You guys are talking about using variable data printing applications and workflow, what kinds of devices can be used? What are the different output devices being used for the variable data pieces? Sounds like it is only something that the largest printing companies or marketers could get into.
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Well, I don't think that VD (variable data) or one to one marketing is only for the big fat cats. As a matter of fact, jp can correct me if I'm wrong but I think PageBot works with regular page layout apps that we all already have and results in pdf files that we can output on anything. So, a color or black & white laser printer, color copier, or an HP Indigo press. Or, even a computer fax. . .

There are other solutions that only work through a high end rip. or that work through a PDF plugin etc. But, those are far more limited than PageBot in that they are limited to design flexibility and output options. jp, you there?
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We are using HP Indigo 3050 and it is very stable, reliable. I know that Indigo had some reliability issues when it first came out, but now redesigned and engineered by HP, its great. The quality is good and we run about 70% variable data and only about 30% static. We have daily data feeds of variable programs coming in and going to press every day onj the indigo. I think we are sticking with it, the next device will be a Indigo 5000 I think, or we may get into the web fed model. The prepress side of it is really good. We have dual production flow rips for prepress to upload data files, and print static print on demand color work into. We have yours truly designer, a quark xtension to prepare most of the VDP variable data templates and impositions with in our prepress department.

We are using the prepress rip, adobe IPtech rip from HP, tried the harlequin cluster rip, production flow rip, but had it pulled, was too slow on PDF ripping for us.
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We just bought another Indigo 3050 4 color. We are really, really, successful with the 6 color HP Indigo 3050 and have it booked up solid. After looking at all the options out there, we are more comfortable than ever with the HP Indigo. HP Indigo has been reliable, accurate, effective. We are about 70% variable data, complex four color variable on our HP Indigo press. We like the Adobe IP Tech RIP and JLT workflow, YTD, yours truly designer has been very effective with Quark Xpress for us.

If you are looking for a provider to assist with one to one marketing, or personalized database marketing, email me. We are a competitive effective provider for one to one marketing programs with satisfied clients. We have full service, turn key 1 to 1, copywriters, designers, database experts, etc. We actually design solutions and show customers how to use variable data. We have full online interface, or backside processing. We mail over 3 million pieces a month out of our plant.
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I've been seeing allot of buzz lately on forums and email lists about folks figuring out to use their color and black and white laser printers to get started with VDP. I did a job recently using FileMaker to print data records onto shells with my Xerox N4525 laser printer.
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We are using a Xerox n4525 black and white laser. We run color shells through our 4 color presses and then lay the variable data on as black imprint. These printers run 40pgs/min on 11", can duplex, and will output a full page bleed on substrate up to 11x17. Although you can't buy then new, can get one refurb for about $1500 and since this is a 2 year old model, can get toner REAL CHEAP. I would recommend using PrintShop Mail to output your VDP from and jusrt design your copy with about 1/16" of slack because it will not register perfect. But these machines are really heavy duty and very proven, yet cheap. I am about to buy another one.
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We're using Printshop Mail and Oce colour and black & white machines and do quite a bit of mailing for our clients - using the colour for variable data invites. Ideal for shorter runs and targeted mailings.

If anyone needs a UK based company to help them - we're the ones to contact!