HP enters professional photo printing segment

NEW DELHI: HP has entered the professional photo-printing segment with the launch of a nine-ink photo printer, the Photosmart 8758.

HP also launched the HP Photosmart 7838 at the entry-level and HP Photosmart 8038 at the mid-end in order to cover all user segments — home to professional.

Speaking at the launch, HP Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) vice president Ravi Aggarwal, said, “The nine - ink photo printer HP Photosmart 8758 when compared to traditional photo printers, which have only eight inks, has an extra color, — blue. It ensures that photographs are richer and more vivid. The printer can also be seamlessly connected to Adobe Photoshop, thereby allowing application of color management tools for prints with customized color effects.”

Priced Rs 27,999, the HP Photosmart 8758 is targeted at mid-low volume printing. It is a six-ink printer, which can be expanded to eight-ink.

The company claimed that a 4x6 print would cost around Rs 6-7. It also added that the prints would last a century.

The 1.8-inch color LCD monitor can be used to view photos and for photo editing and printing without a PC. It is priced at Rs 7,999. Targeted at beginners, HP Photosmart 7838 provides true photo output including 4x6 borderless photos. It is priced at Rs 5,499.

“The photo printing space in India is growing rapidly. Photo printers have a greater impact over traditional printers in terms of better picture quality for professional segment and affordability and instant gratification for the home segment,” Aggarwal said.

The company's focus verticals for the newly launched photo printers include professional photographers, general insurance agents, design studios, architects, interior designers and home users.