NEXPO 2001 NEW ORLEANS, LA, June 14 - CreoScitex, a division of Creo Products Inc., introduces the fastest thermal imaging device dedicated to newspapers at NEXPO, the world's largest annual technical exposition and conference for newspapers. The Trendsetter NEWS images more than 200 plates per hour with award-winning SQUAREspot(TM) thermal imaging for supreme quality and consistency from plate to plate. Trendsetter NEWS, the new name for the CreoScitex newspaper CTP family, has four models that image from 70 to more than 200 plates per hour. The Trendsetter NEWS platesetters are fully automatic and load two plates in a single load cycle. After imaging, the plates are unloaded directly to a processor. The new model achieves its record speed by using dual thermal heads for imaging. "This brings all the benefits of thermal platesetting to newspaper producers at the highest imaging speeds,'' explains Neil McLean, Product Manager of CreoScitex newspaper solutions. "We're pleased to introduce the Trendsetter NEWS in response to the market's demand for increased speed with quality thermal imaging that greatly reduces process variation and the resulting frequent calibration. SQUAREspot(TM) imaging technology means consistent dot area on plate.'' The SQUAREspot(TM) imaging technology used by the Trendsetter NEWS provides newspaper printers with a high level of process control, automatic temperature compensation, and dynamic autofocus to accurately track and compensate for plate surface variations. Machine-to-machine accuracy allows plates for color sets to be produced on multiple machines, reducing the wait time for last-minute plates compared to other systems. Higher process control achieved by consistent dot area on plate assures accurate and repeatable screens on press. It also enables the use of FM screens and higher line conventional screens, and provides greater fidelity for presswork. The use of Staccato(TM) FM screening provides printers with a wider color gamut and significantly reduced color shift due to misregistration, particularly appealing to national advertisers who strive to maintain consistency with the appearance of their product brands in different regional newspapers. The Trendsetter NEWS offers better press utilization, less press start-up wastage, and greater consistency and repeatability than with other platemaking methods. This gives printers the potential to increase their overall throughput, product quality and profitability. The Trendsetter NEWS connects to new or existing newspaper production systems via a flexible, standard file- format interface. The 200-plate-per-hour Trendsetter NEWS is available for beta customers and will be available for full commercial release early next year. Last year, CreoScitex introduced the Trendsetter 2637F AL, the first thermal platesetter developed exclusively for newspaper applications. Later, the Trendsetter 2637V AL achieved imaging speeds of 100-broadsheet plates per hour or 65 panorama plates when used with optical punch bender. See the Trendsetter NEWS at CreoScitex booth No. 4245 at NEXPO, the flagship event of the Newspaper Association of America, underway from June 16- 19 in New Orleans. The show brings together key newspaper industry suppliers, newspaper professionals and technology suppliers from around the world. The CreoScitex Trendsetter News is also on display in partner booths: Anocoil Corporation, booth No. 3229 and Kodak Polychrome Graphics, booth No. 3721.