For users of the DIgimarc Online Services Portal to enable interactive printed images.

As you get artwork ready for watermarking and a pressrun you have ask "How do I know it'll work"? 

There are 3 items/interactions that effect the readability of your watermarked image when it is printed:

1. How well can the reading device that your user has "see" the watermark, including in low light?
2. Image reproduction e.g. how good is you press at reproducing your artwork?
3. Did you watermark your artwork/image effectively for it's size, color space and type of image?

The good news is that all 3 of these can be determined with smartphone and a good proof.

For users of the Digimarc Online Services Portal to enable interactive printed images.

A first time user sometimes finds that after watermarking an image they can't read the watermark when they print it. Most often this is caused by watermarking the image at a size that is different than the size it is printed. This often happens with digital camera images since these are often at 72dpi, e.g. an iPhone 4 image is 36" x 27" at 72dpi.

Nellymoser recently published a new study describing how magazines are using print-to-mobile technologies.  I’ve listed some highlights below.

In 2012, there were 8,448 mobile activations printed in the calendar year in the Top 100 Magazines.

• 82% on Ads (6,962)
• 18% on Edit (1,486)

These are the top Mobile Response Codes in the Top 100 Magazines.

Here’s the Post Scan experiences in the Top 100 Magazines.

Everyone loves to win.  I’m guessing most of you are like me and have no shot of winning your March Madness bracket.  So, let’s Ring in Spring by tossing those brackets and grabbing the April issue of HGTV Magazine.  Not only does the latest issue of HGTV Magazine feature this week’s Scan of the Week, but it also includes 30 different chances to win.  HGTV Magazine has a two page spread (pg. 138 and 139) promoting the 30 Days of Giveaways.  Every day in April readers have a chance to win daily prizes by scanning the watermark (using the Digimarc Discover app).  Some of the great prizes include a HGTV Magazine Garden Tool Kit, Singer One sewing machine and the grand prize: a professional spring cleaning of your home.   Good luck!   

Last week Rolling Stone magazine used Digimarc Discover digital watermarking at their Rock Room event in Austin, Texas. The SXSW party, sponsored by Maker's Mark, included three watermarked banners featuring recent Rolling Stone covers from Jimmy Fallon, Breaking Bad and Metallica. After scanning each cover, attendees could see video footage from the photo-shoot. 

Since it was a Rolling Stone event, attendees were also treated to some amazing music from Fitz and The Tantrums, Free Energy, Charles Bradley and others. 

Thanks Rolling Stone, Maker’s Mark and all the incredible Rock Room performances!