PMA 2007: ExpressDigital Darkroom 8.8 includes connected pro services, enhanced template making elements, and new retouch tools. Darkroom Version 8.8 is expected to ship at the end of March 2007.

ExpressDigital Press Release

ExpressDigital Extends Darkroom Software with Connected Pro Services, Template Making Elements and Retouch Tools

Englewood, CO—March 8, 2007—ExpressDigital, the leading provider of digital workflow software, Internet storefronts and lab solutions, announced today an enhanced version of its flagship product ExpressDigital Darkroom.  The new version, Darkroom 8.8, includes connected pro services, enhanced template making elements, and new retouch tools.

“We are proud to announce the release of a new version of Darkroom packed with features designed to help photographers make more money in their photography businesses,” said Graham McFarland, Founder and CEO of ExpressDigital.  “With input from over 20,000 professional customers worldwide, we are able to consistently enhance Darkroom and focus on business changing features that photographers desire.”
 
Connected Pro Services
The connection from Darkroom to professional photography services such as on-line selling and lab fulfillment has never been easier than with the addition of the Pro Services section in the software.  Photographers can effortlessly manage their PhotoReflect.com Internet storefront with easy access to pricing, shipping, discounts, taxes, activity reports and more.  Managing the connection to professional labs has also been added to the Pro Services section.  With over 200 professional labs instantly connected to the Darkroom software, real time information on pending orders and fulfillment costs are easily and readily accessible.

To help manage your on-line storefront, a new PhotoReflect.com Tool Bar has been created within the Darkroom software.  The PhotoReflect.com tool bar provides the professional photographer instant access to on-line sales data, number of customer visits and photo cards sent, along with other vital published event information.

Template & Border Making Elements
One of the most popular features of Darkroom, the Template Workshop, is now more robust with new features and functionality.  Calendar objects have been added which include the ability to create custom calendars for any desired month or year format.  Design grids have been added along with snap to grid functionality to make creating your own borders easier than ever before.  Pan and zoom tools have joined the Template Workshop to provide the detail needed to accomplish even the most difficult design. Templates can now also have multiple graphic elements, so one border can be built with selectable graphic layers that can be turned visible or invisible depending on its desired use.

Enhanced Retouch Tools
The recently announced, Darkroom’s built-in Retouch Workshop eliminates the need for costly, third-party image editing software.  A new healing brush has been added to the Retouch Workshop joining the other 9 tools designed specifically for professional photographers to edit and enhance their images. 

New Hardware Supported
Darkroom 8.8 has direct connectivity to the best new cameras and printers in the industry.  New cameras supported include the Canon 30D, Canon Digital Rebel XTi, Nikon D40, Nikon D80 and Fuji S5 Pro.  New professional printers supported include the HP 9185, HP Z2100, HP Z3100, ICI OP800, ICI OP900, Shinko S2145 and the Noritsu NPS powered printing solutions.

Pricing and Availability
New Darkroom Version 8.8 is expected to ship at the end of March 2007.  Darkroom is available for sale through authorized dealers and labs in the United States, Canada, UK, Germany, Norway, Australia and South Africa.  Software is also available for sale at expressdigital.com.  For a list of authorized dealers and a link to our online store, visit www.expressdigital.com/purchase.

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