Rochester, N.Y. – Kodak's non process CTP solutions fit the needs of the Natchitoches Times so well that it recommended its sister publication, the Douglas Enterprise of Douglas, GA,  transition from analog to digital with Kodak as well. The Natchitoches, LA-based paper is experiencing improved speed, image quality, and consistency since the installation. Both papers are owned by Natchitoches Times, Inc.

At the Natchitoches Times, a five-day daily with circulation of 5,500, management sought a digital option that would fit well in its facility-both physically, and with regards to plate output needs. The paper installed KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Thermal Platesetter with KODAK PF-N Non Process Plates, KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow and KODAK PREPS Imposition Software.

"The system fits really well with our workflow and gives us the plate output speed we were looking for," said Dennis Doll, Prepress Manager, Natchitoches Times. "It also fit really well with the amount of space we had available."

The facility prints other newspaper titles, and performs outside commercial work as well. The recent installation has already served as a boon to image quality and consistency.

"The quality and consistency have been great," said Doll. "This really fell into line with what we were looking for. If somebody called me, I'd be hard pressed not to recommend Kodak."

When colleague Jeff Blease of the Douglas Enterprise called, Doll did just that.

"We wanted to go with a non process option in switching to digital, to avoid the costs of buying a processor and chemicals," said Jeff Blease, Press Room Manager, Douglas Enterprise. "Fewer steps also means fewer opportunities for error, and ultimately, better quality. Plus, the less you impact the environment, the better."

Established in the early 1900s, the Douglas Enterprise prints two editions a week, a free weekly shopper, and commercial work. Like the Natchitoches Times, they sought enhanced plate output speed and image quality as well.

"We're making the switch because film is not as accurate as CTP," said Blease. "We're really looking forward to heightened image quality and consistency, and quicker turnaround times too."

The KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetter delivers fast, reliable imaging with a standard file format interface for newspaper production systems and is available with semi-automatic or fully automated plate loading and unloading. The KODAK PF-N Non Process Plate provides the resolution, reliability, and imaging accuracy of thermal, digital plates without the need to install and maintain a plate processor, and KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow is an affordable PDF workflow system for controlling prepress, plate, and film production with customizable configurations. KODAK PREPS Imposition Software-now in version 6-is an automated solution containing proprietary technology for creating impositions.

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