Newbie Question- Whats the difference between direct imaging?

and using a digital press?

We're looking to move from just a Docucolor 250; to somethign a little more advanced. Does Digital imaging provide the litho type print, or does it still look digital? What are some of the short falls when comparing to true offset and digital press?

And lastly, are these terribly complex machines to run?

 

Noooooooo they are dead easy to run lol !!..................just like a normal offset litho machine. Just make sure you use a pressman that has had 4 colour experience, that will make it a lot easier.

Digital imaging does indeed look very similar to a litho print but it all depends on the dot size. Using a 175 line screen at a 1270 or 2540 resolution you would be hard pushed to tell the difference, its only really the latest Presstek machines that can provide upto a 300 line screen due to the technology in the imaging and lasers, but obviously they are very expensive.
The Heidelberg QMDI46 is a good buy at the moment due to its popularity and they did start the imaging on press concept in co-operation with Presstek who manufactured the lasers, there are quite a few on the secondhand market.

Regards.