PUBLICATION CENTER

At the PMA Show in Las Vegas, HP announced its second Photosmart Pro pigment-ink desktop printer and two new large-format photo papers. The new 13 in. Photosmart Pro B8850 has many of the same features of the HP Photosmart Pro B9180, except it is priced about $150 less, can’t handle posterboards or thicker papers, and isn’t designed to be networked.

Geared for passionate hobbyists and advanced amateur photographers, the printer uses 8 inks from HP Vivera Professional ink portfolio to create long-lasting prints on photo papers and fine-art media in an array of sizes from 3.5 x 5 in. up to 13 in. x 19 in. It can print images without borders and panoramas up to 44 in. long.

The Photosmart Pro B8550 fully integrates with the print-control features of Adobe Photoshop CS3, including color management synchronization. Photoshop CS2 users can utilize an HP software plug-in to group print controls and previews to a single screen. The printer comes with HP Photosmart Essential software for editing, organizing and printing photos. The Photosmart Pro B8550 will sell for about $549 and is expected to ship in April.

HP has also added two new large-format photo papers for creative professionals and print-service providers seeking materials that produce good image quality but are affordable enough for everyday use. 

HP Premium Matte Photo Paper is a suitably stiff 210 gsm paper with a smooth matte surface. It can be used to output vibrant, full-color promotional graphics and photorealistic images with high ink loads that can be laminated instantly. It comes in 24- and 36-in. widths.

HP Everyday Pigment Ink Photo Paper is an economical, 235 gsm microporous paper designed to produce images with rich detail and vibrant colors with HP Vivera pigment inks. The paper is available in satin and gloss finishes and four widths:  24, 36, 42, and 60 in. The new papers are expected to be available in March.