Chicago, IL, September 28, 2003 - GretagMacbeth, worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions, is announcing a new version of its popular iCPlate platereader today at GraphExpo - the iCPlate II. The new iCPlate II unit was developed by GretagMacbeth in response to the advanced technical needs of this growing market and brings quality control for both CtP and conventional printing plates to the next level. Accurate plates are a prerequisite for accurate printing. In addition to achieving a high level of plate reading accuracy, iCPlate II also features automatic calibration and batteries that do not need constant recharging. One single, portable and easy to use unit measures the whole screen ruling range and the whole dot size range. "This new unit replaces the current iCPlate product line. It provides easier and more accurate measurements for a wider variety of screen and plate types, includes its own calibration target and has an extended battery life utilizing only two 1.5V (AA) batteries - making it an essential tool in the press room", says Gaelle Hunt, Vice President Marketing, Digital Imaging, at GretagMacbeth AG. Fast and accurate measurements for increased quality output The built in, high resolution camera system (640x480 pixels) analyzes both CtP and conventional printing plates, to verify and track color accuracy and consistency for the printing process. The camera system is supported by 3 different lamp types providing perfect illumination as it measures positive and negative plates, as well as AM and FM (stochastic) screening on a wide range of plate types. The high image resolution provides all the visibility needed for analyzing dot area, dot size, screen ruling, screen angle, visualization of the dot and the plate characteristic curve. Combined with superior object recognition algorithms, which eliminate dust and scratches as it reads the plate, the iCPlate II provides accurate measurements with clear visualization of the results. iCPlate II is automatically calibrated, eliminating calibration errors, saving time and reducing the measurement cycle - providing increased quality output. Energy Efficient A unique feature of the iCPlate II is its energy efficiency - powered by just two AA batteries, the LED illumination technology provides for a battery lifetime of more than 30,000 measurements, which can be transmitted through a serial interface to a computer. Easy to Use The icon based Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides language independent operation with easy to see readings of plate characteristics - all via a large LCD display. Switching from one mode to another is simple, allowing the operator to use one device for multiple functions while verifying and tracking plate accuracy and consistency. The small frame makes the unit easy to handle by both right and left handed operators and makes accurate positioning on the plate even easier. The unit is cable free and requires little training, making iCPlate II an easy to use and essential pressroom tool. TabWizard II TabWizard II software is included with every iCPlate II. TabWizard II allows users to easily import measurement values and plate images directly into an active Windows application such as Microsoft Excel, for quality tracking purposes. TabWizard II is compatible with Windows 2000 and XP platforms. iCPlate Target II iCPlate Target II, consisting of a reference target and software, tests for accuracy and is used to calibrate the device. iCPlate Target II supports the ISO 9000 process by storing and printing the test and calibration data. It is available as an option or included in the iCPlate bundle package. Pricing and availability The new iCPlate II product line is now shipping through the GretagMacbeth dealer network. List prices for iCPlate II packages are as follows: - iCPlate II - includes measurement device plus TabWizard II - $4,099 - iCPlate Target II only option - $475.00 - iCPlate II Bundle - includes measurement device, TabWizard II, and - iCPlate Target II - $4,480 - approximately $100 savings Trade In Program GretagMacbeth is offering a trade-in program for all customers desiring to update their plate reading equipment. Trade in a camera-based plate reading device, including GretagMacbeth's iCPlate and iCPlate C, and competitive devices, and receive $600 off list price. This offer is available through the dealer network through December 31, 2003.