Another Printing Service (Coming very soon)

[RandyT]

Ok, we've had this one on the site as a "non-link" forever and it's time we activated it.  

Sometime in the following week we will update the web pages and begin offering specialized printing services, starting with marquees and following on with control panel overlays.

We will be offering some standard designs of our own creation, and custom printing of original works.  Original works submitted to us for printing by their authors will receive a substantial discount if they agree to allow us to add it to our library of stock images.  E-mail for details.

Now I need to get this out of the way...

We will not accept images for print containing any trademarks or copyrighted images.  Too many have had serious complications for their businesses (read: shut down, equipment seizures, etc.) by doing such things.  We won't do it, so please don't ask.

On to the more fun stuff....

Our printer is considered a "fine-art reproduction" class printer with full Postscript3, auto-color calibration, auto-head alignment capabilities and utilizes a dedicated RIP server.  The new price was about $12,000, if that's any indicator as to the quality it produces.

The media is absolutely the best I have found for this type of application and I have used many.  Vibrant colors, excellent contrast, no washout, no material "grain" and water resistant.  It is a matte-finish heavy polyester material specifically designed for back-lit applications. It can be placed between 2 pieces of plastic, or simply taped to a single piece facing outward as was done for the following pictures.

Freshly trimmed, laying under a flourescent lamp.

You'll have to get a lot closer than this to see any "dots"

Behind the plastic, back-light off.

Well-lit room, back-light on.

Completely dark room, back-light on.

The colors are actually more even and saturated than the camera is showing, particularly in the green and light-blue parts in the center.  Note the contrast between the light and dark parts of the image.

Currently, we estimate the cost at $25+shipping for a marquee of up to 8" tall and 26" wide and will scale upwards accordingly based on size requirements.

Thanks for looking.
RandyT

[SpamMe]

Cool.
How is it being backlit in the two pictures shown?

[RandyT]

Cool.
How is it being backlit in the two pictures shown?

The cheapest way posssible.

Eight dollar, 15", under-counter flourescent fixture about 3.5" behind.

RandyT

[Tiger-Heli]

Looks good, makes me want to build an arcade cab rather than a desktop CP now!!!

[Sephroth57]

looks good, but i want capcom characters on mine... so i guess i cant use this service =(

[shmokes]

The marquee link on your site isn't activated yet.  How much are you going to charge for marquees featuring custom artwork?

[RandyT]

The marquee link on your site isn't activated yet.  How much are you going to charge for marquees featuring custom artwork?

If it's original and the author wants to share it with the community by making it available on our site, not much .  But it will vary on a case by case basis (based on quality).

Otherwise, if it's a straight forward print and the size is as I mentioned, $25 +shipping.  Larger prints and things that require lots of cleanup will be a little higher.

RandyT

[Karman]

We will not accept images for print containing any trademarks or copyrighted images.  Too many have had serious complications for their businesses (read: shut down, equipment seizures, etc.) by doing such things.  We won't do it, so please don't ask.

Umm.. you might as well not even set up shop then.   I'm not trying to be a smart --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- or anything, its just that 99% of the artwork that mame cabinet builders produce has copyrighted material in it.

[allroy1975]

Umm.. you might as well not even set up shop then.   I'm not trying to be a smart --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- or anything, its just that 99% of the artwork that mame cabinet builders produce has copyrighted material in it.

can't say I totally disagree with this.  I have TONS of things on my marquee...  Just screen shots out of MAME, but still..not original artwork.  I took it up to Kinko's at Midnight on a Saturday and got to talking to the guy and going over my options he showed me that backlit paper..I told him I didn't want to spend THAT much on it and he gave me the "saturday night discount" because they're so slow at that time.  I think I got my marquee printed for like $17.

That's just my luck though

Allroy

[RandyT]

Umm.. you might as well not even set up shop then.   I'm not trying to be a smart --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- or anything, its just that 99% of the artwork that mame cabinet builders produce has copyrighted material in it.

can't say I totally disagree with this.  I have TONS of things on my marquee...  Just screen shots out of MAME, but still..not original artwork.  I took it up to Kinko's at Midnight on a Saturday and got to talking to the guy and going over my options he showed me that backlit paper..I told him I didn't want to spend THAT much on it and he gave me the "saturday night discount" because they're so slow at that time.  I think I got my marquee printed for like $17.

That may be, but obviously neither of you would be included in the group of customers we are targeting.  And I think the 99% figure might be a little high .

