Total revenue for the US outdoor advertising industry grew 8% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period last year. The revenue figures are collected in aggregate each month by certified public accountants and used by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, in combination with other sources, to release industry revenue information on a quarterly basis.

Gerber Scientific Products has announced the acquisition of Data Technology, Inc. Data Technology, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of automated cutting hardware ideal for the sign and short run graphic production industry.

Ed Phelan had a plan in mind to grow his business. He began with a detailed due diligence process to establish what was appropriate for the needs of the business, followed by an extensive research into the latest in digital printing equipment. He found that one particular brand of printing equipment could set his company, CV Signage Solutions, on the growth course he wanted.

Chief Media launched an innovative product at Printex, a framed sign that turns into a mirror when approached by a person.

Hexis will present an all new line of cast vinyl films together with Hex’Press adhesive technology for vehicle wraps and fleet graphics.

After the popularity of the 2006 MACtac accredited vehicle applicator course Celmac in conjunction with MACtac are offering the course again in 2007. The course will be held in Melbourne and Sydney for 2 days respectively. Robin Boes from Europe will be holding the 2 day courses, imparting his expert knowledge on this very sought after industry skill. If you are interested don’t hesitate as numbers are strictly limited.

Celmac have launched a special offer to the large format digital printing industry.

HumanEyes Technologies launched its new LensFree lenticular technology on the stand of its Australian distribution partner, leading systems integrator, Fujifilm Sericol Australia at PrintEx 2007.

There were several winners at the prestigeous National Print Awards that should be of interest to the wide format sector, including the new category 'Art Reproduction'.

It was announced at Printex that as of 1st June, Anitech will take over the sales and support of the HP Scitex Vision range of wide format industrial printers.

The Acuity HD 2504 is a 48 x 96-in. flatbed that can accommodate substrates as thick as 1.89 in. and features a zoned vacuum table, which stays stationary as the heads move over it to print. An optional roll to roll module will be available in late 2007.  Fujifilm Sericol Australia advised www.wideformatonline.com that no decision had been reached as yet whether to bring the new Vybrant roll to roll solvent machines to Australia.

Celmac will have on display at Printex their new Flatrunner, which they claim is generating a lot of interest due to its very competitve price and comparative specifications.

The Jeti 3324 UVRTR utilises 24 Spectra heads and utilises environmentally friendly UV curable inks to produce the fastest output of any UV roll to roll grand-format printer on the market today.

A new report by IT Strategies shows huge growth for textile printers. The report states, the digital printing of textiles has been going on since the mid 90s with electrostatic (e-stat) and inkjet printers, either by direct printing (in the case of inkjet) and via dye sublimation transfer (inkjet and e-stat). Today advances in inkjet printers, e.g., direct to fabric sublimation printers, combined with growth in textile applications such as soft signage and apparel are driving the market for digital textile printing.

SGIA.org's recent facelift went deeper than a fresh colour and new eye-popping graphics on the home page: The Web site has been reorganised to showcase its role as the premiere US news authority for the specialty imaging community. http://www.sgia.org