Photo-world proves a smash hit for new technology pioneers

One of the biggest crowd-pullers at the show was the innovative 3D process shown by RGV Telecom Consultants, that converts conventional photographs into three-dimensional images.

RGV has exclusive Middle East and Asia distribution rights for the software and laminate material used in the process and chose Photo-World Dubai 2005 to launch the concept that was only recently unveiled in the USA.

"The response has been outstanding," says chief executive H. L. Nagaraja. "The market potential for the process is enormous, judging by the level of interest shown by a broad spectrum of potential users - from professional photographers to commercial printers, advertising agencies, and packaging specialists.

"For the first time, 3D images can be created at home using a standard laser printer - right up to billboard-sized commercial production for outdoor advertising. Photo-World Dubai 2005 has proved a fantastic launch-pad for us."

Nagaraja's comments were echoed by Mumbai-based software company PXLSoft that introduced two new products - the world's first PC-based video mixer for digital and analogue sourced images, and a program for producing professional-standard printed photo albums from digital shots.

Chief executive Prasad Parulelar said Photo-World Dubai 2005 had proved an excellent entry to new markets, conveniently reaching a wide range of potential customers in a single concentrated effort.

"The show has been an excellent platform for us and a gateway to significant new business," he commented.

Sharjah-based Trustcor Trading Ltd introduced new technology to produce 3D holograms of up to 1.5 x 1.0 metres that can be assembled into billboards of unlimited size.

The new process overcomes the limitations of size, colour, and quality imposed by the previous generation of hologram production. Exposures called 'hogels' - each about 2mm square - are printed on to a tile of polymer film that needs no chemical processing.

Each 60cm square tile contains tens of thousands of 'hogels' and the tiles are then linked to create high-quality holograms of unlimited size.

Trustcor's Natalie Ryabova said the process had attracted great interest from commercial and professional customers. "We only began trading towards the end of last year and Photo-World Dubai 2005 has proved to one of our most successful marketing projects," she added.

Photo-World Dubai 2005 was the region's first expo devoted exclusively to digital imaging and was perfectly timed to catch the surging public and professional interest in the new technology, according to Justin Boutros, managing director of the organisers, Channels Exhibitions.

"Exhibitors report a high level of interest across the market spectrum and many have already made preliminary bookings for stands at next year's event," he said. "This is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and Dubai has led the way by staging a dedicated expo where the leading players can present their newest and most innovative technologies."