Ann Arbor, Michigan - August 22, 2005 - Xitron, the prepress industry's leading independent developer and integrator of Raster Image Processors, RIP management software and workflow solutions; today unveiled plans for new products for preview and release at PRINT 05 in Chicago, September 9-15.
Navigator GPS is an integrated product combining the highly productive Navigator RIP with the new Navigator RIP Manager. This tight integration gives prepress operators RIP management from workstations on their network. Navigator RIP Manager, available for both the Mac and PC, greatly enhances the standalone Navigator RIP, adding the ability to create job workflows that include PDF creation, preflighting and on-screen soft proofing.
Operators can easily control their jobs with Navigator RIP Manager's graphical interface, combining separate prepress steps into a complete process. Navigator RIP Manager allows operators to view many of the parameters associated with the RIP's Page Setups including color management, trapping, resolution, scaling, orientation, output device, and imposition. In-RIP Imposition is enhanced through the use of pre-set imposition schemes selected within RIP Manager, reducing the need to duplicate page setups for different imposition layouts. Shipments of Navigator GPS will begin in November 2005.
"Customers have been asking for a way to control their RIP from their workstations and Navigator GPS offers a flexible, integrated solution that meets the needs of Navigator and other Harlequin RIP users," stated R. Patrick French, Xitron's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We have worked closely with our customers in developing Navigator GPS, providing the ease of operation and feedback they felt was essential."
A Web Proofing option for Xenith Workflow solutions is being previewed at PRINT allowing users the ability to provide remote web-based proofing to clients. Xenith customers have expressed a desire to reduce their proofing time cycle. Web Proof allows Xenith customers the ability to offer their customers immediate feedback of their jobs in progress. The web proofing solution will be available as both a hosted and managed solution working in conjunction with the Xenith 4PDF and Xenith Extreme product lines. The solution is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2006.
"One customer using this technology stated they have reduced their turnaround time by nearly 50% for most jobs," stated Jeffrey Nelson, Xitron's Xenith Product Manager.
vDot-II for the Navigator GPS and Navigator RIP supports the recently announced line of Epson 8-color Ultrachrome printers including the Epson 2400, 4800, 7800 and 9800. The new device driver provides users with a professional-quality RIP to drive these printers for proofing applications. Utilizing the same RIP technology for both proofing and final output helps assure data integrity and consistency, especially critical in an all digital environment. The new plugin will be available for the Epson 2400 and 4800 in October and for the Epson 7800 and 9800 in the Fall of 2005, following the release of these models for customer shipment by Epson. Upgrade programs are available from Xitron for customers who have purchased the original vDot device driver to support the earlier line of Epson Ultrachrome printers.
Xitron products are available through a network of OEMS, Distributors, Dealers, and System Integrators worldwide. The Navigator RIP drives more than 150 output devices ranging from black and white and color proofers, to film imagesetters and the latest in CTP and direct-to-press systems. With annual shipments of nearly 1500 RIPs, Xitron is the largest independent provider of Harlequin RIPs in the market. For more information about Xitron products, visit Xitron on the web at www.xitron.com. Xitron will showcase its complete line of solutions for the graphic arts industry at PRINT 05 in Chicago, September 9 - 15, 2005 in Booth 6339.