profits for you. You can deliver your E-books on demand via automatic
download or by email immediately after a customer pays for them. They are also great marketing products. They are great lead generators. They are great back-end and
up-sell products. Once you start your own E-book business and your E-books start to spread in the web, you won't be able to stop the profits from rolling in, even if you
wanted to. E-books have a magic little way of floating around the Internet for years and years after their initial release.

Long Term Environmental Advantages
E-books do not use paper so fewer trees will be slaughtered or pulped. They also do not use commercial grade inks and printing chemicals. They are only being printed
when people want to print them. There will be no more warehouses full of millions of overprinted or unwanted books. More so, they are being delivered electronically so less
petroleum products and associated transport vehicle resources will be used.

What I mentioned is just a small handful of E-book advantages. With these, they will definitely become a part of our future. How big that part is remains to be seen. They will not make real books obsolete because most of us still love to search and browse, flip through, and explore real books. Let us not consider the rise of online access a threat because in fact, it's a great help - aside from the fact that they don't take up any shelf space, it will also allow librarians to spend less time and money in shelving books and ordering supplies again and more time in helping online and in-person customers to find their needed materials. Eventually, E-books are a new development destined to become important.

Digital Printing Forecast 2005

2005-01-24T16:09:00.000+08:00

Digital Printing Forecast 2005
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

The digital printing industry has really come a long way. It did well in the year 2004 by giving printing companies unprecedented gross in their sales and profits. It made the printing industry very much alive. With the growth of digital printing, also came several other types of printing such as offset printing, custom printing, silkscreen printing, and many more. All of these had already set their places in the commercial printing marketplace. However, much is still expected from these industries in the coming years,
especially in the year 2005.

According to the article posted on December 6, 2004 at creativepro.com, it is believed that the print business will continue to improve or be steady in 2005. Overall, most printing markets expect that business will be about the same as it has been. Yet, we would hope that some in the industry would expect more room for improvement. On the flipside, there is a sense by some that the good times they're experiencing now are as good as they're ever going to get.

This is good to hear, folks! After all, we all enjoy the services that digital printing offers. It eliminated most of the hassles that we encountered in our printing jobs before. That is why we all love commercial printing because it made our tasks easier to handle and manage.

More expectations in 2005, we can equate it to an increase in sales of printing and heatset presses. This is definitely good news for developers of printing equipment. Indeed, stiff competition is expected to rise between print and prepress firms. In 2004, printers already realized that there's more sales opportunity in adding printing capabilities and they've become one of the healthiest of the printing markets. It happened largely by providing better services, as well as new technologies such as digital printing, color copying, and non-print services such as cross-media services.

In the year 2004, the web has become great information and communication portals for us. And with its large part in the development of the printing industry, to broaden the digital color variable printing jobs is an opportunity. To build a networked, digital infrastructure is another great thing. After all, year 2005 will definitely be a good year for commercial printers. It will be as good as or better than 2004.

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Selling Digital Photos

2005-01-24T16:07:00.000+08:00

Selling Digital Photos
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

Being a professional digital photographer doesn't happen overnight. To become one, it entails knowledge, hardwork and dedication. Also, you should have great photographic skills, of course. Having the passion for what you do is a big thing in digital photography. Selling your digital photos is another thing. You must learn to be results-oriented by being meticulous on the pictures that you take. Always put emphasis on the quality of the photos. Then, you should devise an effective marketing strategy to sell them.

The tips on selling digital photos which was posted on November 2004 at betterdigitalphotography.blogspot.com is of great help to digital photographers who wish to make money out of their own digital images. The tips explained everything - from the creation of an attractive folio, taking lots of photos, inclusion of contact sheets, consideration of photo business cards and stock agencies, separation of portfolio by theme, having a business card with you always, and some don'ts in digital photography such as overwhelming of potential clients and assuming of a computer or media format - in a brief but precise manner.

With these tips, you'll be assured that you'll be on the right track. And, your dream of becoming an expert in digital photography is never far from reality. Just take lots of pictures anywhere you go - it will give you the chance to produce the most award-winning photo which will surely please your target clients. You'll never know, they might recommend you to other companies for future business. Much money is at stake in every digital image that you produce. Just keep on doing these tips as a practice for you. As the old cliché goes, practice makes perfect. And, in perfection comes great opportunities.

