Xitron Previews New Short-Run Digital Press
36ppm digital color press for short-run, on-demand commercial printing

Ann Arbor, Michigan – October 15, 2006 – Xitron, the prepress industry's leading independent developer and integrator of Raster Image Processors, RIP management software and workflow solutions ; today announced a technology preview of the Xitron Prism digital press for short-run, on-demand commercial printing and proofing.

The Xitron Prism is a high-quality LED-based plain paper digital press capable of producing color-managed output at up to 36 pages per minute and black and white at up to 40 pages per minute. Designed for the commercial printer, the Prism is powered by the Navigator Prism Digital Press Controller.

“Our customers are looking for a solution to handle their short-run, on-demand printing needs,” stated R. Patrick French, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Xitron. "Xitron’s Prism meets that need while using RIP and workflow technology that is already driving many of the other devices in pre-press departments all over the world.” The Navigator Prism Controller with integrated RIP Manager is the same Harlequin-core RIP technology from Global Graphics that Xitron developed into the ubiquitous Navigator RIP and Navigator GPS.

"Global Graphics has been investigating ways to make digital print more accessible for those wanting a short-run solution to complement their analog and CTP output," notes Ralph Lloyd, Global Graphics' VP of product marketing. "Xitron’s preview at Graph Expo is the first visible sign of the intense development that will put the technology within reach."

Utilizing Single Pass Color™ Digital technology and long-lasting, individually replaceable toner cartridges and image drums, Prism provides increased productivity.

Jobs up to Tabloid Extra (12” x 18”) and banners up to 12.9” x 47” can be printed on the Xitron Prism using paper weights from 17 lb. to 72 lb. Multiple paper trays provide additional flexibility along with the standard duplexing feature.

The hybrid workflow design allows up to three Prism units to be driven by a single Prism Controller, which can be upgraded to a full Navigator GPS capable of driving any of the more than 150 different output devices supported by Xitron. Likewise, printers with greater production volume may integrate one or more Prism controllers into their existing Navigator GPS workflow with RIP Manager 3.1.

RIP Manager provides control of up to three Harlequin-based RIPs and can support as many as ten prepress operators. Features include an integrated Viewer for desktop soft-proofing, powerful job management control, ability to create automated workflow steps to reduce errors associated with manual intervention from operators and a PDF option that provides PDF creation and pre-flighting as automated steps in a workflow.

Pricing for the Xitron Prism has not been released, although plans are to offer a base solution, including the Prism software RIP for less than $10,000.

Xitron products are available through a network of OEMS, Distributors, Dealers, and System Integrators worldwide. Xitron RIPs and workflow solutions drive more than 150 output devices ranging from black and white and color proofers, to film imagesetters and the latest in CTP and direct-to-press systems. With shipments of more than 14,000 RIPs, Xitron is the largest independent provider of RIPs in the market. For more information about Xitron products, visit Xitron on the web at www.xitron.com. For additional information, please complete this form.

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