SPLASH PostScript software RIP

Some RIP companies tend to disappear. This may mean you can't get a needed update. Splash offered a new software PostScript RIP for Encad large format inkjet color printers two years ago. Splash is better known in the world of color controllers and RIPs for high-end high-speed color copiers, notably for Xerox . EFI Fiery RIPs are the main competition in this marketplace, indeed EFI bought Splash in 2000. So Splash's RIP for large format printers disappeared. Imagine if you had bought that RIP for your large format printer. Not much future there.

Actually, since we first visited the Splash exhibit we have not heard much more about them, nor seen them at other trade shows. During this same time we have, though, heard many good things about Wasatch RIP, so we are looking at that presently.

PosterJet (recently sold by DCS Software to Eisfeld Datentechnik GmbH) is among the fastest RIPs around, because it RIPs on the fly. Of the various flavors of Encad, PosterJet works on the model 700. Further good news is that PosterJet now has a distributor as well as telephone support in the USA. This is a constant problem getting a RIP from a foreign country (in this case England). PosterJet now has distribution for America: contact is Ken Stokes, telephone (800) 350-1366 FAX(805) 684-7090, e-mail ken@scarabgraphics.com

ColorGate appears to be a well designed RIP. We especially like the new product ColorGate developed with Gretag: EyeOne.

BESTColor is ideal for color management combined with a large format RIP. BEST has a large office with all kinds of color management specialists in the USA. So you can get support throughout America.

Avoid hardware RIPs since they tend to be needlessly costly, have inadequate options and you are stuck with being able to use only one printer. In most cases you can't upgrade your EFI hardware RIP even to run the next version of the same brand of printer. The most thorough explanation of the virtues of software RIP vs hardware RIP is on www.FineArtGicleePrinters.org. A comprehensive list of the different RIPs is on www.wide-format-printers.org. Software RIPs (PosterJet, PosterShop, Ilford RIPstar, BEST, and others).

We used to recommend ColorBus but they sort of did not keep up with advances in the new printers. At DRUPA their RIP could not yet operate any six-color model, for example. Same with Cactus from 3M. They were not able to develop a new version for the new Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 5000 for many months. So it's a good idea to stay with the major international brands that have enough operating capital to provide upgrades. That's why, of the top European RIPs, we recommend BEST and PosterJet, indeed our own lab technician prefers PosterJet since its so fast and easy to operate (we do not yet have BESTColor in that office).

Summary: Postscript RIP software for large format inkjet printers

For proofing BESTColor, ProofMaster, O.R.I.S and a host of other RIPs are now available.

But if you do basic signs then you can use a fast and easy RIP. Thus for general use, especially for Hewlett-Packard, Canon, and Encad printers, PosterJet. If you have to install and use a RIP on your own, without an in-house technician, then PosterJet is a good choice, especially if you prefer to stay with the Macintosh operating platform. PosterJet is one of several RIPs that works directly with Macintosh. The people at Scarab Graphics can always talk you through installation by telephone if you need some hand-holding.

A thorough introduction to the differences and similarities between hardware RIP (such as an EFI Fiery RIP from Electronics for Imaging) and a software RIP (such as BEST, PosterJet, Wasatch or Onyx Postershop), is provided in the FLAAR Reports. An exhaustive list of software RIPs and hardware RIPs for wide format printers is given in an additional FLAAR Report. The people at Scarab Graphics can always talk you through installation by telephone if you need some hand-holding, e-mail, PosterJet USA@aol.com.

Read more about FLAAR Premium Report Series on RIPs for Wide Format Printers

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