how to differentiate between digital printing and variable data printing? Pls suggest some sites for vdp?

Question

1) Need to find out the various concepts of variable data printing.
2)How its done?
3)what are the present and future applications?

Answer 1

Digital printing is making up images from digital pixel patterns.
Variable Data Printing is customizing an otherwise normal print run by inserting data in the same page background. Usually the customizing is something that will attract the eye of the reader.
Some years ago, I received an issue of a magazine and on the cover was a message using the first name from my address (Mike) in what otherwise was one of the cover references to an article inside. But opposite the article inside was an ad (from the company that also paid for the cover notice variability) which prominantly said "Mike, have you looked around Dallas and not found what you are looking for? Look over our products and call your representative at (name and phone number)"
Coordinating the cover and inside material would be a nightmare in an older printing setup with major problems if the cover address printing and inside pages got out of synch.