Aurelon's nColor Engine is software technology that controls color values between multiple devices and device types by automatically converting the output to match a desired color target.

The first products based on the core nColor Engine technology include DeskCheck Calibrator (an application that allows users to build fingerprints that link printing presses with in-house and remote proofing devices), ScreenCheck (a soft proofing tool to preflight jobs and detect file output problems), DeskCheck RIP (a PostScript RIP which allows users to create press-accurate proofs), DeskCheck Studio Edition (which enables press-accurate proofs from an entry-level desktop inkjet device and a Macintosh), DeskCheck Large Format Edition (designed for the Mac or NT environment with large-format device), DeskCheck Production Server (designed for NT environment of multiple devices) and DeskCheck System (a complete color proofing system including DeskCheck, DeskCheck Calibrator and ScreenCheck).

The company also said that X-Rite Inc., a supplier of color measurement tools, has announced support for Aurelon's technology.

Aurelon, of Laguna Niguel, Calif., is on the Web at http://www.aurelon.com/, while X-Rite, of Grandville, Mich., is on the Web at http://www.x- rite.com/.

Correspondent Steven E. Brier looks carefully at the new products that are based on or around Adobe InDesign, as well as taking some time to review the new offerings of Quark Inc.

Also in the March issue, Senior Correspondent L. Carol Christopher gives an update on the progress of the News Information Text Format -- the proposed standard for wire service transmission of words -- while contributor James Marchant looks at how help desks can really help end-users. Wrapping up the issue, Brier seeks to answer the question of why the adoption of computer-to-plate is so slow in North America.

THE COLE PAPERS is published by The Cole Group, providers of this newswire as well as other information products about newspapers and technology, including NEWSINC. and COLE'S NOTES. The Daly City, Calif.-based company is on the Web at http://colegroup.com/.

The version 3.0 of DynaStrip offers a simpler interface while retaining flexibility. It can accept composite or separated PostScript files from any application or platform and adapts to mainstream workflows. The software is available immediately, starting at $3600.

DynaStrip creates imposition layouts according to scale, with a design area that simulates the traditional stripping light table. Macintosh users will also appreciate the similarities with desktop publishing software (tool palettes, use of the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, object- positioning menu, image import and sheet layers).

The company also said that it had received financing totalling $1 million in 1999.

he Quebec-based company is on the Web at http://www.dynagram.com/.

The Helios ColorSync XTension outperforms Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop or PageMaker or Quark XPress 4 in features, performance and documentation. The XTension fully supports ColorSync/ICC color management and includes: ICC tagged TIFF images, TIFF RGB, Lab, CMYK, separated printing support, composite printing support, proofing support, a ColorSync/ICC intro manual, Euro, SWOP and newsprint print profiles as well as scanner profiles.

The company has also announced its "PDF Internet Printing," a new feature of its PDF Handshake 2.0, scheduled to be available before the summer.

PDF Printing supports the remote delivery and printing of PDF documents over the Internet. Helios PDF Internet Printing requires no special file transfer or workflow solutions, allowing simple transfers and printing over the Internet in just four steps using any web browser.

The software can be tested on the web by pointing a browser to http://iprint.helios.de/cgi-bin/pdfweb.cgi; the user is webuser and the password is demo.

Lastly, the company also announced PDF Handshake 2.0, which provides a pre-press workflow solution for Adobe Portable Document Format files -- from layout to output -- including ColorSync/ICC-based integrated color management and flexible output options including Internet printing.

PDF Handshake 2.0 adds support for Adobe's PDF specification v.1.3 and Acrobat 4.

Helios is based in Garbsen, Germany, and is on the Web at http://www.helios.com/. Its United States distributor is European Mikrograf Corp. of Scotts Valley, Calif., which is on the Web at http://www.ugraf.com/.

Optimized for faster throughput and increased productivity, the Windows NT-based RIP offers a variety of new features, including enhanced screening controls, an improved TurboViewer preview application, and support for both Adobe Acrobat 4.0 and PDF 1.3 files. The In-RIP Trapping option, along with TurboRIP's new features, reduces pre-press set-up times, streamlines workflow, and speeds production throughput.

IPTech is on the Web at http://www.iptech.com/.

Vio customers can access a database developed by Quickcut that provides advertisers with a way to deliver spec-compliant ads to publishers, newspapers and printers with a higher level of accountability and control. Used together or separately, the Quickcut components are designed to work with any platform or software.

The at United Kingdom-based Vio is on the Web at http://www.vio-dgn.com/, while Quickcut is on the Web at http://www.quickcut.com/.

The combined Tribune Co. will have 11 daily newspapers, 22 television stations and four radio stations, as well as roles in two key newspaper news services, Knight Ridder/Tribune and the Washington Post/Los Angeles Times News Service. The newspapers to come under Tribune's ownership include the LOS ANGELES TIMES, THE SUN of Baltimore, NEWSDAY on Long Island, N.Y., and the HARTFORD COURANT in Connecticut.

Tribune said its combined interactive properties would have $55 million in projected revenues in 2000, as well as creating a newsgathering organization that will draw content from some of the best papers in the country. It also will have television and newspaper holdings in three markets -- Hartford, Los Angeles and New York. It will be the largest multimedia company in four of the nation's five states -- California, Florida, Illinois and New York.

Tribune is on the Web at http://www.tribune.com/. Times Mirror is at http://www.tm.com/.

The company said that the MyCalendar software will allow its local media affiliates to compete against national portals by offering calendering services.

Waveshift is also the developer of the YourTown.net community publishing system. Central Newspapers, McClatchy, Scripps and several independent media properties are currently using YourTown to fill their community-publishing needs. Waveshift also has YourTown marketing agreements with InfiNet.

Waveshift has received investments from Central Newspapers Inc. and The McClatchy Co.

Waveshift is on the Web at http://www.waveshift.com/, while MyCalendar.com is at http://www.mycalendar.com/.

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