Christmas Card Scramble

2005-01-24T16:06:00.000+08:00

Christmas Card Scramble
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

The holiday season is truly a fine time to show our artistic side and creativity through our personalized Christmas cards. The fact that we already have mobile phones and e-cards where we can extend our holiday greetings to our loved ones doesn't shelve the importance of Christmas cards.

Know what, Molly, I can see in you the desire to come up with the best Christmas cards not only to keep in touch with your loved ones and business clients but also to impress them in your work of art. It's good to know that there are still people who want to personally create a Christmas card and not just rely on already-made cards. The people who'll receive the card will be pleased to know that you care for them and you give some effort even in creating Christmas cards. However, there's certainly nothing wrong with the cards that we buy from stores. Both are good means to express our feelings and get across the people we value, especially those who are thousand miles away from us.

Christmas cards, whether personally made or just bought from stores, are always appealing as long as they are sent to the recipient delivering their real purpose - to let them know that they are being remembered during the best season of the year and to wish them for great things to continue to come into their lives in the coming year. For me, the overall appearance of a Christmas card is only secondary to a more important consideration - the effort and the message that we want to convey to our family, friends and business clients in this time of the year.

After all, Christmas cards will always be a part of the Christmas season. It is not the amount or the overall appearance of the card that matters; it's always the thought that counts. We only need to continue to practice and apply our creativity and imagination to make our Christmas cards more appealing and interesting.

2005: The Year of the Digital Campus

2005-01-24T16:03:00.000+08:00

2005: The Year of the Digital Campus
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

The impact of information technology (IT) in the academic environment of higher education was great. Over the last two decades, it provided ever-increasing benefits to campus operational management and program instruction. The integration of IT has become a clear and indispensable operational goal for many institutions of higher education as they move steadily toward the digital campus of tomorrow. Indeed, the upsurge of the so-called digital campus is inevitable. Digital campus has become a continually evolving place in which all of the information and services that constituents need are at their fingertips.

For a digital campus to be helpful, it must build on your existing technologies and regularly grow with new technologies that augment the value of those resources. Take some time to understand the technologies you already have and then, phase in the new ones to match the needs of your institution. Next, ensure that the digital campus project is poised for success within your university's distinct political environment. You'll find it particularly beneficial to share some components of your digital campus with users early in the planning process, although you'll be aware that the initial offering will fall short of meeting their needs. By doing this, you'll be able to gain insights from all campus constituents, which is critical in building a shared vision for your digital campus.

Also, collaborating with peer institutions and private companies, contributing our expertise and learning from the experience of others is a big plus for digital campus projects. Try to build partnerships with other reputable colleges and universities for you to be exposed to the best practices and industry trends, thus speeding the development of your digital campus.

In addition to the benefits of integration, you'll find that improvements in operational efficiency, facilitated by the data integration of your communication tools and student information system, will impact the off-line experiences of students. You'll get to save faculty and staff time, freeing them for more interaction with students. You'll realize that all of your strategic technology
decisions will become easier, and you'll save money because you already have your web operating system in place.

Moreover, there will be an open dialogue across campus about what your digital campus should and could be: a web forum for the exchange of knowledge and a timesaving tool to free students, faculty members, and administrators for greater interaction with one another. With the technologies and solutions capable of further personalizing the digital campus experience for individual users, it will truly create a unique learning and administrative environment that is rich in educational opportunities for us. After all, digital campuses still have a long way to go!

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

2005: Year of the Corporate Blog

2005-01-24T16:02:00.000+08:00

2005: Year of the Corporate Blog
by: Nash Ville

Notice:The following is an article submitted to a digital printing site as part of the requirements of the job as content writer.

"In 2004, we saw a healthy mix of companies such as Yahoo, Google and Microsoft that started corporate blogs. In 2005, I predict we'll see a significant jump in the number of companies with corporate blogging programs. This seems like a no brainier prediction, but if it's true, think about how quickly the landscape for communications is going to change in the year 2005," says Mike Manuel.

Everyone's predicting what 2005 will bring us. But really immense changes always come sneaking up on us. Blogs may appear as a catalyst in both corporate and non-corporate world. We will see this change rapidly taking place in 2005, not the least reason because there are increasing numbers of communicators and others with real passion who will continue to strongly evangelize the benefits within their organizations.