As for "setting up shop", it's not like I just went out dropped 12 large so I could print MAME marquees .  I have enough experience with these things, including sources for some really nice media, that I thought I would offer another service to the community that won't disappear one day.  Some of these other services operate outside the US where their laws and/or enforcement methods may differ.

BTW, it's doubtful that what you got at Kinko's compares to this.  There are many different brands and varieties of this material.  If it was done in reverse and/or it's a paper material, it's not the same.

We have some VERY artistic folks in this group who have made some incredible original art for their cabinets.  They aren't satisfied with a collage of videogame clip art and view their machines as showpieces. Often times they also don't mind sharing what they create with others.  These are the types of folks we wish to cater to and will give them a very good deal on getting their work printed if they are willing to allow us to share it with the rest who might not be as talented.

How can that be a bad thing?

RandyT

[Stingray]

obviously neither of you would be included in the group of customers we are targeting

I agree with you there. I, however, am in this group and very well may contact you on printing when I get my design work (which won't have any copyright issues) finished. Your pricing seems quite reasonable to me.

-S

[Sephroth57]

im not sure on copyright stuff, say like fanart of a known character, say Megaman. would that be allowed if one of my friends could draw it for me?

[shmokes]

Is this backlit film that you are printing on or is it a paper product, and which is more desireable, purely on quality, price not being a factor?

[steve_pss]

Awesome idea Randy. I might send a couple of my original designs to you just for s. & giggles.

Not everyone enjoys the standard "cut and paste a copyrighted character" artwork. Some of the best inspiration I've seen came from a person emulating a theme or style of the classics.

GO RANDY!

[Sasquatch!]

It can be placed between 2 pieces of plastic, or simply taped to a single piece facing outward as was done for the following pictures.

Pardon the potentially dumb question, but what do you mean by "simply taped to a single piece facing outward"?  You mean tape the marquee BEHIND a single sheet of plexi, right?

Oh, and your timing couldn't be better.  I'm on the cusp on being done with my marquee.

[Brad Lee]

^^^ ditto on the good timing, Im right at finalizing my images
Plus by the time Im done with my CPOverlay, sounds liek that may be a go as well

Out of curiosity, for sandwiching the printed marqee between 2 plexi's, should the "behind" piece be white to diffuse the light some, or is 2 clear pieces sufficient?

[RandyT]

im not sure on copyright stuff, say like fanart of a known character, say Megaman. would that be allowed if one of my friends could draw it for me?

First, let me state that I am not a lawyer, so don't take this as legal advice!

When it comes to this kind of thing, erring on the side of caution is usually the smartest path.  In other words, if it clearly had the word "Megaman" on it, or had the same features as the original, I'd say no.  That character is a trademark that belongs to someone, just as the white swash on a red background belongs to and is trademarked by Coca-Cola.

On the other hand, if it was an original character inspired by that character it's quite a different story.  In other words, if you draw an Ape of your own creation, holding a damsel of your own creation, staring at a short guy with a bushy moustache of your own creation, I believe most would consider this an inspired but original work, so long as you don't put a big "DK" or "M" on there.  After all, the giant ape/damsel in distress concept was inspired by King Kong and possibly Mighty Joe Young originally, so.....

Another example:  If you had an a mountainous landscape with a ship flying over and people being abducted by alien craft, all of your original work, this would perhaps be inspired by Defender (or a myriad of other similar titles).  Unless you put a big "Defender" on the side of the craft or used specific imagery from that game, you probably won't be stepping on the toes of others.

Is it a rabbit or is it Bugs Bunny?  Rabbits are ok, Bugs Bunny is not (at least in this sense...otherwise Bugs Bunny is a riot  .)

Is this backlit film that you are printing on or is it a paper product, and which is more desireable, purely on quality, price not being a factor?

It is considered a film in the traditional sense of the word.

Paper is undesireable for backlit applications due to the density and orientation of the fibers passing the light unevenly through the material.  This will cause odd shadows and muddling of colors.  Paper, if not properly laminated, will also absorb moisture and  tend to buckle in humid environments.

Backlit "films" come in many different formulations, none of which have the problems associated with paper.  Some are formulated for high light output, but do so at the expense of contrast or black levels.  Some are designed for reverse-printing, or "view-through" while others are meant to be encapsulated.  Some are even clear and meant to be used with an external diffuser panel!  

