Category: Tech News

Crosley reveal a new flagship record player: meet the C65 system

Crosley announces the C65 Record Player with speakers: a belt‑drive turntable that fuses retro design with today’s audio innovations. Launching at £289, the C65 is a full system for music fans and style seekers alike.
​
​The C65 delivers powerful 50W stereo sound via its bookshelf speakers, powered by a pre-mounted moving-magnet Audio‑Technica ATN3600L cartridge. The cartridge can also be upgraded over time, giving you a system that evolves with you.

 A switchable amp means you can even add the C65 system to your existing or future hi-fi system or powered / active speakers. The whole system represents a step up as an upgrade path from all-in-one record players.
​
​The C65 features seamless Bluetooth 5.1 streaming. Stream your playlists to the C65 from your phone and make the most of the speakers.
​
​Featuring a ​ a full-size steel platter, aluminum tonearm with cue lever, adjustable pitch control, belt-drive DC motor, and resonance‑dampening feet, the C65 is a solid performer for anyone after a plug and play vinyl system
It accommodates both 33 ⅓ RPM and 45 RPM records and includes essentials like a 45-adaptor, slip-mat, dust cover, cartridge alignment protractor and spare NP5 stylus.

The Crosley C65 is priced £289 / $299.

Click for live retail links: UK retailers include HMV, Amazon, Gear4Music and your favourite independent record stores.

Kali Audio Announces HP-1 Multi-Reference Headphones

Kali Audio has announced the HP-1, its first ever over-ear, DSP-powered headphone for mixing and QC that provides users with a neutral, accurate representation of their mix, as well as the ability to hear how their work will sound on the most popular headphones in use today.

The HP-1 has 3 voicings:

  1. Studio: transparent, accurate sound that will translate faithfully.

  2. Bass-Heavy: replicates the sound of headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans.

  3. Consumer: replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers.

Users can switch between the three voicings at the press of a button. The LED on the right earcup will change color to indicate the selected tuning, and a voice prompt will also let the user know exactly what they’re listening to.

 

A wired connection is available via a 3.5mm jack on the headphone and an included cable. While this will give the highest fidelity playback for serious studio use, Bluetooth pairing is also possible for casual listening on the go.

In addition to its merits as a studio tool, the DSP in the HP-1 allows it to be a fantastic all-around headphone. Features like active noise cancelling, wireless calling, and physical playback controls on the headphones let you take them along with you in your everyday life.

The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response of 18 Hz – 22 kHz. The battery supports at least 40 hours of playback on a full charge and can be recharged using the included USB-C cable. The headphones ship in a zippered carrying case that will protect them for travel.

The Kali Audio HP-1 is  available globally now at kaliaudio.com, with an SRP of $199 / £199 / €199.

See our huge range of headphone reviews 

Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 Series Globally

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the global availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, and its new Galaxy Watch8 series. The Galaxy Z series has reached the highest number of pre-orders for Galaxy Z foldables ever in Ireland., with targets exceeded before the end of the pre-order period.

Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and -Light with Intuitive Intelligence

Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI, they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to user needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 open up new realms of productivity, creativity and connection.

Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering the Ultra -level experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z Series yet. It offers immersive, high-octane performance on an expansive screen, empowering you to game, stream, connect and create all at once. Galaxy’s true AI companion experience has also been optimised for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with Camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they’re viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they’re exploring a new city and ask Gemini whether there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it.

Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7’s ultra-grade 200MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at user’s fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit[3] now automatically detects passers-by in the background of photos and proactively recommends what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. Apart from these features, Galaxy Z Fold7 brings familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary.

Galaxy Z Flip7 distills flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, you can express yourself, access key features at a glance and stay connected, all without opening the device.

Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content, from flawless selfies to cinematic video, all with the agility and creativity only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as what song is playing, workout progress and even rideshare ETAs at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow. So, they can ask for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or outfit suggestions based on the day’s weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free.

Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhance users FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio3 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos or professional-quality portraits, and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap.

Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit in with and elevate user lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation.

