1. HP Indigo Photo Solutions replacing Traditional AgX (silver halide)
Session 2 – What is AgX (silver Halide)?
April, 2013
Raffael Kraus
Ran Lev
Ksenia Polonsky

2. This slide deck covers session 2 from the list of the sessions:
HP in Photo
What is AgX (silver halide)?
HP Indigo Solutions for Consumer Lab
HP Indigo Solutions for School lab
HP Indigo Solutions for Pro-lab
HP Indigo Solutions for Premium Photo Album

3. What is “Silver halide” or AgX?
A silver halide is one of the compounds formed between silver and one of the halogens — silver bromide (AgBr), chloride (AgCl), iodide (AgI), and three forms of silver fluorides. As a group, they are often referred to as the silver halides, and are often given the pseudo-chemical notation AgX.
The primary element for light capture in photography is the silver halide crystal. When exposed to light, this crystal forms a small, stable "latent image" that is highly amplified during photographic development.
By common usage, the term "emulsion" denotes what is actually a dispersion of tiny silver halide crystals (grains) in gelatin.
The silver halide emulsion literally "sets the scene" for the subsequent complex chemical processes that lead to the formation of a colorful image.
Silver halides are used in photographic paper, where silver halide crystals in gelatin are coated on to a paper substrate.
Light sensitivity
Silver halides are used in photographic film and photographic paper, including graphic art film and paper, where silver halide crystals in gelatin are coated on to a film base, glass or paper substrate. The gelatin is a vital part of the emulsion as the protective colloid of appropriate physical and chemical properties. Gelatin may also contain trace elements (such as sulfur) which increase the light sensitivity of the emulsion, although modern practice uses gelatin without such components. When absorbed by an AgX crystal, photons cause electrons to be promoted to aconduction band (de-localized electron orbital with higher energy than a valence band) which can be attracted by a sensitivity speck, which is a shallow electron trap, which may be a crystalline defect or a cluster of silver sulfide, gold, other trace elements (dopant), or combination thereof, and then combined with an interstitial silver ion to form silver metal speck.[1]
When a silver halide crystal is exposed to light, a sensitivity speck on the surface of the crystal is turned into a small speck of metallic silver (these comprise the invisible or latent image). If the speck of silver contains approximately four or more atoms, it is rendered developable - meaning that it can undergo development which turns the entire crystal into metallic silver. Areas of the emulsion receiving larger amounts of light (reflected from a subject being photographed, for example) undergo the greatest development and therefore results in the highest optical density.
Silver bromide and silver chloride may be used separately or combined, depending on the sensitivity and tonal qualities desired in the product. Silver iodide is always combined with silver bromide or silver chloride, except in the case of some historical processes such as the collodion wet plate and daguerreotype, in which the iodide is sometimes used alone (generally regarded as necessary if a daguerreotype is to be developed by the Becquerel method, in which exposure to strong red light, which affects only the crystals bearing latent image specks, is substituted for exposure to mercury fumes). Silver fluoride is not used in photography.
Silver halides are also used to make corrective lenses darken when exposed to ultraviolet light (see photochromism).
The primary element for light capture in photography is the silver halide crystal. When exposed to light, this crystal forms a small, stable "latent image" that is highly amplified during photographic development. In black-and-white photography the reduced metallic silver forms the image. In color photography, the oxidized developer is used to create a colored image in register with the developed silver. By common usage, the term "emulsion" denotes what is actually a dispersion of tiny silver halide crystals (grains) in gelatin. Although the structure of the AgBr and AgCl lattice is face-centered cubic, an enormous variety of crystal shapes can be obtained, depending on the number and orientation of twin planes and the conditions during growth. To add to this complexity, the crystals in commercial emulsions usually contain mixed halide phases. Films suitable for a hand-held camera generally contain silver bromoiodide, in which iodide ions are incorporated into the AgBr lattice during crystal growth. Practical photography is possible from conditions of bright sunlight to night street lighting. These conditions span a factor of about 105in illuminance, and must be accommodated by the combination of camera shutter speed, lens aperture, and film speed.
Sensitivity to light, or photographic speed, is one of the most important attributes of the emulsion. Intrinsic sensitivity is typically enhanced during manufacture by a heat treatment in the presence of tiny amounts of sulfur and gold compounds (chemical sensitization). Organic dyes, usually cyanine dyes, are then applied to the crystal surface to extend the basic UV and blue sensitivity to other colors in the visible spectrum (spectral sensitization). Different layers in a color film contain emulsions that have been dyed to respond selectively to blue, green, and red light, thus making color photography possible.
The silver halide emulsion literally "sets the scene" for the subsequent complex chemical processes that lead to the formation of a colorful image. The perennial challenge to Kodak’s emulsion scientists is to increase film speed while maintaining image quality and keeping performance.

