Dye Sub Printer Repair

Been having a paper jam issue with my Kodak 305 dye sub printer and I finally had the opportunity to bring it in for service today.  The printer is supported by ServTouch which is associated with Wywy in Petaling Jaya.

Overall the experience was very positive, the service technician there (Mr.Cheung) was very helpful and immediately indicated that the problem was related to possibility of one of the internal rollers being damaged.  Left the printer for service in the morning and the printer was ready for collection in the evening!  No questions asked and the technician was very knowledgeable and accommodating.

I contrast this with the experience I had with Davino when they inspected my Mitsubishi dye sub printer.  They generated some diagnostic printout from the printer, stated that the printer had some alignment issue but did not make any further effort to explain the nature of the problem to me nor took any steps to rectify the diagnostic anomaly.

From my experience from owning these dye sub printer I would say the the company behind the printer is the most important consideration.  You will need technical support from time to time, you will need reasonable cost and availability of supplies, and you will need  a company that will treat you as a business partner rather than treating it as a one time transaction with the customer.

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

List of very informative and helpful Consumer Association links

It is very encouraging to see that the Malaysian consumers are active and vocal in voicing and protecting their rights as consumers.

National Consumer Complaints Centre

http://www.nccc.org.my/v2/

Communications & Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia

http://complaint.cfm.org.my/

The Communications and Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia 

http://www.skmm.gov.my/Resources/Guidelines/Complaints-Handling-Resolution/Consumer-Forum-Malaysia.aspx

Malaysian Consumer Rights

https://www.facebook.com/MyConsumerRights

ERA CONSUMER MALAYSIA

http://www.eraconsumer.org/

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association

http://www.fomca.org.my/v3/

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are related entities

Dye Sub Printer Comparisons

The following link provides a comparative table of printers.
http://www.fotoclubinc.com/photo-printer-comparison.aspx


Out of which DNP, Mitsubishi & HITI are available in Malaysia.

Is Davino Sdn Bhd the only dealer for Mitsubishi printers in Malaysia?

Many discussions have ensued amongst photographers and industry players regarding the the service which I received from Davino Sdn. Bhd.

One of my fellow bloggers noted the the company which is somehow associated with Davino Sdn Bhd, WOW Photo booth (Recently rebranded as WOWSOME) is also an event photo booth operator.

It is clear now that there is a conflict of interest for Davino to sell their printers and service their customers as these customers are most likely also their competitors in the photo booth and event printing business.

I seriously hope that Mitsubishi would appoint multiple alternative, independent, unbiased dealers in Malaysia to address this short coming.  The hardware is great, unfortunately there is insufficient competition in the market to promote competitive  pricing of supplies.

I would like to see the same dealer environment as provided by Kodak & DNP whereby the dealers sole interest is in promoting, supplying and maintaining their products and do not have any business interest within the event printing business themselves.

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Failed attempt at returning Davino's Printer... "I see the document has no signature...."

We went to Davino's office at their published address at 41, Jalan 109E, Desa Business.   The offices did not carry any signage indicating Davino Sdn Bhd as the operating business entity.  Instead it was fronted by a stationary warehouse with the signage SSOA Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Unfortunately the unpleasant saga with Davino's Printer continues.  Despite numerous emails and phone calls to resolve the issue.  Davino gave me an ultimatum to come to their offices despite not responding my to email requesting for terms which they have agreed in conversation.   They had the very last word when they highlighted to me that their letters sent via email were not physically signed.

I've really gone out of my way to try to resolve this matter amicably with Davino, however parties need to be reasonable, admit their failings, be prepared to make amends and have resolve and commitment to seek mutually beneficials outcomes.  It is not easy for me to move about to the various consumer and government agencies to pursue this seemingly trivial matter.  However as a matter of principle we should not succumb to bullies and must be prepared to stand by our rights.

“it's easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone” - Mahatma Gandhi

the lady highlights to me that the document issue by Davino Sdn. Bhd was not physically signed.

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Finally reaching a fair conclusion... My Last posting if agreements are honoured and common sense prevails

Had a long discussion with Davino yesterday and we're close to reaching a resolution on our future arrangement with my Mitsubishi Dye Sub printer.  Should be signing off shortly from this blog if agreements are honoured and common sense prevails.

As always, being the eternal optimist I have high hopes of a favourable outcome.

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

DNP FOTOLUSIO by BLM Imaging Trading at KLPF 2014

Went to Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival (KLPF) at Mid Valley Megamall today,  whilst walking around I stumbled on a big booth hosted by BLM Imaging.

