Global Graphics News

The next generation of the Harlequin® RIP – the Harlequin+ Server RIP – is announced today by Global Graphics at Graph Expo (booth #5451).  It is based on a re-engineered RIP kernel to bring a new level of ground-breaking functionality and performance to a wide variety of pre-press, digital printing, newspaper and workflow applications.

In addition to its ability to process PDF and PostScript files natively, the Harlequin+ Server RIP is the first commercially available graphic arts RIP to natively process files in the new XPS print format (XML Paper Specification) available with Windows® Vista™.  This format will have ramifications for the entire print industry, initially amongst print service providers who already process Microsoft files as well as in-plants and print shops who undertake corporate printing, but ultimately across most segments of the print industry given the ubiquity of the Windows operating system.  Native processing of file formats renders files more accurately and speedily because there is no conversion to an intermediary format.

The Harlequin+ Server RIP also introduces support for PDF 1.7, the soon to be published PDF/X-4 specification as well as JDF 1.3.  There is also support for the HD Photo/JPEG XR format, a new file format for continuous tone still images that surpasses the limitations of existing image formats with superior compression capabilities and extended dynamic range.

The Harlequin+ Server RIP provides faster processing speeds than its predecessors, notably through multi-threaded rendering that helps remove RIP bottlenecks in handling raster data and takes full advantage of the new Duo and Quad core technology.  A new retained PDF raster feature speeds up variable data processing by only RIPping new content on multi-page jobs so that the same areas are not processed repeatedly.

“Each new revision of the Harlequin RIP introduces significant performance increases and enhancements,” comments Paul Collins, the product manager for RIP technologies, “but this new iteration is highly significant because the kernel processor at the heart of the RIP has been re-engineered to provide more processing power.  That’s why we’ve decided to call this version Harlequin PLUS because it really does bring more power and productivity to the print industry.

“Everyone in the print industry needs to think about the impact XPS may have on their business.  Its inherent capabilities as a format over the previous print path in Windows, such as support for transparencies and smooth gradients, improved typography and enhanced color support, could bring the high expectations of commercial print quality to the office environment but conversely set the expectation that ‘everyday’ document could be suitable for commercial printing.  But it’s also a portable electronic document format so when corporate customers upgrade their internal workflows to Windows Vista, a printer’s ability to accept XPS files, as well as PDF, will provide them with a keen competitive edge.  Global Graphics has been working with the XPS format since 2003 because Microsoft chose us to provide consulting and proof of concept development services on XPS from its early days, but, equally, our expertise in PDF and PostScript allow us to consider the future needs of the print industry from a neutral standpoint.”

The Harlequin+ Server RIP is being previewed at Graph Expo on Global Graphics’ booth (XPS Land 5451) and also on the Xitron (5225 and 5451), Screen (3801 and 5451) and Compose (4847 ) booths.

Processing power and a rich feature set for maximum efficiency
The new features bring important performance improvements and efficiencies to print operations of all sizes for CtP, proofing, DI presses, short run print, wide format printers and workflow applications   New features include:

Native XPS 1.0 processing:  The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents.  When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content that users increasingly demand.  The Harlequin+ Server RIP processes XPS files natively.

Native PDF 1.7 and PDF/X-4 support:  In addition to handling all popular file formats the new RIP provides full support for PDF 1.7.  as well as previously available support for PDF 1.6 – PDF 1.0 and complies with the final specification for PDF/X – 4 as well as the previously available support for PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-3. The Harlequin RIP has processed PDF natively for more than ten years. Native processing of file formats, rather than converting to PostScript as an intermediary format, ensures fast and accurate rendering of the file.

HD photo support: A new file format for continuous-tone still images that surpasses the limitations of existing image formats

Significant performance increases: Multithreaded rendering that helps remove RIP bottlenecks in handling raster data and teaks full advantage of the new Duo and Quad core technologies; PDF retained raster that speeds up variable data processing

PDF wrapped raster facilitates soft proofing: PDF wrapped raster allows the print service provider to quickly and easily create a completely flattened PDF file that represents exactly how a job will appear on press, enabling it to be used for soft-proofing and customer approvals.

Compatible with JDF 1.3 specification: The Harlequin+ Server RIP is JDF- ready. Version 3.0 of Global Graphics’ JDF Enabler adds JDF compatibility to Harlequin RIP based workflows and Imposition-led workflows.  In such cases printers can easily sets up a JDF-based workflow to accept JDF files from most major prepress Imposition packages and allow JDF files created from those packages to determine how the RIP processes the constituent page files. The JDF-enabled Harlequin +Server RIP will accept jobs conforming to the JDF 1.3 specification and is compliant with the Base, JMF, and “Layout Creator to Imposition” Interoperability Conformance Specifications (ICSs).  The Harlequin+ Server RIP’s predecessor, the Genesis Release™ (v7.1) was the first product to be officially CIP4 certified following testing by the Printing Industries of America/ Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, against the Layout Creator to Imposition ICS and Base ICS.

Extended platform support: to include Windows Vista and MAC OS X 10.5 (Leopard).

In addition the Harlequin+ Server RIP features many prepress processes that normally run on separate applications, giving print shops the functionality of a workflow.  These features include in-RIP simple imposition, trapping, screening, color management and font emulation winner of a 2007 PIA/GATF InterTech Technology award (see separate press release).

“The option for Navigator GPS users to upgrade their workflow to process XPS natively, just as they have done with PDF and PostScript for many years, will be a tremendous value-added,” stated Jim Thrush, President, Xitron (booth 5225). “Native XPS processing rounds out an already powerful set of workflow tools for the small to medium sized printers who represent the majority of the Navigator GPS users.”

Jim Luttrell, director of marketing, ECRM Imaging Systems said, “ECRM is pleased to see Global Graphics on the leading edge of RIP development that includes PDF 1.7 and native XPS file support in v8.0 release.”

Other Global Graphics customers at Graph Expo offering solutions based on Harlequin RIP technology include HP (1229), Agfa (3839), Kodak (1246), Presstek (3829), Ryobi (3808) , HighWater Designs (on the Printware booth 5425), and Polkadots Software (5620).

Global Graphics’ OEM and system integrator partners will announce products and solutions based on the Harlequin+ Server RIP separately. Partners include the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of imagesetters, Computer-to-Plate and direct -to-press systems, digital color proofers, digital press and workflows.  Information about specific Harlequin RIP implementations can be obtained direct from Global Graphics customers listed at  http://www.globalgraphics.com/purchase/harlequin_rip.html

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Editors notes

Notes to editors:
A Harlequin+ Server RIP datasheet and a variety of images, including those showing the award winning font emulation,are also available on request to jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com or by visiting the technologies section of www.globalgraphics.com and selecting the Harlequin RIP.

About XPS
The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents.  When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content that users increasingly demand.
given the ubiquity of the Windows platform, more and more print vendors are wondering what impact this format will have on their business. Read Global Graphics’ White Paper “Analysis:  XPS and the Graph Arts” at http://www.globalgraphics.com/xps/graphic_arts_wp.pdf

About Harlequin RIP technology
Global Graphics PostScript Language Level 3 compatible Harlequin RIP was first launched in 1989 since when its core technology and associated modules has evolved through successive generations into the high-performance processor it is today.  For more information visit: http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/harlequin_rip/index.html

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Jaws PDF creation tools have been developed since the format’s inception in 1994. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

Global Graphics, the smarter alternative, Harlequin and the Harlequin logo are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. Global Graphics makes no warranty and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of information or particulars in this document.

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One of the many features built into the Harlequin RIP, it provides font emulation for time critical applications, such as print on demand, newspapers, magazines, jobs where artwork or advertising is supplied independently of the paying customer, digital print and other applications where output must leave on time.  The Harlequin RIP will make a typographically acceptable match to missing fonts with no text overflow and with appropriate character spacing, weight and width.

Martin Bailey, Global Graphics’ chief technology officer explains, “Printers often have to find a way around the recurrent problem of customer files being supplied without the required fonts. If a printer can’t source an original font they face some stark choices. They could miss the print slot, re-set the job at their own cost or buy the fonts themselves. With these choices in mind, a problem job with missing fonts is going to cost the printer valuable time and money.  Alternatively the printer could just let the job run as it is and hope the standard substitution is adequate. Or they could try and match for style, weight and width from their own font collection. If this is a new or demanding account where the customer will be examining the job carefully, then the job needs to be accurate. Using either of these methods could lose the account.

“By making a typographically acceptable match to missing fonts with no text overflow and with appropriate character spacing, weight and width, Font Emulation in the Harlequin RIP is ideal for time critical applications where output must absolutely leave on time.”

With in-RIP font emulation, problem files are simply sent to the RIP as usual, and the RIP will construct a suitable replacement on the fly. Emulated fonts have the correct width for every glyph in the font, so that letter and word spacing will be correct, and justified text will continue to be justified, with a straight edge to the text block.  

The emulated fonts will also be slanted at the right angle, allowing oblique and italic fonts to be correctly displayed. In addition, italic faces will be slightly more ornate than emulations of the roman faces from the same family.  The emulation won’t cause any re-flow and there won’t be any changes to line-ends and page breaks.

Using Font Emulation, efficiencies in the pre-press department can be achieved in many scenarios including display ads for newspapers and publications, print on demand, jobs where artwork is supplied independently of the paying customer, where output is required before the originator can be contacted and when submitter’s skill level makes fixing difficult.

"Recipients of this prestigious award not only have a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but are also consistently successful in the commercial marketplace." said Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president, research and technology, PIA/GATF. "Award recipient technologies distinguished themselves with unique capabilities that offer real value for their respective markets."

