HUDSON, N.H., May 8 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of environmentally responsible high tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, is showcasing its leadership position in the Digital Offset Press market with an array of Presstek enabled DI presses at drupa 2004, the world's largest printing trade fair, taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany, May 6th through 19th. Direct Imaging (DI) presses combine the convenience of digital printing with the quality and economic benefits of offset printing. Today's market demands increasingly shorter runs of high quality color printing. DI presses offer printers the best of both worlds - true offset quality at a competitive short-run cost. At drupa 2004, Presstek delivers the most significant innovation to Direct Imaging presses since the inception of digital offset technology. Presstek's new ProFire Excel Imaging optimized with Presstek's new ProFire Digital Media generates a 16-micron laser spot that enables 300 lines per inch (120 l/cm) output, while supporting FM (Stochastic), AM (conventional), and hybrid screening options. This exciting breakthrough imaging technology from Presstek sets a new standard in quality for on-press printing applications, delivering startling offset quality quickly, with far less waste than conventional offset printing processes. ProFire Excel DI presses dramatically change the competitive dynamics for offset printing by raising the bar on quality and lowering the cost of market entry. Their ease of use makes them the ideal solution for digital printers who wish to add offset printing to their portfolio of services. New Entry Level DI Press Combining Presstek's ProFire Excel quality with a set of features designed to satisfy print providers with lower production requirements, this new entry- level Digital Imaging press system implements precisely the right balance of automation, quality, and price. This exciting new press is designed to significantly broaden the market for DI technology, and is scheduled to be available during the second half of 2004 from several of Presstek's OEM partners. New High Performance DI Press Setting a new standard in quality for on-pres printing applications, this new fully automated print production system enabled by Presstek's ProFire Excel imaging and ProFire Digital Media delivers superior quality offset with the push of a button. This new high productivity press is a unique integration of press, laser, and plate technology that dramatically changes the competitive dynamics for offset printing by raising the bar on quality and automation. Currently available from Ryobi, KBA, and KPG, this new high performance DI press is being featured at drupa, the world's largest printing exposition, taking place in Dusseldorf Germany through May 19th. DI at drupa 2004 Ryobi Expands Digital Offset Press Offering With Ryobi 3404X-DI Ryobi distribution channels focus mostly on small to medium print enterprises where demand for faster turnaround, better profitability in color printing and reliable equipment are the primary drivers. The ProFire Excel enabled Ryobi 3404X-DI is loaded with standard features, and in conjunction with the new ProFire Digital Media, delivers the ultimate in DI quality. Ryobi also offers a UV version of the press for the label and packaging markets, this exciting new press is on display at Ryobi's drupa stand (16C03). New 46 Karat Plus Delivers a New Level of Quality The name KBA is synonymous with quality-quality manufacturing, quality service and quality support. The 46 Karat Plus is a result of a cooperative development effort between Ryobi, Presstek and KBA, based on the needs of KBA customers who are extremely quality-oriented. Stochastic screening, a 300-line screen and Aniva inks set this new offering in KBA's digital portfolio apart. KBA offers its 46 Karat line as an entry-level strategy for enterprising print service providers. KBA customers who have purchased a 46 Karat in the past have enjoyed profitable operations, and, in some cases, have added a 74Karat or conventional Rapida press as a complement to their 46 Karat. With its enhanced quality and functionality, the new 46 Karat Plus is also ideal for printers with existing digital devices from Xerox, Xeikon and HP who see the value in blending ultra short run capabilities with high-quality, short-run offset for a more rounded portfolio. The 46 Karat Plus will be featured on KBA's drupa stand in Hall 16 as well as on Presstek's stand (9B56). New KPG DirectPress 5634 DI Adds Workflow Management Tools The new KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System combines industry leading ProFire Excel imaging quality, with the simplicity and automation of a DI Press. The KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System further enhances production efficiency by incorporating Kodak Polychrome Graphics' DirectWorks, KPG's new workflow solution. Building on KPG's recognized color expertise, DirectWorks enables color management across a variety of technologies to deliver more accurate and consistent color regardless of output device. DirectWorks streamlines operations by automating prepress activities such as pre-flight, color correction, trapping, imposition, approval and ripping. KPG will demonstrate the DirectPress on its drupa stand (5D24). Heidelberg Offers New Improvements to Established Portfolio of DI Presses At drupa, Heidelberg is introducing its new ProSpot technology, bringing better print quality to the Heidelberg Quickmaster DI Pro. This improved imaging system, designed and manufactured by Presstek, combined with proven Presstek PearlDry Plus plates, brings higher quality, improved profitability and new levels of productivity to users of Heidelberg's Quickmaster DI Pro. Presstek has listened carefully to its end-user customers, and manufacturing and distribution partners, who have asked for more affordable, higher quality imaging technology. The result is Presstek's new ProFire Excel imaging and ProFire Digital Media, breakthrough advances that make possible the Ryobi 3404X-DI, 46 Karat Plus, and KPG DirectPress 5634 DI. Visitors to drupa will see ProFire Excel imaging in a variety of products, including CTP and DI press applications. Presstek's program of ongoing innovation is designed to ensure that the range of choices for efficient, cost-effective, short-run color production will continue to expand.