4. Silver halide image formation
Important:
The image on the paper forms as a results of chemical reaction and light exposure and not laying different color ink layers

5. Input unit of the mini-lab Output unit of the mini-lab
Silver Halide Digital mini-labs (aka “wet labs”)
A digital minilab (“wet lab”) is a computer printer that uses traditional chemical photographic processes to make prints from digital images
Process explained using the example of Fujifilm Frontier 350/370 mini-lab
Input
Processing
Output
Input unit of the mini-lab
Output unit of the mini-lab
The input can be sourced from digital images or using built-in film scanner to capture images from negative or positive photographic films
Operator can make corrections such as brightness or color saturation, contrast, scene lighting color correction, sharpness and cropping
Photographs are input to the digital minilab using a built-in film scanner that captures images from negative and positive photographic films (including mounted slides), flatbed scanners, a kiosk that accepts CD-ROMs or memory cards from a digital camera, or a website that accepts uploads. The operator can make many corrections such as brightness or color saturation, contrast, scene lighting color correction, sharpness and cropping. A laser, LCD/LED, or Micro Light Valve Array (MLVA) then exposes photographic paper with the image, which is then processed by the minilab just as if it had been exposed from a negative
A laser, LCD/LED, or Micro Light Valve Array (MLVA) exposes special photographic (silver halide) paper with the image, which is then processed by the minilab

6. Emulation of AgX on Indigo Press
Input Profile
Output Profile
RGB Profile
RGB
LAB
AgX Profile
RG B’
AgX Print
Silver Halide
AgX Emulation
Profile
RGB
LAB
Indigo Profile
CMYK
Indigo Print
HP Indigo
Color profiled printer – inks, media, lamination, print settings, etc. PCS = profile connection space
An ICC profile describes a mapping in both directions of an input color specification and the output color
As I understand it we are using Device Link profile that actually saves that step and translate RGB directly to CMYK
Press is either CMYK, but in this case important to show LCLM

7. HP Indigo and AgX Color Space Comparison
Big difference from sRGB to AgX
AgX and Indigo color spaces close
Emulation of AgX on Indigo gives only the intersection of the space
Must we emulate the AgX?
̶̶ sRGB
̶̶̶̶ HP Indigo CMYK
̶̶̶ AgX sample
The emulation to AgX is important from two reasons: 1) Orders mostlikly include products generated by a combination of Indigo and other devices
2) Acceptance tests (consumers/pro-photographers) during transition

8. Major AgX equipment vendors overview
A minilab is a small photographic developing and printing system, as opposed to large centralized photo developing labs (main labs). Many retail stores use minilabs (or digital minilabs) to provide on-site photo finishing services.
Minilabs deployment within photofinishing and retailers and wholesale
Was always focused on retail, sees the extended opportunity in the commercial market
Acquired Lucidiom kiosk solution provider in 2009
Somehow limited brand power outside of traditional retail photofinishing market; lack of ability to expand beyond photo printing; lack of print technology;
Has developed inkjet solution which it OEMs to Fujifilm; had to partner with Epson for the development of this inkjet technology;
Opportunity to penetrate the commercial market with dry print solutions
Retail focused, Strong in some regions
Partner or OEM dependent:
Xerox is a strong partner in the commercial print market; OEMs from Noritsu inkjet dry labs photo solutions
Seehere.com, an online photo printing service was closed on Nov’12 and customer base was transferred to Shutterfly
Fujifilm has proprietary inkjet print technology
Equipment portfolio includes multiple printing technologies, including silver halide, dye sublimation, inkjet, and xerography. Also, software, and technical services, Fujifilm offers a broad range of color paper and chemistry.
Not selling and not supporting their AgX equipment anymore; selling chemicals, AgX photo paper and DP2 workflow to professional labs
Globally recognized brand
Present in both commercial and traditional photofinishing
Is in financial distress
Photofinishing business in Kodak’s portfolio is declining and they took a decision slowly to divest from this market and focus on commercial
Silver Prices are growing, company is aggressively transitioning portfolio to be less dependent on silver
While approaching the photofinishing labs often bundle workflow and mini-lab equipment proposition
Imaging Solutions, based near Zurich in Switzerland, is involved in the development, manufacture, sale and technical support of equipment and systems for high volume photo finishing laboratories (up to 20,000 prints per hour).
More than 200 fastPrint have been installed in central labs around the world
purePhoto™ Workflow
Became official partner of HP Indigo in 2013 realizing that HP Indigo technology will replace AgX in the nearest future
Explain the difference between main Lab and mini-lab

