Marketplace website

Press release

Adobe today introduced Photoshop Marketplace to its partners and community leaders. Photoshop Marketplace is a centralised resource on Adobe.com where Adobe customers can find the latest Photoshop related resources, tools, services and events. In this initial phase, partners are encouraged to populate Photoshop Marketplace with product-related content that they can update and maintain themselves.

With Photoshop Marketplace, Adobe aims to connect its customers to the expansive ecosystem that has formed around Photoshop. Users will now have one central location to explore the resources available to them, including links to Photoshop communities, events, education resources, plug-ins, extensions and more.

Photoshop Marketplace will also foster interaction among customers visiting the site. Users can add community ratings and reviews, providing them with a place to share recommendations and comment on particularly useful tools.

At this time, Adobe encourages partners and community leaders to add relevant information to the Marketplace website. Photoshop Marketplace will be fully functional and broadly available to all users in summer 2009.

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Basically crowdSPRING are bridging the gap between client and creative by encouraging frequent commercial opportunities and they don’t come much bigger than working with global manufacturer of digital electronics, LG.

Here at crowdSPRING creatives are being asked by LG to conceptualise a future phone design, submitting ideas for a chance to take home a share of over $80,000 in prizes. What you need to do is think what your mobile will look in 2, 5 or even 10 years time. LG are looking for a cool new concept or “big idea” supported by usage scenario illustrations.

If you think you have the creative answers or would just like to find out more about this opportunity then log onto http://www.crowdspring.com/LG

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We’ll its nearly time for us to reveal our latest Industry Section in the pending issue 57 of Advanced Photoshop Magazine. Student work has a big part to play here and we are now actively seeking the top-studying designers from around the globe to contribute.

If you feel you have what it takes then send several low res jpg’s to AP senior staff writer Adam Smith, at adam.smith@imagine-publishing.co.uk, with course details and a little about your work.

Who knows you could be the next big thing promoted in this new magazine section.

Don’t dilly-dally get posting now!

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Press Release (London, 22 April 2009):

NEC Display Solutions is expanding its NEC SpectraView® series with a hardware calibratable widescreen 24” model (the NEC SpectraView® 2490) and with the two wide-gamut 2690 and 3090 reference LCD displays, representing new benchmark standards in colour management. The IPS panel for the 2490 satisfies the requirements of top quality professional image processing, as do the H-IPS (horizontal in-plane switching) panels of the 2690 and 3090 models, since IPS panel technology is the best for colour-critical applications. The high 1920 x 1200 and 2560 x 1600 resolutions at 60 Hz (Reference 3090), an AdobeRGB colour-space coverage of up to 107 percent, and very wide and stable viewing angles of 178 degrees allow razor sharp pictures and brilliant colours without any chromatic distortions (colour shifting) whatsoever. In addition, top quality picture reproduction is supported by the programmable 12-bit LUT (look-up table) for each RGB signal (so enabling 36-bit colour control), gamma correction, and also the X-Light® Pro feature. Whether deployed for media reproduction, digital image processing or print-workflow, NEC Display Solutions has succeeded in combining outstanding technical performance with excellent economy.

Despite their size, these three models with their high quality IPS or H-IPS panels offer excellent picture quality. Alongside an outstanding resolution, their brightness of up to 400 cd/m2 and contrast ratio of 1000:1 ensures particularly high-quality imaging that is guaranteed from every perspective by the large 178 degree viewing angles. Alongside the X-Light® Pro function, colour stability is ensured by the digital uniformity control (ColorComp) feature. This automatically regulates in various gradations the distribution uniformity of colour and brightness. The hardware calibration as well as the high colour-space coverage (reaching up to 107 percent of the AdobeRGB colour-space for the two Reference models) allows extraordinary colour fidelity and therefore the ideal performance characteristics required particularly by colour-critical image processing, such as pre-press, DTP or softproof applications. Individual calibration profiles and parameters can be created using the supplied SpectraView® Profiler 4.1 software. The LCD response time of 5 ms provides an excellent basis for video processing.

Exemplary energy efficiency of the LCD displays is guaranteed by their practical functions such as the EcoModes, the Real Time Clock with Scheduler as well as AutoBright or AmbiBright. Even with these high-end wide-gamut displays, energy efficiency and a low TCO (total cost of ownership) are still of particular importance. Ergonomic features ensure that long periods of working in front of the displays are made easier. For example, the screen can be height adjusted by up to 150 mm and can also be quickly and simply released from the monitor pedestal by the Quick Release Stand function. The displays can operate in landscape or portrait viewing modes.

