Introductory Offer For Virtual Dot Softproofing

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Sep 1, 2005

Firstproof, the virtual-dot soft-proofing software from Hamillroad Software is being distributed in the UK and Ireland by Positive Focus.

Firstproof, the virtual-dot softproofing software from Hamillroad Software is being distributed in the UK and Ireland by Positive Focus.

Firstproof, available for both Mac and PC platforms, is said to integrate with some of the industry's most powerful RIPs for TIFF and Harlequin based workflows to produce a virtual dot for dot proof of the actual data, so what users see is what they will get.

According to Positive Focus, softproofing is rapidly becoming a 'must have' workflow component.

Firstproof is designed to integrate with modern production systems.

With the variety of tools available, the Firstproof user on any networked workstation can hold, check and approve the output prior to committing to plate or film.

There is no longer a need to tie up the RIP to 'roam' the image.

It is easy to check black trapping, screen angles and frequencies, maximum and minimum ink limits and densities.

Separations can be printed to a local printer, a new feature introduced in v3.0, if hard copy is required, said Positive Focus.

Andrew Kinnear, the pre-press manager of York City Printers, said: "We have installed Firstproof on every workstation in our studio, Macs and PCs.

The licenses paid for themselves in a matter of weeks in saved materials and time.

Anyone with a pre-press background will love this software, it is also an excellent pre-flight tool.

I cannot think of a more cost effective, simple and reliable way to improve pre-press efficiency." Firstproof Standard, at £375 on CD, including delivery, provides commonly used features, whilst the Professional version at £750 has more comprehensive measuring facilities and tools included, along with the ability to print to a local printer.

As an introductory offer, Positive Focus said that it is giving a 20 per cent discount on multiple copies, including mixes of Standard and Professional versions, purchased before the end of the year.