Typesetting for Everyone

Continuous advancements in microelectronics are providing low cost, high speed processing capabilities to an increasingly larger segment of the population. Parallel developments in the areas of CCD digitizers for input and various non-impact printing technologies for output are forming the basis for complete publishing capabilities that are available to everyone, from corporate executives to housewives. Non-impact printers are presently available which provide 300 dpi resolution, multiple font selection, and 8 ppm output for under $3000. Prices for such capabilities will drop to $1000 by 1987. Improvements in quality and speed are primarily limited by memory costs, speed, and the capabilities of raster image processors. Non-impact printers are presently available which provide 300 dpi resolution, multiple font selection, and 8 ppm output for under $3000. Prices for such capabilities will drop to $1000 by 1987. Improvements in quality and speed are primarily limited by memory costs, speed, and the capabilities of raster image processors. Two principle limiting factors on the assimilation of such products are software and service. Software to take advantage of non-impact printers is slow in development, as manufacturers of traditional word processing and other equipment contend with the issue of WYSIWYG and WYSIMOLWYG. As these new devices are accepted into the marketplace the issue of service will surface. Few technicians are qualified to repair devices which cover a broad spectrum of technologies. In the Fortune 1000 environment, a restructuring is required prior to the integration of evolving systems. There are several areas within such companies that are involved in various forms of publishing and, until a power center is identified, it will be difficult to determine how and when this market will mature. Important to all market segments utilizing this new technology is the understanding of capabilities, limitations, and future developments. Operating with a knowledge of these factors will enable the successful application of products across broad markets and functions from prepress departments to the home computer.