Three groups have adopted it while others are very interested.

Its Hewlett-Packard wide-format proofing systems are increasingly being adopted to replace DuPonts Digital Cromalin MX6s.

Mirror Group Newspapers is the latest firm to adopt it for internal proofing and for its external approved suppliers including Keene Group and Rapida.

This follows the adoption of the Colorbus system by the Financial Times for all its print sites and its roster of approved repro suppliers in London (PrintWeek, 18 January).

The Guardian has also adopted it as a standard and is about to begin using it, the Telegraph is engaged in tests and News International is interested.

Repro suppliers have given a cautious welcome to the adoption of the Colorbus system, which is quicker and cheaper than the current Digital Cromalin.

"That two publishers have bitten the bullet and gone for it is commendable, its great as far as Im concerned," said Marcus Kirby, TFG systems director and chairman of the Advertising Pre-Press Association (APPA). "Im excited and interested in wide-format as a generic solution for national press and magazine proofing. I believe it will become the de facto standard soon. Its coming of age and providing the attributes we need. As for any particular solution, Id refrain from giving a call, Im not sure any one assures all requirements."

Colorbus launched its newspaper proofing system last year at Newstec (PrintWeek, 20 April 2001).

As well as Keene and Rapida other repro houses with the system include Adplates, Tapestry MM, Production Response, Admagic and Seven.

Story by Barney Cox