The move consolidates its position as a supplier of proof4press approved products.  Earlier this year it became the first proof4press accredited independent proofing RIP supplier with ColorTuner driving Canon's W2200 printer.

"This is a big one because it's Epson," said director Tim Stockley.

The Epson printers approved with ColorTuner are the Stylus Pro 7600 and 9600. Epson printers dominate the ink-jet proofing market, giving the firm a large potential market until other independent RIP suppliers such as EFI and GMG gain proof4press status.

Stockley said that the firm's approach was to target publishers due to the lower price of the Epson- and Canon-based systems.

"Other accredited devices cost a five-figure sum and this [ColorTuner and an Epson] is a four figure sum using a standard device to match the Digital Cromalin," he said.

The next step for the firm is to get ColorTuner accredited with Epson's desktop 2pp machines the Stylus Pro 4000 and the new Stylus Pro 4800. These machines are small and cheap enough to be used by publishers in house.

Stockley said the firm was hoping to present these for approval in September.

Story by Barney Cox