DIGITAL PLATES & PLATESETTERS -- Two Steps Forward

Davidson says it is critical that the product be robust and consistent, which means a rigorous commercialization process is required. "I'm very optimistic that we will be able to begin beta testing in the fall, and I would expect to see this product commercialized in 2003."

On a different front, Kodak Polychrome Graphics recently made a move into thermal platesetter sales through an agreement with ECRM Imaging Systems. KPG's United States and Canada region operations will be a primary sales and marketing channel for ECRM's line of DesertCat four- and eight-page, thermal CTP systems.