Mortsel, Belgium – 20 February 2003 – Agfa launched The Apogee Raster Blaster, a data conversion system that allows Apogee prepress automation software to output to over 100 non-Agfa devices. The turnkey system, which includes Apogee Raster Blaster processing software pre-installed on a PC platform, simplifies workflow integration. By adding this level of output versatility to Apogee, Agfa allows customers to make use of existing platesetters and imagesetters, thereby increasing their return on assets. At the same time, customers benefit from Apogee’s process automation, which improves efficiency and speeds turnaround time. Apogee Raster Blaster works with Apogee Series2, Apogee Series3 and ApogeeX. Apogee Raster Blaster lets users preview, monitor and control each job. It takes 1-bit colour-separated raster data from ApogeeX, the Apogee PDF RIP or Apogee PrintDrive and sends it to any non-Agfa imagesetter or platesetter. Using intuitive hot folders, the Apogee Raster Blaster is easy to setup and operate. Operators can preview and monitor output directly from the Apogee Raster Blaster workstation. And a remote interface lets users preview or monitor status from any Web browser. Apogee Raster Blaster configures easily into any computer-to-plate or computer to film workflow. Apogee’s TIFF-OUT option makes data conversion possible with a direct interface to the Apogee Raster Blaster, or through an interface with the Apogee PDF RIP or the Apogee PrintDrive output manager. "Apogee Raster Blaster allows our customers to integrate legacy or any non-Agfa output devices into the Apogee workflow, said Johan Berlaen, general manager of Agfa’s Digital Solutions Group. By integrating them into the Apogee workflow they can maximise output efficiency and earn revenue from those systems. It also benefits customers who are taking the first steps toward automation in a computer-to-film or computer-to-plate environment. They will be able to make use of existing equipment." Supported output-device brands include Screen, Scitex Dolev, Linotype, Speedway, Fuji, Cymbolic Science, PrePress, ECRM, Gerber/Barco, Heidelberg, and Monotype. For a full list of supported output devices readers may visit http://graphics.agfa.com/ About Agfa The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading imaging companies. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems, intended mainly for the graphics industry, healthcare, micrographics, motion picture and photography markets. Agfa’s headquarters are in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is active in 40 countries and has 120 agents throughout the world. Together they achieved a turnover of 4,911 million Euros in 2001. Product and company information can be found on Agfa’s home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com