Written by Kristen Read on Monday, 10 January 2011 16:35

In many cases, a coating is the final touch on a printed piece. Not only is it that lasting effect that really makes the colours "pop," but it also has added value in protecting the document. Coatings can keep fingerprints, scratches and scuffs at bay, while adding a glossy finish that creates depth to the piece and draws the reader's eye. There are different types of coating for different applications, including varnish, UV coating, and aqueous coating. Lamination is also an option, but that's another story for another day.

Written by Jason Lisi on Monday, 10 January 2011 17:29

Thanks to big advancements in monitor technology, software development, Internet connectivity speeds and customer interest, soft proofing has celebrated a significant uptake in the last few years as an extension and/or alternative to traditional paper-based proofing methods. One doesn't have to look too hard to find articles and literature heralding the colour accuracy and competency of soft proofing systems.

Written by Peter Dulis on Monday, 10 January 2011 16:11

There has been some game changing announcements from the manufacturers of inkjet plotters recently. Both Canon and HP have introduced new technical inkjet devices that are giving LED technologies a run for their money. These integrated systems are ideal for users wishing to archive, e-mail, or copy large-format prints. These systems can be incorporated into a variety of markets including CAD, AEC, GIS and pay-for-print; they can also be used for countless applications such as maps, blueprints, OCR, copying raster to vector conversions, photographs, artwork paintings, drawings, court documents, newsprint and etc.

Written by Kristen Read on Monday, 10 January 2011 17:05 This year's Print World show began on a beautiful and sunny Saturday, on the morning of November 20. Toronto's Direct Energy centre played host to the event that reportedly saw visitors from more than 15 countries around the world. Though the show was noticeably smaller than some were used to, the overall attendance was positive – as were the number of "sold" signs on the equipment!

Written by Myrna Penny on Monday, 10 January 2011 16:13 The Digital Imaging Association offered members and guests a unique opportunity to hear from the specialists what cloud computing is all about, its current and anticipated uses and how it impacts all aspects of computing. The Cloud is statistically the biggest shift that computing has seen.

What is the Cloud?

Written by Kristen Read on Monday, 10 January 2011 17:27

This month I had the opportunity to talk with Grace Gao, general manager of Hans Gronhi Canada. I wanted to find out how the recent Print World show fared for the company, and learn about the challenges for a foreign business entering the Canadian marketplace. Read on!

Written by Joe Mulcahy on Monday, 10 January 2011 16:10

While 2010 was a very challenging year for many people, it did end on a positive note. I recently attended the Print World Show in Toronto. The crowds were excellent, especially Saturday and Monday, and I saw plenty of sold signs at booths like Agfa, KBR, Fujifilm, Nustream Graphics, Robert E. Thistle and many other exhibitors. Michael Steele of Sydney Stone was particularly impressed with his sales volume and the new leads he acquired.

Written by Natalia Gilewicz on Monday, 10 January 2011 16:11

Welcome to the GAM Holiday Issue, starring Soft Proofing Santa and Santa's Little Helper. This month, our lead article "Soft proofing" by Jason Lisi shows us how we can use soft proofing to collaborate; or, as I will call it for our holiday issue, the spirit of togetherness. The article discusses a variety of solutions which, without research would make you feel overwhelmed at the number of choices (similar to the feeling of standing in the middle of the toy isle trying to figure out what a five-year-old would play with for longer than 10 minutes). Fortunately, Jason demystifies the plethora of options for you. I will call him Soft Proofing Santa, though he won't be delivering the software in the middle of the night.

Written by Diana Brown on Monday, 10 January 2011 15:16 It's that time of year again when snow delicately blankets the world, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafts from the oven and tiny hooves pitter-patter on rooftops.

You've made a list, you've checked it twice, but you still can't find that perfect gift for the print guru in your life. Well, you've come to the right place! Below are seven perfect gifts for the designer, colour expert, paper-enthusiast and press person on your list.