Software

SCA Packaging, a leading European provider of customer-specific packaging solutions, has renewed its investment in EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) technology by signing a three year maintenance contract to ensure its ArtiosCAD installations are kept up to date. The agreement underlines SCA Packaging’s strong commitment to innovative design and highlights the company’s long-term strategy of using EskoArtwork as its supplier for the structural design of packaging.

EskoArtwork solutions provide latest advances in 3D and animation

“SCA has everything it needs to meet the exacting needs of today’s customers,” says Frank Adegeest, Director Interactive Applications Software Product Group of EskoArtwork. “World-class design demands not only innovation and speed, but also the ability to display the design in 3D, in color and using animation. Our software specializes in providing these capabilities.”

By its nature, packaging requires conceptual work in the 3D world, but the production of packaging is a flat, two-dimensional process. This requires packaging designers to ‘think in 3D’ but translate their vision into a 2D graphic design file suitable for production. In the creative packaging design process, 3D visualizations of a package early in the design phase are a major advantage for design efficiency, testing and proofing. Complete 3D integration within EskoArtwork’s ArtiosCAD allows for quick prototyping of designs and presentations, eliminating communication errors and reducing review cycles and makes creating packaging extremely intuitive.

In a move which consolidates a number of recent advances to its popular multi-functional RIPs, Shiraz Software has announced a raft of upgrades in new versions of its key software platforms for large-format output. While RIP Server v6.7 and the single-printer Signature v7.5 now encompass the potent, popular Adobe PDF plug-in as well as other important enhancements, Focus v3 includes innovative productivity features for photographic and fine art production.

Following from the commercial success and positive response to its Adobe PDF plug-in in October 2009, Shiraz has elected to incorporate it as standard in both RIP Server v6.7, for production environments with multiple devices, and Signature v7.5. This will provide users with an impressive level of accuracy and reliability when taking advantage of the software's full PDF handling functionality.

Adding to the fully HP-certified support for its latex printing technologies, Shiraz RIP Server v6.7 includes a throng of drivers for new machines. Users of Epson's Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700 are now fully represented, as well as those using the Stylus Pro 3800 with RGB ICC profiling enabled. Several members of Canon's imagePrograf family - the iPF650, 655, 750, 755, 6300, 6350, 8300 and 8310 - feature, as well as Mimaki's solvent-based CJV-30 print-and-cut series, the UV-curable flat-bed JFX machines and the hybrid UJV-160.

Version 7.5 of Shiraz Signature is bidding to become the most versatile, efficient and diverse low-cost platform on the market for single-printer users with a multitude of new, productivity-based components. A print mode widget allows a full list of configuration parameters and their values to be adjusted within given tolerances, providing owners the power to fine-tune their device to their specific requirements. Also, a new integrated tool for image browsing and management enables users to place multiple images quickly and automatically within the layout module. The interactive tiling feature has been further enhanced to allow for various production requirements, such as reverse printing and user tile selections.

Powerful graphical enhancements also star in the latest round of upgrades to Shiraz Signature, including refinement of fully ICC aware image previews which show accurate rendering of images as would be printed. Any colour correction and changes on images are reflected instantaneously, enabling users to print with the confidence that their graphic will be reproduced accurately. Job templates can also be created, saved and modified for future reloading, offering an important time saving on standardised, regular or repeat work.

Focus v3 for the photographic and fine art markets benefits from a bundle of versatile new options, including further inclusion of pre-print image manipulation. While the core usability and layout enjoyed by users of Shiraz Focus has not changed, the main application now allows them to save and recall jobs, edit images in batches and add various frames and crop marks.Â

Shiraz's developers have counteracted the need to switch between a third-party image editing application and Focus v3 by developing a new image editor element. Basic enhancements - such as brightness/contrast, hue, saturation and lightness, colour balance and gamma - can be applied live with a before and after image showing the changes. Sharpen, blur, noise and despeckle filters are available, as are greyscale, colourisation and sepia effects, and standard save as, zoom and undo/redo tools also feature. Key to the utility is the ability to save edits as special filters that can then be applied to other images or a batch, a function which promises users a vital reduction in image preparation time. All corrections and enhancements are previewed accurately and simulate the printed output exactly.

