Norwalk, Connecticut, USA — The Graphic Arts Technology Foundation (GATF) honored the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System with a 2003 InterTech Technology Award, the highest honor of innovation in the graphic arts industry. The SWOP certified Matchprint Virtual Proofing System — the 15th KPG technology to win a GATF InterTech Award — delivers accurate RGB monitor viewing of CMYK color reproduction that reliably predicts final printed color. Monitor proofing via the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System reduces cycle time, expedites approvals, and improves production efficiencies. These are especially critical for projects with tight deadlines or where geographic distances can hinder the approval process. “The Matchprint Virtual Proofing System creates a whole new category for color critical proofing in the graphic arts industry,” said Jeff Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer, KPG. “Winning an InterTech Award further validates monitor proofing’s promise of improved productivity and enhanced customer service.” With the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, users can transport, view and approve color proofs or electronically mark and return them for correction within minutes. The system consists of high-end, customized CRT monitors, proprietary color management technologies and a suite of Web-based image viewing and collaboration tools from RealTime Image. A simple-to-use interface makes it easy to work on a proof with colleagues and partners regardless of their location or experience with the system. “Monitor proofing greatly enhances collaboration among advertising agencies, publishers, pre-press suppliers, commercial printers and others,” said Rob Pipe, Director, Worldwide Color Proofing Business. “By enabling accurate color communication among clients, designers and production people, the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System further improves productivity and reinforces customer relationships.” As one of the first users of the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, full service pre-media firm Blanks Color Imaging uses the InterTech award-winning technology to sidestep cost and efficiency problems presented by tight schedules and distant geographies. “Having the flexibility to provide virtual proofs that feature extremely accurate, consistent color to meet the requirement of each job brings us a number of important benefits,” said Ken Encinas, Senior Sales Executive, National Accounts, Blanks Color Imaging. “We have used Matchprint Virtual at some point in the production of every single job we’ve done for one of our largest clients. We’re saving money by pulling fewer hard proofs for our internal color analysts to look at and mark up prior to showing the first proof to our clients. This technology is a must-have for any commercial printer that runs jobs where color accuracy is essential, deadlines are crucial, and cost control is critical.” Kodak Polychrome Graphics will formally receive its InterTech Award at an industry awards dinner on Saturday, November 15, 2003, at the La Mansión del Rio Hotel, San Antonio, Texas.