IFRA (Hall 2A, Stand 305), Leipzig, Germany – 14 October 2003 – Agfa announced the worldwide launch of its newest violet-laser computer-to-plate (CtP) system. The :Advantage DL3850 offers extreme reliability and flexibility and at the same time, thanks to fewer moving parts, the :Advantage DL is also one of the least complex devices on the market. The system was seen for the first time in the US at NEXPO in Las Vegas. “The :Advantage builds on the popular :3850 CtP Wide line of Autologic platesetters and adds the quality and reliability of violet technology,” said Kurt Smits, worldwide director of Agfa’s newspaper business. “With :Advantage, newspaper publishers have the advantage of knowing that, thanks to violet technology, they are not only giving their readers the highest possible quality but also getting the best cost of ownership available in a CtP platesetter today. Every newspaper printer now has these possibilities in easy reach.” Unparalleled Quality and Flexibility. :Advantage DL3850 utilises the advanced high-quality “cross modulation” or XM screening solution, :Sublima, which combines the benefits of both AM and FM screening :Sublima provides high-resolution AM reproduction in the mid-tones, and in the highlights and shadows, :Sublima switches to a special Agfa-patented method of FM screening. :Sublima delivers 1 to 99 percent dots on the plate and the printed sheet. “Printing at this quality level offers newspaper publishers the potential to increase their advertising revenue as well as attract commercial work,” added Smits. The :Advantage DL3850 also can be configured for multiple plate sizes without requiring customization. The system can use different plates on a day-to-day basis. It also meets future needs, when newspaper publishers may be faced with web reductions or new press line installations. The :Advantage DL3850 small footprint is designed to take up less floor space keeping newspaper prepress operations as compact and efficient as possible. It also offers dual-side operation, ergonomically designed for operator comfort. Violet imaging has gained in popularity all over the world, thanks to its low cost of operation. Violet laser imaging also allows the user to load and handle plates in a convenient bright yellow safe-light environment, similar to conventional processing conditions.