Read more on the new devices here

 

Pricing 

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7-  12GB RAM + 256GB- €2149 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 – 12GB RAM + 512GB – €2259 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7- 16GB  RAM + 1TB – €2559 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 –  12GB RAM + 256GB – €1,239 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 – 12GB RAM + 512GB – €1,349 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB RAM +128GB – €1029 RRP
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB + 256GB – €1,099 RRP

Offers on Samsung.ie

Vodafone Ireland Launches Critical Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Vodafone Ireland has announced the launch of Real-Time Text (RTT), a breakthrough accessibility service designed to improve emergency communications for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Vodafone Ireland is the first mobile operator in Ireland to introduce RTT, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, barrier-free digital communication and connection.  The service is now available for emergency calls following pilot tests on the Vodafone network supported by BT ECAS and ComReg.
RTT is a next-generation messaging technology that enables text to be transmitted instantly, character by character, while maintaining a voice connection – eliminating the need to press “send.” This creates a more natural, fluid communication experience, particularly for deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired users.
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly via their handset accessibility settings. Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call – making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
 Crucially, RTT is fully compatible with Ireland’s Emergency Call Answering Service, allowing users to communicate directly with 112 or 999 in real time. This capability can be lifesaving in urgent situations where every second counts.

Approximately 5%, almost 270,000, of the Irish population reports a hearing impairment, according to latest Census data. With the European Accessibility Act coming into effect last month, the need for inclusive digital communication has never been more urgent and RTT is a vital step forward in ensuring equal access for all, especially in critical services like emergency response.

The RTT service is natively supported on smartphones that meet international accessibility standards.
These devices allow character-by-character text transmission during voice calls, without requiring third-party apps or additional hardware. This ensures that users can communicate directly and immediately in emergency situations and in everyday interactions.
Commenting as the service was launched today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said:
“The introduction of Real-Time Text by Vodafone Ireland marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards digital equality. As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, it is heartening to see Irish tech leaders stepping up with meaningful innovation which instantly improves lives. Most importantly, RTT empowers people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access emergency services with the same immediacy and simplicity as anyone else. This is not just a technological advancement – it is a statement of inclusion, of equality and our shared commitment to building a digital society with universal access.

The RTT service is already available on the majority of Vodafone smartphones in Ireland right now, meaning the opportunity to make inclusive communication the norm is already in our hands.  I encourage not only the Deaf and hard of hearing community, but the wider public also to embrace RTT. By making it part of our everyday communication and help ensure it becomes a turning point for real inclusion in a more connected society – one where everyone has the tools to engage, contribute and to be heard.”

Welcoming the launch, Chief Executive of Vodafone Ireland, Sabrina Casalta, said:

“At Vodafone Ireland, we’re committed to keeping everyone connected – our mission is to ensure digital access and connectivity for everyone, everywhere. RTT represents a significant step forward in digital accessibility, especially in emergency scenarios where real-time communication can save lives.  We are proud to be the first in Ireland and one of the leaders in Europe to bring this innovative service to market, that we believe can change lives for the better. The RTT launch has been developed in partnership with government stakeholders, accessibility advocates, and emergency response teams. Vodafone’s RTT deployment places Ireland at the forefront of inclusive tech innovation in Europe.”
Speaking at the launch, Mark Byrne,  CEO of Chime, Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people said:
“Chime is excited to see Vodafone Ireland leading the way in ensuring crucial accessibility to emergency services through its RTT service. We know this is a major challenge for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who face barriers in reaching emergency services when they need to.
We commend Vodafone for gathering important feedback from Irish Sign Language users on the RTT, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. We hope to see further investment and expansion of digital accessibility across the communications sector in Ireland.”
Vodafone is Ireland’s leading total communications provider with 2.4 million customers and employs over 2,000 people directly and indirectly in Ireland. Next year, Vodafone Ireland will mark 25 years in Ireland. Vodafone Ireland was recently named Ireland’s best mobile operator for the 10th year in a row by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut. Vodafone Ireland was also recognised as Best in Reliability, Best in Voice, and Best in Crowdsourced Reliability.
What is Real-Time Text (RTT)?
RTT is an accessibility service that allows text to be transmitted instantly as it’s typed, allowing for natural, real-time conversations. Unlike traditional SMS or legacy TTY systems, RTT doesn’t require waiting for a full message to be typed before transmission. It is especially useful for Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired users and supports full interaction with emergency numbers 112 and 999.
How to Enable RTT on Your Device
Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly from their handset settings.
·       On Android, users can go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > RTT and toggle the feature on.
·       iPhone users can enable RTT by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and switching on “Software RTT.” Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call — making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
For more information, please visit www.vodafone.ie.

HBK introduces IO-Link connectivity for proven force sensors

Global leader in precision measurement solutions, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has announced the integration of IO-Link communication into its trusted U10M, U10F, and C10 force transducers.

These fatigue-resistant sensors, widely used in critical test and production applications, now combine their renowned mechanical robustness with smart digital connectivity.

