Hard copy video image printer - has control for drive and heating element assembly for setting to temp. required to sublimate ink on foil

The thermal printer for coloured video images includes a driving and excitation section with heating elements (20) which are held in contact with a composite strip (14) forming an image retaining medium. This is unwound from a supply roller and onto a take-up roller of a cartridge while being supported by a printing roller (32). The strip has a plastics base layer (100) with a smooth surface which includes zones (102Y) carrying the three colours used to form the coloured image, separating parts (106) and free parts (102T) with reflective surfaces. The base layer is separated from the image receiving layer (14) which receives the coloured coating (56) as it passes under a separating roller (39) after a certain time has elapsed, and the softening point has been reached. The control system includes a heating data generator for the heating elements. ADVANTAGE - Simple, compact design with efficient colour printing action.