ROCHESTER, N.Y. September 22 -- Kodak announces dramatic increases in imaging power and speed for the MAGNUS VLF (very large format), and TRENDSETTER 800 II Quantum thermal computer-to-plate (CTP) devices. The new X-speed imaging option enhances productivity by at least 50 percent for the MAGNUS VLF CTP device. New Thermal Head 3 Doubles Imaging Speed for VLF The new X-speed imaging option for the MAGNUS VLF CTP device features the next-generation Thermal Head 3 with 100 watts of laser power--providing twice the imaging speed of the very fast MAGNUS VLF CTP V-speed option. The MAGNUS VLF CTP device is capable of imaging 27 80-inch plates an hour, which will make the X-speed the fastest imaging engine available for large format and 8-page plates when shipments begin in December 2005. The Thermal Head 3 is the next generation of thermal imaging head using Kodak's unique SQUARESPOT imaging head technology, with 10,000 dpi optical resolution that delivers the sharpness and consistency to enable high-linescreen or FM screening. The new Thermal Head 3 also extends imaging latitude for enhanced consistency and process control. A multi-diode imaging system provides critical system redundancy and enhanced reliability. The industry-leading imaging power delivered by Kodak thermal heads also results in good productivity when used with processless plates. The Magnus VLF CTP, equipped with the Multi Cassette Unit and the new X-speed imaging option debuted at the Print 05 exhibition in Chicago earlier this month. 8-Up CTP Imaging Speed Enhanced The new X-speed will also be available on the TRENDSETTER 800 II CTP device, using the 50-watt Thermal Head 2.5. When equipped with Autoloader, the TRENDSETTER CTP images up to 40 40.5" plates per hour. The X-speed offers a fourth choice of speed options on the TRENDSETTER CTP devices, allowing printers to select the precise speed that best suits their needs. Productivity on the Lotem 800 II CTP device with optional V-speed imaging is also being enhanced -- from 29 to 31 plates per hour -- using the same 50-watt Thermal Head 2.5. The more productive 8-up CTP models will be available in October 2005.