Is there any feed back Re: the new Harlequin 7.1 that supports drop-in PDF's
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Joe, Jr.

Hi JJ,

I used to use harlequin all the time and actually preferred the harlequin RIPs. But these days I have really come to the conclusion that using a non-adobe RIP is not practical for me. Adobe has gotten better and better at making files that will create havoc in your workflow unless you have the latest Adobe RIP. I'm talking about simple postcards that can tie up your best operator for hours. I have just installed a new Esko-Scope Backstage Server and replaced my Creo/Scitex Brisque. I tested almost all the RIPs out there of any major status but I didn't even consider getting a Harlequin. It's more than just Ripping, the trapping issues created by Adobe have killed out most trap engines to the point that there's only 3 or 4 trap engines that can actually do fully automatic trouble free trapping. Even for smaller shops, I have had InDesign 2 color jobs that were slicing and screwing up. Todays files are just extremely complex and the designers have too many controls to use improperly. IMO, Harlequin RIP is not a sound idea anymore because of Adobe pushing the limits unnecessarily and definitely on purpose.

I also recall my first Harlequin level 3 install where we had to scrap the compose Harlequin system and change course because it was already in the market but was not yet working correctly. That was a tough lesson in early adoption thanks to Compose and Harlequin having it out without ironing out all the kinks. In a 40 million dollar plant, who can afford a mis-step.
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JoePostscript -- support administrator

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Wind Turbine Buyer's Guide


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joepostscript, Happy Holiday!
Thanks for confirming my doubt about a pure harlequin RIP workflow. I have noticed that a lot of the workflow packages out there are based off the Harlequin as a core, but I guess the difference is when the resellers like Xitron incorporating their spin along with key Abobe products that make all those advantages comes into play.
I checked out Esko-Scope Backstage and from what I've read, seen, spoken, and heard, I must agree with you that the workflow is awesome. So is the Xitron Extreme. Unfortunately the price tag is just as awesome & extreme, so we have to find an alternitave.
We can get a full Rampage system, installed and all for about $25k. However, I read some of your mixed reviews about Rampage and based off of your findings made comments to a Fuji tech rep. who still strongly recomments we go with Rampage. He states Rampage addresses and fixes issues faster than Adobe, and he can prove it with their track record along with their latest upgrades.

Joepostscript, I value your insight and look foward to your reply to this.[/code]
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Joe, Jr.

Hi JJ,

Fuji tech rep is correct. Rampage is a great outfit and has been a preferred vendor of many for years, earning them an almost cult like following. Rampage is a small independant company and as such I really like them as a company. Of all my customers, those with Rampage have always loved it and supported Rampage.

So, it is with great due respect that I have to make these points. And, I wish it wasn't so, but it is. Rampage trapping will not trap a Quark Xpress 7 PDF, as stated in their own disclaimers from Graph Expo. Why? Because Quark 7 PDF files are flattened and sliced like 75% of the PDF/X-1a files in our industry. Why would anyone buy a RIP that has problems with 75% of the furnished PDF files in our industry. Like I had said, it's their trapping engine that does no longer fly, just like Screen's, and Scitex Full Auto Frames even. Rampage is a great RIP had no problems as long as you turn off the trapping. But I can give you hundreds of PDF files on my server that will not output through a Rampage accurately.

Fuji brought Rampage in to demo on my site. It was a very failed demo. And I was disappointed because I too saw it as a reasonable solution from a great outfit with great support. So, I am in high hopes that Rampage fixes their trapping engine. But to say at Graph Expo that their RIP will not support trapping of Quark Xpress 7 PDF is to say, why bother? So, their reputation of fixing things is well deserved and hopefully will serve them well right now. Because they have big problem ripping any sliced flattened PDF and that is a problem to fix. I hope they can remedy that soon because I like to support little independant software companies who care, companies like Rampage. How mnany are there? If any of this can be unproven I am eager to see, so that I could include them to friends and customers. If it worked correctly right now, in my tests as of 90 days or so ago, I would have it in my operation.
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JoePostscript -- support administrator

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Wind Turbine Buyer's Guide


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Joepostscript,
Thank you for your valued input. In our quest for a reasonable workflow that does the job, "cake and eat it too"... we contacted Ripit about their OpenRip Symphony Workflow and was amazed to here that they fully support the Fuji Dart and incorporate a Ture Adobe Postscript 3 RIP. Even more amazed that a complete workflow with the works ran under $18k, complete w/install, training and all. We are meeting with Fuji again this week and have to come to a conclusion on a workflow. After reading alot of your postings about the importance of a workflow with True Adobe, what is your take on the OpenRip Symphony.
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Joe, Jr.

Hi JJ, glad I could help. I muved my response to a new post that will be specific to the RipIt OpenRip symphony.


http://software-robotics.com/graphic-design-prepress/viewtopic.php?t=731
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JoePostscript -- support administrator

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Wind Turbine Buyer's Guide


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