Once again NEC Display Solutions is demonstrating its pioneering leadership in providing solutions for colour-critical applications by expanding its SpectraView® series with these three models. Above all, the wide-gamut H-IPS panels are the defining state-of-the-art technology for professional colour management.

Availability and Warranty

The SpectraView® 2490, SpectraView® Reference 2690 and SpectraView® Reference 3090 are commercially available now in black, priced at £1,255.00, £1,299.00 and £2,369.00 respectively (all excl. VAT). Included within the package are the SpectraView® Profiler 4.1 software on CD, the individual SpectraView Certification Report documenting the unique performance characteristic of each display, power and signal cables, a comprehensive handbook for monitor and software, the installation and drivers CD, as well as an appropriate light-shield hood free-of-charge. NEC Display Solutions offers a three year guarantee for its displays including the backlight.

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www.printandprosper.com

Press release

In 2008, Brits spent a staggering £600million on printer ink…  So it comes as no surprise that fed-up consumers are demanding an end to over-priced ink in an effort to save cash.

These startling figures have been unveiled by KODAK, who, by exposing the extent of the issue, aims to help consumers make more informed decisions about the best value printers when it comes to replacing ink cartridges, which could result in saving an average of £75 a year.  In many cases with popular models of printer, this saving could even be much more.

Enrico Bradamante, head of Kodak’s Inkjet Printer division explains, “Many consumers have been lured by offers of cheap printers, but, more often than not these come with the burden of having to spend more on the replacement ink cartridges than the printer cost in the first place.  Many consumers are simply fed up of paying such a high cost for ink.  We firmly believe it’s time for a change and are willing to put our money where our mouths are, with a promise to provide high quality low cost ink.”

With more people working from home, be it office work, managing household expenses, purchases and chores or the kids’ homework, the cost of printing in the home is higher than ever, but many consumers resent having to pay upwards of £30 for replacement cartridges, in some cases £40-£50, often not much less than the printer was in the first place.  By switching to an All-in-One printer with high quality, low cost ink, on average a consumer would save £75 a year.  And it’s easy to see how, with a black cartridge costing just £6.99 rrp and a colour cartridge just £9.99 rrp

Claire Sweeney, an expert in quick, easy and value-led tips around the home, is supporting Kodak’s campaign against rip-off printer ink prices.  She says “It’s surprising how much we find ourselves printing at home these days, whether it’s insurance policies, travel tickets, shopping lists or discount vouchers, so any way we can save a few pounds during the recession has to be good news.  It makes much more sense to spend £17 on  new cartridges than £40!”

To help calculate exactly how much they could save on ink consumers can visit www.printandprosper.com, where over 130 printers and savings are listed.

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Several of Epson’s print and image based devices have been rewarded by TIPA, for their functionality, end results and ultimatly their accessibility towards users. Not only do these hardwares produce stunning effects but offer affordability for their intended consumers. To find out which types were rewarded read on.

Official press release:

Digital imaging specialist, Epson has been presented with three of Europe’s most distinguished photo and imaging accolades at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Awards 2009. The Epson Stylus Photo PX800FW has been named ‘Best Multifunction Photo Printer in 2009’, the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 has won ‘Best Large Format Printer in 2009’ and the Epson EH-TW5000 was named ‘Best Expert Photo Projector in 2009’.

TIPA has 29 member magazines from thirteen countries, making it one of the largest and most influential photographic and imaging press associations globally. Every year, TIPA editors vote for the best products introduced in Europe during the previous 12 months, taking into account innovation, the use of leading-edge technology, design and ergonomics, ease-of-use and, significantly in the current economic climate, the price to performance ratio. These three accolades follow a tradition of success for Epson at the TIPA Awards.

Barbara Kuhr, Head of Strategic Marketing at Epson Europe, said: “Our commitment to continued investment into research and development has resulted in the creation of innovative photo and imaging products for over 40 years. We are extremely honoured to receive three TIPA Awards this year and this recognition further fuels our desire to continue providing our customers with new industry leading digital imaging technology.”

Epson’s Stylus Photo PX800FW, a Hi-Definition A4 photo all-in-one with fax, automatic document feeder and Wi-Fi, has been named ‘Best Multifunction Photo Printer in 2009’. The TIPA judges were particularly impressed with the “black gloss finish and the touch panel interface, giving it an ultra modern look”. The TIPA judging panel also went on to comment “that the Stylus Photo PX800FW delivers photographic prints that exceed lab print quality.”