Thanks to this enhancement, HBK can meet the growing demand for simplified integration, real-time sensor diagnostics and cost-efficient automation solutions – all while maintaining the company’s hallmark precision and reliability.

Digital integration for demanding applications

The C10 series is optimised for measuring compressive forces, while the U10M and U10F have been designed for tensile and compressive loads. Already valued for their large measurement range and long-term stability, these sensors now offer a high-quality integrated amplifier and IO-Link interface, opening the door to plug-and-play setup in smart factory environments.

All models include built-in temperature measurement, allowing engineers and operators to simultaneously monitor mechanical and thermal conditions in real time – a key feature for ensuring sensor performance, process stability and long-term reliability within dynamic industrial environments.

The key performance enhancements include:

  • Linearity error improved to a factor up to 7
  • Temperature zero drift reduced by up to 50%
  • Enhanced resistance to dynamic overloads

Sensor health monitoring: A new standard in reliability

One of the major innovations is the introduction of Sensor Health Monitoring, a built-in system that continuously monitors applied forces and temperature levels. If physical limits are approached or exceeded, the system issues real-time alerts, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected downtime. Even short-term overloads are detected, recorded and reported, ensuring full transparency and improved operational safety.

Smarter connectivity with IO-Link

The adoption of IO-Link, a widely supported industrial communication standard, allows HBK transducers to be integrated easily into modern automation systems, providing:

  • Standardised, cost-effective cabling
  • Rapid sensor replacement and configuration
  • Seamless communication from field to control level

This development marks a significant step in HBK’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in measurement and testing environments.

More information about these sensors is available here: https://hbm.wistia.com/medias/kkrq5ajn4s

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Now Has One UI 8 Watch

Samsung Electronics has announced the availability of the One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch Ultra, unlocking the motivational health features and refined, intuitive interface unveiled with the new Galaxy Watch8 series to a wider Galaxy users. With the update, Galaxy Watch Ultra users now have access to powerful tools like Running Coach, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index — all designed to help users build healthier habits through motivational insights.

With One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimized to deliver essential information at a glance on a smartwatch-sized screen. Multi-Info Tiles pull everything from health metrics to weather into a customizable view, delivering the information users need, exactly when they need it. Now Bar ensures that whatever users are working on is always accessible. These One UI 8 Watch features integrate seamlessly with Galaxy Watch Ultra’s robust performance and durability.

Galaxy Watch Ultra remains the ultimate wearable companion for those who love outdoor adventure, all available in four stunning titanium finishes — including the newly introduced Titanium Blue. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness with comfort and style, while Galaxy Watch8 Classic offers timeless sophistication paired with advanced functionality. Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue will soon be globally launched.

For more details about the Galaxy Watch Ultra, visit https://www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch/.

See our Samsung Reviews

Viltrox’s AF 90mm F3.5 Lens for the DJI Inspire 3

Viltrox, a global leader in optical imaging innovation, is proud to announce its first-ever aerial lens – the Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 with a native DL (DJI-compatible) mount, designed exclusively for the DJI Inspire 3 drone. This milestone in lens development builds upon Viltrox’s renowned reputation in ground-based photography and cinematography systems – and further emphasizes Viltrox’s commitment to the aerial imaging field.

The AF 90mm F3.5 DL features a native DL mount, for seamless integration into DJI’s professional aerial ecosystem. As Viltrox’s first 90mm lens – and the first 90mm telephoto lens for aerial cinematography – it delivers a unique mid-telephoto view with strong spatial compression and smooth subject separation, expanding creative options for drone filmmakers.

“We see this lens not just as a product, but as a declaration: Viltrox is now in the air,” said Kahn Wang, Director of Marketing at Viltrox, “We’ve spent years empowering photographers on the ground – and now we’re excited to also support creators looking for altitude, reach, and new perspectives.”

Designed for Flight, Engineered for Precision
Purpose-built for aerial use, this 90mm F3.5 lens strikes a fine balance between optical performance, lightweight construction, and gimbal compatibility. The lightweight 170g design assists with gimbal balance and flight performance.

Designed to work flawlessly with the DJI Inspire 3’s gimbal, this lens delivers sharp, stabilized images, even in demanding flight conditions.

Key design priorities for the Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 DL include an optimized lightweight build for perfect balance with DJI Inspire 3 gimbals, and a robust structure engineered to withstand aerial vibrations. The lens delivers smooth focus control and edge-to-edge sharpness, ensuring professional results in demanding flight conditions.