9. QSS-3800 QSS-3801HD QSS-37HD Print system Resolution Max. print size
Processing capacity
Comments
Digital silver halide printing
300x600dpi
305x914mm (12”x36”)
6"x 4”: Approx. 740 prints/hr
Dual magazine system (Option)
Supports thin paper (160 micrometers) enabling photo covers for photo books
640x640dpi
6"x 4”: Approx. 1,480 prints/hr
12-tray order sorter with LED lamps indicating interrupted orders
640 x 640 dpi
305 x 914mm (12”x36”)
6"x 4" : Approx. 2,360 prints/hr (with the QSS-3705HD)
Up to 4 paper magazines can be loaded with the Quad magazine system
QSS-3800
QSS-3801HD
QSS-37HD
Major improvements of the QSS-37 multi-function minilab systems series vs QSS-32 :
1.Speed increase up to 2360 p/hour
2. Image size increase (panorama prints)
3. Operation section independence - PC, monitor, scanner, etc. can be separated, enabling you to place them on the table of your choice 4. Can be used as a network printer. It is possible to use the QSS-37 minilabs in a network with multiple input devices and/or multiple printers. 
5. Triple magazine system allows to use 3 different sizes of paper at the same time
Target audience: photo retailers, studios, pro labs

10. Frontier 350/370 Frontier LP 700 Series (7x00)
Print system
Resolution
Max. print size
Processing capacity
Comments
Digital silver halide printing
RGB lasers exposure system
600 dpi 
up to 305 × 457 mm (12 × 18 inches)
2,040 prints/hour in 4R size (LP 5700R)
Two switchable paper magazines (standard accessory). Sorting capacity 7-14 orders; 40 character lines in backside print. Dry-to-dry processing type 1min 22 sec. CP49-E chemicals
Frontier 350/370
Up to 254 x 381 mm (10 x 15 inches)
1050 / 1450 prints/hour in 4R size
1300/1550 prints/hour in 3R
Two switchable paper magazines. . Dry-to-dry processing 4 min. two 40 character lines in backside print CP48-S chemicals
Frontier LP
700 Series (7x00)
iBeam digital exposure
300 × 600 dpi 
Standard mm (36-inch) print length 
760 / 810 / 1040 / 1180 / 1480 / 2120 / prints/hour in 4R size
Four/three switchable paper magazines (option). Sorting capacity 7-14 orders
Frontier LP 5500 / 5700
Improvements from Frontier 370 vs. Frontier 500:
20% footprint reduction
Power consumption reduction
CO2 emissions reduction
Reduced frequency of maintenance (drying unit cleaning etc.)
Boosted processing speed
Set of basic automatic compensation features, red-eye correction

11. STOPPED MANUFACTURING AND SUPPORT OF AgX EQUIPMENT
Print system
Resolution
Max. print size
Processing capacity
Comments
RP30
Digital silver halide printing
Exposure by a laser recorder
400 ppi
Minimum: 3.25" x 4.75" (8.2 cm x 12.1 cm) using 3.25" (8.2 cm) paper Maximum: 12" x 18" (30.5 cm x 45.8 cm) using 12" (30.5 cm) paper
Up to 500 pph 10x8“ (25.4 cm x 20.3 cm) using 10" (25.4 cm) paper; Up to 900 pph 5x7“(12.7cm x17.8 cm) using 5" (12.7 cm) paper
Two paper magazines: Right side and left side up to 12" (30.5 cm) paper width
Nine order buckets
RR30
Maximum: 12" x 46" (30.5 cm x 117 cm) at 200 ppi resolution using 12" (30.5 cm) paper
Up to x7“ (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) pph using 5" (12.7 cm) paper; Up to x10“(20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) pph using 10" (25.4 cm) paper
One paper magazine
Improvements in size
Improvements in speed
Adaptive Picture Exchange (APEX) system provides scalability, enabling retailers to design the solution that meets current needs
KODAK PROFESSIONAL ProLab High Volume and Laser Printers:
RP 30 Laser Printer
SRP 30 Laser Printer
RR 30 Laser Printer
RP 50 LED Printer
Digital Multiprinter II
LED II Printer 20P
LED II Printer 20R

