ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. September 12, 2007 -- In keeping with its strategy of broadening its range of digital imaging and printing solutions, Screen has expanded the capabilities of the Trueflow PDF- and JDF-based prepress production workflow. With Trueflow SE, one workflow application drives the print provider's separate output systems in a hybrid offset-digital printing environment. Screen (USA) will introduce the new workflow system in Booth #3801 at Graph Expo 2007.
Trueflow SE creates a powerful "universal" workflow capable of managing production to multiple computer-to-plate (CTP) and digital printing systems on a single network. This universal workflow generates the necessary data for printers to quickly use output devices on demand, including Screen PlateRite platesetters, Screen Truepress digital printing systems and third-party print-on-demand color printers.
Incorporating Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE), the latest native PDF-rendering technology, Trueflow SE delivers the total workflow solution to optimize input to output. It improves production reliability, consistency and profitability by capitalizing on the strengths of PDF for content definition and the JDF standard for job ticketing and process control.
Trueflow SE's APPE-enabled capabilities represent the next evolution in print publishing. Because unnecessary data and file conversions interrupt the workflow, causing efficiency loss, APPE provides a reliable PDF platform and removes these unnecessary file conversions. The integrity of file input and output is ensured, and output consistency is maintained throughout the production process.
By allowing PDF files to retain their device-independence across the workflow, Trueflow SE also closes the gap between designers and service providers. Content creators can be confident that complex design data intended to produce a particular desired effect will be printed faithful to the creative vision. For instance, Trueflow SE traps and processes transparencies without flattening the files.
Another major function in Trueflow SE is the ability to make late-stage content corrections if necessary, without the time-consuming requirements of going back to native applications. Furthermore, if a decision is made late in the production cycle for output on a different printing system, Trueflow SE can instantaneously change the file's color management, trapping and imposition to match the specific output device.
Trueflow SE maintains all the current features and benefits of Trueflow. It automates production from page input to final output by a single drag-and-drop action. In addition to handling PDF files, Trueflow SE continues to support PostScript files. As a full JDF production workflow, Trueflow SE strengthens links for transmission of job ticket information to management information systems, pressroom and postpress.
"Trueflow SE exemplifies the strong connection between Screen's Trueflownet suite of products and Adobe's PDF and JDF technologies," said Mike Fox, president of Screen (USA). "That is Trueflow SE's preeminent contribution to print buyers and print providers in terms of greater efficiency and profitability."
"With the introduction of Trueflow SE, Screen is continuing to deliver more powerful solutions for printers," said Don Walker, senior director of product marketing and business development at Adobe. "With Trueflow SE, Screen is bringing the power of the Adobe PDF Print Engine and the consistency of PDF to hybrid workflows."
Trueflow SE will replace the current Trueflow 3 range of products. Existing Trueflow users will be able to upgrade seamlessly to Trueflow SE. Other products from the Trueflownet portfolio will retain connectivity or will be updated to a connectable version if applicable.