Available for Navigator and XPR Windows 2000 RIPs Ann Arbor, Michigan September 27, 2002 --Xitron, an independent developer and integrator of Raster Image Processors, announces the Xitron vDot plugin supporting the recently released EPSON Stylus Photo 2100/2200 Super A3 (13"x 19") sheet fed plus 8 and 13.3 inch roll and Stylus Pro 7600/9600 24" and 44" roll fed models. The full-featured vDot plugin, designed in-house by Xitron‚s experienced engineers, is available as an add-on for the Navigator Harlequin Windows 2000 imagesetter RIP or as a standalone XPR Proofer RIP. The interface supports the 7-color UltraChrome inks, the high quality Epson Variable Droplet Micro Piezo DX3 screening technology and the fast FireWire printer interface. The package from Xitron includes ICC profiles for color managed output with support for EPSON Proofing, Matte, Semigloss and Gloss media a well as selected Agfa and Mitsubishi media for some models. The Xitron XPR Setup Assistant automates the configuration and use of HIPP (Harlequin ICC Profile Processor), ICC profiles and the RIP pagesetups making for a quick and easy installation providing high quality proofing "out of the box". Combined with the new Harlequin version 5.5 TrapWorks engine, traps can be proofed in full color. All models support the Xitron Halftone Dot module available as an add-on to the Xitron Navigator and XPR 5.5r RIPs. This module gives operators the option of proofing with conventional halftone dots, which more closely represent the job on press and help guard against possible problems caused by moiré and banding. The Halftone Dot module uses screens from Harlequin‚s HPS (Harlequin Precision Screening) Library and produces output at screen rulings up to 150 lines per inch and beyond depending on printer model and media used. In addition Xitron‚s Spot Color Emulation creates half tone dots and color keys in simulated spot colors created using the Pantone standard CMYK recipes In addition Xitron has taken the development of this plugin one step farther by adding frequently requested features to the device configuration dialog box. Color adjustment slider controls allow users change color balance (lighter, darker, or more saturated). Tiling allowing users to print huge jobs in pieces. Step and Repeat allows users to output multiple copies of a job in one pass on the printer. Progressive Proofs where users can define which separations to print on the EPSON proofer. For example, a user can output a proof of two separations simulating the steps of printing a 4 color on a 2-color press. The new EPSON devices are faster than previous 7000 and 9000 models and now use the unique 7-color EPSON UltraChrome ink system combining the long lasting quality of a pigment inks with the wider gamut of a dye based ink. These inkjet printers are expected to once again revolutionalize proofing for the commercial printing market. Improvements in the speed of the device and the quality of the Variable Droplet screens paired with the cost of media make it possible to create high quality proofs, quickly at a low cost. The new ink system makes it possible to use one inkjet printer to create both accurate color press proofs and single posters or signs with long lasting color. Matched with Xitron Navigator or XPR one RIP technology can be used for output to both a film/plate imagesetter and a proofing device to produce accurate proofs and ensure data integrity through the entire prepress workflow. Having a reliable digital proofing system in place is a necessary step to pave the way for a complete digital workflow and CTP. The Xitron RIP is competitively priced offering users color managed proofing solutions from under $2400 based on suggested retail prices. EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 ($750) with Xitron XPR RIP ($1595). Four-up proofing from under $5,500 with EPSON Stylus Pro 7600 ($2995) and Xitron XPR ($2495). Xitron‚s conventional halftone dot option ($1995). "We are introducing a phenomenal product here. The features in the Xitron vDot EPSON plugin such as color management and conventional halftones, at the price point we‚re offering make this an incredible value," explains R. Patrick French, VP of Sales and Marketing for Xitron. "And, paired with the new line of faster, higher quality EPSON proofers with the UltraChrome inks it is a very attractive package. The ideal customer is a commercial printer who is uses a Harlequin RIP for imagesetter output and who wants the ability to output high quality signs and posters."