12. Imaging Solution became an official partner of HP Indigo in Feb 2013, focusing its strategy on finishing equipment for HP
Print system
Resolution
Max. print size
Processing capacity
Comments
Digital silver halide printing
300 ppi
Widths 7.6 cm to 13 cm (3“ to 5“); lengths
5.2 cm to 38.3 cm (2.05“ to 15.08“)
For paper widths from 8.9 cm (3.5“) to 22 cm (8.66“), for paper lengths of 5.2 to 66 cm (2.05“ to 26“), optionally up to 93 cm (36.6“)
fastPrint 8: 8,000 photo prints/h fastPrint 12: 12,000 photo prints/h fastPrint 20: 20,000 photo prints/h with image sizes of 10 cm x 15 cm (4“ x 6“)/h; maximum 400 m (1,312 feet) per hour without paper change (in-line connection)
widePrint 8: photo prints/h
widePrint 12nG: photo prints/h
leading image enhancement VIESUS™ (in netGate and fastEntry) or Eye-Tech Digital (in fastScan and reScan)
Back print: two lines with up to 60 characters each
For paper-rolls up to 550 m (1,804 feet) or 430 mm (17“) diameter; on casters Supply- and take-up paper magazines are interchangeable
built-in spectrophotometer

13. Workflow by Imaging Solutions

14. AgX equipment summary
Minimum format (mm)
Maximum format (mm)
Speed per hour
4”x6” / 102x152mm
4R-size
Index vs. HP Indigo WS6600p
(based on 4”x6”)
Noritsu QSS 30xx
82.5x117
203x355.6 (8x14”)
1000 15
Noritsu QSS 38xxHD
102x152
305x914mm (12x36”)
1480 10
Noritsu QSS 37xxHD
82.5x82.5
2360 6
Fuji Frontier 350 / 370
254x381mm (10x15”)
1050 / 1450
10-14
Fuji Frontier LP 5x00
89x127
305x457mm (12x18”)
2040 7
Frontier LP 7x00
914.4 (36”) length
Max 2360
fastPrint
76x52
203x305mm (8x12”)
8000, 12000, 20000 1
widePrint
89x52 (3.5”x2.05”)
220x660 (8.66”x26”)
12000
HP Indigo WS6600p Digital Press
317x980mm (12.48”x38.58”)
15000*
HP Indigo speed and format in average allows to replace ~6-15 mini-labs based on 4x6” capacity comparison
Source: official specifications
*Speed indicated for all vendors except HP Indigo is 100% up-time; Indigo effective speed was based on 60-70% uptime

15. Silver Halide production is facing significant challenges
Supply cost is rising
Volume decline
Silver price growth
Paper prices have grown tremendously
Service cost is rising
Significant environmental impact 3X 2X

16. AgX is limited to simplex and traditional products
AgX Photo Products
Digital Press Photo products
SIMPLEX
LOW LEVEL OF INNOVATION:
The same traditional products are printed for many years
LIMITED TO SMALL VARIETY OF SUBSTRATES
High quality photo substrates are great, but lack of variety of non- photo substrates limits the range of applications
SIMPLEX & DUPLEX
HIGH LEVEL OF INNOVATION:
leveraging recent mobile trends, adding new special effects, formats
VARIETY OF SUBSTRATES
including photo substrates from leading vendors and also full range of colored, metallic, synthetic, cloth, coated, uncoated etc.
§  Limited set of products (simplex) and very traditional applications that are cut from it
§  Limited variety of substrates and consumable
§  Vendor are no longer invest in innovation or future products (nuritsu/kodak product release history)
§  Closed workflow, coming from single/few suppliers (upstream all the way to finishing)

17. Market is changing from traditional prints to photo merchandise
Europe and US Photo prints revenue,
Million $
Europe and US Photo merchandise revenue,
Million $
CAGR -7%
CAGR +15%
Source: InfoTrends

18. Thank you!