Chicago - Industry-leading RIP manufacturer Harlequin has introduced ScriptProof(TM), a new ScriptWorks(R) Edition RIP that generates color-accurate digital proofs from low-cost inkjet printers. The ScriptProof RIP is designed to be used in single-user and networked environments by graphic designers to output preview proofs and by prepress and printing professionals to produce contract proofs for target printing presses. The new RIP, which is in beta testing and will be released to Harlequin OEMs this fall, includes a straightforward Java-based graphical user interface (GUI) as well as simplified color management capabilities that ensure color accuracy can be achieved even by users who do not have color expertise. "Graphics professionals are looking for a workgroup color proofing solution that's as straightforward as the low-cost devices they use. ScriptProof delivers this with press-accurate color proofing so intuitive it can be used by document originators, and a RIP that's so productive it can be placed in the most demanding multi-user prepress and print production environments," explains Christie O'Malley, Product Marketing Manager. ScriptProof gives any number of users on a LAN full control over how their jobs are printed on a single proofing device. The new RIP also is unique in providing feedback to every user on the network about such critical information as the type of paper loaded in the printer and the printer's calibration status. Users even have the ability to change the target paper type for a job that has already been queued, thus ensuring that the color management applied matches the paper type actually loaded in the printer. Color-Accurate Proofing ScriptProof's accuracy results from using the same file for proofing as for final output to imagesetter or platesetter. This file, saved by the document originator in PDF, PostScript, TIFF, or TIFF-IT/P1 format for high resolution output on film or plate, is submitted to the ScriptProof printer for digital color proofing. "The concept of ScriptProof is to provide a true digital proofing workflow by avoiding the typical confusion about how to set up a file for output to two distinctly different devices," said O'Malley. "Using the files created for final output to imagesetter or platesetter ensures that what is proofed is exactly what will be output to plate or film." ScriptProof uses Harlequin color management and screening technologies coupled with ICC-based output profiles developed specifically to allow the color gamut of the inkjet device to most closely match what can be achieved by the target printing press. This ICC-based color management includes support for printing press color standards (SWOP, Euro, etc.), customized press profiles (based on press "fingerprinting"), and output profiles including device-link profiles. Java-based GUIs The RIP is installed, configured and administered at the RIP workstation through a special manager's GUI. The manager's GUI lets a network administrator or shop manager monitor job error logs, add paper types to the system and calibrate the printer. The "ScriptProof Calibration Wizard" makes calibrating the printer a snap, with clear and simple instructions supported by descriptive graphics. Job-specific output and control is available to each operator's desktop through a local client-GUI enabling each user to quickly and easily access features and set-ups designed to give them full control over color proofing jobs. The new Harlequin ScriptProof RIP is designed to work with a wide variety of digital color proofing devices, from low-cost color inkjet printers to wide-format devices such as the Hewlett-Packard DesignJets and Encad NovaJets. Harlequin will release ScriptProof to Harlequin OEMs in Q4 2000. Pricing and availability will be determined by each OEM.