What is the difference between a hardware RIP and a software RIP?
They are both basically the same thing. A hardware RIP means that RIP software has been pre-loaded onto a computer that is only equipped to be a data processor. This type of RIP usually does not include a monitor and provides status information via a small LCD screen on the front of the unit. Hardware RIPs can be difficult to upgrade in that they normally do not have a CD or floppy disk drive. On the other hand, a software RIP provides greater flexibility. It can be loaded on any computer that meets manufacturer specifications. Status information can easily be viewed on a standard monitor, and upgrades can be loaded smoothly through normal data input devices such as a CD drive.
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What is a RIP?
RIP stands for Raster Image Processor and is software that translates image file information into data that an output device like an inkjet printer can understand. RIPs not only tell the printer where to put a drop of ink, but which colour to use, what size drop and how many drops per position.
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Why did ILFORD choose a PC platform to run the STUDIO software?
STUDIO was designed by one of the top RIP designers in the world and uses a Jaws interpreter as its RIP engine. In fact, of the top three RIPs used world wide, all were designed primarily for the PC platform. Years of “real-world” experience have shown that a RIP on a PC platform is a fast and stable production tool. While a MAC can perform many tasks quickly, until OS X, MAC did not have multitasking capabilities. A PC’s multitasking capability allows for optimum workflow leading to greater productivity.
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Can the RIP PC be used as a Workstation as well as a Print Server?
The flexibility of the PC platform allows the choice between using the computer as a Print Server ONLY or both a Print Server AND Workstation. When configured properly, a PC can run and use Photoshop with the same interface as a MAC while maintaining optimum productivity offered through the use of a RIP.
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What is a “screen” and how is it used by STUDIO?
How ink is placed on a print is called the “screen” and is derived from the printing industry’s use of halftone “screens” to produce printing plates. The “screen” will affect the quality of the final image. The proprietary screen used by STUDIO provides outstanding image quality, open shadows and no discernible pattern.
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Why use a RIP instead of the print driver supplied with the printer?
The use of a RIP is mainly for productivity. If an image file is printed through a print driver, the computer will be fully occupied during the entire printing process. The computer is basically “locked-up” until the image is completely printed. A RIP allows the image file to be processed and printed “behind-the-scenes”. This permits a user to start work on manipulating a new image file immediately.
For example a photographer is making one 16x20 print from each of three separate files which first require some digital retouching.
Assumptions:
Manipulation time 10 minutes each
RIP time 2 minutes each
Print time 12 minutes each
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How does STUDIO handle colour management?
Custom Profiles have been created using ICC compliant systems. This allows for proof-to-print imaging; what is seen on a calibrated, ICC Profiled monitor through an ICC compliant image manipulation software package is what comes off the printer using STUDIO ICC Profiled media. As is normally the case, actual colour will vary depending on lighting conditions. STUDIO media Profiles also provide optimum image quality with the least amount of ink, saving printing time and money.
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How does STUDIO colour management differ from using a printer driver?
STUDIO incorporates sophisticated RGB / CMYK conversion algorithms that are designed specifically for the bitmap file format. This method of conversion reduces information loss maintaining contrast, saturation and colour fidelity. By contrast, a printer driver is a proprietary language interpreter that communicates image information to a printer. This interpreter is made to accommodate a vast array of different file formats, e.g. jpeg, bitmap, etc.. Such files can come from input devices, such as digital cameras, scanners, etc. that employ RGB image capture to image manipulation software packages. The printer driver translates all these different formats and information compression schemes into a common RGB colour space that is then converted to CMYK for output on a printer.
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Can STUDIO do “nesting”?
Yes. “Nesting” allows for the placement of multiple images across the full wide of a given material. By calculating the image area of each file, the STUDIO RIP can “nest” your images to provide optimum media usage and easier post production finishing.
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Does the STUDIO System allow unattended printing?
By using a roll of ILFORD GALERIE OR PROFESSIONAL media and the printer’s automatic cutting feature or optional roll take-up, prints can be run over night and be ready the next morning.
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