Chicago, IL (October 10, 2004) – At Graph Expo 2004, booth 5062, GMG announces the introduction of its 1-Bit-Creator feature for GMG DotProof and GMG FlexoProof. This new feature allows users to create high-end halftone screens. Utilizing a screening algorithm and library commensurate with the quality of high resolution CtP RIPs, users can precisely see the degradation induced by screening the image – before it goes on press. Many printers already rely on GMG DotProof to replicate the exact dot structure of their platesetter by importing and proofing 1-bit TIFF files from platesetter RIPs. However, there are many users, such as ad agencies, design firms, publishers and other creative organizations that do not own a RIP or workflow system, but still require a true representation of how a final printed piece will look – complete with an imagesetter’s screening structure with color rosettes. Until now, they have been relying on contone proofs from their digital printers. Now, with 1-Bit-Creator, these firms will be able to create and proof 1-bit screen data from their files. “There are a lot of potential problems that can be discovered with a proof that closely resembles the result on press,” comments Robert Weihing, GMG CEO. “Moirés caused by interference of designs in fashion shots, or from Photoshop filters are good examples. Also, trapping problems can be identified at an early stage at the agency.” With 1-Bit-Creator, companies can offer dot proofs to their clients or create mock-ups of packages with high quality halftone dot structures – thus providing the customer a better idea of the final product. A customer can also preview the effects of different halftone screening on the final creative product. For example, the same ad might look different on newsprint than in a high quality magazine. Users can select from a number of predefined screen values, including screen frequencies up to 200 lpi, screen angle and dot shape, from a pull down menu. Because the files created by 1-Bit-Creator are optimized for digital printers, they are not appropriate for imaging films or plates. The 1-Bit-Creator is expected to be available in GMG DotProof and GMG FlexoProof by December 2004, as part of a new feature set. Users who own GMG software maintenance contracts will receive the upgrade automatically. Users of older versions can purchase an upgrade.