MONTREAL, QC -- November 20th, 2002 -- Escher-Grad Technologies Inc. stands behind their reliability claims with full-line, parts coverage for 3 years on the entire series of Cobalt CTP systems. Another revolutionary first from Escher-Grad, the ComfortZone3TM parts warranty is now standard with all Cobalt CTP systems regardless of location, workflow or plates used. Unlike competitive manufacturers' offers, ComfortZone3 is not a provisional or time-limited warranty offer. At $89,995 for the Cobalt-8 and $49,995 for the Cobalt-4, printers will enjoy all the benefits of CTP with the added peace-of-mind that comes with three years of worry-free operation. "ComfortZone3 is the logical next step in Escher-Grad's plan to make violet CTP adoption a worry-free, low-cost decision," said Keith Fisher, Strategic Alliances for Escher-Grad. "Now our customers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an industry-leading commitment to the reliability of our Cobalt platesetters while continuing to benefit from the highest quality platesetting available. We were first to introduce violet CTP, first to guarantee our lasers, first to offer remote diagnostics as standard and now, the first manufacturer to offer a 3-year, international, no-strings commitment to our customers." The Cobalt series of violet CTP systems are the culmination of over 16 years of research, design and manufacturing excellence. Designed to image both silver-based and photopolymer plates, Cobalt delivers the highest quality at the highest speed, without compromise. All Cobalt CTP systems will connect to any existing prepress workflow, preserving investment in software and manpower. With no special power requirements, no darkrooms to build, no costly air-conditioning systems to install and no power-hungry ovens to run, Cobalt is without doubt, the lowest cost CTP system to buy and the lowest cost CTP system to own. Cobalt CTP systems are shipping at a rate of 1 per day and Escher-Grad expects this to double over the next two months. The ComfortZone3 warranty applies to all Cobalt units shipped on or after November 10th, 2002. Standard preventative maintenance schedules and operating environment criteria apply. Since 1986, Montreal-based Escher-Grad Technologies Inc. has advanced the art and science of high resolution imaging systems. The Cobalt series of CTP systems is the latest innovation in Escher-Grad's long history of achievements and service to the printing industry. A strong commitment to aggressive levels of R & D ensures the technological leadership position that results in superior imaging systems. In keeping with its mission to become the world's leading independent manufacture of violet CTP systems, Escher-Grad continues on a course of carefully planned growth. All products are backed by local, Escher-Grad certified, sales and support organizations present in more than 60 countries around the world. Full details concerning product specifications are available on the Escher-Grad website at http://www.escher-grad.com