Lyra Study Finds Home Printing Modest Despite Growth In Photo-Capable Printers

In a recently published report, Photofinishing: Services and Output Solutions, Lyra Research Inc., Newtonville, Mass., USA, (www.lyra.com) notes the installed base of photo-capable and photo-specialty inkjet printers was close to 140 million units worldwide last year and is expected to grow to almost 300 million units by 2004. Despite the abundance of photo-capable printers, Lyra reports the number of pictures actually produced in homes is relatively modest. In Lyra's U.S. Digital Camera Users' Survey, the average number of photos produced at home per month was less than 14.

"The battle for output will be fought on many different fronts and is likely to involve several different printing methods," said Edward Lee, director of Lyra's Digital Photography Advisory Service. "Consumers will ultimately use a mix of output solutions, depending on individual needs and situations. The advantages of inkjet printing include instant gratification and control over the printing process. When it comes to getting a digital image printed on the spot, inkjet printing is the most convenient method."