Enriching the DJI Inspire 3’s Lens Ecosystem
As the DJI Inspire 3 continues to redefine what’s possible with drone cinematography, Viltrox is alongside, expanding user options with an optical tool tailored for mid-telephoto lens storytelling. The new AF 90mm F3.5 extends the lens options available to aerial directors, DPs, and content creators who aim to push their visual narratives even further.

Viltrox’s Strategic Leap into Aerial Imaging
This new product only marks the beginning of Viltrox’s innovation in air-based optical systems. From mirrorless mounts, and now to cinematic drone setups, the company is committed to building a complete image-making ecosystem – one that knows no limits and bridges ground and sky seamlessly.

Empowering Creators Everywhere
The Viltrox AF 90mm F3.5 DL isn’t just a new lens – it’s a total new perspective. Now, Viltrox is inviting inspired creators to explore altitude, compression, and cinematic depth in ways that were never before possible with aerial cinematography systems.

Other Viltrox news

More details and how to buy
For more information, please visit:

Viltrox Offical Store: https://geni.us/90dl_pr

Amazon Store:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHQBPTV8

EU: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FHQBPTV8

MSRP: US$ 499 / EU: €568 / UK £489

TCL Unveils NXTPAPER 11 Plus: A Groundbreaking Tablet for Eye Comfort, Productivity & Creativity

TCL, a global leader in display innovation for smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, is proud to announce the European availability of the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet, launched at MWC 2025.

Designed for students, professionals, and creatives, this device transforms digital interactions with an advanced paper-like display that enhances comfort, focus, and usability. Powered by the latest NXTPAPER 4.0 technology and AI-driven features, it redefines how users read, work, and create while ensuring long-term eye health. NXTPAPER is TCL’s proprietary display innovation, designed as an alternative to conventional screens that cause eye fatigue. By replicating the experience of reading on paper, NXTPAPER 4.0 ensures superior eye comfort without sacrificing colour vibrancy, making it ideal for extended screen time.

Revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 Technology for Healthier Screen Time

Unlike conventional LCD tablets, NXTPAPER 4.0 delivers a natural, glare-free experience, reducing eye fatigue while maintaining rich, vibrant colours. The 11.5-inch 2.2K display integrates multi-layered eye protection, minimising harmful blue light emissions without compromising clarity.

A nano-etched, anti-glare surface enhances readability in bright conditions, making it ideal for long study sessions, professional tasks, and creative projects. With TÜV Rheinland, SGS, and EyeSafe certifications, TCL sets a new industry benchmark for display comfort and sustainability.

AI-Powered Intelligence for Enhanced Productivity

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus is more than just a display innovation—it introduces intelligent AI-powered tools designed to optimise productivity and streamline everyday tasks. With Text Assist, users can refine text efficiently through intelligent rewriting, summarisation, and translation tools, making tasks like email drafting or event planning seamless. Writing Assist further enhances content creation, offering AI-driven support for structured writing.

Smart Voice Memo automatically records, transcribes, and summarises meetings, ensuring users capture key discussions effortlessly.

For an even more intuitive experience, Circle to Search with Google allows users to simply circle an item on-screen with a finger or the T-Pen to initiate a search, streamlining information retrieval. Meanwhile, Smart Translator breaks down language barriers by translating voice, text, and images in real-time, while AI Subtitles provide automatic translations for video content, ensuring users stay connected in a globally digital world.

Further enhancing usability, the NXTPAPER Key now functions as an all-in-one shortcut, enabling users to trigger AI tools and frequently used apps with customisable gestures. Paired with dynamic light effects for notifications and interactions, the tablet delivers an intelligent, user-centric experience that adapts to personal habits and needs.

A New Era of Eye Comfort

With NXTPAPER 4.0, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus redefines screen time comfort. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth interactions, whether reading, writing, or streaming. The ΔE≈1 colour accuracy and 100% sRGB gamut provide true-to-life visuals, making it ideal for students, creatives, and professionals alike.

Personalized and Intuitive Usability

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus adapts effortlessly to different lifestyles, making it an essential companion for students, professionals, creatives, and families. For students, it offers an e-reader-like experience with smart note-taking tools that enhance learning. Professionals benefit from AI-powered features like Smart Voice Memo and seamless multitasking for increased productivity. Meanwhile, creatives can take advantage of the ultra-responsive T-Pen and high colour accuracy, turning the tablet into a digital sketchpad for design and illustration.

Designed for everyday use, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus ensures a comfortable, eye-friendly experience with its anti-glare, paper-like display. Whether for long study sessions, work, entertainment, or travel, the tablet provides clear, vibrant visuals while reducing eye strain. Families and on-the-go users will appreciate its adaptability—perfect for watching content at home, reading outdoors, or staying productive on the move.

