Xitron's Drupa 2004 RIPS And Workflows Launch

Xitron, the developer and integrator of RIPs is to launch the latest versions of its popular Navigator Harlequin RIP, Xiflow workflow, and Xenith Extreme Adobe RIP at Drupa 2004.

Xitron, the developer and integrator of RIPs is to launch the latest versions of its popular Navigator Harlequin RIP, Xiflow workflow, and Xenith Extreme Adobe RIP at Drupa 2004.

In addition to a range of important production features, the new products all include JDF functionality, which, Xitron believes, makes it one of the first companies to deliver JDF-enabled RIPs to the graphic arts industry.

The company said visitors to the show would be able to see a variety of production benefits including the handling of imposition templates from JDF-enabled imposition software.

In another claimed first Dynagram's Dynastrip imposition system has been integrated into Xiflow and Xenith Extreme via JDF providing the benefits of workflow and imposition automation to users in high-end production environments and for entry-level two to four-page printers.

Key enhancements of the new Xitron Navigator RIP 6.4 include: Try-before-you-buy, JDF support and pre-flight checker.

The Pre-flight Checker allows an operator to verify that PDFs being sent to the RIP are certified.

JDF support will allow handling of JDF compatible files from other applications and devices through the RIP.

Try-before-you-buy will allow customers to test features such as trapping for a limited time before purchasing the option.

A workflow for Navigator and other Harlequin-based RIPs, Xiflow 2.0 also makes its international debut at Drupa.

Incorporating select technology components from Global Graphics Software to create a custom workflow product, Xiflow runs as a server and controls the flow of jobs towards up to three RIPs simultaneously.

Using a graphical Workflow Editor, operators define specific workflow needed to complete a specific job including basic job management, preflighting, imposition and output for both proofing and film or plate.

Client software for both PC and Macs allows prepress operators to direct jobs through a workflow without leaving their workstations.

Xiflow 2.0 features optional modules for JDF support, PDF creation and conversion and preflighting.

"The synergy between Xitron and Global Graphics is high.

Our respective engineering staff work closely to ensure that the product we ultimately deliver to the user will meet the demands our customers today and into the future.

The end result is a product that will benefit our customers, taking them to a new level of productivity and automation," commented Bill Owens, product manager for Navigator RIP at Xitron.

In addition, Xitron will show the new version of Xenith Extreme, version 6.0, with tools including PDF Creation, Certified PDF, Built-in Pre-Flight, In-RIP Trapping, NORM and ROOM Proofing, Post-Rip Imposition, Archiving and unlimited Mac and PC clients.

New to this version is full JDF support, a re-designed client interface, native OS X support and JDF-based imposition.

New proofing capabilities will allow users to control ink density and ink-curves as well as LAB colour look-up of spot colours.

Xitron's JDF strategy is currently being developed within the Xenith Extreme range of workflow products.

The JDF technology will be used in many areas of Xitron's products to be announced at Drupa.

New products will be compatible with current Xitron systems, therefore protecting the investment of the company's customers.

"It is a very exciting time to be in workflow development," said Jeffrey Nelson, Xenith workflow product manager.

"JDF technology is creating new paths and connections for communicating between processes in print production.

I am sure we have not begun to realise where it can take us." He continued: "We are starting with a very powerful link to the Dynagram's Dynastrip Imposition software.

Here, customers will be able to utilize JDF templates that are both page and colour independent." The Xitron stand at Drupa 2004 is A1 in hall 7.

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