Transcontinental Launches Virtual Press Side Proofing Technology for Publishers

CHICAGO—May 8, 2007—Transcontinental, Canada’s largest printer and sixth-largest in North America, today launched Virtual Edge, a virtual press side proofing technology developed for use by both small and large-sized publishers. The introduction of Virtual Edge will give customers greater control over their print projects while improving proofing accuracy, lowering costs and saving valuable production time.

Virtual Edge allows catalogers and magazine publishers to approve color proofs remotely without ever leaving their offices. Using a combination of highly calibrated monitors and specialized software, publishers can view and manage intricate color proofs online while being confident final output will mirror exactly what they approve.

“The release of Virtual Edge demonstrates our continued commitment to developing tools and technologies that give our customers increased efficiency, flexibility and a solid competitive edge,” said Brian Reid, Senior Vice President of Transcontinental’s Catalog/Magazine Group.

With the launch of Virtual Edge, Transcontinental has enabled a greater level of collaboration among the various production levels; now subjectivity is reduced and consistency is improved between agency, publisher and printer. With implementation of a monitor proofing system such as Virtual Edge, pressroom staff are linked to their publisher’s premedia environment; creating a unity in file traffic and applications. Additionally, the Virtual Edge solution can be linked with Transcontinental’s the Digital Workshop software suite that allows customers the opportunity to view and collaborate on creative concepts and photography in a controlled, color-managed environment, among other features.

First developed and installed at the request of Time Inc., Virtual Edge is now available to all sized publishers. By replacing conventional proofs with virtual ones, users can experience a seamless, end-to-end digital workflow with a number of additional benefits: Users experience improved color accuracy, since all proofs can be viewed under the same profile; lower costs, since the materials and transportation costs for hard proofs are eliminated; quick delivery time, since digital proofs can be sent anywhere in minutes; and accountability, since the Virtual Edge solution has a reliable method of recording and tracking comments, instructions, approvals, etc.

“Now publishers – regardless of their size – can bring their print projects into the digital age. With Virtual Edge production schedules can progress more smoothly and there isn’t a frenzied rush to get proofs physically delivered to the printer. What’s more, a level of color accuracy can be easily achieved that makes it hard to believe that the publisher and printer weren’t in the same room during the production process,” said Brian Reid.

About Transcontinental
The largest printer in Canada and sixth-largest in North America, Transcontinental also ranks as the country’s leading publisher of consumer magazines and French-language educational resources, and its second-largest community newspaper publisher. Transcontinental distinguishes itself by creating strategic partnerships that integrate the company into its customers’ value chain, notably through its unique newspaper printing outsourcing model and its value-added services. From mass to highly personalized marketing, the company offers its clients integrated solutions, which include a continent-leading direct marketing offering, a diverse digital platform and a door-to-door advertising material distribution network. Transcontinental is a company whose values, including respect, innovation and integrity, are central to its operation.

Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.A, TCL.B) has more than 14,500 employees in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and reported revenues of C$2.3 billion in 2006.