CHICAGO, Oct 26, 2008  -- Canon U.S.A., Inc. and EFI today announced the Fiery(R)-driven imagePRESS Server Q2 v2 designed specifically for the new Canon imagePRESS C1+ Digital Print System launching at Graph Expo (Canon booth 3000, McCormick Place through October 29). The new Fiery-driven Canon server delivers precision color and new Clear Toner support, consistent high quality output, powerful optional variable data printing capabilities, seamless integration with EFI's workflow and Print MIS solutions, and connectivity to all popular pre-press applications.

The imagePRESS Server Q2 v2 is an ideal solution for professional users requiring a powerful and flexible foundation for managing high-demand, color critical environments. With this launch, the Fiery-driven imagePRESS C1+ supports Clear Toner, enabling flexible and versatile workflows to make an impact on the printed output. Now, creative designers can produce Clear Toner output quickly and easily with features that include: design and preview within the original layout application; simplified job submission; and the ability to add security features such as watermarks to their documents, without distracting or altering the design elements.

"Building on the proven strength of imagePRESS digital press technology, the new C1+ production color printer driven by Fiery offers customers an even greater degree of color quality and color management while increasing design capabilities, giving them a wider array of innovative printing solutions," said Tod Pike, senior vice president, Canon U.S.A. "Together, Canon and EFI are continuing to enhance our solutions to make our customers more successful, which is especially important in today's challenging economic times."

"The latest Fiery-driven Canon imagePRESS system delivers industry-leading color management with new Clear Toner along with Fiery's well-known unique visual workflow and the most comprehensive finishing workflow to increase Canon customers' productivity and help them profitably grow their print business," said Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president, worldwide marketing and sales, EFI. "This engine will dramatically expand the applications for a toner-based device and is sure to be adopted in new market segments."

The Fiery-based Canon server provides state-of-the art color reproduction capabilities that meet stringent graphic arts requirements and are fully compliant with PDF-X. Built-in color management tools give consistent and superior output, proprietary compression schemes, true Adobe(R) PostScript 3, and professional toolsets. The Graphic Arts Package, standard on the Fiery for the imagePRESS C1+, immediately integrates into high-end workflow systems and enables graphic arts professionals to produce premium quality color from their Canon system.

The imagePRESS Server Q2 also supports the PANTONE Goe System, which features 2,058 new PANTONE Colors and includes tools and interactive software to improve versatility. Print service providers and graphic arts professionals deploying PANTONE-calibrated Fierys are more efficient and accurate, saving time by eliminating manual input of color definitions, and reducing inaccuracies in the final output.