(May 29, 2008) X-Rite, Incorporated, the world leader in color management, measurement and communication technologies, and Epson, a global leader in imaging products, today announced that they have joined forces to develop the

SpectroProofer(TM), an in-line, off-carriage calibration and verification system for Epson's newly launched Epson Stylus(R) Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 large format printers. The new SpectroProofer will be showcased for the first time at Drupa 2008 on the Epson stand (Hall 5, Stand A01).

Powered by X-Rite's In-Line Spectrophotometer (ILS), the Epson SpectroProofer tool turns the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Stylus Pro 9900 into reliable, consistent and repeatable proof verification and printer calibration solutions. The embedded Epson SpectroProofer brings fully automated in-line proofing capabilities to the Epson Stylus Pro range to make remote proofing a reality. By enabling a high level of transparent automation, it significantly reduces workload, operation costs and increases workflow efficiency.

"The new Epson Stylus Pro range with the SpectroProofer calibration and verification system will enable commercial printers to broaden their business by entering new market sectors, such as the packaging proofing and flexographic markets. This winning technology combination will also address the remote proofing needs of production proofing companies by giving them a much needed in-line automated remote proofing solution for their large format printers," comments Marco van Niekerk, senior product manager, large format printers at Epson Europe.

With the Epson SpectroProofer, the following color control workflows can be achieved automatically and very precisely: color calibration, color certification, daily color checks, profile creation, spot color matching, color shift tracking and target measurement. Furthermore, a color certification label, like the Fogra wedge, can be printed to support the ISO certification process. The SpectroProofer allows initiation of a printer color calibration test either automatically, at a predefined interval, or at the request of a service technician.

A compact, carriage-mounted in-line spectrophotometer, with completely self-contained optics and electronics, X-Rite's ILS platform enables seamless non-contact measurements for fast moving media and provides direct feedback for color calibration/management and control of Epson Stylus Pro color printers. It quickly sends the calculated color data to a host RIP such as the Epson SpectroProofer software, via a direct USB interface link, providing on-the-fly calibration and closed loop, accurate color management of the print process and patented remote control capabilities.

The newly launched Epson 24" Stylus Pro 7900 and 44" Stylus Pro 9900 set new standards for the professional large format printer market. Improved ink formulation, a new printer mechanism and a raft of new technologies make these two new additions to the Epson Stylus Pro range ideal for production and contract proofing, as well as for the highest quality fine-art and photographic applications. They will also enable printers to extend their business into the demanding packaging proofing and flexographic markets.