Opal is the color technology. Whereas the dye uses in D2T2 consists of about five percent ink and a great deal of water, Opal consists of 30 percent ink. Consumer printers using the Opal technology will be optimized for mobility and battery operable, and should print photograph-quality prints in 30 seconds. Onyx is the low-cost monochrome technology. That is not to say it will necessarily always print images in black and white.
Heat transforms the dye into an image.
In addition to photographs, Onyx will be able to create stickers, removable tattoos, and logos and decals. Polaroid has adopted a new business plan centered on the two technologies. It now plans to operate its traditional business for profitability rather than growth, while reducing its manufacturing capacity and gearing up for the revolution DiCamillo and Liggero feel Opal and Onyx will create in the imaging industry. These two printing platforms will form the building blocks of our digital imaging business strategy. Polaroid is entering an era marked by alliances, partnerships and open architecture, and our digital printing business will fit into that model.