Two new high-definition plates, one violet and one thermal, will be rolled out in early 2006 as part of Fuji's Brillia range.

The Brillia LP-NV2 and LH-PJE are designed to make the high line screens that are available in the latest generation of workflows particularly with FM and hybrid screening easier to transfer to plate production.

Speaking at the launch, Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK director Keith Dalton said the quality possible with the new plates would allow users to "establish themselves as a better proposition for agencies and print buyers".

Both plates are based on a new high-definition emulsion that allows line screens up to 300lpi, which is also behind the recent Brillia Pro-T processless plate. The plates are capable of run lengths up to 200,000 unbaked.

Dalton said the decision to continue to invest in thermal technology as well as violet was a response to current market conditions.

"Rather than sitting back and concentrating on new, sexy [technologies] that may be important in 20 years' time, we are looking after what the market does today," he said.

Fuji supported the launch of the plates with the two new processors: the FLP-126MKII (pictured) production and the FLH-Z for thermal plates.

Both processors are optimised for the new plates and aim to reduce water and chemistry usage with a microprocessor system that changes the replenishment rate depending on the size of the plate.

Fuji's new Brillia plates
- Violet: LP-NV2

- Thermal: LH-PJE

- Run length: up to 100,000 UV, 200,000 unbaked or 1,000,000 baked

- Greater FM screen tolerance and wider development latitude

- MultiGrain technology to reduce ink and fount usage

- Low developer replenishment

- 1-99% at 200lpi conventional and 300lpi hybrid and FM screening

- Available March 2006