Canon Courts Retailers With Wide-Format Printing
By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 2/9/2004
LAS VEGAS— Hoping to move larger format printing from specialty graphic shops into the wider world of mass market retail, Canon introduced the new W6200 wide-format inkjet printer and a customizable retail configuration, that it is currently pitching to retailers.
According to Amit Bagchi, director, printer division, Canon wants to "move wide format out of the business market and into retail."
The wide format printer is capable of printing digital images at upward of 24 by 36 inches in under five minutes. It features six individual ink tanks.
The printer would allow retailers to offer photo poster printing, as well as custom banners and calendar printing from consumer's digital media, Bagchi said.
According to Bagchi, Canon decided to bring wide-format printing to new channels because of the speed and ease-of-use of the 6200.
The company is selling a customizable, behind-the-counter solution that can coexist alongside a store's photofinishing capabilities. The configuration can include the printer, a PC with a flash memory card reader, and a flatbed scanner, in addition to POP advertising the service.
"We are targeting retailers who can cater to consumers with 4-megapixel and 8-megapixel digital cameras because those images can be blown up to these large sizes," Bagchi said.
"The consumer market is ready for print sizes above 8 by 10," Bagchi said.
