RAMSEY, N.J. and VANCOUVER, B.C. Canada, May 18 -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) and Creo Inc. (Creo) today announced the IC-301 image controller to drive the bizhub PRO C500 color production printing system. The IC-301 was co-developed by the two companies and leverages Creo's powerful digital print technology, resulting in a workflow solution that features lightning-fast RIP speeds and maximum flexibility. Based on proprietary Creo technology, the IC-301 offers extensive document printing capabilities, sophisticated workflow and color management tools, variable data support, and a connection to Creo's powerful graphic arts solution. With the launch of the IC-301, Konica Minolta now offers users the option of four image controllers for the bizhub PRO C500, an embedded controller (IP-921) and a choice of three external controllers. "The bizhub PRO C500 is a high-end, versatile device for companies that generate a large volume of color documents. However, the complexity and variety of these documents greatly differ amongst users. We are introducing the IC-301 to help our customers best match the functionality of their image controller with their printing needs," said Kevin Kern, vice president, product development and support, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A. "Partnering with Creo to develop this image controller further diversifies our offering and continues our commitment to join with leading technology companies in the development of top-of-the-line, customer-centric imaging solutions." "Creo is pleased to bring our innovative technology to the IC-301 Image Controller," said Ronen Cohen, corporate vice president, Print-on-Demand, Creo. "This technology will provide Konica Minolta users with an efficient and flexible solution. We're also pleased to bring Creo technology to a new market through Konica Minolta." A comprehensive workflow solution, the IC-301 offers job ticketing and other powerful management tools that help users monitor, track and control print jobs. Utilizing Creo's advanced fusion imaging hardware technology for extra-fast RIP speeds, the IC-301 maximizes efficiency, flexibility and speed throughout the entire workflow process. The IC-301 also includes a professional imposition tool, automating tools for retaining print defaults for individual jobs, and flexible paper handling and finishing capabilities. In addition, the intuitive graphical interface and workspace offer drag-and- drop and right-click functionality, making operation simple for users of all levels. By eliminating many of the time-consuming manual processes that slow job completion and delivery, the IC-301 helps streamline document printing workflow for complex jobs such as printing covers, tabs, inserts, interleaves and slip-sheets. In addition, a selection of pre-defined virtual printers and hot folders helps channel the job flow according to user preference, while retaining pre-defined job settings for fast turnaround. Advanced Capabilities for Graphic Arts and Variable Data Printing Graphic arts environments will benefit from the Creo Graphic Arts Port (GAP), which can process pre-separated files created for offset printing and output them digitally on the bizhub PRO C500. The IC-301 supports a unique and seamless connection with the Creo Brisque(R) prepress workflow system for offset printing. Specially designed for the commercial and quick print markets, the IC-301 allows users to define job parameters for a digital job on the Brisque system. The IC-301 also supports connectivity with the Creo Prinergy(R) workflow management system. The IC-301 helps any user develop and distribute high-quality, high-impact documents by providing easy-to-use features for high-quality color and variable data printing. "Out-of-the-box" color settings allow users to make last-minute, on-the-fly color corrections such as gradation, brightness, contrast and calibration without needing to re-RIP the entire file, regardless of the desktop application in which is was created. Additional professional image quality utilities include Creo FAF Trapping and Creo anti-aliasing. For personalized printing, the IC-301 leverages the Creo comprehensive variable information (VI) solution, which processes complex variable data documents at the same speed as a static print job and offers on-the-fly previews and color correction. In addition, because the IC-301 supports popular authoring tools and all leading industry print formats, users can easily create and output full-color, personalized documents including postcards, coupons, direct mailers, variable data statements, marketing collateral or any other customized job. Highlighted IC-301 Image Controller Features: -- 3.2 GHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor with Hyperthreading -- 512MB DDR system memory and 768MB image memory, for a total of 1.28 GB total system memory -- 80GB hard drive system and user disk space -- 160GB (2 80GB Hard Drives) for Ready-to-Print (RTP) job storage -- Support for AppleTalk(R), Net BEUI, TCP/IP and IPX/SPX protocols -- Support for the following page description languages and formats: Adobe(R) PostScript(R) Level 3, Native PDF, EPS, TIFF, TIFF/IT and JPEG AvailabilityThe IC-301 Image Controller for the bizhub PRO C500 will be available in fall 2005 through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels.