RIP stands for Raster Image Processor. RIPs are typically third-party solutions used in conjunction with printers and large-format printers. The purpose of a RIP is to increase productivity in terms of control, scheduling, and speed by removing time and memory-intensive image printing tasks from a PC or workstation to a dedicated processor. A RIP contains a file interpreter that interprets file formats from EPS, PS, or TIFF to RTL or CMYK. Images printed with RIPs are often very large in file size and may take hours to print. A RIP can be either software-based or hardware-based. A hardware-based RIP consists of a dedicated workstation or PC.
HP Designjet Printers - Raster Image Processor (RIP)
Description
Using RIPs
The following sections explain when to use RIPs and how to use RIPs.
When to use RIPs
A RIP should be used to increase productivity in terms of control, scheduling, and speed when printing large, memory-intensive graphic or CAD files to large format printers. Some functional uses of RIPs are:
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Color management (color correction, color emulation, color calibration, and so forth, used with additional equipment such as colorimeters and densitometers)
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Font management
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Histogram management
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File and print management (queuing, nesting, tiling, multiple copies, rotation, mirroring, print length, and scaling)
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Prepress and Proof
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Zoom, Preview, Crop, and Resize
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Contrast, Brightness, and Saturation
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Halftoning
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Choose render algorithm (dither and error diffusion)
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Network printer capability
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Multi-peripheral capabilities (several large-format printers/devices)
Some practical users of RIPs are service bureaus; advertising agencies; business copy centers; sign, poster and banner print shops; and, engineering bureaus (for renders).
How to use RIPs
RIPs can be configured in a standalone or networked configuration using the Windows or Macintosh platforms. RIPs work with TIFF and PostScript (TM) files and produce an RTL output. Some RIPs use Varware.
Third party RIPs
The third-party applications listed below do not represent a complete listing of available products. Please contact the vendor(s) for current information on their RIP packages. The applications listed below include either a software-based RIP or hardware-based RIP. Many of the applications provide special print modes, color correction, calibration, and functionality such as nesting and queuing of images.
When considering the use of a Third-Party RIP, it is important to get answers to the following questions before making a purchase:
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What connectivity is supported or recommended (for example, 10base-T, BNC, Parallel, Serial, and so forth). Also, find out what components of this connectivity are included with the product, and which ones users will be required to supply.
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Minimum System requirements: Make sure the system meets the manufacturer’s recommended system requirements. This usually includes hard disk space, operating system type and revision, and RAM.
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Make sure the RIP is compatible with the application programs and file types being used.
note:
Technical information in this document is subject to change without notice. HP is not responsible for the accuracy of information relating to non-HP products. This is not a complete listing of available products. This listing of non-HP products does not constitute an endorsement by Hewlett-Packard Company. HP disclaims all warranties, written and oral, expressed or implied, with respect to products developed by independent vendors, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use.
List of third-party RIPs
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Company
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Application
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Platform
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Web Address
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ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions
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ColorGATE
ColorGATE Pro
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Windows
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Electronics For Imaging
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Fiery Color server
Fiery XJ-W
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Macintosh
Windows
UNIX
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Handmade Software
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Image Alchemy
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Macintosh
Windows
UNIX
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Image Technologies
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Wisp-PS
Wisp- HotSpur
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Windows
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Onyx Graphics
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PosterShop PS
PosterShop Pro
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Windows
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Wasatch
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PosterMaker
PosterMaker 2.11
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Macintosh
Windows
UNIX
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List of certified third-party RIPs for HP Latex printers
HP is continually working to ensure the compatibility and close integration of third-party solutions with our HP Latex printers. For the Latex Printers, a certification program includes RIP and workflow products from many leading companies with whom HP has alliances.
HP has defined a comprehensive set of compatibility criteria, aligned to your essential performance expectations and the unique capabilities of these HP Latex printers. Only third-party companies that have demonstrated conformance with these criteria are awarded HP Latex certified status.
The following independent RIP manufactures are currently participating in the certification program.
note:One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard website. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP website.
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