Plotting Along

"Imagesetters will be around for a while yet," concurs Hole. "CTP is, for some, a nervous step forward and for others, convinced of the future, a step they take while keeping an imagesetter for back-up."

Hole cites data workflow and management as critical factors that can delay leaving the imagesetter behind, but he remains optimistic. "Many see the purchase of an imagesetter in 1999 or 2000 as their last film device, which they will pay off and then go for CTP," he remarks.