Print '01, Chicago; Sept. 6, 2001 — Global Graphics (Nasdaq Europe: GLGR, Euronext: GLOG), the world's leading OEM supplier of software and equipment to the graphic arts industry, today released the latest version of its industry-leading Harlequin RIP Management System here in Booth # 7105 at Print '01. New version 5.5 adds additional functionality to this powerful RIP which is used extensively within high-end professional prepress and printing solutions. Primary enhancements are the inclusion of a tool for handling transparency in PDF 1.4 files and the availability of two new layered options, TrapWorks, an in-RIP object-oriented trapping application, and a Media Saving Module for handling automatic scatterproofing. The fully-featured Harlequin RIP (formerly known as ScriptWorks) is the core of the company's suite of RIP and workflow products, modules and tools that are easily integrated with OEM professional digital prepress and printing technologies. Recognized as the standard for high-performance RIP solutions, the PostScript compatible LanguageLevel 3-compliant Harlequin RIP handles multiple file formats, including PostScript, EPS, PDF, TIFF 6.0, and TIFF/IT-P1; recombination of pre-separated files; selected separation output; native PDF printing; in-RIP trapping and in-RIP OPI. An open systems technology, the Harlequin RIP runs on Apple Power Macintosh (including G3/G4/iMac) Intel Pentium PCs (supporting Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000), and Sun Solaris and SGI IRIX Unix workstations. "The continued evolution of the popular and established Harlequin RIP underlines our commitment to the high-end professional prepress and printing markets. This powerful and fully-featured RIP provides OEMs and system-integrators with a flexible and highly customizable technology capable of handling the industry's most demanding requirements," said James Freidah, president and chief operating officer, Global Graphics Software. Principal Harlequin RIP 5.5 enhancements include: TrapWorks This new object-based ‘in-RIP' trapping option is fully integrated into the Harlequin RIP for enhanced workflow efficiency and maximum productivity. TrapWorks delivers improvements in performance and memory usage, and features sophisticated capabilities such as: improved support for special inks, i.e. metallic (opaque) and varnish (transparent); shaded fill support (radial and axial); and full n-color support for CMYK, spot colors, Hexachrome and photo ink color systems. Designed to trap jobs automatically, TrapWorks can be set up easily to accommodate different types of jobs or customers. Trap settings can be saved for re-use to improve efficiency and the quality and consistency of output. Media Saving Module This new layered option allows users to save on media usage by ganging jobs together on a flat prior to output. Defined as a media saving page set-up option on the RIP Output menu, pages are sent first to a scatterproofing queue before automatic ganging to make the most efficient use of the media output size. Once the flat is filled it is forwarded for processing. For example, A4 pages normally placed sequentially, one above the other, on the output media would be placed side-by side to make the best use of the space. InFlight Checker Tool Shipping as a standard OEM tool with Harlequin RIP 5.5, this PostScript-based tool will scan incoming PDF files to identify the presence of PDF 1.4 transparency, a new feature found in some PDF 1.4 files. The new InFlight Checker will flag these files and either stop further processing of the file entirely or simply post a warning to the operator while continuing to process the file. Because some PDF 1.4 files may contain elements with transparency, it is sometimes critical for pre-press and printing professionals to know ahead of time if files from their customers include this feature. With this new tool, they will be able to avoid costly re-runs and re-makes. These new features are being demonstrated here at Print '01. All have been released and are available for immediate shipment to Global Graphics OEMs. Harlequin RIP OEM partners include the world's leading makers of imagesetters, computer-to-plate and direct-to-press systems, digital color proofers and large-format printers as well as several leading prepress systems integrators. For a complete list of Harlequin OEM partners visit www.globalgraphics.com