The Harlequin PLUS Server RIP (v8.1) is the latest evolution of the industry-renowned Harlequin RIP and is based on Global Graphics’ next-generation technology.
Upgrade now to the first commercially available RIP with the power to process PostScript®, PDF and XPS natively; the Harlequin PLUS Server RIP version 8.1 from Global Graphics; the experts with a heritage in technology for print.
The kernel processor at the heart of the Harlequin RIP has been
re-engineered to provide more processing power with the result that Harlequin
RIP users will experience even more productivity in addition to the robustness,
reliability and quality that they depend on. Processing speeds are even faster
and a new feature speeds up the processing of variable data in PDF files.
Trapping up to eight times faster
Complex transparency processing enhanced
Spot colors fine-tuned
The Harlequin RIP has processed PostScript natively since 1988, and PDF natively since 1997 which means that there is no requirement to flatten transparencies. Upgrading to Harlequin PLUS Server RIP v8.1 will enable you to natively process PDF 1.7 and PDF/X-4, XPS 1.0 (XML Paper Specification), available with Windows® Vista™, JDF 1.3 and support the HD Photo format. There is also support for PANTONE® Goe™ and platform support has been extended to include Windows Vista and MAC OS X 10.5 (Leopard).
For consistency of output use the Harlequin PLUS Server RIP to drive all of your pre-press and printing equipment, from your CtP and proofing devices through to your digital press and wide format printer. The Harlequin RIP is JDF (Job Definition Format) enabled, is simple to use, and provides you with one common operating environment which means that your operator training costs are kept under control.
The Harlequin RIP has a rich feature set which includes many pre-press processes which are normally run on separate applications, giving workflow functionality. By reducing the requirement for additional applications, the Harlequin RIP increases efficiency and reduces costs.
Upgrade now to the Harlequin PLUS Server RIP and experience the difference it will make to your print operation!
XPS
All print industry businesses need to be aware of the impact which XPS will have on their operations. Initially it will affect print service providers who already process office documents as well as in-plants and print shops who undertake corporate printing, but ultimately many segments of the print industry may have to process this new file format given the ubiquity of the Windows operating system.
Variable data in PDF files
The requirement to customize print is driving the demand for Variable Data Processing(VDP). The PDF Retained Raster feature, new in the Harlequin PLUS Server RIP is designed to speed up the processing of variable data in PDF files by streamlining the RIP process, scanning the file to be printed to locate invariant image data; that image data which is common and does not change throughout the print run. This data is retained and returned to the RIP process when it is required.
A workflow in a box...
The Harlequin RIP has a rich feature set which includes many pre-press processes which are normally run on separate applications, giving workflow functionality. By reducing the requirement for additional applications, the Harlequin RIP increases efficiency and reduces costs.
The Harlequin PLUS Server RIP (v8.1) introduces important new features for print operations of all sizes including:
- Native processing of PDF 1.7 (in addition to previously available native support for PDF 1.6 through to PDF 1.0 and native processing of PostScript)
- Native processing of XPS 1.0 files
- Native PDF/X-4 support
- HD Photo support
- JDF 1.3 compatible
- Significant performance increases:
- Multithreaded rendering that helps remove RIP bottlenecks in handling raster data and takes full advantage of the new Duo and Quad core technologies
- PDF retained raster that speeds up variable data processing
- PDF wrapped raster output to facilitate soft proofing
- Compatible with Windows® Vista™ and with MAC OS X (10.5 Leopard)
- Support for PANTONE® Goe™
Harlequin in-RIP features available for purchase include:
In-RIP Imposition; economical, straight forward 2-up and
4-up imposition support to provide cost-efficiency and faster turn-around 
Harlequin
Print Production Manager (PPM) allows users to easily control and accurately
monitor job progress through each step of the production environment 
TrapPro TM; an object-based trapping engine that uses the
Device-Oriented Display List that is generated in the Harlequin RIP. TrapPro
allows the trapping engine to trap everything the RIP renders, with pixel
accuracy, and with great speed 
Harlequin Dispersed Screening (HDS) enables
reproduction with greater sharpness even at relatively low scanner resolutions
and is ideal for reproducing subjects which are susceptible to moiré and where
detailed reproduction is required 
ColorProTM ensures that all workflow color challenges can
be accurately configured in the RIP prior to printing, plating or proofing