Ridgefield Park, NJ -- Agfa Graphics announced today that the :Advantage N-SL, its newest CtP system for newspapers will make its North American debut at America East, April 6-8, 2009.
 
The third generation :Advantage N-SL builds on the success of previous generations while offering increased affordability, reliability and ease of use. The :Advantage N-SL can image up to 100 plates per hour with automatic plate loading from a 100-plate stack loader and on-line processing. It is designed to handle both Agfa Graphics' current :N91-V and the new chemistry-free :N92-VCF plate. With its unique violet laser imaging system, the :Advantage N-SL provides speed and reliability for small to mid-size newspaper and coldset web printers.
 
In the U.S., Swift Communications received the first of the :Advantage N-SL systems and will be installing another at its Grass Valley, CA. facility.
 
"Smaller newspapers are in a unique position these days. While the larger newspapers are seeing their print editions lose readership to the Internet, smaller local newspapers have content and information unique to them, and as such both their websites and print products are not only co-existing, they are thriving," said Jim Hemig, CIO, Swift Communications. "People still read newspapers, if the content is important, helpful and relevant to them. Agfa has found a way for the smaller and mid-size papers to benefit from a better return on their investment."
 
Today, Swift Communications owns and operates more than 30 newspapers and portal web sites. To date they have purchased and installed eight Agfa Graphics' platesetters with all locations using Agfa's :Arkitex Workflow and :N91-V plates. 
         
"The :Advantage N-SL is a total solution in a small footprint offering best total cost of ownership for small to mid-size newspapers," said Sheila Nysko, Agfa's business development manager, North America, Newspaper Systems. "Agfa's economical and high quality solutions, including the :Advantage N-SL, :Arkitex Essentials Workflow, and Violet Chem-free digital plates help publishers provide  their loyal readers with the content and quality they enjoy and expect."

In addition to the :Advantage N-SL, Agfa will be demonstrating the following at its booth (#89) at America East:
 
:Arkitex Essentials - New newspaper workflow designed with the needs of the small and medium NP in mind. Now the power of :Arkitex is available to all newspapers.

:Arkitex OptiInk - Ink savings technology automatically converts color spaces to ensure consistent printed colors. Using Smart Input Space Recognition technology the software effectively addresses many PDF/color problems. :Arkitex OptiInk also automatically converts spot colors into CMYK and processes them. With OptiInk, newspapers can save up to 30% of their ink costs while attaining faster roll-up times and improved press stability.

:Arkitex IntelliTune - Automated image toning offers magazine-like  quality on newsprint. It uses Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP) to analyze the tone, color and spatial characteristics of each image and automatically applies the necessary corrections for the best reproduction on press.

:Sublima - Higher print quality through higher screen ruling with no additional effort on press. It uses an XM screening technology to enhance and improve print quality.