ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. - Screen (USA) has released the newest version of the popular HQ-510 RIP with added features to increase prepress productivity and drive more Screen output devices. A high-performance PostScript-language-compatible raster image processor based on Harlequin technology, HQ-510 RIP Ver. 8.3 incorporates all the advances of PostScript 3 and PDF. HQ-510 RIP Ver. 8.3 provides the speed, reliability and quality required to match Screen's flexible digital printing, proofing, workflow and computer-to-plate solutions.

HQ-510 RIP Ver. 8.3 supports the recently launched PlateRite HD 8900 series eight-up thermal platesetter. The top-end PlateRite HD 8900Z is capable of imaging 65 plates per hour. The PlateRite HD 8900S images 43 plates per hour, while the PlateRite HD 8900E produces 34 plates an hour. The PlateRite HD 8900S and PlateRite HD 8900E offer the option of high-precision halftone dots and 4,000 dpi output for photo-quality printing.

HQ-510 RIP Ver. 8.3 is compatible with Windows 2003 Server, Windows 2008 Server 32-bit, Windows 7 32-bit and Windows XP with Service Pack 2. The RIP engine processes native PostScript, PDF and XPS files. HQ RIP Version 8.3 accepts PDF/X-4, PDF 1.7 and HD Photo file types. It processes XPS 1.0 documents and uses the RIP display list and rendering systems.

HQ-510 RIP Ver. 8.3 expands the number of devices that can run PDF retained raster. The PDF retained raster feature accelerates the processing of variable printing jobs, even if they are delivered as basic PDF files instead of a specialist variable data printing format. Shared image data is identified and rendered only once, then returned to the RIP process and merged with variable content when required.

JDF Enabler allows JDF job tickets outlining the processes required for that job and how it should be handled to move through the workflow from creation to preflight, prepress and production.

A multi-threaded rendering feature improves RIP performance by enabling the RIP to take advantage of hyperthreading, multi-core CPU architectures and multiple processors.

Optional tools enhance the RIP's functionality, including specialized color management, screening, trapping and TIFF/IT-P1 input and output. Post-RIP imposition and in-RIP OPI also are available as options.