Düsseldorf, May 6, 2004 – AVT introduces today its new SpectraLink product - a unique solution offered in cooperation with X-Rite, which verifies, in-line color measurement for package printing and converting markets. The need for higher consistency regarding color quality in package printing is growing as consumer brands compete for shelf appeal and awareness advantages. Color consistency between rolls, runs, jobs, presses and printing sites is essential for printers and their customers to ensure consistent product quality and maintain brand image. Off-Line Color Measurement Many converters who represent major consumer brands utilize hand-held color measurement to assess absolute L*a*b* & ?E color values. This is done after each roll of material is printed; ensuring a regular method of color quality control is maintained. However, the ability to make color measurements of printed packaging materials in-line can improve the frequency of measurements and thereby improve the process significantly. AVT SpectraLink Aiming to answer this challenge, AVT has developed an interface to long-established color control solutions from X-Rite to provide a unique, accurate, and calibrated in-line L*a*b* color measurement solution called AVT SpectraLink. SpectraLink (AVT patent pending) is an extension of the AVT I?Eal in-line color measurement. Both solutions can be installed as optional modules to the AVT PrintVision/Jupiter Process Control platform. SpectraLink relies upon absolute color measurements from an X-Rite model 530 or 939 spectrophotometer in order to calibrate the color response of the AVT I?Eal in-line color measurement solution. Using this method, printers will be able to achieve dramatically improved correlation between color values measured by the AVT I?Eal and the absolute L*a*b* color values measured by off-line X-Rite color measurement and control solutions. With SpectraLink’s interface to established X-Rite color management systems, package printers can utilize existing color standards to bring improved consistency to the in-line evaluation of these same standard colors between rolls, press runs and printing sites. “The unique combination of X-Rite color measurement capabilities and the AVT in-line automated inspection solutions creates a winning combination,” says Randy Francisco, Category Director, Graphic Arts for X Rite. “The SpectraLink solution will provide the packaging market with an innovative and practical tool to ensure the consistency of critical colors.” “The introduction of the AVT SpectraLink is another step in implementing the color vision that AVT, X-Rite and packaging printers are sharing,” says Koby Shtaierman, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of AVT. “We are very pleased with the fruitful cooperation with X-Rite that joined the technologies of the AVT I?Eal color solution with the outstanding X-Rite color measurement capabilities”. “We are proud to pioneer, together with X-Rite, this solution and further support the growing color quality requirements of the printing industry,” concluded Mr. Shtaierman. The I?Eal & SpectraLink solutions were tested successfully by the Bryce Corporation of Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Mr. Richard B. Flynt, Vice President of Engineering explains, “Our customers are placing more emphasis on the consistency of package colors and the frequency of design changes. With shorter runs, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency in our operations. The I?Eal and SpectraLink solutions installed at the Bryce plant are truly innovative and will be successful in meeting our customers increasing needs for color managed packaging. We hope to see more solutions coming from this kind of cooperation between AVT and X Rite.” The new SpectraLink solution will be demonstrated during drupa at the AVT stand (Hall 3, F-69). X-Rite’s full line of color measurement and management solutions will be featured at its stand (Hall 4, A-61).