Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is a new technology that you may be hearing more about in next few months. It's a specification that allows digital cameras to tell printers what photos to print, and how many.

To explain what DPOF is, imagine you go out with your family to the amusement park, and take several pictures with your digital camera. When you get back home, you connect your camera to the photo printer, scroll through the photos, and tell the printer which photos to print.

But imagine if you could tell your digital camera which photos to print, and how many copies to print, before you get home?

That's what DPOF allows you to do.

According to DigitalRoom.com, a website that provides the latest information in digital photo technology, DPOF comes in two varieties:

There are two versions available in the market: version 1.00 and version 1.10. Where the former defined the basic functions of auto print format for directly printing images, the latter further defines the format for auto transfer and auto play of the images stored in the removable media. The first version is an electronic preview-and-print order process utilized while the images are still in the camera. The second version integrated several features such as Multiple Image Printing, Specific Size Printing, Slide Shows (for intelligent projectors), and 2-byte Unicode text (greater language support).

There are already some photo printers with built-in support for DPOF:

• HP Deskjet 450 wbt mobile printer - This printer offers customers convenient options for DPOF printing i.e. direct and fast photo printing from digital cameras via USB using select HP digital cameras. Users can also print pre-selected digital images from compact flash cards, without additional cables or PC connections.


• Canon PIXMA iP4000R - The Canon PIXMA iP4000R Photo Printer offers high speed and quality results with the freedom of wireless printing. It can receive wireless transmissions within a range of up to 164 feet. With direct photo printing, connect any PictBridge compatible digital camera or DV camcorder, and print. Produce borderless photos in sizes of 4x6, 5x7, and 8.5x11 inches with the look and feel of traditional photographs.

A few of the services offered by DigitalRoom.com include Digital B&W and Digital Color Printing, Four Color Process Printing, Large Format Printing, Scanning, Pre-Press, Mounting and Laminating. From Traditional Print Advertising to Interactive Websites, Corporate Identities to Point-of-Purchase Campaigns, Digital Room brings a new vision to every marketing challenge. For inquiries, please contact their company representatives at 1-888-888-4211.