Get Your Plates Right the First Time, Every Time; X-Rite Unveils World's Most Accurate Plate Process Control Solution

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom--April 5, 2006--X-Rite Inc. , a leading provider of colour measurement solutions, is unveiling the world's most accurate dot measurement and plate process control device at IPEX 2006.

PlateScope(TM) gives printers the confidence of knowing their plates will run properly before they're put on press by accounting for every variable that can create faulty plates and cut into profitability.

"PlateScope is the most accurate plate process control solution available, bar none," says Chris LaFontaine, X-Rite's worldwide product manager, graphic arts. "When you consider the time and expense of press operations, reliable accuracy is crucial to reducing waste and avoiding expensive problems. PlateScope allows you to consistently ensure that your plates are right the first time, every time."

Aside from being the most accurate measurement device on the market, PlateScope also offers a number of other features that set it apart. Among them:

Measures leading plate and screening technologies. PlateScope is the optimal solution for measuring new chemistry-free and processless plates. What's more, it supports measurement of modern screening technologies, including AM, FM and Hybrid.

Accurate in extreme shadows and highlights. All plate measurement devices claim a degree of accuracy in the midtones. Measuring shadows and highlights, however, is more problematic. PlateScope is so accurate, it even reliably measures extreme highlights and shadows, the areas of most concern in the print process.

A complete process control solution. PlateScope isn't just another plate measurement device; it's a complete plate process control solution. With the integrated QC Plate software, printers can profile their platesetters, plates, presses and paper types to automatically generate the proper gain curves and speed quality checks.

Easy to use. PlateScope underwent extensive testing to ensure ease of use. The result: Early users report that it's far easier to master than a Palm Pilot, thanks to a colourful, icon-driven interface that's exceptionally simple to navigate. Plus, PlateScope has been ergonomically engineered to provide a comfortable fit even during prolonged usage.

Industry-first video-targeting system. PlateScope uses a patent-pending video targeting system that allows users to easily target the areas they want to measure, even when held at arm's length or in darker lighting conditions. Instead of requiring users to peer through a viewfinder, PlateScope offers a built-in screen that makes it far easier to view specific areas on a plate.

PlateScope plate process control solution will be shown to the public for the first time at IPEX 2006, a printing and graphic arts exhibition held 4-11 April in Birmingham, UK. For more information about the product, please contact Judy Volker, +1(616) 534-7663 or jvolker@xrite.com.

About X-Rite:

X-Rite is a leading provider of colour measurement solutions, offering hardware, software and services for the verification and communication of colour data. The company serves a range of industries, including graphic arts; digital imaging; industrial and retail colour matching; and medical. X-Rite serves customers in more than 100 countries from its 20 offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Visit www.xrite.com for more information.