Edina, MN -- June 13, 2007 -- IPA, The Association of Graphic Solutions Providers, will report preliminary findings of its 2007 Proofing RoundUP during a live Webinar, June 27 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Substantial benefits to the industry will result from the 5th annual IPA Proofing RoundUP, held in conjunction with the 43rd annual IPA Technical Conference, June 5-7, Rosemont. IL.

The 2007 Proofing RoundUP, led by Dr. Abhay Sharma, Ryerson University, and a team of leading industry experts, tested the quality assurance of proofing systems and processes in hard proofing, soft proofing, remote hard copy proofing, multi-channel image processing, spot colors, and use of a JDF workflow in hard and soft copy proofing.

In addition to 34 systems submitted for testing by the world’s leading proofing manufacturers, 64 entries were received by a user community comprised of premedia, printers, creative agencies and other graphic solutions providers.

While suppliers achieved stellar results in hard proofing, users received mixed results. The June 27 webinar and subsequent Special Report will detail why participants passed or failed, offering insight and analysis of the processes used by those who achieved superior results, and the missteps of those who did not.

Results of hard copy tests affirmed that for both suppliers and users a high level of quality and repeatability is achievable with the proper use of established proofing processes and application data sheets.

Leading commercial soft copy proofing systems were evaluated and rated as comparable to hard copy proofing. The acceptance of a defined set of processes for measuring and comparing the colorimetry of soft proofing monitors will now serve to define the next generation of soft proofing standards and specifications.

There was a series of tests on proofing in remote locations. The results were clear—remote proofing works. The findings revealed that using an established set of processes can achieve desired results.

Seven companies participated in a revealing examination of the interoperability of JDF. A JDF imposition file was processed by Agfa Corporation, Artwork Systems, Beijing Founder, CGS Publishing Technologies, Dalim Software, Heidelberg and Rampage Systems. The results and analysis of the JDF and other tests involving spot colors, live transparency, n-channel profiles and inks will be presented in the June 27 IPA Webinar and the special report to be published later this summer.

To Register for the Proofing RoundUP Results Webinar, visit www.ipa.org/roundup