Kodak Introduces NexPress VII Front End with System 15.1 Software to Expand Processing Power

ROCHESTER, NY—July 9, 2014—Kodak has introduced the Kodak NexPress VII Front End with System 15.1 Software. Built on open standards to offer a highly scalable and configurable architecture, Kodak NexPress Digital Front Ends allow an operation to expand in processing power as production needs in image and data intensity grow in parallel.

The announcement is paired with the introduction of the Long Sheet Delivery Unit, a new accessory that, when used with a Kodak NexPress Digital Production Color Press, empowers printers with the flexibility of delivering larger sheet sizes to support a wider variety of applications. The technologies continue to expand the Kodak NexPress Platform-enabled applications that empower commercial print providers to continually differentiate themselves with growing and innovative print solutions.

“The NexPress Platform is truly next-generation technology, given the gains in quality, productivity and flexibility it affords print service providers,” said Doug Edwards, president, Digital Printing and Enterprise, Eastman Kodak. “These enhancements to the NexPress offerings will only accelerate that impact.”

Len Christopher, NexPress business manager, Digital Printing and Enterprise, Eastman Kodak, also added: “The latest DFE VII version provides a rich set of tools that sets print service providers up to take advantage of new print applications, positioning them for growth in a market that’s constantly evolving and broadening. This new DFE features System 15.1 Software, offering three new print modes—two targeted towards repeatable, high-volume applications like direct mail and transactional and a third targeted at the growing photographic market, a lucrative digital market for print service providers.”

Kodak NexPress VII Front End
The Kodak NexPress VII Front End drives all the presses within the Kodak NexPress Digital Production Color Platform and is the first digital press front end in the industry to have achieved ADOBE PDF Print Engine 3.2 Certification. Beyond offering robust job management, imposition, color management, screening, raster image processing, engine/accessory control and maintenance services, the DFE VII Front End comes in two configurations to serve printers with different needs:

• Ultra Performance: the Ultra Performance configuration is ideal for new capabilities like SmartRGB as well as photo-rich and high variable data content applications like direct mail and transactional printing. The configuration provides maximum quality and productivity, featuring 64GB RAM so the press is never waiting for files, reducing JPEG compression errors while still keeping fine details.
• High Performance: the standard mode features 32GB RAM, suited to support standard commercial digital print applications.

System 15.1 Software

• Economy Mode: unique halftone screen designed to use significantly less ink and also increase ORC lives when used exclusively, making it ideal for high volume direct mail and transactional applications.
• Ink Optimization: provides greater color stability and color consistency between press runs for repeatable jobs over time or from press to press. Operations save CMY (Cyan Magenta Yellow) inks by substituting black ink where possible.
• SmartRGB: significantly improves skin tones by removing grain, keeping details necessary for photo-rich applications.

Long Sheet Delivery Unit

• Increased productivity: deliver sheets up to 14x36", enabling a more diverse set of print applications.
• More flexibility: by supporting a wider range of sheet sizes and weights, the long sheet delivery unit can open new revenue streams for printers looking to embrace more diverse offerings such as six- or eight-page letter brochures, panoramic posters or dust jackets for large books.

When the original Kodak NexPress 2100 Digital Color Production Press was announced in 2001, there was an emphasis on designing the new press with the backbone of an offset press. Both then and now, tight registration and a support philosophy around the press operator maintaining press quality and consistency have been heralded as advanced for the industry. When Kodak introduced the updated 2100 Plus in 2005, the design allowed for frequent and significant upgrades to the press as new features, functionality and improved consumables became available to the market.

Electronics, specifically Digital Front Ends (DFEs), has traditionally been an area where digital presses have not had the same benefits as an offset press design. While an older offset press can sustain production for decades, digital devices have often become obsolete as advances in electronics are incorporated in new designs and offerings from manufacturers. With NexPress Presses, Kodak has made a concerted effort to change that approach with the continuous improvement and availability of robust, proprietary front end electronics for the press. To support that endeavor, Kodak is introducing the Kodak NexPress VII Front End High Performance and Ultra Performance configurations, the newest DFEs for the Kodak NexPress Platform.

About Kodak
Kodak is a technology company focused on imaging for business. We provide innovative hardware, software, consumables and services to customers in graphic communications, packaging and functional printing. We also serve entertainment and commercial films markets. With our world-class R&D organization and extensive product portfolio, Kodak is helping customers around the globe to grow their own businesses in a sustainable way.

Source: Kodak.