Chicago, Illinois, USA - Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) announced today the introduction of Kodak Polychrome Graphics First Check Desktop Color Proofer. The First Check proofer's extensive color capabilities are expected to be particularly attractive to both independent and in-house packaging designers as well as general commercial printers. In addition to the process colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK), the First Check system can print spot orange, green and black; opaque white; gold and silver foils; gold and silver metallics; and a finish coat, on a variety of substrates. Proofing media include four papers (standard commercial, high-quality commercial, matte, and publication), a transfer film, and a shrink-wrap film. Standard media size is 13"x19". "The transfer film will allow package designers to apply their images to other papers and board, as well as some plastics," says Gary Ryerson, Director, Worldwide Marketing - Proofing, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, "and the shrink-wrap capability will enable them to produce virtually any kind of package mockup they want. Our conversations with designers indicate that these capabilities will fill a real void in the packaging market, particularly at this price point." The First Check system, which is being introduced at a suggested retail price of $5,000, has been designed to be extremely easy to use. For example, it is impossible to mix colors up. A user can drop any ribbon cartridge in any of nine compartments; the First Check proofer will read the bar codes on the cartridges, know what color is where, and go to the right place to find any particular color. As long as a desired color is in the machine somewhere, it will print properly. The system is designed to offer calibration-free color, delivering the appropriate color accurately even with different batches of ribbon. The proofer prints by a thermal dry proofing technology employing pigmented ribbons. It is capable of printing at a true 600x600dpi resolution, and with 2400 dpi addressability it is able to reproduce smooth text and linework. The pigment-based inks are completely dry and fadeproof, and offer accurate color matching with a number of different color systems. The color consistency delivered by the First Check system - within a proof, proof to proof, or proofer to proofer - is superior to that offered by dye sublimation or ink-jet systems. The Kodak Polychrome Graphics First Check Desktop Color Proofer will be commercially available in November, 2001. It will be offered directly from KPG via the Internet at www.desktopproofing.com. The First Check proofer images by multi-pass serial printing at a print head resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, using a 240-dot print head element. Print speed is 10 inches per second; the device requires just over 15 minutes to produce a full-size (A3) CMYK proof at 2400 dpi. The maximum image area is 12.69" (322.4mm) x 17.95" (654mm). Its dimensions are 22.36"W x 10.63"D x 7.96"H; weight is 21 lb. (9.5 Kg). Power supply, depending on region of use, is 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. The First Check system consists of the printer itself and a version of the Bestcolor Medium RIP. Initially, the system will be available only in a PC version, requiring Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, or Windows 2000, with 64 MB minimum RAM (128 MB recommended). A Macintosh-based version will be available in early 2002. Standard interfaces are Di-di Parallel IEEE 1284, and USB.