Ann Arbor, Michigan – July 1, 2008 – Xitron, the prepress industry's leading independent developer and integrator of Raster Image Processors, RIP management software and workflow solutions, today announced that customer shipments of Navigator GPS 8 have begun. This latest version of the Navigator GPS workflow was showcased during drupa.

Navigator GPS 8 adds significant enhancements for users including:

- Harlequin RIP core 8.0.5 with enhanced transparency support

- Native support for the XPS 1.0 files

- Native support for PDF 1.7 files

- Navigator  PDF soft proofing plug-in option

Existing Navigator and Torrent RIP users may upgrade to a complete Navigator GPS workflow through a special upgrade program being offered through September 30, 2008. Upgrading from a RIP only to the Navigator GPS workflow offers users even greater productivity and functionality. Information about the Navigator GPS 8 may be found on the Xitron website at www.xitron.com/V8upgrade.

Navigator GPS 8 incorporates the latest Harlequin core RIP technology from Global Graphics Software version 8.0.5 along with Xitron’s widely adopted Navigator RIP Manager workflow solution. Navigator GPS 8 includes native support for the latest page description language files including XPS v1.0 and PDF 1.7. This 8.0.5 release, currently offered only by Xitron, incorporates the latest in transparency support for Harlequin RIP users.
 
The Navigator PDF soft proofing plug-in is offered as an option for Navigator GPS 8 and provides a PDF of the actual raster (RIPped) file. The PDF can be rendered at either 300 or 600 dpi, allowing the PDF to be emailed to customers for viewing and approval. Printers will now be able to view the job exactly as it was RIPped, thus providing a closer verification of the final output.

 “More than 20,000 Navigator and Torrent RIP and workflow users will have an opportunity to take advantage of this latest Navigator RIP release,” stated Mark Eisenschenk, Xitron's President and Chief Executive Officer. “The enhancements in Navigator GPS 8 provide users even greater flexibility with this affordable, high quality, commercial quality workflow solution including access to Xitron’s extensive list of proofing plug-ins including the Epson UltraChrome printer with Vivid Magenta and Canon 12-color proofing printers.

Xitron products are available through a network of OEMs, distributors, dealers, and system integrators worldwide. Xitron RIPs and workflow solutions drive more than 250 different output devices ranging from black and white and color proofers to film imagesetters and the latest in CTP and direct-to-press systems. With shipments of more than 15,000 RIPs, Xitron is the largest independent provider of RIPs in the market. For more information about Xitron products, visit Xitron on the web at www.xitron.com.