BLM Imaging had on display DNP-RX1 Event printing solution which came in quite an attractive package.  The printer seems to have all the key areas checked-off.

* 15sec/page
* Large capacity 700 4R prints per roll
* Able to cut 2x6 photo strips
* Printer drivers for both PC/Mac platforms
* 13KG printer weight

Comparing the print and paper quality of this printer it is very similar to the Mitsubishi CP-D70W dye sub printer offered by Davino Sdn Bhd.

The best part of this printer from BLM Imaging compared to Davino Sdn Bhd's CP-D70W is the cost/print.  It is less than RM0.35/print vs over RM0.53/print for Davino's Mitsubishi printer.  Granted Davino's Mitsubishi printer is slightly faster for comparable quality print at 12secs/print.

For those evaluating dye-sub printers should take a close look at the Fotolusio.  Firstly base on the much lower cost of print vs Davino's Mitsubishi printer. Secondly Davino Sdn Bhd is a very new player (less that 2 years in the market)  vs the suppliers for DNP which there are 2 established players.  BLM Imaging & DSC World.  Being more established players in the market they are able to enjoy higher economies of scales and therefore are able to provide more stable supply and more competitive pricing for the paper & toners.

At time of writing at the fair the printer was being offer for under RM3,500 together with 1 box of supplies and a supply cost of < RM0.35/print.  The package also includes software for event printing (e.g. borders, overlays, hot folders etc)

BLM Imaging, Contact Mr.Ng 012-631 7420

Recorded telephone conversations by Davino Sdn Bhd

I received a call recently from a person who introduce himself to be from Davino Sdn Bhd in response to an email sent to them on 19 Aug 2014.  In mid conversation I was told that my current conversation was being recorded and so were my previous calls to their offices on 19 Aug 2014.  I told the caller I did not give my consent for the conversation to be recorded.

Please state that you do not give your consent to being recorded when calling Davino Sdn Bhd unless you feel comfortable in doing so.

This experience makes me appreciate the organisations which play a pre-recorded message "This conversation is being recorded for quality improvement purposes..." as it clearly disclose that the conversation is being recorded and you have the option to choose if you would want to proceed knowingly.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino sdn bhd
Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Informative European Site with details for Davino's CP-D70W Mitsubishi Printer

Found a great european supplier's site with plenty of details on the CP-D70W Printer
http://www.mitsubishi-photo.cz/english/hlavni/tiskarny/barevne_tiskarny/cpd70dw/cpd70dw.htm

From site I found out that the printer is 12KG in weight.  It's quite a hefty item to carry around!

The items of interest to me at the detail screen by screen descriptions for the driver settings.  Learning to use the print settings effectively is important in making sure that you get the best quality, colour and brightness from your prints.  At RM0.53 (RRP supplies per box from Davino Sdn Bhd is RM430) having the wrong printer settings could be very costly.

The other points of interest are the spare parts and optional items available e.g. toner trays, hard cases, paper catchers etc.
http://www.mitsubishi-photo.cz/english/hlavni/tiskarny/barevne_papiry/ckd746/ckd746.htm

Optional Metal paper catcher. Good replacement for the original paper catcher that came with the printer which is extremely flimsy and ineffective.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino sdn bhd

Carrying Case for Davino's Mitsubishi Dye Sub Printer

Just came across this great product from B&H .  They have a padded carrying case that is suitable for carrying various makes of dye-sub printers including the Mitsubishi CP-D70W selling for USD95. Unfortunately the shipping charges works of out be over USD85! Will be looking out for suitable alternative locally.  Stay posted!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1036984-REG/general_brand_bg3745_padded_printer_carrying_case.html

Update : I managed to find a padded lighting bag from DGColor @ Mutiara mall which was suitable for the carrying Davino Dye Sub printer for RM100.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino sdn bhd

Comparative Cost of Dye-sub supplies in Malaysia

I will be updating this page regularly based on my own purchases and feedback and updates from suppliers and users. Please keep posted. Cost per print for 4R varies from RM0.23/print to as high as RM0.54/print.

Cost of Supplies Leader board (Arrange in descending cost per print)

1. Mitsubishi CP-D70W, Davino Sdn Bhd.  (Most expensive cost per print)

2. Hiti L510L

3. Fuji ASK 300,  Direct from Fuji Malaysia

4. Kodak 305, DGColor Sdn Bhd

5. DNP RX-1, DSC World Malaysia (Cheapest cost per print)

The hardware cost of the printers varies from RM3,300 to RM4,500+ per unit from the different suppliers.  Apart from the initial cost of the print, the more important consideration would be the total cost of ownership as well as the application in which you are planing to use the printer for.