As with everything, the application and desired result is what dictates the proper selection of materials.

Pardon the potentially dumb question, but what do you mean by "simply taped to a single piece facing outward"?  You mean tape the marquee BEHIND a single sheet of plexi, right?

That is correct.  If your marquee is going into a frame or the edges are covered, you can cut it about 3/8" shorter than the plastic on each side and use a black vinyl tape to adhere it.  Just make sure that you take it all the way to the edges and that it is applied in a nice straight line.  The important thing is to keep stray light light from getting past the image, which is why black tape is preferred.

Out of curiosity, for sandwiching the printed marqee between 2 plexi's, should the "behind" piece be white to diffuse the light some, or is 2 clear pieces sufficient?

You can use a white diffuser if you'd like, but it is not necessary for this material.  In fact, no backer is necessary if the above method of mounting is used.


RandyT

[shmokes]

Sold!  You will have my order within the next couple weeks.

[Sephroth57]

Umm.. you might as well not even set up shop then.   I'm not trying to be a smart --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- or anything, its just that 99% of the artwork that mame cabinet builders produce has copyrighted material in it.

can't say I totally disagree with this.  I have TONS of things on my marquee...  Just screen shots out of MAME, but still..not original artwork.  I took it up to Kinko's at Midnight on a Saturday and got to talking to the guy and going over my options he showed me that backlit paper..I told him I didn't want to spend THAT much on it and he gave me the "saturday night discount" because they're so slow at that time.  I think I got my marquee printed for like $17.

That may be, but obviously neither of you would be included in the group of customers we are targeting.  And I think the 99% figure might be a little high .

As for "setting up shop", it's not like I just went out dropped 12 large so I could print MAME marquees .  I have enough experience with these things, including sources for some really nice media, that I thought I would offer another service to the community that won't disappear one day.  Some of these other services operate outside the US where their laws and/or enforcement methods may differ.

BTW, it's doubtful that what you got at Kinko's compares to this.  There are many different brands and varieties of this material.  If it was done in reverse and/or it's a paper material, it's not the same.

We have some VERY artistic folks in this group who have made some incredible original art for their cabinets.  They aren't satisfied with a collage of videogame clip art and view their machines as showpieces. Often times they also don't mind sharing what they create with others.  These are the types of folks we wish to cater to and will give them a very good deal on getting their work printed if they are willing to allow us to share it with the rest who might not be as talented.

How can that be a bad thing?

RandyT

ahhh ok, well ill look into finding some fanart pics and contact their artists or maybe one of my more talents friends could do one for me  

[Tiger-Heli]

I'm not a lawyer either, just playing devil's advocate (stirring the pot).  (And I realize this reply is on both sides of the issue.)

That character is a trademark that belongs to someone, just as the white swash on a red background belongs to and is trademarked by Coca-Cola.

Remember those can covers that said Caca-Cola (note spelling) with the red background and the white swash that would allow you to drink an alternative beerverage in public without getting hassled . . .

On the other hand, if it was an original character inspired by that character it's quite a different story.  In other words, if you draw an Ape of your own creation, holding a damsel of your own creation, staring at a short guy with a bushy moustache of your own creation, I believe most would consider this an inspired but original work, so long as you don't put a big "DK" or "M" on there.  After all, the giant ape/damsel in distress concept was inspired by King Kong and possibly Mighty Joe Young originally, so.....

Tell that to the guy that wrote "The Wind Dun Gone" (parody of Gone With the Wind) now being sued by Margaret Mitchell's estate.

[RandyT]

On the other hand, if it was an original character inspired by that character it's quite a different story.  In other words, if you draw an Ape of your own creation, holding a damsel of your own creation, staring at a short guy with a bushy moustache of your own creation, I believe most would consider this an inspired but original work, so long as you don't put a big "DK" or "M" on there.  After all, the giant ape/damsel in distress concept was inspired by King Kong and possibly Mighty Joe Young originally, so.....

Tell that to the guy that wrote "The Wind Dun Gone" (parody of Gone With the Wind) now being sued by Margaret Mitchell's estate.

If that is truly a parody it's doubtful that it will go far, as parodies appear under copyright law to be a specifically protected form of speech.  If you couldn't do parodies, MAD Magazine wouldn't have existed.

But this is a good thing to look at.  As one can sue another for nearly any reason, just or unjust, it is all the more reason to err to the side of caution.

RandyT

[SpamMe]

This still in the works?