MONTREAL, CANADA -- March 21st, 2003-- Escher-Grad Technologies Inc. today announced X2, making Cobalts undeniably the fastest commercial CTP devices in the world. X2 doubles Cobalt's extremely fast imaging speed regardless of plate size or dpi. With X2, a full size Cobalt-4 plate is imaged in just 30 seconds at 1000 dpi and in just one minute at 2000 dpi. With standard features such as user-selectable dpi settings ranging from 800 dpi through to 3000 dpi, and variable plate sizes from 1 to 8-page (A4 to B1), Cobalts are the most flexible CTP systems on the market. Now with the X2 option, they are also the fastest. X2 is available on both the Cobalt-4 and Cobalt-8 models and works with silver-halide plates. Existing units can be field upgraded. "X2 is another incredible breakthrough from Escher-Grad's R&D team, a group that has always led the industry," said Keith Fisher, Strategic Alliances for Escher-Grad. "A Cobalt-4 equipped with X2 will image a 29-inch plate, at 2400 dpi in one minute flat! The technology puts Cobalts on a par with dedicated newspaper systems which cost ten times more, yet it delivers the highest commercial color quality available. With production schedules becoming harder and harder to smooth out and 'burst-mode' becoming the norm in many pre-press departments, X2 delivers the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you're ahead of the game, way, way ahead." The Cobalt series of violet CTP systems are the culmination of over 16 years of research, design and manufacturing excellence. Cobalt delivers superior imaging quality, speed and reliability, without compromise. Cobalt CTP systems can image both silver-based and photopolymer plates and connect to any existing prepress workflow, preserving investment in software and manpower. Unlike other manufacturers, Escher-Grad stands firm behind their reliability claims with ComfortZone3TM full-line, parts coverage for 3 years on the entire series of Cobalt CTP systems. 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 a 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.