Polaroid Corp.ís Commercial ID Systems division has launched ID Card Maker 4.02M, the new version of the companyís ID software with upgraded features and functionality. Polaroid says these improvements are mostly in the areas of database connectivity, badge design, photo/image management and user interface.

The company says new layout functionality lets users design, view, test and print from one screen, verifying the accurate placement of background, text and image boxes. There also is broader access to the ìautomatically display imagesî feature, allowing more users the option to display acquired images. A new history feature lets people customize the number of old images stored for quick viewing. And a new shortcut means users can quickly select different image sources to speed the enrollment process.

Polaroid also created default database templates allowing users to install quickly a working application with sample layouts, enrollment fields and reports. There are sample databases, too, and card layouts designed for specific applications. The company further improved the data import so users can import/export data from both .csv and .txt extension files. www.polaroid-id.com

Datacard Group presents its SP55 card printer as a new credentialing solution compatible with the companyís portfolio of identification software, capture solutions and card program accessories. Company officials say organizations looking to configure the right card issuance system for a particular application now have more options and flexibility. The SP55 — unveiled late last year — offers a variety of enhanced features, including 180 card-per-hour print speed, with edge-to-edge imaging, as well as optional duplex printing, magnetic stripe encoding and smart card personalization. Datacard says the printer works for applications ranging from traditional corporate badging to creating student IDs because it combines speed, simplicity at a good price. www.datacard.com

DSX Access Systems Inc. bills its WinDSX technology as the one-stop solution for video imaging/photo ID badging and access control for employees and visitors.

The system allows the user to create badge backgrounds, or templates, onto which digital images and card holder data are imposed when the card is printed. Video imaging comes standard on the WinDSX system.

Users can capture images with a digital camera and import them into the WinDSX system without additional hardware. WinDSX software also can display live, high-resolution video from any device using an MCI or TWAIN interface. A DSX image key and video capture card are required.

An unlimited number of digital images can be stored permanently on the hard disk, along with other cardholder data. These images can be sized, cropped, edited and moved.

Badge templates use “what you see is what you get” drag-and-drop tools with features such as transparent backgrounds, image ghosting, text centering, text shrink to fit and more. Because the technology allows for the creation of virtually unlimited badge templates, all departments and user groups can have unique badges. Single-sided or two-sided color or monochromatic badges can be printed individually or in a batch mode.

All image sizes on the print preview can be changed and adjusted from left to right for last-minute changes. www.dsxinc.com

The new OnGuard IdentityCenter builds upon Lenel System International Inc.ís existing ID technology to integrate public key infrastructure (PKI) with OnGuard ID management functionality. It is available either as a standalone product, or integrated with other OnGuard application modules. OnGuard IdentityCenter produces highresolution pictures, supports all industry standard ID card technologies, and features image compression and enhancement capabilities.

OnGuard IdentityCenter supports all industry standard ID card and reader technologies, including Wiegand, Proximity, Mifare and smart cards. It also supports both barcode and magnetic stripe encoding for advanced security. OnGuard IdentityCenter produces high-quality, true-color PVC badges. It also supports industry standard Windows 2000-/XP-compatible credential printers.

The IdentityCenter also provides advanced support for biometrics, including fingerprint and hand template technologies, and enables operators to securely obtain digital certificates for smart card users. www.lenel.com

Photo ID supplier The IRIS Companies’ PlasticPass credentials are gaining momentum, most notably in the special events industry.

PlasticPass is a low-cost weatherproof, waterproof, scuff-resistant all-plastic stock designed for non-photo credentials. Preprint options include up to four-color process on the front and back sides. Three oversize credential sizes are available.

Security options include custom or semi-custom holograms, time-sensitive spots, sequential numbering and ultraviolet printing, allowing organizations to issue credentials with higher levels of security. Various access control or access monitoring features also can be incorporated as options. IRIS Companies officials say the product was developed to meet a growing need for quick visual recognition for security access at special events in public venues. www.irisltd.com

Fargo Electronics Inc. has made three additions to its HDP800 Series, the company’s advanced line for printing, encoding and laminating almost any card, all in one pass: the HDP825 Card Printer/Encoder, the HDP825-LC Laminating Card Printer/Encoder and a field-upgradeable Card Lamination Module.

HDP825 is a two-sided, full-color reverse image printer/encoder that produces standard, CR-80-size ID cards. It works on contact or contactless smart cards and mag stripe and proximity cards. The HDP825 includes two new features: Fargo’s patented dual, auto-switching Card Input Hopper that lets users load up to 200 identical cards, or two different 100-card stacks for greater versatility; and a new tape-based Card Cleaning System that removes debris, resulting in reduced waste and higher-quality printed cards.

The new card lamination module is available as a field-upgradeable option to the HDP825. The module comes factory-installed on the HDP825-LC.

The HDP800 series also features a SmartScreen LCD control panel, SmartGuard electronic printer security and a lockable card hopper. An optional E-Card docking station can encode magnetic stripes and enable up to three types of smart card technology in one card: Read and write ISO 7816 contact smart chips; read and write MIFARE contactless smart chips; and read HID proximity cards. www.fargo.com