In the evening of Dec. 1, Microsoft exposed that it planned to take over the world of blogs - the five-million-plus web journals that have blown up on the Internet in the past few years. The company's weapon would be a new service called MSN Spaces, online software that allows people to easily create and maintain blogs. It didn't take long for the blogging world to do what it does best: swarm around a new piece of information; push, prod, and poke at it; and leave it either stronger or a bloody mess. The next day, at the widely read Boing Boing blog, co-editor Xeni Jardin opted to do the latter.

As Scoble and Gates say, the weblog or blog can indeed be fabulous for relationships. Blogs are challenging the media and changing how people in advertising, marketing and public relations do their jobs. A few companies like Microsoft are finding ways to work with the blogging world - even as it is hammering them. Suddenly, everyone's a publisher and everyone's a critic.

These are still the early days of blogging, and the form is still morphing. Blogs that host music and video are popping up, people are starting to blog text and photos from their phones, and sites like NewsGator, using a technology called RSS, allow people to subscribe to blogs. Blog advertising companies, which place ads and pay per response, are enabling bloggers to be paid from their sites. And blogging publishers have emerged. Indeed, blogs still have a long way to go!

Billboards: Modern Counterparts of Van Gogh and Da Vinci

2005-01-20T15:52:00.000+08:00

Billboards:Modern Counterparts of Van Gogh and Da Vinci
By Granny's Mettle

Taking a drive down an unfamiliar road, or simply driving to and from work has become nowadays more pleasurable and less stressful. What with the multitude of billboards
plastered all over the city and suburbs, they have become a wonderful centerpiece with the backdrop of heaven and earth.

Have you ever imagined what life would be like without these big, larger than life posters and signage to aesthetically improve our place? Are you not amazed at how great the quality and colors are? Are you not struck with the brilliance and true-to-life depiction of the images in each of these billboards?

When billboards were first posted, they not only expressed artistic creativity, they also were medium of information and reminders for people of current events and new products. The people then were not yet attuned on billboards being very powerful tools in helping others in ways that they have never imagined before. Fortunately today, we have learned of its uses and are utilizing them in several ways.

Billboards are the cheapest and it reaches more people than any other form of advertising. Thus, many small businesses, and even some of the big corporations for that matter, utilize this form of media because television and radio commercials are more expensive and costly.

One state in fact used billboards to improve the visual quality of their community, and also serve as tools to reduce alcohol consumption by minors. Still another state made several billboards to try to convince people to stop smoking, to prevent the spread of AIDS, and to offer pregnancy support.

However, despite its practical uses, billboards first and foremost are works of art in the modern sense. Its production process, from conceptualization to posting, is definitely a designer's and artist's imaginations put to life.

When designers are put to work to create these magnificent billboards, they do not see their assignment as something corporate or practical. I mean, sure, they see also the numbers in every assignment. But let's face it. Within each of these designer and artist, the billboards are their next work of art. With every billboard assignment, they see themselves as the modern Leonardo Da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh.

According to one review, Van Gogh's most searching artistic analysis was of himself. This is shown in his famous self portraits. However, Van Gogh was also very appreciative of the profuse of colors found in nature. In fact, one of his very famous paintings was the Irises. Similar to his self portraits, Van Gogh's Irises are carefully
studied with the same sincerity and precision. The elements of colors- like the greens, red, yellow, orange and white, and the different ranges of blues- all made the painting look luxuriant and produce a gay colorfulness and richness.

Leonardo Da Vinci also recognized the importance of painting scenes that are very close to reality. He was keen to observe with great care how animals, people, and landscapes really looked. He was also careful to notice the differences on how an object looked when it was close by and when it was farther away, and when it was seen in bright light and in dim light. He turned his attention to nature during long walks. He wrote detailed notes on his observations and made sketches of the things he saw in his notebooks throughout his life.

Whether its Van Gogh or Da Vinci, designers and artists are sure to emulate what they have done. Thus, billboards are most likely to reflect reality and life. What you see in billboards is what we have of life- big reflections of us and our world.

And with the advent of computer technology, we have programs, softwares and equipment to help our artists and designers come up with brilliant, full color and striking images and designs that are sure to stand out. You'll be amazed at the technology we have now that keeps these billboards fresh for the longest time that they have been exposed. Several manufacturers and developers managed to produce high grade materials and machines that could make the pictures and prints true to its original. Xerox, Adobe's Creative Suite, Corel, Epson- these are just a few of the names that are there to help make their lives and work simpler.

