Krefeld, Germany, June 2001 - Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) and Best GmbH today launched Screenproof, a powerful screen proofing solution that addresses the proofing needs of companies in the printing industry which have workflows based on one bit files and which work with copy dot files. For example: commercial print houses, reproduction companies, publishers, agencies, imaging services, copy shops and scanning services providers. Developed by Best, Screenproof is a new patent pending technology based on the ICC standard, which enables color accurate raster proofing onto the original raster using inkjet proof (RIP) systems. Used by manufacturers of imaging and digital print solutions to drive output systems, the appearance of the original raster is based on one-bit files. Due to the RIP process, the complete raster information is generated to create films, plates or color separations later on. "HP's alliance with Best demonstrates HP's commitment to providing the right solutions," said Laurent Glaenzer, the HP Large Format Products Marketing Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "We are confident that this solution will not only exceed customer needs in terms of resolution, color accuracy and flexibility, but will also enable them to create new opportunities for all commercial printing methods." "HP and Best now provide a unique solution for accurate digital proofing and color accuracy throughout the production workflow," said Rainer Esters, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, and one of the founders of Best. "Screenproof will offer HP's customers the ability to predict the exact printing output at any point of the digital production process. This gives transparency and security to work procedures. At the same time it is the key to develop the digital market," he said. Customer Benefits The customer benefits of these new screen proofing solutions include: 1. Complete screen information for film, plate or digital printing 2. Exact print prediction 3. Resolution of up to 200 lpi (lines per inch) 4. Color accuracy 5. Standard ICC profile management 6. High speed solution 7. Lowest cost of ownership 8. Flexible integration into commercial printing workflow systems 9. New opportunities for all commercial printing methods 10.No lamination required Availability and Pricing Based on resolution, color accuracy, speed and proof size requirements, HP and Best recommend three different proofing solutions: Best Screenproof software printing with HP Designjet 1000 series is the ideal solution for users need that requires resolution up to 110 lpi, CMYK inkjet printing system, 36" width size and high-speed. The street price of the complete solution starts at EUR 20,400 including the software and the printer. Best Screenproof used with HP Designjet 5000 series provides resolution up to 150 lpi, CMYKcm inkjet printing system (Dye or UV), 42" or 60" width size, high speed and remote printing control through HP WebAccess. The street price of the complete solution starts at EUR 23,100 including the software and the printer. Best Screenproof printing on HP Designjet 800 series provides the highest resolution (up to 200 lpi), with CMYK inkjet printing system and 24" or 42" width sizes. The street price of the complete solution starts at EUR 17,400 including the software and the printer. About Best Best GmbH, founded in 1994, is a software company based in Krefeld, Germany, with subsidiaries in the U.S.A. and Malaysia, branch offices in Shangai, Hong Kong and Latin America, and a global distribution network. The solutions provider for the commercial printing and publishing market is considered as the world market leader for software RIP solutions based on inkjet technology. Their solutions Bestcolor Medium, XL, XXL, Laser and Designer Edition enjoy excellent reputations. Screenproof was first announced at CeBIT in March. Product details and requirements may be found on the Internet at www.bestcolor.com For Publishing: Contact & Info www.bestcolor.com, [email protected], phone: +49 21 51 - 7 627 100, fax: +49 21 51 - 7627 200