Tokyo, Japan - Sony Corporation today announced the development of LD Shot (Lateral Deflection Shot) ink trajectory control technology that, when used in conjunction with Line Head method inkjet printing, enables near photograph quality images to be printed in as quick as six seconds. Having already introduced a lineup of dye sublimation printers, Sony aims to further enhance its standing in the growing printer market by using LD Shot technology to facilitate the development of a Line Head inkjet printer for practical use.

With continuing advancement in digital still camera technology and resulting increased quality of photographed images, printer capabilities have also developed to a level where near photograph quality printouts can now be realized. Yet as print quality has improved, printing time has also increased, and the achievement of high image quality, in tandem with rapid print speed has until now represented as a major technical challenge.

However, with the joint application of Line Head and LD Shot technology Sony has succeeded in simultaneously delivering high picture quality coupled with high speed printing

LD Shot technology delivers both high speed and high print quality, and refers to unique Sony technology which combines various control mechanisms to make practical use of ink deflection. This technology provides the control to enable each individual nozzle to discharge ink evenly over a certain range. Any printing irregularities caused by ink droplet misalignment or nozzle blockage can therefore be compensated for by the remaining ink streams, ensuring a high level of overall print quality. Furthermore, with LD Shot technology, resolution levels of n times nozzle pitch are attainable, ensuring that Line head inkjet printers, already highly regarded for high speed printing can now also produce near photograph standard picture quality.

The current prototype is equipped with a 600 dpi (dot per inch) nozzle pitch for each of the four ink colors (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan and Black), and a printer head formed from a total of 20480 nozzles. The prototype is capable of printing in just six seconds an A4 size printout comparable in quality to current top of the line four-color inkjet printers.

The development of LD Shot technology marks a significant step towards bringing Line Head inkjet printing to the market for practical use. Sony will continue to strive to develop Line Head inkjet printers with the aim of introducing commercial products capable of meeting ever-increasing market demand for high picture quality, speed and functionality.

"LD Shot" and "Print by Sony" are trademarks of Sony Corporation.