HUDSON, N.H., Sept. 30 -- The latest in direct imaging (DI) presses will make their U.S. debut at Graph Expo, the largest U.S. printing trade show, scheduled for October 10-13, 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Presstek, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of environmentally responsible high tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, today announced that its partners, Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) and Ryobi, will be showcasing new DI press models that were first unveiled at drupa in May 2004. Today's Direct Imaging (DI) presses are designed to improve on the quality and economic benefits of offset printing while bringing to offset the ease of use of digital printing. The market is demanding increasingly shorter runs of high quality color printing and DI presses offer printers the best of both worlds-better than offset quality at a competitive short-run cost. Featuring the most significant innovation to Direct Imaging presses since the introduction of digital offset technology, these new presses incorporate Presstek's new ProFire Excel Imaging optimized with Presstek's new ProFire Digital Media, generating a 16-micron laser spot, enabling 300-line-per-inch output, and supporting FM (Stochastic), AM (conventional), and hybrid screening options. This exciting breakthrough imaging technology from Presstek are designed to set a new standard in quality for on-press printing applications, delivering startling offset quality quickly, and with far less waste than conventional offset printing processes. ProFire Excel enabled DI presses dramatically change the competitive dynamics for offset printing by raising the bar on quality and lowering the cost of market entry. Their ease of use makes them the ideal solution for digital printers who wish to add offset printing to their portfolio of services or smaller printers wishing to cost- effectively upgrade to four-color offset printing. New Entry Level DI Press Combining Presstek's ProFire Excel quality with a set of features designed to satisfy print providers with lower production requirements, new entry-level Digital Imaging press systems implement precisely the right balance of automation, quality, and price. These exciting new presses are designed to significantly broaden the market for DI technology. New High Performance DI Press Setting a new standard in quality for on-press printing applications, these new fully automated print production systems enabled by Presstek's ProFire Excel imaging and ProFire Digital Media deliver superior quality offset with the push of a button. These new high-productivity presses are a unique integration of press, laser, and plate technology that dramatically changes the competitive dynamics for offset printing by raising the bar on quality and automation. DI at Graph Expo 2004 Ryobi Expands Digital Offset Press Offering With Ryobi 3404X-DI Ryobi distribution channels focus mostly on small to medium print enterprises where demand for faster turnaround, better profitability in color printing and reliable equipment are the primary acquisition drivers. The ProFire Excel enabled Ryobi 3404X-DI is loaded with standard features, and in conjunction with ProFire Digital Media, delivers the ultimate in DI quality. Ryobi also offers a UV version of the press for the label and packaging markets. This exciting new press will be on display at Ryobi's booth #2047. KPG DirectPress 5634 DI Adds Workflow Management Tools The KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System combines industry-leading ProFire Excel imaging quality with the simplicity and automation of a DI Press. The KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System further enhances production efficiency by incorporating Kodak Polychrome Graphics' DirectWorks, KPG's new workflow solution. Building on KPG's recognized color expertise, DirectWorks enables color management across a variety of output technologies to deliver more accurate and consistent color regardless of output device. DirectWorks streamlines operations by automating prepress activities such as pre-flight, color correction, trapping, imposition, approval and ripping. Following its launch at drupa, the KPG DirectPress 5634 has been well received by the U.S. market, with several installs already announced. KPG will demonstrate the DirectPress in its Graph Expo booth #4031. Heidelberg Offers New Improvements to Established Portfolio of DI Presses Heidelberg will be showing its new ProSpot technology which was also introduced at drupa, bringing better print quality to the Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro. This improved imaging system, designed and manufactured by Presstek, combined with proven Presstek PearlDry Plus plates, brings higher quality, improved profitability and new levels of productivity to users of Heidelberg's Quickmaster DI Pro. The Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro can be seen at Heidelberg's Graph Expo booth (#1000). Presstek has listened carefully to its end-user customers, and manufacturing and distribution partners, who have asked for more affordable, higher quality imaging technology. The result is Presstek's new ProFire Excel imaging and ProFire Digital Media, breakthrough advances that make possible the Ryobi 3404X-DI and KPG DirectPress 5634 DI. Visitors to Graph Expo 2004 will see ProFire Excel imaging in a variety of products, including both CTP and DI press applications. Presstek is dedicated to ongoing innovation designed to ensure that the range of choices for efficient, cost-effective, short-run color production will continue to expand.