Tuebingen, Germany (December 08, 2003) - At the 3rd Digital Proof Forum hosted by the German Printing and Media Association (Bundesverband Druck und Medien) and the ECI (European Color Initiative) , GMG again received top ratings for the performance of its ColorProof software. This annual event brings together leading suppliers and users of digital color proofing systems in a forum that evaluates and ranks available solutions. With 270 participants and a total of 26 configurations from 15 companies, the event was substantially larger than last year’s. GMG was represented at the event with three configurations, which included two new printer models. Showcased was GMG ColorProof and GMG proofing media driving the following output devices: Canon W2200, CREO Veris Proofer, and Epson StylusPro 7600. All configurations received top ratings in comparison testing. In the jury's overall vote, GMG ColorProof with the CREO Veris was rated the best of all entries. GMG ColorProof with the Epson Stylus 7600 received the highest scores in the objective numeric evaluations. It was noteworthy that only nine out of the 26 systems, including a second CREO Veris Proofer with a CREO Prinergy Workflow, met the new minimum requirements for a contract proof, as defined by Fogra (the German graphic arts standards association similar to the US based GATF). All three GMG configurations achieved an average DeltaE of less than 2.5 as measured on a standardized (Medienkeil) color bar. Fogra strongly recommends that proofing systems conform to tolerances of 2.5 DeltaE or less. Compatibility of all systems with the PDF/X-3 standard was tested using the 'Technical' page of the ECI Altona test suite, providing a comprehensive evaluation. Most systems demonstrated weaknesses and only six were fully compatible. All three GMG ColorProof systems were fully compatible, as certified by Fogra. Although not part of the shoot-out, GMG submitted a digital halftone proof, printed on the new CREO Veris Proofer. The quality of the dot reproduction convinced even the most critical experts. "Naturally we are proud that GMG once again demonstrated its position as the leading digital proofing system. We remain dedicated to providing our customers with software applications that deliver optimal results on all printing devices. Given the interest our halftone dot proof received, we can only hope halftone systems will also be part of the evaluation next year. We look forward to next year’s event and the opportunity to demonstrate our continuing commitment to the industry", says Robert Weihing, GMG's CEO.