DIGITAL digest

PostScript Update Times Two

SAN JOSE, CA—For the first time, Adobe Systems is delivering its latest version of PostScript software in two editions—Host and Embedded. The latter has the potential to increase the pool of PostScript devices and users. Both implementations of PostScript 3 version 3017 feature support of PDF 1.6 and are now available to OEMs.

Adobe PostScript 3 Embedded Edition is a streamlined version of the product targeted to printing of Microsoft Office documents on desktop/workgroup printers and MFP devices. It has a smaller footprint in terms of memory space (10MB) and processing demands, but sacrifices some high-end functionality, such as support for very large files, higher resolutions, in-RIP trapping, JDF and multi-threaded rendering.

The more robust Host Edition is designed for commercial printing workflows. Along with PDF 1.6 support, it adds the ability to handle multiple color channels, embedded OpenType fonts and transparency. The software is capable of processing 16-bit color images, file sizes greater than 2GB and paper sizes larger than 200˝. It also further integrates the JDF specification and provides greater compatibility with Adobe Creative Suite 2.0.

Commercialization of the upgrade is dependent on the OEMs, but Adobe expects devices with Host Edition software to be introduced early in 2006 with Embedded Edition machines to follow sometime after.

PDF/Archive Receives ISO Approval

RESTON, VA—The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has approved PDF/Archive (PDF/A) as a new standard. PDF/A is a subset of PDF intended to enable electronic archiving of documents with assurance that they can be retrieved and rendered with a consistent and predictable result in the future.

NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies worked with AIIM (the Association for Information and Image Management) to drive establishment of the standard. Copies of the standard are available for purchase at www.npes.org, www.aiim.org or www.ansi.org.

digital bytes

TUCSON, AZ—The recent Spectrum 2005 Conference, sponsored by IDEAlliance, featured a live "proof of concept" demonstration of a digital ad insertion order based on the AdsML specification. An insertion order was generated by Mediaplex's print media management system, then passed to Vio Worldwide's Insertion Manager ad delivery system where an actual PDF ad file from the Dailey agency was attached before the complete package was digitally delivered to Quad/Graphics' AdSync system that matched the insertion order to a booking for a Time Inc. title.

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—At PRINT 05, Screen (USA) offered a technology demonstration of a new ink-jet based, full-color variable printing system called the Truepress Jet520. Its drop-on-demand print heads, manufactured by Seiko Epson, produce multi-tone printing with a color depth of four tones per drop (2-bit imaging) for each color. Use of water-based pigmented inks supports running both standard and uncoated stock on the rollfed system with a rewinder/unwinder unit on the back end.

CHICAGO—Xerox Corp. announced eight worldwide customer installations at PRINT 05, many with multiple products. Advantage Mailing, Orange, CA, has added a Xerox iGen3 110 digital production press and DocuTech 155 highlight color system. Book manufacturer Offset Paperback Manufacturing has expanded with three Xerox DocuPrint 1050 continuous-feed digital printers, a DocuTech production publisher with in-line saddlestitcher and a Nuvera 120 digital production system at its Laflin, PA, facility. Blaze Digital Printing Services in Lumberton, NJ, has purchased three Xerox Nuvera 120 digital production systems, an iGen3 and a DocuPrint 1050 continuous-feed system. Masthof Press, Morgantown, PA, purchased a Xerox Nuvera 120 digital production system.

BOSTON—Agfa has recorded the first sale of its new Digital Solutions Suite: Enterprise Version, installed by Winthrop Printing, a mid-size printer. The software suite includes the ApogeeX 2.5 workflow, Delano Web-based project management system, Arcadia 5.5 digital asset management, and Salient X hardware for networking, storage and workflow.

NEWTON, IL—Total Printing Systems has acquired a second Kodak Versamark two-up duplex digital printing system to double its capacity for producing short runs and on-demand books. This new press is intended to help the company achieve its goal of shortening turnaround times to between five and seven days.

LITTLE ROCK, AR—Vestcom International has purchased five Xeikon 5000 digital color presses for its local facility, which specializes in producing data-intensive point-of-purchase programs for North American retailers.

ROCHESTER, NY—Commercial printer Canfield & Tack has installed a Kodak Nexpress 2100 digital production color press with the optional fifth imaging unit to enable application of a protective coating and custom color printing.