Global Graphics Software (Cambridge, UK) has licensed the Harlequin Host Renderer to Mutoh, the Japanese manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and sign-cutting plotters, in a contract spread over multiple years. The Harlequin Host Renderer is a Raster Image Processor, or RIP. A RIP is a tool for converting a page description language such as PostScript or PDF into a format that a printing device can understand. The agreement also includes licensing Global Graphics’ new Opal Advanced Inkjet Screens to provide high-quality halftone screening specially developed for inkjet printing.
The Harlequin Host Renderer is being integrated into VerteLith, Mutoh’s RIP software, and was available to Mutoh customers via a download service from the beginning of this month – initially for the UV Mutoh ValueJet 1638UR/UH and the Mutoh XpertJet 461/661UF – and ultimately for all the major models sold, including eco-solvent printers. “By making extensive use of the Harlequin Host Renderer features,” said Mutoh’s Norishige Kakuno, Executive Engineer, “VerteLith delivers advanced features that conventional RIP software doesn’t offer – such as avoiding the printing of jobs incorrectly by displaying a soft proof and ripped image preview, and ink-cost calculation before printing. Additionally, while conventional RIP software mainly targets roll media, VerteLith is the new all-in-one RIP software covering most features required for roll media printing, as well as integrating a jig layout tool to improve usability for UV flatbed printers. It saves a lot of time and effort by enabling auto-image positioning of the printing material on the flatbed table, or auto-page layout on each individual jig slot. The jig layout tool is just one example of the new features being offered to improve a customer’s efficiency and to develop new markets.”
With the Harlequin Host Renderer, Mutoh has also experienced significantly improved RIP processing times for both PDF and PostScript files, as well as improved accuracy in printing PDF files with live transparency and spot colours. Features such as soft proofing were easy to implement with Harlequin’s in-RIP colour management, and the ease of use of the Harlequin core technology also shortened the development time of new features and functions.
Mutoh creates new-generation RIP based on Harlequin technology
