Norwalk, Connecticut, USA — More than 50 graphic arts professionals participated in a discussion on soft proofing workflow at the June monthly meeting of the Digital Ad Lab. Hosted by Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG), the seminar covered topics such as the mechanics of maintaining a soft proofing station, cost comparisons between soft and conventional proofing, and the ability of standard desktop monitors to be calibrated to SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) color systems. KPG Print Media presented an overview of how its Matchprint Virtual Proofing System fits into the creative and editorial workflows for publishers, followed by remarks from Kin Wah Lam, Director of Digital Development, Time, Inc. He talked about the benefits of virtual proofing in the ad delivery workflow. A key advantage identified by the speakers relates to the ability of virtual proofing to utilize a single source file for the proof and to print a job, eliminating variables from the workflow process. “Virtual proofing brings advertising and publishing professionals a number of important benefits, such as saving time, improving efficiency and strengthening collaboration,” said Rob Pipe, Business Director, Virtual Proofing, KPG. “We look forward to partnering with the Digital Ad Lab to promote and publicize the advantages of virtual proofing and its role in enabling a fully digital workflow.” KPG solidified its leadership in monitor proofing through its acquisition last month of RealTimeImage’s Graphic Arts Division. The five RealTimeProof products for web-based, high-resolution collaborative proofing and approval management join the SWOP-certified Matchprint Virtual Proofing System to give KPG customers access to a full range of monitor proofing solutions, from entry-level soft and remote proofing systems to color critical virtual proofing solutions. RealTimeProof is the leading suite of web-based proofing solutions providing accurate image quality for monitor and remote proofing. Using breakthrough patented streaming technology, Pixels on Demand, high-resolution files can be viewed in seconds, even over a dial-up connection. Users need only a web browser on a Mac or PC and a free downloadable plug-in to proof their original files from anywhere, at any time. The GATF InterTech award winning RealTimeProof technology is the standard for online proofing in major workflows and is now integrated in workflows from Heidelberg, EFI, Esko-Graphics and Artwork Systems.