The updated Shiraz Focus package also sees an extension of the photo-pack editor to incorporate, amongst other features, variable data printing. A text box can be placed anywhere in the file containing user text or metadata, enabling series numbering or inclusion of EXIF data from the attached images. Operators can add and manipulate frames and borders to ensure precise fitting for the end application; various options for automatic canvas wrapping are also included, such as automatic mirroring of edges.

"The Shiraz suite has always aimed to combine accessibility with advanced image and printer configuration where desired, and these new versions of Focus, Signature and RIP Server offer just that," explains Ramin Shahbazi, business development director for Shiraz Software. "Incorporating the Adobe PDF functionality is a prime example confirmed by other key developments across the board. It's clear that Shiraz's reasonably-priced offerings provide not just the top-end engineering but also the comprehensive flexibility for all users to get the most from their RIP."

Shiraz RIP Server v6.7, Shiraz Signature v7.5 and Shiraz Focus v3 are all available for the latest Windows 7 and Mac OSX 10.6 platforms. All products can be used in conjunction with the company's dedicated online support platform, CoverPlus. This web-based facility provides an automated ticketing system whereby users' incidents are logged and tracked by number. Responses are logged in a secure database to allow engineers access to a full history of previous problems, thereby personalising the support process.

Shiraz Software provides software, workflow management and RIP solutions for all users of wide-format ink-jet printers, with products including its Server options for businesses running multiple printers and Signature, which is designed as an entry-level stand-alone solution. All versions are fully upgradable and are available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux platforms. A low-cost image management and printing option, Shiraz Focus, is also available for professional photographers. All current releases are fully compatible with Windows 7 and Macintosh OSX Snow Leopard (10.6).

ColorBurst Systems has announced the release of Overdrive, the newest addition to the ColorBurst RIP Server family for Mac OS X. Overdrive offers ColorBurst's color management technology with expanded printer support including Epson, Canon, and HP desktop and large-format printers. Overdrive's built-in Adobe black point compensation provides expected results for Photoshop users automatically, while support for paper manufacturer's ICC profiles provides custom results without the time and expense of custom profiling. Overdrive's proofing features include Pantone matching and the ability to reach a Delta E within proofing industry standards for #1, #3, and #5 press sheets.

"We are excited to offer such a capable initial release of Overdrive," said Larry Spevak, president of ColorBurst Systems. "We knew we had a solid product when a pre-release version of Overdrive made six winning prints at the 2010 DIMA Digital Printer Shoot-Out. With such a strong start, we see a great future for Overdrive."

To introduce Overdrive, ColorBurst has launched a new website at with a full list of product features, requirements, pricing, and secure online ordering. Overdrive is available in 13-inch, 17-inch, 24-inch, 44-inch, and 64-inch widths, starting at $395, or $295 for a Single User Version. A 15-day unrestricted demo of Overdrive is available.

Gerber Scientific Products has announced the upcoming release of its new Gerber OMEGA 4.0 software upgrade. Gerber OMEGA 4.0 includes all the capabilities of the original OMEGA 3.0 suite of layout, design, output and conversion tools, and offers a wide array of enhancements focused on providing improved output and production.

New GERBER OMEGA 4.0 output features include a Gerber Edge FX HiRez printing mode (an EDGE FX firmware update is also included), faster rendering of autotext, autonumber or other repeats generated in Composer, automatic halftone settings for EDGE printing, easier and faster backcut and liner-cut decal production, better integration of the Foil Adjust program (formerly called RegFixer), new grid cut or butt-cut weedborder modes, ART Path automatic nesting, plotter output "smart start" technology and support for more friction-fed plotters.

In addition, Gerber OMEGA 4.0 offers an array of new production-oriented improvements such as Chinese text entry, improved barcode layout, increased undo's and ability to undo after saving, auto "strokes for chokes" button, choke/spread top-color designation, the ability to add a PDF wrapper to JPG exports, automatic mapping of imported EPS/PDF and AI colors to EDGE spot colours and much more.

An innovative customer-focused website from popular multi-platform RIP manufacturer Shiraz Software is now live at www.shiraz-rip.com. The colourful new Internet presence focuses on outlining the range of versatile tools on offer from this powerful Macintosh and Windows family of products and is engineered around the same kind of usability as the company’s software offerings.

