ROCHESTER, N.Y., September 9 - Kodak's Graphic Communications Group (GCG) today announced the new KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution, bringing the next level of workflow connectivity and color precision to drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet proofing. The new solution replaces both CREO INTEGRIS and KPG MATCHPRINT PROOFPRO products. New KODAK Proofing Software The MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofer is the first DOD proofing solution to be based on powerful Kodak-developed software, including innovative screening and calibration technologies and a new Certified Process for Color Confirmation. Based on the same software as the popular VERIS proofer, customers will benefit from excellent color accuracy, enhanced image smoothness, quick calibration tools and direct connectivity to KODAK PRINERGY and BRISQUE workflows. For customers who already operate a VERIS proofer, MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofer provides the same user experience, making training and system maintenance easier. “The MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofer surpassed our expectations,” said Peter Madliger, vice president of prepress, Hemlock Printers Ltd. of Burnaby, BC, Canada. “The innovative proofing solution lets us calibrate to the press much better than with any other proofing solution. We are also very impressed with the rendering of vignettes and the consistent imaging of gray balance. Also impressive is the intuitive user interface for the process control, such as the measurement of the ink-drying timers for calibration or the thumbnail sheet view to manage time-critical proofing. The accuracy from our MATCHPRINT Inkjet system is very impressive and has a direct impact on our press make-ready times.” Confirming Color A unique option on MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofers, the new Certified Process for Color Confirmation, checks that the proof was generated according to in-house or industry color standards, thereby eliminating costly errors before going to press. It also confirms that the correct profile was used and that the proofer was correctly calibrated, providing assurance well beyond what can be achieved by checking the color bar alone. If all checks are met, a proof-specific certification label with the Certified Process stamp is printed and applied to the proof for visible confirmation of correct color. A Complete DOD Solution “Kodak now has the most extensive range of proofing solutions addressing different cost, quality and format needs, fully integrated and backed by Kodak,” said Gil Rosenfeld, product manager, inkjet proofing, Kodak. “The MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofer is an extremely competitive drop-on-demand proofing solution, complete with a wide range of KODAK MATCHPRINT media to deliver accurate and consistent inkjet proofs right out of the box.” The MATCHPRINT Inkjet proofing solution is available in 2-up, 4-up, and 8-up formats and includes the Proof Controller with the new KODAK Proofing Software, the new EPSON STYLUS Pro printers and the MATCHPRINT 2610 printer (as of December 2005) with plans to support additional printers in the future, and a full line of MATCHPRINT Inkjet media and inks. A Double-Sided Media guide will be available for the EPSON STYLUS Pro 9800 printer for improved 2-sided printing. Launching at Print 05, North America's largest tradeshow for printing and graphic communications, MATCHPRINT Inkjet proofers will be available for sale worldwide starting in September. For more information, visit http://graphics.kodak.com.