VANCOUVER, British Columbia--Nov. 10, 2004-- Creo Inc. is pleased to announce the shipment of its 1000th Trendsetter very-large-format (VLF) computer-to-plate (CTP) device. Introduced by Creo in 1996, the Trendsetter VLF continues to be the industry's favorite very-large-format model, with over 60 percent market share worldwide. From the first installation - still active after eight years of service - to the 1000th, the Trendsetter VLF has earned a reputation as a productive, reliable workhorse in demanding prepress environments around the world. Today, there are Trendsetter VLF devices installed and operating on every continent (except Antarctica). A versatile system available with or without automation, Trendsetter VLF CTP devices are typically used to image a wide range of plate sizes for use in printing items such as magazines, catalogs, books, and packaging. "The first Trendsetter VLF was installed eight years ago and gained an immediate following by those who valued its imaging fidelity, productivity, reliability, and ease of use," said Jamie Lyall, product manager. "Over the years, it has undergone many enhancements - including six major imaging speed increases, the addition of fully automatic plate handling options, and the capability to achieve near-photographic quality with Staccato 10 screening." Trend Offset Printing, headquartered in Los Alamitos, California, performed the beta-testing on the very first VLF even before it was known as the Trendsetter. That device is still operating in production today and will be joined this month by a fully automated Magnus(TM) VLF line - the tenth Creo system to be installed at Trend Offset to date. "As an early adopter of computer-to-plate technology, Trend Offset Printing made the educated decision of partnering with Creo," said John Bryant, chief information officer. "This decision involved entrusting Creo to set the bar for imaging plates in the print industry, to develop and manufacture the best plate imaging equipment, and to remain on the cutting edge of technology while providing superb ongoing maintenance programs and updates that keep their original equipment in pace with today's industry requirements. Creo is a true partner in working together with its customers to better our industry." The 1000th Trendsetter VLF CTP - a semi-automatic model - was installed in September 2004 at Eclipse Print a.s., a printer based in Prague, Czech Republic. Eclipse (together with two affiliated companies) is the largest company active in printing and advertising graphics manufacturing in the central and eastern European region. With six manufacturing plants across the region, the company makes, sells and distributes billboards, city-light posters, megaboards, POS products, self-adhesive graphics and other large format advertising products for a wide spectrum of clients. Creo continues to offer the Trendsetter VLF CTP device, which provides Creo quality and reliability at a very competitive price point. Creo introduced the new generation Magnus VLF CTP device at Drupa 2004. This device offers larger format options, faster imaging, and more flexible automation options.