AbsoluteProof Extrachrome Pantone-matching System Released

Gimle Ltd.'s AbsoluteProof Extrachrome System, pre-launched at Graph Expo in October 2004, has now been released. Comprising the company's AbsoluteProof software and two Extrachrome inks, the system expands the color gamut and capability of standard Epson Stylus Pro 4000, 7600, and 9600 printers to achieve accurate color simulations of more than 90% of the Pantone color library, Gimle reports. The Extrachrome inks replace the light cyan and light magenta Epson Ultrachrome ink on the Epson printers.

AbsoluteProof can take input files directly from the plate or imagesetter RIP, as well as from design applications. It then re-combines and color manages the information before sending the output file to the printer. In an imagesetter workflow, the system provides a precise simulation of how the job will look on the press, showing Pantone colors, halftones, traps, overprints, fonts, etc.

Features include: six-channel linearization allowing individual inks to be "tuned" for optimized proofer output; halftone proofing with full control of dot gain; and remote proofing and consistency checking (via support provided for GretagMacbeth's ProfileMaker Measure Tool).

The AbsoluteProof Extrachrome system can drive all Epson, Roland HiFi, and HP printers, and most Canon wide-format printers, says Gimle's Hugo Kristinsson. Price on the AbsoluteProof Extrachrome system is $7995 (US street price); it is sold and supported in the US by Pre-Press Consultants. AbsoluteProof is also offered on its own as a digital proofing solution and inkjet RIP. (Gimle: www.absolute-proof.com)