Color Printer is offered with IC-301 image controller.

Press Release Summary:



Color production printing system, bizhub PRO C500, is available with IC-301 Image Controller, which, based on Creo's Digital Print Technology, offers document printing capabilities, workflow and color management tools, and variable data support. Powered by 3.2 GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with Hyperthreading technology, workflow solution features 512 MB DDR system memory, 768 MB image memory, 80 GB hard drive and user disk space, and dual 80 GB HDDs for Ready-to-Print job storage.



Original Press Release:



Konica Minolta and Creo Introduce the IC-301 Image Controller for the bizhub PRO C500



Based on Creo's Digital Print Technology, the IC-301 Offers bizhub PRO C500 Users a Robust Workflow Solution and Advanced Graphics Features

RAMSEY, N.J. and VANCOUVER, B.C., Oct. 4 /-- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) and Creo Inc. (Creo) today announced the IC-301 Image Controller to drive the bizhub PRO C500 color production printing system. The IC-301 was co-developed by the two companies and leverages Creo's powerful digital print technology, resulting in a workflow solution that features lightning-fast RIP speeds and maximum flexibility.

Based on proprietary Creo technology, the IC-301 offers extensive document printing capabilities, sophisticated workflow and color management tools, variable data support, and a connection to Creo's powerful graphic arts solution. With the launch of the IC-301, Konica Minolta now offers users the option of four image controllers for the bizhub PRO C500, an embedded controller (IP-921) and a choice of three external controllers.

"The bizhub PRO C500 is a high-end, versatile device for companies that generate a large volume of color documents. However, the complexity and variety of these documents greatly differ amongst users. We are introducing the IC-301 to help our customers best match the functionality of their image controller with their printing needs," said Kevin Kern, vice president, product development and support, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc. "Partnering with Creo to develop this image controller further diversifies our offering and continues our commitment to join with leading technology companies in the development of top-of-the-line, customer-centric imaging solutions."

"Creo is pleased to bring our innovative technology to the IC-301 Image Controller," said Ronen Cohen, corporate vice president, Print-on-Demand, Creo. "This technology will provide Konica Minolta users with an efficient and flexible solution. We're also pleased to bring Creo technology to a new market through Konica Minolta."

A comprehensive workflow solution, the IC-301 offers job ticketing and other powerful management tools that help users monitor, track and control print jobs. Utilizing Creo's advanced fusion imaging hardware technology for extra-fast RIP speeds, the IC-301 maximizes efficiency, flexibility and speed throughout the entire workflow process. The IC-301 also includes a professional imposition tool, automating tools for retaining print defaults for individual jobs, and flexible paper handling and finishing capabilities. In addition, the intuitive graphical interface and workspace offer drag-and- drop and right-click functionality, making operation simple for users of all levels.

By eliminating many of the time-consuming, manual processes that slow job completion and delivery, the IC-301 helps streamline document printing workflow for complex jobs such as printing covers, tabs, inserts, interleaves and slip-sheets. In addition, a selection of pre-defined virtual printers and hot folders helps channel the job flow according to user preference, while retaining pre-defined job settings for fast turnaround.

Advanced Capabilities for Graphic Arts and Variable Data Printing

Graphic arts environments will benefit from the Creo Graphic Arts Port (GAP), which can process pre-separated files created for offset printing and output them digitally on the bizhub PRO C500. The IC-301 supports a unique and seamless connection with the Creo Brisque(R) prepress workflow system for offset printing. Specially designed for the commercial and quick print markets, the IC-301 allows users to define job parameters for a digital job on the Brisque system. The IC-301 also supports connectivity with the Creo Prinergy(R) workflow management system.

The IC-301 helps any user develop and distribute high-quality, high-impact documents by providing easy-to-use features for high-quality color and variable data printing. "Out-of-the-box" color settings allow users to make last-minute, on-the-fly color corrections such as gradation, brightness, contrast and calibration without needing to re-RIP the entire file, regardless of the desktop application in which it was created. Additional professional image quality utilities include Creo FAF Trapping and Creo anti-aliasing.

For personalized printing, the IC-301 leverages the Creo comprehensive variable information (VI) solution, which processes complex variable data documents at the same speed as a static print job and offers on-the-fly previews and color correction. In addition, because the IC-301 supports popular authoring tools and all leading industry print formats, users can easily create and output full-color, personalized documents, including postcards, coupons, direct mailers, variable data statements, marketing collateral or any other customized job.

Highlighted IC-301 Image Controller Features:
o 3.2 GHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 Processor with Hyperthreading
o 512 MB DDR system memory and 768 MB image memory, for a total of 1.28 GB total system memory
o 80 GB hard drive system and user disk space
o 160 GB (2 80 GB Hard Drives) for Ready-to-Print (RTP) job storage
o Support for AppleTalk(R), Net BEUI, TCP/IP and IPX/SPX protocols
o Support for the following page description languages and formats:
Adobe(R) PostScript(R) Level 3, Native PDF, EPS, TIFF, TIFF/IT and JPEG

Availability

The IC-301 Image Controller for the bizhub PRO C500 is available through Konica Minolta's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value- added reseller channels.

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., offers a broad range of multifunctional digital imaging solutions inspired by its bizhub(TM) brand of powerful solutions that serve as the central resource for document scanning, in-house printing, copying, faxing and electronic archiving and distribution. From high-quality color and monochrome bizhub systems for workgroups and small offices, to advanced high-volume bizhub PRO(TM) production printing systems for large corporations and print-for-pay services, Konica Minolta is leading the industry toward integrated, networked hardware/software solutions that are more simple, reliable, and cost-effective. Complementing its bizhub solutions, Konica Minolta also offers desktop laser printers, microform digital imaging systems, wide-format printers and scanning systems for specialized applications.

Headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, Konica Minolta delivers expert professional services and experienced, responsive client support, in addition to the world-class service provided through its extensive network of direct sales offices, authorized dealers, resellers and distribution partners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta at http://www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us/.

About Creo

Creo Inc. is a global company with key strengths in imaging, software, and digital printing plate technology. The leading provider of prepress systems, Creo helps over 25,000 customers worldwide adopt digital production methods which reduce costs, increase print quality and allow them to serve their customers more efficiently. Based on a solid foundation of intellectual property, Creo has an unmatched range of technology solutions that address the needs of commercial, publication, on demand, packaging, and newspaper printers, and creative professionals. Creo product lines include software and hardware for computer-to-plate imaging, systems for digital photography, scanning, and proofing, as well as printing plates and proofing media. Creo also supplies on-press imaging technology, components for digital presses, color servers, and high-speed digital printers.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Creo reported fiscal 2004 revenue of US$636 million. Creo trades on the TSX (CRE). http://creopod.com/

All terms, product and company names used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, and are hereby acknowledged.

The Creo product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or service marks of Creo Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Other company and brand, product and service names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Data subject to change without notice.

Corporate Contact:
Dan Gallagher
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
+1 201-825-4000
dgallagher@kmbs.konicaminolta.us

Web site: http://creopod.com/
http://www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us/

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