Chicago, Ill – GRAPH EXPO (Booth #4024) – October 10, 2004 – Agfa today introduced the :Grand Sherpa m series of seven-color, piezo-electric inkjet proofers. The wide-format m series uses new dye-based inks and features advanced in-RIP color management, quality control software and specially formulated proofing media to deliver a complete contract proofing solution. It will be available in 50- and 64-inch widths. :Grand Sherpa m models use a newly formulated set of seven color inks including a cleaner yellow and an additional light black ink. They provide enhanced quality contract proofs in every aspect of image quality. This new seven-color ink set reduces the total ink consumption, while it improves on drying time. It also ensures perfect neutrals and smooth reproduction of black and white images, giving users reduced time to "sign-off" and a closer match on press. Adding two carefully weighted black inks reduces the noise in images and eliminates coarse black dots. To get the widest color gamut and greater color stability for proofs, Agfa recommends using the new Agfa dye-based inks with the :Grand Sherpa m. Show attendees will also be able to see dot-for-dot screened inkjet proofs from the :Grand Sherpra 50m using the new :SherpaProof Converter. Agfa's innovative screening technology works with the high-resolution :Grand Sherpa to deliver a color-accurate halftone rosette that replicates every characteristic of the final print. "Our customers, and their customers, will love the high-quality, extremely accurate and consistent proofs they get from the :Grand Sherpa m. With Agfa color management and quality management software behind its powerful engine, they'll know that what they see on the proof is what they get on press," said Agfa's Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager for digital solutions, North America. The new line of :Grand Sherpa m's also gives current :Grand Sherpa users an upgrade path. :Grand Sherpa users can contact their Agfa representative to upgrade their system to the more powerful m series. The new :Grand Sherpa m series will begin shipping by the end of the year.