Chicago, Illinois, USA - Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) showcases its newest digital technologies for monitor proofing, thermal computer-to-plate (CtP), halftone proofing, and direct imaging solutions in booth 4030 at Graph Expo 2003. A major informational exhibit on monitor proofing and the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System serves as the focus of KPG's display. Visitors to KPG's booth can learn about the applications and benefits of monitor-based contract color proofing through a live multimedia presentation, demonstrations of the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, and a video that features users of KPG's 2003 GATF InterTech Technology Award - winning system. This contract-quality proofing system is SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications)-certified and delivers accurate, consistent and reliable RGB monitor viewing of CMYK color reproduction. With the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, users can for the first time transport, view and approve proofs for color or electronically mark and return them for correction within minutes. The system consists of high-end, customized CRT monitors, proprietary color management technologies and a suite of Web-based image viewing and collaboration tools. A simple-to-use interface makes it easy to work on a proof with colleagues and partners regardless of their location or experience with the system. "Monitor proofing via the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System provides a perfect representation of the quality, profitability and efficiency benefits that digital technology provides," said Andrew Copley, President, KPG Americas. "From displaying our newest products to providing consultative expertise, helping our customers foster loyalty from their customers serves as our objective at Graph Expo." A series of testimonials from graphic arts professionals who use KPG products to lower costs, reduce waste and save time - all essential to generating repeat business - will be prominently displayed. Robert Lopez, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Imaging Center, New York, tells how KPG helped his business in one aspect of adding to its digital workflow. "KPG's experience with thermal printing plates and digital halftone proofing made our transition to CtP easy," said Lopez. "We've experienced significant internal manufacturing savings while delivering higher-quality results at reduced turnaround times to our clients." KPG's newest digital halftone proofing system and thermal printing plates debut at Graph Expo: the Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System and the Kodak Polychrome Graphics SWORD EXCEL Thermal Printing Plate. The Kodak Polychrome Graphics DirectPress 5034 DI System will also be showcased. The Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System uses the latest in thermal imaging technology to produce the industry's most versatile and accurate prediction of on-press performance. Featuring Rapid Recipe Color technology, the Kodak Approval NX system can accurately produce millions of spot colors in a fraction of the time of current industry standards. Rapid Recipe Color technology saves significant time by laying down up to four densities each of CMYK for process and spot colors simultaneously, instead of one at a time. This next-generation Kodak Approval NX system can also laminate to virtually any substrate—making it ideal for all folding carton and flexible package printing. "The packaging proofs we produce often involve complex colors and tight deadlines," said Kevin McDonald, Prepress Systems Administrator, Hammer Lithograph, Rochester, New York. "With the Kodak Approval NX system with Rapid Recipe Color technology, we're providing customers with the industry's standard for proofing quality, while reducing our time to generate a proof by more than 50 percent. That powerful combination allows us to more effectively deliver on our commitment to meet our packaging customers' color accuracy and turnaround time requirements." The Kodak Polychrome Graphics SWORD EXCEL Thermal Printing Plate extends the benefits of Sword technology, which combines a no preheat/no postbake thermal plate with negative "write the background" processing. The SWORD EXCEL plate delivers run lengths of up to 500,000 impressions and hard dots that yield resolutions ranging from 1% to 99% at 200 LPI. The ultra-high resolution makes SWORD EXCEL plates compatible with the latest advances in stochastic screening at 20- and 10-micron dot diameters. Other benefits include faster imaging speeds, greater press chemical resistance, and reduced processor maintenance. "The SWORD EXCEL Thermal Printing Plate has a perfect record at JohnsByrne Company," said Marty Karlov, Prepress Manager, JohnsByrne Company, Niles, Illinois. "We have yet to remake a plate, even on our longest runs. The SWORD EXCEL plate provides wonderful color, incredible consistency, and great plate reactions on both conventional and stochastic printing jobs." The KPG DirectPress 5034 DI system also shares the spotlight in KPG's Graph Expo booth. The KPG DirectPress 5034 DI system, a two-page, four-color digital imaging press, combines the quality advantages of offset printing with the workflow and automation benefits of digital printing. This combination presents a new growth opportunity for commercial printers, in-plants, trade shops, or digital service bureaus that want to tap into the growing demand for high-quality, quick-turnaround, short-run, four-color work. Beginning at Graph Expo, KPG sells Velocity OneFlow software from Electronics for Imaging (EFI) in the United States and Canada as the color front end for the KPG DirectPress 5034 DI system. It uses one intuitive interface, allowing users to click and drag prepress functions to design their own customized workflow. Rounding out its new offerings for Graph Expo, KPG has reached an agreement with ExaNet for exclusive distribution rights in the graphic arts market in the Americas for the ExaNet ExaStore Scalable Storage Cluster. The ExaStore system helps graphic arts companies administer the rapidly growing data management requirements brought on by the use of information technology systems. "Regardless of where customers stand in the transition from analog to digital workflows, KPG's portfolio of plates, proofing, digital printing systems and film has the right solutions to meet their needs," said Copley.