News Pre-Press Shorts: April 27, 2005
GMG ColorProof will feature on five stands at this month’s Northprint exhibition in Harrogate. The software will be used by Apex Digital Graphics as part of its pre-press to press line-up culminating in production on a Ryobi 524 GX press. Xelix Proofing Solutions, CT & Line, Litho Supplies and NCS will also show the product.
Cacidi Systems has launched Extreme 6.0, a plug-in for Adobe InDesign CS2 that allows the automatic creation of catalogues and brochures. The enhancements include a new user interface, which gathers all functions into one palette. Demo files are available at www.cacidi.dk.
Filetransfer.co.uk will use Northprint to launch the shipping version of Nverge for web-based managed file transfer. The firm will also be highlighting a raft of other products including preflightingand file delivery software PrintSure, drag-and-drop file delivery via Uploader and StingRay, the IP/ISDN file transfer server. Orders placed at the show will be subject to 10% discount.
Quark has joined Ghent PDF Workgroup, the international assembly of graphics arts professionals that creates, tests and disseminates best practices and specifications for publishing workflows.
Modern Colour Solutions has invested in KPG’s Northmann Automatic Graphic System (AGS). The "real-time" product will link the firm into its customers’ digital assets, which can then be uploaded onto a secure web-based system. Modern can then manage and store the files and send documents for proofingand approval. According to Modern’s studio manager Adrian Berry (pictured left with KPG divisional sales manager Tony Suckling) the deal followed a successful trial at the Southall-based firm.
AdsML, the international standards-writing body for the advertising industry has teamed up with Adobe to design "custom panels" for ad metadata. The panels, exposed through Adobe’s C52 software, will allow information stored in its XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) to link with workflow as described by AdsML’s Framework suite of standards.
Esko-Graphics has launched certified PDF file creation and preflighting as options on its Scope packaging workflow. The format is based on the Enfocus PitStop profiles as defined by the Ghent PDF Workgroup. "Preflighting incoming PDF jobs is a necessary task in print workflows – and even more so in modern packaging," said marketing director packaging software Jan DeRoeck.
Colyer Computing has been appointed value added distributor for the Casper suite of software for streamlining the management of Mac operating systems. Casper is made up of five modules and includes functions such as new workstation integration, proactive software and warranty inventory and network image building.
David Ellen, former head of Domino’s commercial printing business unit, has become director of sales at its US operation Domino Amjet. Ellen left the UK for the US in 2004 to become director of Domino’s commercial print division. He said: "I am very excited about the changing focus of the new role and being part of a team that takes Domino further."
Xerox dealer Xera-Logic (Scotland) is to host a print show at Livingstort Football Club on 11-12 May. The firm will demonstrate the whole range of Xerox digital printers and workflows, as well as offering visitors the opportunity to win a Red Letter Day experience. The two-day event will also feature short "snap-shot" seminars on the future of the industry. Contact: info@ xera- logic.co.uk.
HoF Fabric Display Solutions in Taunton, Somerset has begun production on its large-format NedGraphics Mutoh printer. The 2.23m- wide, 72odpi press prints eight colours on a range of fabrics including satin, knitted polyester, Digi-Maya and spun polyester. HoF operations manager Donna Geranio said that the firm chose the NedGraphics machine for its print quality and because it shares inks, print heads and software with the firm’s existing Mimaki TX2 printer.
Hewlett-Packard has named Mark Hurd as its new chief executive, filling the slot made vacant by the ousted Carly Fiorina. Hurd, who was previously head of NCR in Dayton, Ohio, is expected to take up his position tomorrow (8 April 2005).
Applied Image Technology (AIT) is to launch an upgrade to its Shiraz RIP at Sign UK next week. Shiraz v6.i will be on display at the Birmingham NEC show running a Mimaki JV22 wide-format dye-ink printer. AIT managing director Roger Ward said: "The enhancement has enabled additional job control features so changes can be made at a later stage in production." Visit: www.applied-image.com.
Frankfurt-based show ESMA Digital Printing World has changed its name to The DPE – Digital Printing Exhibition. The show, which will take place next March, made the change to avoid confusion with the British show Digital Print World. ESMA is the European Association of Manufacturers, supplying kit and consumables to the digital and screen printing industry.
MIS supplier Dims! has moved its European head office to new purpose-built premises in Lichtenvoorde in the Netherlands. As well as office space, the new building features demonstration areas and training classrooms. DiMS! chief executive Gerard Marneth said that the new building demonstrated the firm’s aim to "always search for opportunities to improve our performance, both on a local and international level".
Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Apr 7, 2005