A leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), today announced that Version 2.0 of the IC-304 Print Controller for the bizhub PRO™ C6500 color production print system will be previewed at the 2008 ON DEMAND Conference and Exposition. This optional print controller, based on CREO Color Server technology, will offer Konica Minolta customers complete support for the newly announced perfect binding finisher for the bizhub PRO C6500, as well as high-quality image and color control, advanced remote tools, VDP support and ease-of-use. Version 2.0 of the IC-304 Print Controller will support both entry-level and production versions of the award-winning bizhub PRO C6500 system.

    Version 2.0 of the IC-304 Print Controller will provide support for the Konica Minolta PB-501 inline perfect binding finisher.  Being tightly integrated with the bizhub PRO C6500 system, this print controller, makes perfect binding a simple, continuous operation from automated imposition to printing the spines and binding the finished product. This will give Konica Minolta customers the unique opportunity to offer their clients perfect binding as a high-quality, high-value option.

    The IC-304 Print Controller now provides the ability to more accurately reproduce specific RGB, gray and CMYK combinations of text with better color fidelity and consistency. Print service providers can protect their customers’ logos or special colors and achieve better color fidelity within and between jobs.

    Kevin P. Kern, vice president, marketing and product planning, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. said: “The integration of the IC-304 Controller with the recently announced perfect binder for the bizhub PRO C6500 will give Konica Minolta customers the ability to add short run book binding to their business”. “Selecting this latest version of the IC-304 Print Controller will give Konica Minolta customers the powerful color quality that CREO technology is renowned for and the ability to expand their business with a single decision.”