Ann Arbor, Michigan – July 24, 2006 – Xitron, the prepress industry's leading independent developer and integrator of Raster Image Processors, RIP management software and workflow solutions; today announced the shipment of the latest Navigator GPS release based on Navigator 7.1 RIP and integrated RIP Manager 3.1. Navigator 7.1 offers even greater performance and productivity enhancements for users. Simple Imposition, introduced with version 7.0 as an entry-level option for 2-up imposition requirements, has been enhanced to support 4-up applications. Other improvements include direct support for PDF 1.6 allowing users to accept files from a greater range of design and front-end applications; speed increases in job processing, and RIP Manager 3.1 adds increased control of the RIP from the desktop with enhancements to the user interface. The affordably priced Simple Imposition option offers greater flexibility with the introduction of 4-up support in version 7.1 of the RIP. For $1,000, end-users are offered a powerful imposition solution that will fit the vast majority of production requirements in the 2- and 4-up marketplace. In addition, when doing step-and-repeat work, an “N-up” option allows for any number of jobs to be placed, limited only by the output size. Simple Imposition is an in-RIP imposition solution allowing on-the-fly imposition, so last minute changes are no problem to incorporate since imposition is done as a part of the ripping. This is also perfect where different output devices may be used for proofing versus final output which requires separate imposition schemes. Existing 2-up simple imposition users who upgrade to version 7.1 will be able to take advantage of the 4-up capabilities. RIP Manager 3.1 brings increased control of the RIP to the desktop, further reducing the need for specific page setups. The 3.1 version now provides, in addition to the choice of a Simple Imposition scheme, the ability to select trap sets, image rotation, color separation sets and page features. Additional output device icons are included in RIP Manager 3.1 to allow users to more easily determine the output device in use for a specific workflow. The icon will automatically display based on the device chosen in the PageSetup. For instance, if a Presstek DI52 press is the selected output, then a digital press icon will be displayed. Where specific icons are not available for the output device, the standard generic output device icon will be displayed. Based on feedback from users, these additional capabilities make RIP Manager an even more powerful tool for any prepress professional’s desktop. “The latest release of Navigator GPS continues Xitron’s commitment to provide affordable RIP and workflow solutions to the small to mid-size printers,” stated R. Patrick French, Xitron’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “By increasing the capabilities of the RIP while providing desktop control through RIP Manager, users will be able to reduce their dependency on additional applications such as trapping and imposition, allowing Navigator GPS to handle more of their needs.” In addition to English, Navigator RIP Manager 3.1 is now offered in German and Japanese. The localized versions are available on the installation CD and will be selected automatically on computer systems configured with German or Japanese operating systems. “With the enhancements in automation and less dependency on the RIP, our dealer and distributors felt the availability of localized versions of RIP Manager would further reduce the training required in regions where English is not the primary language of the prepress operators,” stated Eric Nelsen, Navigator Solutions Product Manager. “We are pleased to offer the German and Japanese along with RIP Manager 3.1 and plan to offer additional localized versions in the future.” Navigator GPS is one of the most affordable workflow solutions available for printers with typical pricing ranging from $6,000-$10,000. Existing Navigator GPS users will be able to upgrade to the latest release for $395. As a special incentive for users to upgrade, Xitron will include a WebEx installation, a $500 value, at no charge for users who upgrade by September 30, 2006. Xitron products are available through a network of OEMS, Distributors, Dealers, and System Integrators worldwide. Xitron RIPs and workflow solutions drive more than 150 output devices ranging from black and white and color proofers, to film imagesetters and the latest in CTP and direct-to-press systems. With shipments of more than 13,000 RIPs, Xitron is the largest independent provider of RIPs in the market. For more information about Xitron products, visit Xitron on the web at www.xitron.com.