Kodak Excels with Full Portfolio of Proofing Solutions at 5th Annual IPA Color Proofing RoundUP

Rochester, NY,- Results from the 2007 IPA Proofing RoundUP provide customers with confidence that KODAK proofing solutions accurately communicate, control and confirm color, regardless of the technology they choose. Kodak entered six systems for testing—the most of any vendor—covering all proofing technology platforms: digital halftone, inkjet and monitor.

“Each KODAK solution performed exceptionally well, supporting our vision of offering customers a full range of integrated color proofing solutions to address multiple proofing needs,” said John Cross, General Manager, Proofing, WFIJ, Film & Chemistry, Prepress Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “The IPA Proofing RoundUP confirmed that prepress professionals have the tools and information they need in order to produce accurate proofs to industry standards using any one of our proofing solutions.”

Conducted during the recent 42nd Annual IPA Technical Conference, the 5th Annual IPA Color Proofing RoundUP included a comprehensive evaluation of 34 color proofing systems. For hard copy proofing, each vendor submitted a GRACoL C1 proof for numeric color verification and overall visual evaluation. Vendor results, for the first time, were reported only as pass/fail. Also new at this year’s event, end users submitted proofs for evaluation.

Kodak’s hard copy proofing products included the KODAK APPROVAL XP4 Digital Color Imaging System, the KODAK MATCHPRINT Digital Halftone Proofing System (composed of the KODAK TRENDSETTER SPECTRUM Digital Halftone Proofer and KODAK MATCHPRINT digital halftone media), KODAK VERIS Digital Proofer, KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution with the EPSON STYLUS Pro 4800 Printer, and the KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution with the HP DESIGNJET Z2100 Photo Printer. In addition, the APPROVAL XP4 System was used as the visual reference target for the N-color and spot color proofing tests, highlighting the system’s ability to produce accurate results for this challenging application.

Kodak also participated in the soft proofing category. KODAK MATCHPRINT Virtual Technology with the KODAK INSITE Creative Workflow system was unsurpassed in all soft proofing categories. Virtual proofs displayed using KODAK MATCHPRINT Virtual Technology on both EIZO COLOREDGE and APPLE Cinema Displays were rated highest in terms of color match for both CMYK and spot colors. Visual assessments performed at the IPA Proofing RoundUP confirmed the ability of MATCHPRINT Virtual Technology to deliver excellent match between monitors, press sheets or hard copy proofs.

“Our participation and results in the IPA Proofing RoundUP reflect our commitment to supporting specifications aimed at compliance with color standards worldwide. To date, Kodak has 18 digital halftone and inkjet proofing systems with GRACoL or SWOP certifications—the most in the industry,” said Cross.

KODAK products are backed by KODAK Service and Support.KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.