Allows users to eliminate limitations caused by XP and older operating systems 

Ann Arbor, MI – Xitron, the leading independent developer of RIP and workflow products for commercial, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing has announced that Agfa Palladio CTP devices are now supported with Xitron’s USB/SCSI interface, which was released for sale and shipment last month. Palladio users, such as those with Agfa Apogee and Print Drive, have been struggling with impending obsolescence due to the lack of SCSI support beyond 32-bit Windows XP. 

By developing the 64-bit USB/SCSI interface, Xitron is able to bring Palladios up to current operating system standards, extending service lives and saving the owners thousands of dollars in replacement costs. “We know of several hundred Palladio installations around the world facing this dilemma today,” said Karen Crews, President of Xitron. “Until now, their choices have been to replace the Palladio or endure the risks associated with keeping obsolete operating systems on their network.”

Xitron expects the interface to have an impact on the used CTP market as well. “The Palladio has been a popular platesetter in secondary markets for some time,” added Crews. “Unfortunately, the same limitations faced by current users helped to slow used equipment sales of the device, which also lowered resale value. Our new interface completely eliminates this problem and allows used equipment dealers to turn their inventory.” 

64-bit support for other SCSI-based systems such as Kodak’s Trendsetter was publicized last month. An announcement about Fuji’s Vx series of platesetters is expected upon completion of testing shortly. 

Xitron has an installed base of over 30,000 Navigator RIPs and workflows and nearly 5,000 Raster Blaster TIFF Catchers worldwide. Driving CTP devices from Agfa, ECRM, Creo, Kodak, Presstek, Heidelberg, Fuji, and Screen, they provide prepress independence^® to customers who want to maximize their investments by extending the life of their prepress systems. More information is available at www.xitron.com, including a downloadable white paper describing the technology.