#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino
Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Davino's Mitsubishi Printer ribbon & paper loading procedure

Here's a Youtube video showing the Printer ribbon & paper loading procedure for the Mitsubishi CP-D70DW  printer. I suspect the procedure will be identical for the Kodak 605 & the Fuji ASK-300 as they appear to be physically & mechanically identical.

The printer supplies come in a box with 2 sets of printer paper and printer ribbons.  each set will have sufficient supplies to print 400 sheets of 4R prints, i.e. each box can print 800 sheets of 4R prints.

Personally I find the printer to be very well made and easy to use. The loading procedure is straight forward and minimal training is required to load the printer and ribbons.

Davino Sdn Bhd is the supplier for the Mitsubishi CP-D70DW printer in Malaysia and the RRP per box of printer supplies is RM430.  which translates to a printing cost per sheet of RM0.54 per print.  As a point of comparison the Kodak 605 cost per sheet RM0.36  and the Fuji ASK-300 cost per sheet is RM0.38. Clearly the Mitsubishi is the premium price product with a average supplies cost of over 50% over the cost of it's equivalent competitors.  However Davino acknowledges that it's price are high and justifies it by claiming a higher print quality, better import paper from Japan as well as providing a higher level of service to its customers compared to its competitors.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino

Dye Sub Printer Suppliers Malaysia - Davino, Hiti, Kodak, Fuji, DNP

Here's a list of dye-sub printers and suppliers which I came across during my process of purchasing my Mitsubishi CP-D70W Dye Sub Printer.
Please contact me if you would like to add further information to this list.

Model: Mitsubishi CP-D70W Dye Sub Printer
Comments: Fast, relatively small dye-sub printer offered to market at premium supply price in return for claims of high quality print and service from Davino Sdn Bhd. Personally happy with the built quality and performance of the printer, however I do have concerns regarding the high cost of printer supplies.
Supplier
Davino Sdn Bhd
41 Jalan 1009E, Desa Business Park,
Off Jalan Klang Lama,
58100 Kuala Lumpur


Model: Kodak 305 Dye Sub Printer
Comments:Physically & Mechanically identical to Mitsubishi CP-D700W Dye Sub Printer.  Small roll capacity (320 sheets/roll),  Competitive and easily available cost of supplies at reasonable prices.
Supplier
DGColor Sdn Bhd
Kompleks Mutiara 
568-1 Jalan Ipoh
51200 Kuala Lumpur


Model: DNP- RX1
Comments: Bulky printer.  Very Competitive cost of supplies. Aggressive bulk supply packages with printer.
Supplier
DSC World
16-1, Jalan PJU 5/16, PJU 5, 
Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. 
Tel: 03.6148 8122 

BLM Imaging
160-2-4 Kompleks Maluri, 
Jalan Jejaka, Taman Maluri
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Mr. Ng 012 6317420

Model: Hiti P510L


Model: Fuji ASK-300
Fujifilm KL
Alvin  012 2597919

Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are related entities


#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino

Overview of Davino Sdn Bhd's Mitsubishi Dye-sub printer

Having purchased a Mitsubishi's Dye-sub printer recently from Davino Sdn Bhd I can share my experience with our readers of this blog

The Mitsubishi performs to spec and is well designed and engineered.  Loading of the dye ribbons are straight forward and so is the loading of the rolled paper.

If printing cost is not an Issue then  I would highly recommend the Mitsubishi Dye Sub printer.  However if you are considering the Mitsubishi's Dye-Sub printer and weighing the cost of printer supplies as well do look to similar alternatives such as the Kodak 305 and  the Fuji ASK-300.  Both competitors printers appear identical physically and mechanical and it would appear the the Kodak & Fuji Printers are OEM versions made by Mitsubishi.

Spot the difference? The Mitsubishi CP-D70DW from Davino, The Kodak 605 & the Fuji ASK-300 

Having also compared the cost of supplies, the Mitsubishi's cost at RM0.54 per print is consistently over 45% to 100% (comparing DNP, Hiti, Kodak & Fuji) pricier than the alternatives in the market.

Davino Sdn. Bhd. acknowledges that their printer supply cost is high and justifies the significantly higher cost of the supplies to the print quality as well as to the higher level of service which they are prepared to service their customers. When ask for comment, Davino gave an example with regards to the DNP printer being slower, of a lower quality and that the DNP paper quality was thinner and implied that the paper stock was not made in Japan unlike Mitsubishi's paper.