The Harlequin RIP is sold exclusively through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who add value to the software and market the RIP under a variety of different brand names.  Global Graphics was nominated for the PIA/GATF Intertech Technology award by Fusion Systems (Fusion Production RIPs, Fusion ColorRay Proofing RIPs,  ColorRay SiLK screening printing RIPs) HighWater Designs (TorrentConnect, TorrentDI, Torrent ProofReady, Python CtP System, Cobra CtP System) , Polkadots Software (NEWSflo, Adflo, PLATEflo and RIPflo) and Xitron (Navigator GPS workflow solutions):

Logan Herbert, director of business development, Fusion Systems comments, “Font Emulation is remarkable in its ability to accurately and correctly reproduce a missing font’s leading and kerning characteristics, including ascenders and descenders, and never over-flow or distort  the original document layout. With built-in Font Emulation, clients are now able to instantly and automatically fix jobs that are missing fonts, which is common in jobs submitted in PDF that do not have the fonts embedded. This is especially valuable in eliminating potential print errors within client supplied advertisements, which in turn eliminates ad rebates as associated credits.”

Robert Dumas, VP sales and marketing, Polkadats Software, says, “we have found that Font Emulation has been particularly well received by some of our newspaper customers. Prior to Font Emulation becoming available advertising prep departments had to search for a suitable replacement font for supplied ads that were poorly created and often missing the necessary fonts. Font Emulation has made life so much easier in these instances when the actual font used is not as critical as preserving the look and feel of the piece. Many of our NEWSflo and ADflo customers love the fact they can create a workflow queue where if a font is missing the job can be held and then if the font is not critical to the production of the document the file can be automatically processed through a queue with Font Emulation active.”

Jim Thrush, president, Xitron, says,  “Font Emulation technology further enhances Xitron’s Navigator GPS workflow solutions with yet another production enhancing standard feature. Font Emulation is perfect with Xitron’s recently announced PRISM™ short-run digital press which features the Navigator GPS Select RIP based on Harlequin core RIP technology.”

Jack Makowski, managing director, HighWater Designs, “as a standard technology in our Torrent RIP solutions all our customers may now enjoy the benefits of Font Emulation.  It only takes one job with missing fonts that would have missed a deadline without this technology for our customers to see the clear benefits in time, profitability and in the good will they gain from their customers by meeting that deadline once again.”

Other implementations using Font Emulation in the Harlequin RIP are available from ECRM and RTI.

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Editors notes

Notes to editors
The Harlequin RIP – a “workflow in a box”
The Harlequin RIP’s rich feature set includes many processes that normally run on separate applications.  This has led to it being described as ‘a workflow in a box’. In-RIP features include font emulation, simple imposition, color management, trapping, color separation, screening (FM, stochastic and hybrid), proofing and OPI and DCS support.  These powerful features are easily accessible to the RIP operator at his workstation via a user-friendly interface. For more information visit: http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/harlequin_rip/index.html

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

the smarter alternative is a  trademark of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

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Led by its chair, Global Graphics’ chief technology officer Martin Bailey, the TC46 committee met at Queens’ College, Cambridge, UK to begin work on producing a formal industry standard for the XML Paper Specification, the new print and document format introduced by Microsoft® with Windows Vista™.  The TC46 committee comprises representatives from Autodesk, Inc., Brother Industries, Ltd., Canon Inc., Ecma International, FUJIFILM Corporation, Fujitsu Labs, Global Graphics Software Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Company, Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc, Lexmark International Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Panasonic, Quality Logic Inc., Ricoh Company Ltd, Software Imaging, Toshiba Corporation, Xerox Corporation and Zoran Corporation.

TC 46 was created at the Ecma International General Assembly on 28 June.  Ecma states the “standardization of XPS will enable users to enjoy the benefits the technology provides through a number of electronic paper scenarios. These include improved document archiving, better integration between document peripherals and applications and improved print performance and fidelity, and will be delivered with the assurance that implementations from multiple vendors will be completely interoperable.”

Martin Bailey comments, “TC46 has agreed the methodology we will be using to develop a fully documented and unambiguous standard for an XML-based electronic paper format. We’ve also laid out our roadmap for the months to come. All in all, our first meeting was very constructive, and achieved all of its objectives.”

Global Graphics has played a prominent role in the development and launch of the XPS specification.  A recognized expert in interpreting, rendering and converting Page Description Languages, Global Graphics’ leading edge expertise and engineering capability were factors in the Company being chosen by Microsoft in 2003 to provide consultation services on the XPS specification as well as develop a prototype and a print reference XPS RIP for Microsoft.

Global Graphics maintains that lead today by offering the most extensive range of high performance XPS RIPs and XPS file conversion tools on the market.  These products include XPS RIPs to drive consumer print devices, corporate printers and MFPs as well as production digital presses and prepress equipment; and a comprehensive conversion library to convert between XPS and other page description languages including PostScript, PCL, and PDF for use in printer drivers, print workflows, and a wide range of non-print applications and services.

Editors notes

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

Martin Bailey
Martin Bailey is chief technology officer at Global Graphics where he specifies and designs many aspects of Global Graphics’ industry-leading printing and document technology which extends across several page description languages including PostScript®, PDF and XPS.   Recently awarded a CIP4 Fellowship for his contribution to the development of the Job Definition Format, he is active in representing Global Graphics on a number of industry bodies and standards committees including chairing CGATS and chairing the ANSI/CGATS SC6 Task Force 1 and ISO TC130 WG2 TF2 which develop PDF/X.  He is also involved in standards work relating to variable data printing and reliable print workflows.

the smarter alternative is a  trademark of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

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