Citrus Heights, CA – March 14, 2006 – RIPit Imaging Systems, Inc. and Exxtra Imaging Systems, Inc. will showcase their SpeedSetter VM4, a new violet metal, 4-Up Computer to Plate (CtP) system including full RIP workflow, at Ipex 2006 in Birmingham, UK, National Exhibition Centre, Hall 7, Stand B53 from April 4-11, 2006. The companies are also unveiling two new models in the SpeedSetter family: the SpeedSetter VM-News and the SpeedSetter VM-Plus. Unveiled this past Fall and now shipping, the SpeedSetter VM4 is part of a complete, turnkey CtP system which also includes RIPit’s powerful OpenRIP Symphony core RIP, including imposition and trapping; and economical options for proofing and screening. The VM systems are also available with “ImagerQ” a 1-bit TIFF server for customers with an established investment in existing workflows. Customers can also add a photopolymer plate processor. “The VM4 system is available at a limited time special IPEX show price of $50,000.00 USD,” says Tim Coldwell, M.D. of TECSA Limited, European Distributor for SpeedSetterVM systems. “Customers can choose from a variety of plates for use with the SpeedSetter. RIPit SpeedSetter VM is in full production today with all of the major brands of violet plates.” “We are looking forward to showing our SpeedSetter VM CtP series solutions at IPEX. We have received very positive feedback from our initial installs in Europe and North America. Customers are saying we’ve hit the mark with our SpeedSetter VM CtP by providing a very simple to use and affordable solution without compromising quality. Most all are pleasantly surprised that they’re up and running in a day or less with SpeedSetter CtP,” says Michael Sterflinger, President of Exxtra. SpeedSetter VM4 Features SpeedSetter VM4 is the big brother to the original SpeedSetter VM, 2-Up Violet Metal CtP platesetter. The VM4 was engineered using the same design principles as those applied to the SpeedSetter VM, already a proven, simple to use, reliable, and low cost workhorse – but now in a larger, 4-Up+ format. “SpeedSetter VM4 exemplifies RIPit’s old-fashioned, customer-first driven development philosophy,” says RIPit Founder and President, Wayne Wasulko. “The SpeedSetter VM series is designed specifically for small- and mid-sized printers offering them all the bells and whistles of an advanced digital workflow in a very complete, open, economical and flexible system. The door to high-quality, 4-Up CtP is now open, enabling RIPit customers the ability to compete in markets that they were prevented from entering prior due to the high cost of the market’s a la carte options.” NEW: SpeedSetter VM-News Model The SpeedSetter VM-News version allows for an even larger plate size (panorama) to accommodate most double truck web press plates used by many newspapers, and a lower operating resolution for additional productivity where higher linescreen work is not a requirement. NEW: SpeedSetter VM-Plus – The SpeedSetter VM-Plus is the high productivity two-page version of the original SpeedSetter VM delivering 35 plates per hour at 2540 DPI for small format, high volume plate users. A Powerful Combination: SpeedSetter VM with OpenRIP Symphony Workflow The SpeedSetter VM series systems are manually loaded and unloaded internal drum devices tightly integrated with the award winning RIPit OpenRIP Symphony workflow and a photopolymer plate processor. This comprehensive workflow system rapidly makes the printer more productive while offering more production control; all at a very cost effective price point with high return on investment. Additional workflow components such as inkjet proofing (KOOLKolor) options, imposition (StripRITE), Adobe In-RIP-Trapping (with ZoneTrap), PerfectBLEND Hybrid Screening, and other time and cost saving, quality-enhancing modules can be added at any time. In addition to controlling close to one hundred imagesetters, platesetters, printers, and plotters natively, OpenRIP Symphony can also control a wide range of PostScript and TIFF-in devices from a single interface. RIPit's core OpenRIP technology sets the standard for a flexible, straightforward prepress workflow; and Symphony extends it to copier, printer, and out-of-shop work, as well. The newest version of OpenRIP Symphony includes a “Simplified Color Management” feature; preflight enhancements; TIFF Input; and a greatly expanded set of PerfectBLEND AM/FM hybrid screening choices for offset printing as well as enhanced features specifically designed for flexographic printing applications. Also available is ImagerQ - a 1-bit TIFF server that can drive the SpeedSetters from non-RIPit workflows where the investment in existing workflows makes changing difficult.