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Analysis by SpencerLab Verifies Offset Class Potential of the Stream Concept Press from Kodak

Tuesday 03. June 2008 - A new technical paper from the SpencerLab Digital Color Laboratory quantifies that output produced by the Stream Concept Press from Kodak demonstrates the potential of reaching Offset Class print quality.

The report, commissioned by Kodak and available at the company’s drupa stand (D01, Hall 5) and at www.spencerlab.com, documents results from a study that compared output from the Stream Concept Press from Kodak to output from an offset press.
The SpencerLab report indicates that output from the Stream Concept Press is comparable to or approaching 175 lpi offset print quality, with images edging above 133 lpi and approaching 175 lpi quality on all three media types tested. Analysts found that while there were some areas of print quality that still need development, several areas were identified in which the Stream Concept Press from Kodak promises to surpass offset print quality. Images, tints and blends, and text and lines were noted for their impressive print quality.
“We believe the Stream Concept Press is a very successful ‘proof of concept’ device and we see the potential for a press that, upon maturity, will be able to provide competitive offset class output,” said David Spencer, President of Spencer & Associates Publishing, Ltd., which operates SpencerLab. “With its high speed full digital capability and quality comparable to or approaching offset, the Stream Concept Press has the potential of being a key player in the growth segment of inkjet printing.”
Offset printing at 133 line and 175 line screen was supervised on site at the Print Applications Laboratory at the Rochester Institute of Technology by SpencerLab personnel, as was printing on the Stream Concept Press. Print quality was analyzed comparatively by a team of experienced SpencerLab analysts—within the expected range appropriate to the intended applications—noting the areas of images, tints and blends, text and lines, and color gamut and density, all on appropriate media. Offset media equivalent to Stream developmental media—two coated (glossy and dull finish) and one uncoated (plain)—were specified for the tests.
KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology is a continuous inkjet system that enables offset class reliability, productivity, cost and quality with the full benefits of digital printing for high volume commercial applications. The Stream Concept Press from Kodak, on display at drupa, shows a system with resolution that exceeds 600 dpi and high production speeds.
KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.