Epson’s large format printer technology was rewarded for the second year in a row with the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 picking up ‘Best Large Format Printer in 2009’. The TIPA judges commented: “The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 features an Epson developed 8-colour eco solvent type ink set. This professional large format printer delivers long-lasting prints, up to 64” wide for both indoor and outdoor and enables printing on coated or non-coated substrates like vinyl. Print resolutions up to 1440×1440 dpi resolution and high speeds up to 25 sqm/h give a great performance in quality and productivity. In combination with Epson UltraChrome™ GS inks the Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 offers a wider gamut from 8-colours and the efficiency of large 950ml cartridges.”

Capping Epson’s TIPA Award success, the EH-TW5000 was named ‘Best Expert Photo Projector in 2009’. With an impressive 75,000:1 contrast ratio and the most advanced state-of-the-art features, this projector delivers the best HD 1080p home cinema experience. The TIPA judging panel said: “Epson achieves an amazing dynamic contrast ratio of 75,000:1, thanks to the new D7 C² Fine panels, advanced DeepBlack technology and an improved E-TORL lamp to minimise light leakage and ensure the deepest blacks.” The judges also recognised the benefits of Epson’s innovative 3LCD technology, allowing the Epson EH-TW5000 to provide brighter images, more accurate colour reproduction and finer grey scaling than ever before.

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Press release

David Zimmerman has been announced as the winner of the coveted L’Iris D’Or Award, the 2009 Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year. Zimmerman received the award at this year’s Sony World Photography Awards Gala ceremony in Cannes, France on Thursday 16 April.

The American photographer’s entry in the Landscape category beat off stiff competition from some of the world’s finest photographers to win the esteemed title, accompanied by a $25,000 cash prize along with Sony camera equipment. His winning landscape series ‘Desert’ hauntingly depicts the American southwest desert environment as a fragile ecosystem.

Zimmerman said: “My documentation of these remarkable deserts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada continues in an effort to influence preservation through public awareness, opinion and action.” On the announcement of his award, Zimmerman said:  “I am thrilled beyond belief, and I want to thank you for this award.  There was some wonderful work from some wonderful photographers…  I hope this work continues, to make us feel, think and laugh, and I share this award with all the photographers doing terrific work out there.”

The Honorary Judging Committee comprised 12 specially selected World Photography Awards Academy members.

On behalf of the Honorary Judging Committee, Bruce Davidson said: “We live in an era of environmental awareness. It is also an era of the image. Both can coexist to give us a sharper picture of the use and abuse of our deep oceans and beloved terra firma, which is far more at risk than we admit or know. Both image and meaning coincide in the imagery of photographer David Zimmerman. In his sensuous sharp focus, we become more aware of where we are as humans in the drifting sands of time.”

Fellow Judge, Zelda Cheatle, added: “I am very happy that these desert landscapes won overall as they represent skill in photography, an awareness of the environment and reach beyond mere pictures of land and sky.”

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Press release:

LG Launches World’s First Eyestrain-Minimising Monitors In The UK

Berkshire, UK, 14 April, 2009 - LG Electronics, a leading provider of business solutions, today announces the launch of its HD widescreen LCD monitors, the W53 series, in the UK. To enhance the overall viewing experience, the series boasts automatic brightness control technology, which helps to reduce eyestrain during extended use.

The W53 series will be available in the UK from May 2009.

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Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D5000, its latest digital SLR camera that is perfect for capturing family fun and developing the skills of photography hobbyists. Packed with features that make taking pictures easy and fun, this camera stands out above the competition with its unique Vari-angle LCD monitor, allowing you to shoot easily from almost any angle.

The D5000 inherits the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function, and extensive in-camera editing features to enhance images. Coupled with the wide choice of scene modes, 12.3MP sensor and high-sensitivity that ranges between ISO 200 and 3200 (which can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent) for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions, this camera makes it easier than ever to take great quality pictures.

“This camera offers exceptional image quality and technology inherited from higher-end Nikon models giving consumers first hand experience of the outstanding quality that Nikon is famous for,” says Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe B.V. “With the D5000’s unique Vari-angle LCD screen, you can easily take pictures from any angle, bringing a totally new perspective to your images. The added benefit of the D-movie function (introduced as a world-first with the D90), is now being brought to a wider consumer audience looking to have fun with photography and to grow their skills, or to upgrade their existing DSLR.”

View life from a different angle
The D5000’s 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor offers a whole new perspective on photography, allowing you to take pictures easily from any angle. Its flexible, moving screen allows you to position the camera perfectly to suit the angle or shot you’re trying to take - so whether you’re at a concert and you want to get a clear view above the crowd for your shot or you want to take a picture from ground level, you can adjust the Vari-angle monitor to give you the best view of your subject. Close it to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. Thanks to Nikon’s ergonomic design values and the downward opening direction of the screen, it will never get in your way, and you’ll be able to maintain a steady grip on the body which will prevent camera shake. The choice is limitless.

