AC&C HSH offers 1-bit TIFF RIP option with PuzzleFlow solution

2005-03-03

AC&C HSH Group has introduced contone and 1-bit TIFF RIP as a module of PuzzleFlow solution. The RIP is the OEM version of the well known Eagle RIP 3.0 V8 from Founder Electronics. The RIP interprets both PostScript level 3 and PDF 1.5 files.

The module gives users of older, PostScript level 2 imagesetters, a chance to seamlessly use and benefit from the latest PDF processing features of PuzzleFlow without tedious conversion from PDF to PostScript 2. The rip module is fully integrated with PuzzleFlow system so all processing information and the rip setup is carried out through the PuzzleFlow infrastructure. The image data can be saved as 1-bit TIFF utilizing CCITT G3/G4 compression, contonte TIFF or JPEG files, and also as PostScript level 2, EPS or DCS data for direct upload into the older systems. The module comes with an extensive calibration setup including device, paper and document calibration curves. All the colorant and separation control data created with RunList Editor, a tool accompanying PuzzleFlow, is also recognized by the rip module. The rip module can also be used as an image preview engine in the ink coverage (CIP3) and preview generation PuzzleFlow modules.

The RIP module comes with ImageProofer, a new utility to display and check 1-bit image data on the screen. The utility can automatically recognize and recombine 1-bit separations including custom spot colors (both normal and opaque inks). The recombined image can be viewed as an overall resampled preview or a detailed pixel resolution preview. Additional options include densitometer and unique screening (ruling and angle) readout. The overall preview image can be saved as a TIFF or JPEG image. The ImageProofer can also display other formats such as contone TIFF and JPEG files and image EPS and DCS files. ImageProofer is planned to be offered as a separate utility.

The RIP module has been initially sold to 20 customers in Poland, Switzerland, Germany and UK.

One of the first installations was conducted at Astra Studio – one of the best Polish prepress houses equipped with AGFA Avantra 30, 44 CTF - systems and Heidelberg CTP Topsetter 74.

Astra studio has decided to upgrade the PuzzleFlow workflow with the RIP module after a few weeks of tests at Grafix press house belonging to the same group.

PuzzleFlow with a 1bitTIFF output is connected via meta shouter to Topsetter. The modern RIP interpreter, the speed and a very good stochastic raster included with the standard version was a very positive surprise and now we don’t have to upgrade our old Apogee3 systems and buy extra RIP to drive Topsetter 74 CTP”- said Piotr Hinz – production manager of Astra Studio.

About PuzzleFlow:

PuzzleFlow™ is a modular workflow system for automated PDF processing, designed for most everyday prepress tasks. Unlike other existing workflow solutions, PuzzleFlow� is not just another queue management system to build a workflow out of third party applications. Instead, it provides a variety of powerful engines for native processing of both PDF and Job Ticket files. All modules are fully integrated with no need for intermediate files and hot or drop folders to process complex sequences of tasks.

About AC&C HSH Group:

AC&C HSH Group is a privately held software developer based in Krakow, Poland. The company has more than 10 years of experience in developing prepress solutions. AC&C HSH Group was a pioneer in the development of PDF prepress tools introducing the first PDF native imposition software in 1998. AC&C HSH Group is a developer of PDF tools and PuzzleFlow, the innovative, automated PDF workflow utilizing its own PDF core libraries. The group has already sold over 500 licenses of its PDF Tools and PuzzleFlow PDF automated workflow solutions, 70 per cent has been delivered outside Poland through OEMs and the distribution network.

For more information visit http://www.acchsh.com