Gent, Belgium - August 9, 2005 - Artwork Systems Group N.V., a world leader in professional pre-press software for commercial and packaging applications, announces four major product launches at the Print ’05 and Converting ’05 show, Booth #6751, September 9 – 15 in Chicago, IL. The new solutions are Odystar 2.5, Odystar Packaging, Nexus 8.1 and Concentric Screening. New Release of Odystar Odystar 2.5 is an all-new release of the Odystar native PDF workflow system. Odystar runs on the Mac OSX platform and is based on the strong foundation of JDF and Certified PDF. Version 2.5 features numerous enhancements, including more powerful color management, an updated trapping engine, automated versioning, color mapping, and a powerful automated imposition engine. Odystar 2.5 is available as a turnkey system for the creation of print-ready PDF files (e.g. for digital printing or remote transmission) or with an optional RIP with a full range of screening options for film and plate output. Odystar Packaging Odystar Packaging is a new configuration of Odystar specifically designed for the label and packaging markets. It allows operators to work in Adobe Illustrator for simple packaging tasks and to utilize Odystar Packaging for automation of complex, labor-intensive functions like trapping, color mapping, and step-and-repeat. Two plug-ins are used to facilitate the interaction between Illustrator and Odystar Packaging: The first, called Shuttle, allows job submission, retrieval, and monitoring from any operator workstation. The second plug-in, called InPDF (for Intelligent PDF), allows PDF files which have been processed by Odystar Packaging to be returned to the Illustrator environment with full editability. It enhances Illustrator’s PDF capabilities by providing support for linked images (OPI), layers, groups, and spot colors represented in the DeviceN color space – all functions which are vital for packaging users. New Nexus Major Upgrade Nexus 8.1 will also be launched at Print ’05. With over 2,500 Nexus users worldwide, each new release of Nexus is eagerly anticipated and Nexus 8.1 is no exception. This new version of Nexus represents a major upgrade from earlier versions. It supports export of native PDF files specifically for Adobe Illustrator, and implements a new JDF-based step-and-repeat mechanism for PDF files. It also offers enhanced color mapping and broader functionality for versioning in packaging applications. Several new screening sets are also offered by Nexus 8.1, including the optional new Concentric Screening. Concentric Screening Unveiled Concentric Screening offers all of the benefits traditionally associated with stochastic (FM) screening – improved detail, color saturation, and press latitude. Artwork Systems research has determined that these benefits are not related to the random distribution of FM spots, but instead to their small size. Concentric Screening breaks new ground by dividing traditional AM printers’ dots (which are much larger than FM spots) into concentric rings. This allows ink to gain “into” the dot as well as outside of it; and virtually eliminates dot gain problems on press, allowing much higher AM line screens and better quality. Many printers can double their line screens by switching to Concentric Screening with no dot gain problems. In addition, Concentric Screening has been proven to have greater press latitude than either AM or stochastic – particularly in shadows, where stochastic screens tend to plug. PA:CT - Certified PDF Technology for Packaging Artwork Systems is highlighting PA:CT - Certified PDF Technology for Packaging by hosting two lunchtime seminars, held on Monday Sept. 12 and repeated again on Wednesday Sept. 14, both 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in Room N136, McCormick Place. These seminars will introduce Certified PDF technology, which has tremendous benefits for packaging designers, brand managers, and production personnel. Certified PDF starts with a standard PDF file but embeds a profile, preflight report, and edit log within the file, improving the traceability of file changes and enabling users to revert to previous known, good versions of the file. Certified PDF is supported by all Enfocus Software and Artwork Systems products, including Instant PDF, PitStop, PitStop Server, Nexus, ArtPro, and Odystar. Artwork Systems will showcase its Odystar, Nexus, and ArtPro products in Booth # 6751 and at numerous partner booths throughout the show.