GRAPH EXPO (Booth #4041), Chicago, Illinois – September 28, 2003 – Agfa announced today the addition of a new contract digital proofer to its lineup of wide-format systems. With the :Sherpa 44m, Agfa offers a high-resolution inkjet system that includes the latest seven-color piezo-electric inkjet technology, advanced in-RIP color management, quality control software and specially formulated proofing media to deliver a complete contract proofing solution. The new RIP, version 2.2, efficiently delivers variable sized drops at higher speeds. The :Sherpa 44m and other :Sherpa proofers are being shown at Agfa's booth (#4041) during Graph Expo. With resolutions of 360 dpi and 720 dpi, the :Sherpa 44m offers high resolution with the smallest possible drop size. It accepts paper rolls and cut-sheet paper up to 44 inches in width. The :Sherpa 44m features seven multi-density inks – CMYKK + LC + LM. "The :Sherpa 44m gives printers the ability to print wide format on a contract-quality proofing system. This allows them to take advantage of the latest advances in digital workflow technology," said Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager, workflow and color systems, North America. "The :Sherpa 44m can take advantage of the new :Sherpa ABS screening software to produce screened inkjet proofs up to 150lpi." Complete Proofing Solution. The complete :Sherpa 44m system includes the :Apogee Proofer RIP, :ColorTune Pro color management software, :Quality Management System (:QMS) and AgfaJet Digital Proofing Base. :QMS assures that all :Sherpa proofers within a workflow will have the same tonal response. It checks for consistency from the same :Sherpa over a period of time or multiple :Sherpa systems in remote locations. In addition to providing the industry-standard output profiles (SWOP, Euro Standard, etc.) :ColorTune Pro lets the user create ICC-based custom output and proofer profiles. It uses technology-specific mapping algorithms to precisely match the different gamut of presses used for specific applications such as newspaper or commercial printing. Custom profiles are editable and assure accurate reproduction of difficult neutral colors. Color management is performed in RIP where Pantone and custom color libraries are stored for spot-color applications. The :Sherpa 44m will be available by the end of October.