Gert Says
a rather irreverent discusssion
PhotoCDs - Here or Gone Tomorrow
On several discussion lists it has come up that Kodak may no longer be supporting its PhotoCD technology. Well my sources say No this is not an accurate picture. What is happening is that the Sun SPARC station which was part of the original system which Kodak marketed to Photography Labs has been discontinued by Sun. Kodak can only promised parts and maintenance on this part of the PhotoCD system until March 31, 2001.
So what does that mean to users. Kodak will still sell the PhotoCD media, the software to write imagepaks and support the file format. But without an upgrade to the workstation , some Labs may be in trouble. Hopefully most, as have my sources, made contingency plans.
Things to keep in mind if you are offered a contingency plan is:
- Does the imagepak still contain Kodak's Color Management system, one of the PhotoCD's outstanding strengths.
- What scanning system is being used.
- Is the imagepak the Best file format for you.
Oh and unofficially Kodak may have an alternative up its sleeve. I'll let you know when I hear anything offical.
Check News /2/25/01 or PhotoCD Revisited for more current information.