At the time of writing I am unable compare the print quality of Davino's Mitsubishi Dye Sub printer against other makes.  However the balance between, purchase cost, supply cost, printer performance and print quality has to be eventually dictated by the application in which the printer is intended for.  i.e. quality of print for the 2"x6" photo strip vs quality of print for wedding album print.  A higher price differential over over 45%-100%  is significant over time and will impact the bottom line of any high volume print business which this printer is intended for. For the discerning customer who would opt for a Lexus over a Toyota, this is printer for you.

In Summary here is my rating for the printer:-
Build quality       * * * * * (Very well made)
Print quality       * * * * * (Photo lab quality)
Performance         * * * * * (Fast. 12 sec/print)
Form & Weight       * * * *   (Relatively compact, 12KG)
Cost of supplies    *         (Most expensive in its class)
Company Service     * *       (Fast delivery, poor communication)
Value for Money     *         (Highest cost to operate)


Davino Sdn Bhd is the master supplier for the Mitsubishi Dye-sub printer for Malaysia.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino
Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Who is DAVINO SDN BHD - Unresponsive Company

Davino Sdn Bhd is the Master Distributor in Malaysia for their Mitsubishi's range of Sub-dye printers.

Davino Sdn Bhd's Address : 41, Jalan 109E, Desa Business Park, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur.  The office at the abovementioned address does not have any signage indicating Davino Sdb Bhd as the business entity.  Instead it leads to a warehouse with signage representing SSOA Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Davino Sdn Bhd (tag line THE WOW FACTOR)  carries the logo Mitsubishi Electric Digital Color Printer in their Malaysian website.

Davino Sdn Bhd's Single Deck Printer supposedly prints up to 8.4 sec / print.

Davino Sdn Bhd is also the sole supplier for dye-sub printer supplies in Malaysia.  Cost of supplies varies between RM0.49 per print to RM0.53 depending on volumes purchased. Comparable cost per print for the other industry players (DNP, Hiti, Kodak, Fuji) varies between RM0.25 - RM0.36 per print.

My personal experience with regards to dealings with this company has been very poor.  I have not pursued dealings with this company after many fail attempts at trying to resolve my customer grievances with their management which I found to be very unresponsive and distant.

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino
Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are Davino Sdn Bhd related entities

Complaint after purchased of Davino Sdn Bhd's Premium Mitsubishi dye-sub printer

I bought a Mitsubishi dye-sub printer from Davino Sdn Bhd's sales person after evaluating Hiti & DNP printers on 5 Aug 2014. (subsequent to this I have also had the opportunity to review the Kodak 305 & Fuji ASK-300)

The sales person from Davino explained that the Mitsubishi paper quality was better compared to the Hiti or the DNP.  Furthermore the DNP was prone to jamming when hot as the DNP does not have a cooling fan and that the ribbon film can get jammed in the printer when the printer overheats.

The sales person at  Davino Sdn Bhd verbally quoted the price of the supplies at the time of purchase was RM380 per box, With a option of bulk discount at 10+1 (i.e. Net RM345).  Although the supply cost is still the highest in the market I purchase the printer based on the merits of the printer and the sales persons conviction.

At time of writing 1 month the after my purchase the RRP for 1 box of Davino's Mitsubishi's Sub Dye printer supply is RM430.

When purchasing a dye-sub printer apart from the cost of the printer itself, the total cost of ownership including supplies would be more representative of the cost of owning and operating the printer.  At the per sheet level differences of a few cents may appear insignificant but it does add up over time.

Davino Sdn Bhd. justifies its higher cost supplies to its higher paper quality, better performance and higher quality print.  Not having performed a detail side by side comparison with the competitors equivalent products from Hiti, DNP, Kodak & Fuji I am unable to comment on its validity. Davino Sdn Bhd also justifies its higher cost of supplies  to its higher level of service provided for its products and warranties.

For most users running a business, the question to be asked would be "Do you need a Rolls Royce or would a Toyota do the job of getting you from A to B adequately?".   Davino's Mitsubishi offering is the most expensive Dye Sub printer in Malaysia to own and operate based on my review of Hiti, DNP, Kodak & Fuji's similar offerings. However it does make a claim to be the best quality and Davino claims to offset its high supply cost by providing a higher level of service compared to it's competitors in the market.

To its credit I did post an email to Davino on 19 Aug 2014 expressing my concerns on future supply price increases  which Davino promptly replied on 3 Sept 2014.

The Mitsubishi CP-D70DW from Davino Sdn Bhd. Well built, well spec, compact dye sub printer. However cost of print supplies could be prohibitive for you specific application

#dye sub printer malaysia #mitsubishi dye sub printer #davino
Wowsome, Wow Photo Booth are related entities