Xitron to launch latest versions of XiFlow workflow, Navigator & Xenith Extreme RIPs at Drupa

Introduces JDF, Certified PDF and Imposition among Enhancements

Ann Arbor, MI – April 2, 2004 -- Xitron, the industry’s leading independent developer and integrator of RIPs, announces today that it will launch the latest versions of its popular Navigator Harlequin® RIP, XiFlow workflow, and Xenith Extreme Adobe RIP at Drupa.

In addition to a range of important production features, these new products all include JDF functionality making Xitron one of the first companies to deliver JDF-enabled RIPs to the graphic arts industry. Visitors to the show will be able to see a variety of production benefits including the handling of imposition templates from JDF-enabled imposition software demonstrated on the Xitron stand A1 in Hall 7.

In another first - Dynagram’s Dynastrip imposition solution has been integrated into XiFlow and Xenith Extreme via JDF providing the benefits of workflow/imposition automation to users not only in demanding high-end production environments but also to entry-level two to four-page printers. Further details will be available at the show.

Navigator RIP and XiFlow Workflow
Key enhancements of the new Xitron Navigator RIP 6.4 include: Try-before-you-buy, JDF support and preflight checker. The Preflight Checker allows an operator to verify that PDFs being sent to the RIP are certified PDFs. JDF support will allow handling of JDF compatible files from other applications and devices through the RIP. The Try-before-you-buy is a much-anticipated enhancement allowing customers to test drive features such as Trapping for a limited time before purchasing the option.

A workflow solution for Navigator and other Harlequin-based RIPs, Xiflow 2.0 also makes its international debut at Drupa. Incorporating select technology components from Global Graphics Software to create a custom workflow product, XiFlow runs as a server and controls the flow of jobs towards up to three RIPs simultaneously. Using a graphical Workflow Editor, operators define specific workflow needed to complete a specific job including basic job management, preflighting, imposition and output for both proofing and film or plate. Client software for both PC and Macs allow prepress operators to direct jobs through a workflow without leaving their workstations. XiFlow 2.0 features optional modules for JDF support, PDF creation/conversion and preflighting and more.

“The synergy between Xitron and Global Graphics is high. Our Engineering staffs work closely to assure that the product we ultimately deliver to the user will meet the demands our customers today and into the future. The end result is a product that will benefit our customers, taking them to a new level of productivity and automation.” expresses Bill Owens, Product Manager Navigator RIP Solutions, Xitron.

Xenith Extreme
In addition, Xitron will show the new version of Xenith Extreme, version 6.0, with tools including PDF Creation, Certified PDF, Built-in Pre-Flight, In-RIP Trapping, NORM and ROOM Proofing, Post-Rip Imposition, Archiving and unlimited Mac and PC clients. New to this version is full JDF support, a redesigned client interface, native OS X support, JDF-based imposition, New proofing capabilities will allow users to control ink density and ink-curves as well as LAB color look-up of spot colors.

Xitron’s JDF strategy is currently being developed within the Xenith Extreme range of workflow products. The JDF technology will be used in many areas of Xitron’s products to be announced at Drupa. New products will be compatible with current Xitron systems, therefore protecting the investment of our users.

All Xitron JDF-enabled products are practical solutions which all provide real cost, automation and productivity benefits to its customers.

“It is a very exciting time to be in workflow development,” exclaims Jeffrey Nelson, Xenith Workflow Product Manager. “JDF technology is creating new paths and connections for communicating between processes in print production. I am sure we have not begun to realize where it can take us.” Nelson continues, “We are starting with a very powerful link to the Dynagram’s Dynastrip Imposition software. Here customers will be able to utilize JDF templates that are both page and color independent.”

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About Xitron

Xitron manufactures productive, flexible workflow systems and interfaces designed to drive the pre-press industry’s most popular new output devices as well as its legacy systems, prolonging their life and protecting our customer’s investments. Xitron’s Navigator RIP, Raster Blaster TIFF Catcher, and Xenith Workflow solutions are recognized as pre-press standards. Built around core technology from Global Graphics and Adobe Systems, Xitron engineers continue to develop stable, yet flexible solutions for the graphic arts market, driving over 150 different models of imagesetters, proofers, platesetters, and digital presses. For more information about Xitron, our products, OEM opportunities, or becoming a Xitron dealer, visit us at www.xitron.com.

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