(August 06, 2008) - The Sun-Times joins a growing number of major U.S. dailies using Agfa CtP technology in prepress production locations across the country. The :Advantage CLS CtP system has a simple internal design that requires less maintenance, which helps keep costs and downtime to a minimum. Its reliable violet-laser diode has an expected lifetime of more than seven years which also keeps costs low. The :Advantage CLS is a cassette-loading system with a throughput of up to 220 plates per hour. It can be configured for multiple plate sizes without requiring customization, and can conveniently use different plate sizes on a day-to-day basis.

The Chicago Sun-Times' purchase of additional :Arkitex workflow components will provide even more automation and quality:

:Arkitex Afirma - a process control solution that maximizes productivity via an easy-to-use health monitoring system that ensures plate quality, day-in and day-out;

:Arkitex AutoPlan - a solution that automates the entire printing process saving time and increasing workflow efficiency. AutoPlan provides automatic set-up of editions, pages, colors and plate positions. It also defines the target production, checks for press compatibility, and ensures that the right plates are produced in the right quality at the right time.

Agfa is the leading workflow and digital plate provider to the newspaper industry around the world. More than half of the world's newspapers are being produced today with key production components from Agfa Graphics.