Agfa Debuts New CtP System for Small/Mid-Size Newspapers

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ—April 2, 2009—Agfa Graphics announced today that the Advantage N-SL, its newest CtP system for newspapers will make its North American debut at America East, April 6-8, 2009.

The third generation Advantage N-SL builds on the success of previous generations while offering increased affordability, reliability and ease of use. The Advantage N-SL can image up to 100 plates per hour with automatic plate loading from a 100-plate stack loader and on-line processing. It is designed to handle both Agfa Graphics' current N91-V and the new chemistry-free N92-VCF plate. With its unique violet laser imaging system, the Advantage N-SL provides speed and reliability for small to mid-size newspaper and coldset web printers.

In the U.S., Swift Communications received the first of the Advantage N-SL systems and will be installing another at its Grass Valley, CA. facility.

"Smaller newspapers are in a unique position these days. While the larger newspapers are seeing their print editions lose readership to the Internet, smaller local newspapers have content and information unique to them, and as such both their websites and print products are not only co-existing, they are thriving," said Jim Hemig, CIO, Swift Communications. "People still read newspapers, if the content is important, helpful and relevant to them. Agfa has found a way for the smaller and mid-size papers to benefit from a better return on their investment."

Today, Swift Communications owns and operates more than 30 newspapers and portal web sites. To date they have purchased and installed eight Agfa Graphics' platesetters with all locations using Agfa's :Arkitex Workflow and :N91-V plates.

"The Advantage N-SL is a total solution in a small footprint offering best total cost of ownership for small to mid-size newspapers," said Sheila Nysko, Agfa's business development manager, North America, Newspaper Systems. "Agfa's economical and high quality solutions, including the Advantage N-SL, Arkitex Essentials Workflow, and Violet Chem-free digital plates help publishers provide their loyal readers with the content and quality they enjoy and expect."

In addition to the Advantage N-SL, Agfa will be demonstrating the following at its booth (#89) at America East:

Arkitex Essentials - New newspaper workflow designed with the needs of the small and medium NP in mind. Now the power of :Arkitex is available to all newspapers.

Arkitex OptiInk - Ink savings technology automatically converts color spaces to ensure consistent printed colors. Using Smart Input Space Recognition technology the software effectively addresses many PDF/color problems. Arkitex OptiInk also automatically converts spot colors into CMYK and processes them. With OptiInk, newspapers can save up to 30% of their ink costs while attaining faster roll-up times and improved press stability.

Arkitex IntelliTune - Automated image toning offers magazine-like quality on newsprint. It uses Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP) to analyze the tone, color and spatial characteristics of each image and automatically applies the necessary corrections for the best reproduction on press.

Sublima - Higher print quality through higher screen ruling with no additional effort on press. It uses an XM screening technology to enhance and improve print quality.

About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world's leading companies in imaging and information technology. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa Healthcare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials).
Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 3,032 million euros in 2008.

About Agfa Graphics
Agfa Graphics offers integrated pre-print solutions for the printing industry. These solutions include consumables, hardware, software and services for production workflow, design and color management. The Company's CtP, CtF and digital proofing systems have positioned it as worldwide leader in the commercial printing and packaging industries as well as newspaper publishing markets.

Agfa Graphics is rapidly expanding its offering of products and solutions on the growing digital inkjet market. Its experience in both image technology and emulsions has provided the knowledge necessary to make high-quality systems for UV curable inks. Partnerships with industry leaders in development and manufacturing have expanded the scope of its technology and permitted the company to develop comprehensive digital solutions for printing posters, banners, signs, displays, labels and packaging materials.

Product and company information can be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com.