Designed to adapt to individual preferences, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus introduces advanced AI-driven customisation tools, including Smart Eye Comfort Mode and Personalized Eye Comfort Mode. These features intelligently optimise display settings based on environmental lighting, user habits, and specific usage scenarios—whether reading, studying, or enjoying entertainment.

Productivity Meets Creativity

Equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, the NXTPAPER 11 Plus ensures fast and reliable performance, supporting multitasking across work and entertainment. The 8000mAh battery offers all-day usage, while 33W fast charging minimises downtime. Its reverse charging capability allows it to serve as a power source for other gadgets, adding versatility for busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

Creative users will appreciate the optional T-Pen, which provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for precision drawing, note-taking, or intricate design work. The tablet’s IP54-rated durability further ensures its reliability in diverse environments, from home to outdoor settings.

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus 256GB tablet is available now at Very.com and Curry’s for £299*. Please find links below:

Very.com

Curry’s

Other TCL news

DCS eyes sustainable expansion with UK’s first HP Latex R530 printer

Diversified printing business Digital Creative Services (London) Limited (DCS) has become the first company in the UK to invest in and install an HP Latex R530 hybrid printer to support its aim of offering customers access to truly sustainable printing services.

Located in London’s Royal Victoria Dock, on the same complex as the Excel Exhibition Centre, DCS offers a wide range of services across digital and lithographic printing. The company works with customers across various sectors, including global beauty brands, financial institutions, sports clubs and educational settings.

Overseeing operations at DCS is Managing Director Barry Page, who, along with his business partner and Co-Owner Dave Gibbons, purchased DCS in June 2020. Over the past five years, the company has gone from strength to strength, integrating several other businesses to expand its offering and investing in new machinery on a regular basis to support this ongoing expansion.

This ethos led to the first UK investment in the new HP Latex R530 hybrid printer, which was purchased through approved HP distributor Papergraphics and installed at the DCS site in April 2025.

Running at a top speed of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode, the machine can print on media up to 1.6m wide and as thick as 5cm. It runs 3-litre ink cartridges across both colours and white, with DCS opting for the white ink model to help meet the ever-changing demands of its customers.

The compact HP Latex R530 can be seamlessly switched between rigid and flexible applications, delivering consistent, high-quality output – up to 1200 x 600dpi – across various media types. It enables print service providers (PSPs) such as DCS to tap into new markets and expand into new print applications. Such are its far-reaching capabilities that the printer can be used to produce applications such as indoor and outdoor signage, wall coverings, vehicle wraps and graphics, POS and packaging

Features such as automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning enable businesses to bolster uptime and reduce maintenance costs, while an intuitive touchscreen makes it easy to operate, and a single-phase power system enables effortless installation. In addition to this is the ability to streamline workflows with remote production control through the HP PrintOS Production Hub.

As is the case with all HP Latex printers, the new HP Latex R530 runs water-based inks, which have much less impact on the environment than solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks. Working with HP Latex inks also improves the recyclability of printed applications, whereas using other ink types can prove a major stumbling block for printers.

With many DCS customers having a strong focus on the environment and reducing their impact on the planet, Barry Page said the HP Latex R530 will fit in perfectly at DCS to help deliver sustainable printing to clients.

“The decision to purchase the HP Latex machine was in part driven by our clients’ needs to ensure they reach their sustainability targets, plus our own ethos of buying the most environmentally friendly equipment in the market in line with our ISO 14001 Environmental Management system,” Barry said. “Our objective is to help our customers achieve their ever more sustainable goals, which are aligned to our own.

“We have carried out a lot of work to be able to offer ever improving environmentally responsible operations and the range of recycled and recyclable materials that we offer. We clearly see this investment as the next step of this ongoing process.”

As to the type of work DCS will be running on the new printer, Barry said the machine will mainly be used for producing freestanding exhibition display boards, with the company having identified this as a key growth market. It will also increase capacity for other printed work such as office décor and window manifestation.

“We will have an improved offering to our existing clients as well as attracting new ones thanks to the quality and sustainability we can now provide,” Barry said.

With DCS clearly not a company to rest on its laurels, Barry said the business is constantly on the look-out for ways to further enhance production and could soon return to HP for another Latex investment.

“If we meet our objectives for the business over the next 12 months, we will then consider the HP Latex FS50 as our next investment,” Barry said.

See our printer reviews