Imagenest 2.0 RIP software released for Macs

Bluecubit has released the 2.0 version of their software "ImageNest RIP" and are offering a free trial for download. I use this software frequently and would recommend it for any Mac user with a wide format printer.

ImageNest RIP has been updated to version 2.0 and an improved demo version.

The new demo version is now fully functional and allows users to print or create imposed PDF files.

Version 2.0 includes over 15 new features including:

Meta Data Annotations
Soft Proofing
Layout to PDF
Image Frames
Improved "Best Fit" image layout
Batch Sizing
Improved Color Management
Updated PostScript Level III support
64 bit processing
Support for OSX 10.6

The demo can be downloaded directly (no sign up form) at:

http://www.bluecubit.com/files/ImageNest%20RIP%202.0%20Demo%20Installer.dmg

Bluecubit releases Imagenest 1.2.1

http://www.bluecubit.com/downloads.html 

Its an awesome program that I now use almost daily. I found that the newest version didn't save my settings from V1.1 (page size settings, printer dialogue box things, etc.) I have contacted them regarding that and will post when I figure out what caused it. Other than that, ImageNest has been a very solid program.

They are also looking for features requests if you are a current or potential user.

The main thing I would like to see is an option to save the layouts for later, so you can prep when you are not in front of your printer. A little greater control of the cut marks wouldn't hurt either.

Definitely check out their demo if you haven't yet.

Awesome New Chuck Anderson Book

Wandering Off Into Space - New NoPattern book now available
Originally uploaded by nopattern

A friend of ours, Chuck Anderson of No Pattern, has released an awesome new book titled "Wandering Off Into Space." There are sixty-four high resolution pages of Chuck's projects and work. The book measures 8" x 9" and is available in a signed limited edition of 2000. A true steal at only $25! And a portion of all sales goes to Invisible Children, www.invisiblechildren.com, a great charity.



Check out more pictures at:
http://www.nopattern.com/nopattern/project.asp?project_ID=101

Great job Chuck! Keep it up!

Great New Paper - HP Everyday Photo Paper

HP's newest economical paper -- HP Everyday Pigment Ink Gloss & HP Everyday Pigment Ink Satin -- is great for photos, posters, proofing, and much more. Priced at 20 cents a square foot (24"x100' roll is $40, 36"x100' is $60), it greatly reduces the cost of using genuine HP paper. Combined with great image quality and HP's notorious manufacturing standards, this paper is hard to beat. It was designed for use on pigment Designjet printers, but we have used it in Canon and Epson pigment inkjet printers with great results as well.

HP Everyday Roll Paper Overview:

• Great total ink absorption, producing vivid colors
• Very quick dry time
• Only designed for pigment inks
• Great price and even greater value
• Suitable for photographic use or everyday wide format printing
• 235 g/m²

HP Everyday Satin	24" x 100'	Q8920A	$39.99
HP Everyday Satin	36" x 100'	Q8921A	$59.99
HP Everyday Glossy	24" x 100'	Q8916A	$39.99
HP Everyday Glossy	36" x 100'	Q8917A	$59.99

HP Z2100 Designjet - New Firmware (V7)

HP has released a new firmware in late August, 2008, for the HP Z2100 (both the 24" and the 44"). The latest version should now be 7.0.0.3-5.

Download from HP: HP Designjet Drivers and Firmware

TR8-MVL-U-7.0.0.3-5.fmw

HP Designjet Z3200 - New HP Z series printer

Hewlett Packard (HP) recently announced the release of its new HP Z3200 photo printer. Available in 24" and 44", it is set to replace the current HP Designjet Z3100 series. The Z3200's notable improvements over the Z3100 include:

HP Z3200 Improvements:

• Newly formulated Red ink (called Chromatic Red) --hopefully eliminating the Orange color problem on some Z3100's
• Improved Pantone Matching
  
• Updated internal software by ErgoSoft and Betterlight.com
  
• StudioPrint RIP software is included from ErgoSoft
• Eliminated pizza wheel issues of the initial Designjet Z3100

HP Z3200 Similarities to HP Z3100:

• Speed: not any faster
• ICC Profiles: same internal spectrophotometer
• Inks: 11 colors still the same
• Same outer look

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HP Designjet Z3100 - 44" Model

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HP Designjet Z3200 - 44" Model

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There was a collaboration between HP and Nikon to create an end to end color management solution. The printer includes ErgoSoft's RIP - StudioPrint. There are additional features that work with Nikon D3 series cameras to manage your colors from the initial photographing to the printing process.

Easy and Affordable Nesting software - ImageNest

A new alternative to using Photoshop to compile multiple images for printing onto a single piece of paper has emerged -- ImageNest by BlueCubit. This program works only for Mac computers and simply compiles images together to print on a single piece of paper or roll. This program can save you a lot of time and money, it starts under $100. Check out the more in depth review I wrote covering more features and information at the link below:

The Perfect Printing Blog - Review of BlueCubit's ImageNest software

http://elevateprinting.com/blog/2008-06/bluecubits-nesting-program-mac-imagenest-review/

Elevate Printing - Vector Banner Creator for designing online Vinyl Banners

Elevate Printing has just announced the release of its Vector Banner Creator™, an online application to allow anyone to design vinyl banners online and have them instantly printed. Creating a professional quality vinyl banner in minutes is simple with this application. It currently works with vector files (.ai or .eps) to make sure your image can be scaled to create banners up to 10 feet wide. The program allows you to resize your image or logo and reposition it on the banner. While the Vinyl Banner Creator is still in Beta version, they are offering free stuff and coupons if you send Elevate Printing your comments, bugs, etc. Future updates are due to support adding text, changing background colors, and adding multiple images. All their banners are created with high resolution printing onto top grade 13 oz vinyl.

More information and banner printing specs can be found here: Printing Information - Vinyl Banners.

Try out the Vinyl Banner Creator HERE.

Epson announces 64" Eco Solvent Printer - Stylus Pro GS6000

Epson released details to the public regarding its newest printer, the 64 inch Stylus GS6000, earlier this week in Orlando. The GS6000 is an entry level eco-solvent printer aimed at the sign, display, and decor industry. Epson has developed a new inkset, the UltraChrome GS inks, which are both Nickel free and allow a wider color gamut than existing solvent printers on the market. Since the UltraChrome GS inks also contain very low volatile organic compounds (VOC's), which allow the Stylus Pro GS6000 to operate in rooms without a special ventilation system. The only ventilation requirement is that air can both enter and exit a room.

In keeping with its reputation for cutting edge technology and vivid colors, Epson has added Green and Orange to the typical six inks in solvent printer to blow the competition's prints away in addition to matching countless more Pantone (PMS) colors. Epson's new Advanced Cleaning System also simplifies printer cleaning, reducing overhead and labor costs for sign shops. The waste from the GS6000 is also disposable into standard sewer systems, eliminating the need for special waste handling procedures.

The Epson GS6000 sports hot swappable 950mL inks, 1440 x 1440 print resolution, ink droplets as small as 3.7 picoliters, and print speeds up to 25 Square Meters per hour. Epson is working with Avery and 3M to continue to develop groundbreaking solvent media for the GS6000. Epson's GS6000 will undoubtedly change the way commercial signage, retail displays, art decor, banners, and billboards will be created. Epson is scheduled to start shipping the GS6000's in Summer to Fall of 2008.