Whether it's film making, game development, commercial design, or even fine arts, every creation and output are worthy of praise. There is only one big difference- creating works of art now is faster and easier, thanks to advanced technology. Combined with the power of modern technology of digital media, natural talents and techniques obtained during the formative years can create breathtaking works of art that are at par, if not better, with those of the grand masters.

Billboards: Snapshots of History

2005-01-19T16:00:00.000+08:00

Billboards: Snapshots of History
by Granny's Mettle

Billboards are collections of large photos. Some are funny; some are strange. Still some come out as ironic. However we see it, we have to face the fact that billboards are a
constant reminder to us that there is life out there that is worth living. In fact, most billboards are memorable images that help us make our lives more worthwhile.

Billboards help people to find the place to eat, sleep, and get fuel for their cars, the nearest ATM machines. Imagine driving yourself to a place you are not familiar with and
suddenly be struck with the urge to eat; or your car conking out on you because the gas tank is empty. Where do you get information when there's no available person to
point you to the proper direction? Billboards.

Billboards help many businesses, especially small ones, in advertising and marketing products and services. With companies that do not have the money to spend on TV or
radio commercials, billboards are the cheapest and it reaches far more people than any other form of advertising medium.

In short, life is simpler with billboards around to help us. They are a symbol of life. With billboards around, development and civilization is present.

Billboards, billboards, billboards. They are reflections of history and human survival. Billboards are everywhere, in all shapes and sizes. They often comment and reflect on
events that occur in the present and the conditions of life itself. Some carry important messages, be it personal or otherwise political. With the development of billboards,
and outdoor advertising for that matter, the development of life itself comes with it.

Billboards can trace its lineage back to the earliest civilization. We could trace human genealogy along with the history of billboards and outdoor advertisement.

Egypt's Stone Obelisk: Man's First Outdoor Advertisement

Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians used a tall stone obelisk to publicize laws and treaties. This is the early form of outdoor advertising. With the advent of publication
through the obelisk, people have their first advertisement. Political it may seem, but still advertising nonetheless.

Early Stages

When Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing in 1450, modern advertising was introduced through the handbill. And in 1796, the first illustrated poster was
made when the lithographic process was perfected.

As time goes by, people are looking for more desirable locations to ensure constant exposure of their message for a fixed period of time. Thus, bill posters began to erect
their own structures in locations where there is heavy traffic.

U.S. billboard was erected when the circus came to town

In the beginning, Americans used roadside advertising for local purposes. Businessmen and merchants painted signs or glued posters on walls and fences to advertise their
establishments and what they have to offer. It was in New York where the first large American outdoor poster (more than 50 square feet) was posted. Jared Bell's office
printed posters for the circus in 1835. In 1850, exterior advertising was first used on street railways.

Public Service is a Billboard Thrust

In the 1900s, there was a boom in national billboard campaigns. Big advertisers began mass production of billboards for the national market. From toothpaste and soaps, to
breakfast cereals and sodas, billboards were made to advertise in big bold pictures and images. And in 1913, the practice of filling "open boards" with public service
advertising has continued to this day. During the war, there was a concerted effort from the industry to help in the mobilization. While in peacetime, the concern was focused
on efforts to generally improve the way of life.

1990's to the present

With the advent of digital technology, hand-painted boards were replaced by computer-painted outdoor advertising formats. Outdoor companies offered a diverse range of
advertising formats--- bus shelters, transit and kiosks, airport advertising, mall displays, and taxis.

From the early civilization until the present time, man has used the billboard to advertise, to market, to share their feelings, and generally, to uplift the lives of many. Whether
it's to provide information on gas prices or the arrival of the best sausage in town, knowledge is one important element that billboards have imparted. They have become a
very popular medium to address current issues and information. As BPS Outdoor Advertising wrote in one of their articles: "Perhaps it's because they reach more people for
cheaper prices than any other type of media. Or perhaps it's because people are spending much more time in their vehicles now than ever before." Whatever it is, billboards
are here to stay. Billboards are here to help us and be tangible reminders of what we have become and what we have achieved. Not only do they improve the visual quality of
the area where they are placed, they also serve as beautiful reminders of our past and the future. Wonderful snapshots of history.