Norwalk, Connecticut, USA -Monitor proofing with the SWOP certified Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System serves as the focus of the Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) exhibit at Graph Expo 2003. Visitors to Booth 4030 can learn about the applications and benefits of monitor based contract color proofing through a live multimedia presentation, demonstrations of the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, and a video that features users of KPG’s 2003 GATF InterTech Technology Award winning system. This contract-quality proofing system is SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) certified and delivers accurate, consistent and reliable RGB monitor viewing of CMYK color reproduction. “Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, by enabling a pure digital workflow, creates major reductions in time and other production efficiencies during the prepress cycle, strengthens collaboration between system owners and their clients, and offers a number of other advantages that we will extensively promote in the coming months,” said Andrew Copley, President, KPG Americas. “Matchprint Virtual Proofing System and the three other newest solutions we will spotlight at Graph Expo represent our commitment to continuously evolving our technology and helping our customers improve their profitability and performance.” KPG will launch its latest digital halftone proofing system, the Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System, and thermal CtP offering, the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Sword Excel Thermal Printing Plate, at Graph Expo. The Kodak Polychrome Graphics DirectPress 5034 DI System will also be showcased. KPG’s Graph Expo Lineup With the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, users can for the first time transport, view and approve proofs for color or electronically mark and return them for correction within minutes. The system consists of high-end, customized CRT monitors, proprietary color management technologies and a suite of Web-based image viewing and collaboration tools. A simple-to-use interface makes it easy to work on a proof with colleagues and partners regardless of their location or experience with the system. The Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System uses the latest in thermal imaging technology to produce the industry’s most versatile and accurate prediction of on-press performance. Featuring Rapid Recipe Color technology, the Kodak Approval NX system can accurately produce millions of spot colors in a fraction of the time currently possible with its predecessor, the Kodak Approval XP system. Rapid Recipe Color technology saves significant time by laying down up to four densities each of CMYK and spot colors simultaneously, instead of one at a time. This next generation Kodak Approval NX system can also laminate to virtually any substrate - making it ideal for all folding carton and flexible package printing. Kodak Polychrome Graphics Sword Excel Thermal Printing Plates extend the benefits of Sword technology, which combines a no preheat/no postbake thermal plate with negative “write the background” processing. Sword Excel plates deliver run lengths of up to 500,000 impressions and hard dots that yield resolutions ranging from 1% to 99% at 200 LPI. The ultra-high resolution makes Sword Excel plates compatible with the latest advances in stochastic screening at 20- and 10-micron dot diameters. Other benefits include faster imaging speeds, greater press chemical resistance, and reduced processor maintenance. The KPG DirectPress 5034 DI system, a two-page, four-color digital imaging press, combines the quality advantages of offset printing with the workflow and automation benefits of digital printing. This combination presents a new growth opportunity for commercial printers, in-plants, trade shops, or digital service bureaus that want to tap into the growing demand for high-quality, quick-turnaround, short-run, four-color work. The KPG DirectPress 5034 DI system is powered by Presstek's proprietary ProFire imaging and thermal plate technology. “Regardless of where customers stand in the transition from analog to digital workflows, KPG’s portfolio of plates, proofing, digital printing systems and film has the right solutions to meet their needs,” Copley said. “We look forward to meeting with attendees at Graph Expo and offering solutions to help them increase their business and create a loyal customer base.”