Hewlett-Packards new large-format ink-jet printers are set to smash current price/performance barriers.


It is replacing most of its current line-up with machines that have wider carriage widths, higher image quality and faster output.


At the top of the range is the Designjet 5000, which replaces the Designjet 3000 series for high-volume print for pay graphics. It is the first HP printer to feature a six-colour ink system CMYK plus light cyan and light magenta and a resolution of 600x1,200dpi. It comes in two widths: 107cm (42in) and 152cm (60in).


New print heads increase the printing speed and larger ink cartridges extend printing time. At its fastest it produces 53m2 per hour, while maximum quality delivers 7m2 per hour.


HP claims that tests carried out on its behalf by Spencer Labs show image quality superior to that of the Epson 9000. It is available with or without an embedded PostScript RIP, which includes Pantone colour matching.


Prices are 7,350 for the 107cm and 11,300 for the 152cm version without RIP, and 9,300 for the 107cm and 14,000 for the 152cm with RIP.


Other new models include the Designjet 800 and 500 series, replacing the 2000 and 700 series. They are four-colour machines in 61cm (24in) and 107 (42in) widths, available with and without PostScript RIP. The 800 offers higher resolution up to 2,400x1,200dpi. Print speeds range between 2m2 and 7.9m2 per hour. Prices range from 1,650 to 6,000.