X-Rite and Compose Systems Extend their Partnership to Offer Automated Accurate Dot-for-Dot Proofing Workflow

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ: XRIT), the world leader in color management, measurement and communication technologies, and Compose Systems, an established developer of prepress workflow, digital color proofing and print publishing solutions, today announced that they have extended their long-standing partnership to offer prepress professionals an automated dot-for-dot proofing solution to produce high quality screened contract proofs on inkjet printers. The new solution will be shown for the first time at Print 09 on Compose Systems’ booth (booth # 6555).

Compose Systems has optimized the newly announced version of its Star Proof proofing technology (version 6.0) to offer seamless support for X-Rite’s i1iSis automated chart reader. The combination of the two technologies will enable customers to quickly and accurately produce and verify spot colors to deliver top quality proofs on an inkjet printer.

With its Actual Dot feature, designed to replicate original screening and dot patterns at proofing resolutions, Star Proof 6.0 delivers contract proofs with a hard dot, sharp images, accurate color and fine detail - just as they would appear on the press. Using ROOM (RIP once output many) proofing architecture to resample the same set of high-resolution separations that are sent to the platesetter/imagesetter, Star Proof ensures data integrity between proof and print.

Using X-Rite’s i1iSis high-speed automated chart reader as part of their workflow, Star Proof users will be able to quickly and easily measure full spectral data from their simulated spot colors, and avoid wasting time hand-scanning rows or reading individual color patches. With the i1iSis, users are able to calibrate simulated spots, by exporting their spot color definitions, and use the i1iSis to read them back to Star Proof for optimal accuracy.

Combined with i1iSis, Star Proof gives users a comprehensive set of tools to achieve excellent color matching between proof and press, offering traditional color calibration and fine controls for matching inks via color shade, calibration curve and dot gain compensation. Star Proof uses the spectrophotometric readings provided by the i1iSis to analyze and compare printing press target charts and proof printer calibration charts. The readings are input to Star Proof, which then creates a system profile for the specific printer and saves this for future use. Using i1iSis, Star Proof can also prepare a color curve with the appropriate gamut which users can then fine tune for even more precise color matching.

i1iSis can reads up to 2,500 patches printed on a single A3 page. Its unique vision system automatically corrects chart misalignment and interprets bar codes to prevent chart identification problems. i1iSis is ideal for high-end applications requiring consistent color measurements and visualization of printed output, avoiding time wasted hand-scanning rows or reading individual color patches.

About X-Rite

(NASDAQ: XRIT) X-Rite is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes design industry color leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com

About Compose

Founded in 1987, Compose System (www.composeusa.com) is an established developer of prepress workflow and digital color proofing solutions. Compose has offices in Hong Kong, China, North America and the United Kingdom. Its solutions are centered on the professional Express Workflow™ systems. Compose's comprehensive range of high performance and versatile products include Express NewsFlow™, InkScript Optimizer and Star Proof™. These products are sold and supported through a worldwide dealer network.

©2009 X-Rite, Inc. All rights reserved. X-Rite is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

for X-Rite, Incorporated
Press Contact:
Véronique Froment:
veronique@highrezpr.com
Tel: + 1 603-537-9248