HP Photo Printing Systems Offer Black & White Photos that Resist Light Fading

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Palo Alto, CA -- HP (NYSE:HPQ) has announced third-party test results confirming that HP's recently introduced black and white capable photo printing systems offer customers professional-quality black and white photos that resist noticeable light fading for 115 years.(1)

Last year, the company introduced several HP Photosmart printers that produced professional-quality black and white photos. HP asked Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. the leading worldwide independent image permanence laboratory, to test a representative HP printer (the HP Photosmart 7960) for black and white fade resistance in normal indoor display conditions, when used with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, using their standard test methods (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details), determined that these black and white prints resist fading for up to 115 years when tested under glass.

"It's important for customers to understand that any credible comparisons of photo permanence must be derived from identical test methodologies," said Nils Miller, senior ink and media scientist, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Wilhelm Imaging Research employs the most stringent and widely used test methodology on fade resistance. In addition, Wilhelm tests and publishes results for all major brands, which enables customers to make fair and credible comparisons between brands."

HP Photosmart printers, including the 145, 245, 7660, 7760 and 7960 products, are all compatible with the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge. According to HP's Image Permanence Lab, when used with HP Premium Plus Photo paper, these photo capable printers offer similar results as those obtained by Wilhelm Imaging Research on the HP Photosmart 7960.

Wilhelm's tests previously concluded that HP's latest color photo printing systems offer 73 years fade resistance under display conditions.⁽²⁾

The HP printing system

HP offers its consumers professional-looking output by designing reliable, high-quality and complete printing systems. HP print cartridges, printers and photo papers are designed together to work together. The dye-based ink cartridges when combined with HP Premium Plus Photo Papers offer brilliant color and professional-quality black and white photos with exceptional fade resistance.⁽²⁾

Additionally, a recent report from SpencerLab⁽³⁾ demonstrated that photo enthusiasts preferred the digital image quality of the eight-ink printing system over conventionally processed photos. The SpencerLab report was based on consumer-based research into preferences regarding photographic print quality.

"As a leader in home photo printing, HP knows superior image quality and fade resistance are critical to our customers," said William K. Smith, general manager and vice president of imaging supplies, media, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Through innovation and a commitment to R&D, HP will continue to lead industry advancements in photo printing."

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the fiscal year ending on Oct. 31, 2003, HP revenue totaled $73.1 billion. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.

⁽¹⁾ According to Wilhelm Imaging Research (see http://www.wilhelm-research.com for details). Display Permanence Ratings are based on accelerated light stability tests conducted at 35 klux with glass-filtered cool white fluorescent illumination with the sample plane air temperature maintained at 24 C and 60% relative humidity. Data were extrapolated to display conditions of 450 lux for 12 hours per day using the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. "Visually-Weighted Endpoint Criteria Set v3.0" and represent the years of display for easily noticeable fading, changes in color balance, and/or staining to occur.

⁽²⁾ With the combination of (i) the HP 58 photo inkjet print cartridge, the HP 57 tri-color inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper, or (ii) the HP 57, HP 58 and the HP 59 gray photo inkjet print cartridge and HP Premium Plus Photo paper.

⁽³⁾ SpencerLab, Consumer Preference Research: Photographic Print Quality, September 2003.

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