ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 11 - A new level of productivity and automation in thermal digital platesetting is being introduced with the KODAK GENERATION NEWS System. Newspaper printers will get their first look at the new computer to plate (CTP) technology at Kodak's display (Booth 1100) at NEXPO, part of the Capital Conference '08 being held in Washington, D.C., April 12-16.

The GENERATION NEWS System has advanced automation features that help newspaper printers better manage deadline pressures. The KODAK GENERATION NEWS Platesetter has multiple plate cassettes, enabling fast plate loading and unloading of multiple plate sizes. Newspaper printers can load up to 1,600 broadsheet plates or 800 panorama plates, running continuously with no operator intervention. Integrated plate size selection, slip sheet removal, transport to the imaging engine, centering, and registration are all automated to eliminate errors.

 "With the KODAK GENERATION NEWS System, we have improved productivity yet again without sacrificing the quality and stability of thermal imaging systems. We can now image 300 plates per hour at 200 lpi," said Jack Knadjian, Vice President, Worldwide Newspaper Segment and Solutions Marketing, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "One of the benefits of the GENERATION NEWS System is that it does not require regular calibration to provide consistent results. It provides shortened makeready times and consistency during print runs, saving time and money."

The GENERATION NEWS Platesetter uses proven KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, eliminating process variation found in visible light and UV systems. The stability of the system means higher quality and more consistent production, reducing the need for remakes. In addition, the high speed of the system allows customers to achieve the same productivity with fewer plate lines, reducing their equipment investment and space requirements.


The Los Angeles Times is going to be a beta site for the GENERATION NEWS System. Greg Malcolm, Director of Operations at the newspaper, said, "We're excited about the opportunity to work with Kodak on the introduction of the GENERATION NEWS System. The new platesetter appears to have more capabilities than what is currently on the market." The Los Angeles Times prints more than 800,000 daily copies and 1.3 million copies on weekends.

Part of an integrated Kodak solution, the GENERATION NEWS Platesetter uses KODAK THERMALNEWS GOLD Digital Plates, which are rated for more than 200,000 impressions. At 1.270 dpi, KODAK STACCATO Screening enables printers to print dots as small as 25 microns. The GENERATION NEWS System works with a full range of workflow solutions, including KODAK NEWSMANAGER Workflow System. The KODAK MERCURY P-HD Plate Processor is recommended with the GENERATION NEWS Platesetter because it provides fast processing, automated plate handling, and a compact footprint.

"The flexibility of the KODAK GENERATION NEWS System is essential for newspapers that handle a variety of different publications and semi commercial print jobs," said Nathanael Eijbersen, Product Manager, Newspaper Output Devices, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "It has the features necessary for high volume pressroom operations and the quality required to attract profitable commercial business."

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.