D-Movie and Live View
Shooting movie clips with a DSLR will allow you to get really creative. For example, you can change the lens for a new perspective and enhance the emotional impact of your movies using the Picture Control settings before you even start shooting. The D5000 offers D-Movie (with audio) - high-definition movie capture which is perfectly compatible with the latest television screens and an HDMI output for easy connection. The single button access to the Live View function allows you to view and compose your shot or movie on the Vari-angle LCD monitor for optimal framing. When taking still shots, the camera offers four types of contrast AF (wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking) to make capture as easy as possible. In subject tracking AF mode, the camera will even restart tracking the subject once it leaves the frame and then returns, so your target will always be in focus.

Setting the Scene
With a total of 19 scene modes, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of digital photography to take great pictures. Simply turn the dial to ‘scene’, choose the appropriate scene mode setting and the camera will do the rest for you. The camera will even display a sample scene to make the scene selection easier for you. Another easy-to-use feature is the camera’s extensive range of built-in editing function, with which you can edit your pictures and create visual effects in-camera, before you even get to a computer.

There’s more
In addition to all these features, the D5000 is a high quality camera in its own right. With its high-sensitivity 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, Nikon’s innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, it is also perfectly suited to those with a higher level of photographic knowledge. Image quality is guaranteed further by the image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. It feels good to handle, too, with Nikon’s typically ergonomic design in a compact, light-weight body. Those who shoot pictures in quieter settings will appreciate the new Quiet shooting mode and, the built-in pop-up flash which will automatically detect when the flash is needed. For those on the move, GPS-compatibility with Nikon’s GP-1 unit will come in handy when pinpointing shooting locations as will the HDMI output when you finally want to present your great shots to your family and friends. The Nikon D5000 is compatible with a wide variety of AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses.

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PRESS RELEASE

Hot Chip join VICE in the search for groundbreaking talent to curate
Creating Sense5

Tuesday 14th April 2009 - VICE magazine, known as ‘the coolest in the world’, has today launched a competition to find five creative talents for The Creating Sense5 party - with award winning band Hot Chip selecting the winning talent and curating the gig.

To mark the arrival of 5, VICE are looking for creative genius in any form including mixologists, designers, photographers, artists - anything, like the gum, that intrigues and exhilarates the senses.

Enter the competition and you could be personally chosen by Hot Chip and other optimally attuned experts, to show off your talent at an exclusive event on the 4th of June. Creating Sense5 will be a launch packed full of exactly the right people who should see it; Hot Chip, VICE, the media, and a sensorially inquisitive crowd.

5 takes inspiration from the human senses and so the competition hopes to uncover creative talent that can cleverly stimulate them with flair, imagination and individuality.

And if you’re in a band, are a mixing marvel or a lone-vocalist enter now and let Hot Chip, whose name alone suitably conjures up touch and taste, decide whether you’ll be supporting them on the night. Hot Chip will be performing a very special DJ Set and they’ve even invited some special guests to appear as well (to be revealed).

So what’s your idea for the event? Do you want to build a pitch-black Velcro cocoon to explore touch? Go for it! Do you have an oyster and pea ice-cream recipe? Let’s taste it! Do you want to compose a digital-punk sound experience with lasers? Let’s hear it!

Alongside Hot Chip, VICE has secured an incredible line up of optimally attuned experts to sit on the Creating Sense5 panel and turn on their titillated nerve endings to judge your work. From award winning video director to a duo who make cocktails out of architecture, the panel selecting the winners are Bompas and Parr (smell), Nova Dando (touch), Kinga Burza (sight), Rachel Edward Stuart (taste) and of course Hot Chip (sound). The five winners will be given a huge promotional leg-up as they show off their creations and skills at the coolest event of the year.

The first 15 entries will also receive free tickets to Creating Sense5, and if you have no such talents but want to come along to see Hot Chip, and bask in the sensorial melting pot they will be curating with VICE and 5, there are loads of tickets up for grabs too.

Enter Creating Sense5 and win tickets at http://www.viceland.com/creatingsense5/
So what’s 5 all about? The new premium gum from Wrigley takes inspiration from the five human senses and, through its unique mouth-watering and long-lasting flavours, delivers a full and intriguing sensorial experience. 5 gum distinguishes itself from other brands with its unique sleek black design, minimalist pack style and bold communications, and will be introduced in three flavours from June: a cooling peppermint flavour COBALT^TM, a crisp tropical flavour PULSE^TM and a tingling spearmint flavour ELECTRO^TM.

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