Each version of Shiraz is explored with an accessible slideshow, workflow diagram and screenshots, as well as a thorough delineation of the benefits of each package. Visuals of major software panes provide the user with a feel for individual elements within all versions of the program before purchase – including Signature, RIP Server and the more powerful Plus version, plus Focus, which is a dedicated package for the photographic market.

Key to the core of the site is a live support capability for users of Shiraz Software, where clients are connected directly with a specialist engineer who can access their system by arrangement and resolve problems remotely. Visitors can also learn about CoverPlus, an extended technical service agreement unique to Shiraz, which provides a dedicated, priority access to this proposition. The RemoteCover option pairs with free access to major and minor upgrades, remote profiling, colour management consultancy and access to an extended profile library.

Another new feature explains the clearly laid-out resources, consisting primarily of video and PDF guides to usage of all software versions, with free trials also downloadable. “Although the Shiraz family can be easily demonstrated, we recognise that many users would rather compare benefits on a live version in their own time,” says Ramin Shahbazi, Shiraz Software’s business development manager. “The website also provides the necessary software extensions for those with added CoverPlus protection.”

For those seeking examples of Shiraz’s use or versatility, or who are interested in how the team and its software developed, both an online version of the popular user newsletter and a history of the company are also available.

All Shiraz Software products are available for Macintosh and Windows, with compliance for Snow Leopard (Macintosh OS X 10.6.x) and Windows 7. Linux users are also supported, with all three offering identical interfaces for ease of cross-platform use.

Shiraz Software provides software, work-flow management and RIP solutions for all users of wide-format ink-jet printers, with products including its Server options for businesses running multiple printers and Signature, which is designed as an entry-level stand-alone solution. All versions are fully upgradable and are available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux platforms. A low-cost image management and printing option, Shiraz Focus, is also available for professional photographers. All current releases are fully compatible with Windows 7 and Macintosh OSX Snow Leopard (10.6).

Further information is available from Ramin Shahbazi at Shiraz Software, Unit 18 Fulham Studios, 17-21 Wyfold Road, London SW6 6SE, telephone +44 (0)845 680 2484, e-mail ramin@shiraz-rip.com, or visit www.shiraz-rip.com

Print service providers and marketers understand the power and profit that come from personalized marketing campaigns but estimating an expected return on investment (ROI) can be difficult.  New software from Xerox Corporation makes it easy to measure the effectiveness of transpromotional and direct-mail campaigns – before anything is printed.

ProfitQuick Direct Marketing ROI Planner, one of the latest additions to Xerox's ProfitAccelerator portfolio, predicts the effectiveness of a direct-mail campaign and provides an ROI assessment. Information such as the number of mail pieces, cost per piece, and revenue per item or service sold is put into an online calculator. In turn, print providers and marketers receive financial data that can drive new business or convert an existing customer's static campaign into a more targeted, personalized approach.

"I've seen a few ROI calculators, but never one this complete for customized campaigns, or one as easy to use," said Bob Pente, president, Wired Pente Inc., a Toronto-based marketing and advertising firm. "It takes the benefits that marketers have been touting for years and turns them into a quantifiable resource that makes it very easy to tell the story. It's a fantastic tool for marketers."

In addition to ProfitQuick Direct Marketing ROI Planner, two other new tools, the ProfitQuick ezBusiness Planner and the Wide Format Essentials Kit are now available.

ProfitQuick ezBusiness Planner

This software gives print service providers immediate access to a customized five-year business plan, estimated yearly profits and the exact month when profitability is expected. Users plug in basic production data such as average monthly page volume, area coverage and equipment costs, then the planning software generates a range of tailored financial data.

"Costs and revenue are scrutinized more than ever and ProfitQuick ezBusiness Planner asks the hard financial questions and then analyzes the answers," said Peter Muir, president, Bizucate Inc., an education and consulting organization. "The planner sheds light on what kind of profits could be attained with minor or major adjustments to the way print service providers approach their businesses."

Wide Format Essentials Kit

Wide format printing can complement a print service provider's traditional offerings, and this kit provides information to plan, build and implement a profitable large format business.

The kit helps users build a marketing plan, host an open house, identify revenue generating applications and provides high-quality, popular media samples that can be used to showcase new large format options.