The Potential of High-Speed Photocomposition Operations.

A computer operated character generator capable of producing 500 newspaper quality characters per second appears to be technically feasible. In order to determine whether this equipment can be used economically in a metropolitan newspaper, ANPA Research Institute prepared a cost study comparing current production costs and estimated production costs with this photocomposition equipment. The study was based on composing room staffing at the Miami (Fla.) Herald. Costs for computerized typesetting with hot metal composition and high-speed photocomposition for both straight matter and classified are projected and compared. The study indicates that straight matter and classified production costs can be reduced with high-speed photocomposition employing present powderless engraving techniques.