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Q: What kind of files
can Chromira print?
A: Chromira will print
RGB TIFF, JPEG and BMP files. The TIFF files
may be either PC or MAC type. Other file
types (such as Postscript) must first be
converted to TIFF in order to be printed
on Chromira. Postscript files are converted
to TIFF files with a Raster Image Processor
(RIP).
Q: What does it mean
that Chromira's resolution is specified as
425 Pixels per Inch of visual resolution?
A:
Chromira uses ZBE's patented Resolution
Enhancement Technology, a special optical
system, which sharpens each pixel and then
prints them at a higher resolution. This
generates 425 Pixels per Inch printed on
the page with the corresponding image quality.
Q:
How does Chromira's resolution compare with
the resolution of an inkjet printer?
A:
Images printed on Chromira are far superior
in image quality to images from an ink jet
printer. The resolution of Chromira is specified
in continuous tone Pixels Per Inch. Inkjet
printers specify resolution in Dots (of
ink) Per Inch. It is generally considered
that it takes 5-6 times the resolution in
dots per inch to match continuous tone resolution.
Thus it would take an ink jet printer of
at least 1500 Dots per Inch of resolution
to equal the quality of Chromira's prints
at 300 Pixels per Inch.
Q:
Will the Chromira include a RIP?
A:
Chromira is designed to work with most popular
RIP packages (any RIP that can produce RGB
- TIFF, BMP or JPEG files). That is to say
that Chromira will print the RGB TIFF files
which are the "RIPped" output
of most popular RIP software. Many of our
customers already have RIP packages, which
they are using to drive other printers and
these should be able to drive Chromira as
well.
Q:
What materials can Chromira print on?
A:
The Chromira prints on virtually all RA4
photographic materials, both paper and film.
Q:
Does Chromira require materials with special
"digital imaging" emulsion?
A:
Chromira will work with vitrtually every
RA4 emulsion. However, Chromira works beautifully
with digital imaging emulsions designed
to maximize output on digital printers.
Q:
Can Chromira print on Black & White materials?
A:
Yes, ZBE currently supports B&W materials. All Chromira5x printers are capable of imaging on true B&W paper.
Q:
How does Chromira connect to our computer(s)
or workstation(s)?
A:
Chromira does not plug in like a desktop
printer. Chromira has a built in Windows
XP Workstation computer, which connects
to other computer(s) over the network much
like any other PC. Files being imaged travel
over the network to Chromira as they are
being printed. Everything necessary to interface
to the network is included with Chromira.
The user need only supply the network cable
to plug into Chromira.
Q:
Do we need to purchase a separate workstation
to dedicate to Chromira?
A:
No. Chromira has Windows XP built in.
Q:
Chromira has a built in Windows XP computer,
can we store our images there?
A:
Yes, but it is not recommended. Digital
image files can be quite large and Chromira
is designed so that it prints images from
files stored on the network. It is not necessary
to move an image file to the computer within
Chromira prior to printing. Chromira retrieves
the image from wherever it resides on the
network, as it is needed for printing. It
works like this: When Chromira is ready
to begin printing an image; it retrieves
the first inch of the image to be printed.
That portion of the image is scaled, color
corrected, and rotated (if necessary) and
then begins printing. As soon as the first
inch begins printing, Chromira retrieves
the next inch of the image. The processing
of the second inch occurs while the first
inch is printing. In this way, there are
no long interruptions in the printing while
large files are copied over the network.
Q:
If we do not have a network, can we still
use Chromira?
A:
Chromira does not absolutely require a network
to operate. Files can be printed from CDs
or floppy disks as well as being received
over a network.
Q:
Since Chromira is PC based, how can I print
images from my MAC?
A:
Chromira can print RGB TIFF files in both
MAC and PC formats. MAC images can be brought
to Chromira via 1) Network, 2) Disk, or
3) CD. When using a network, it is necessary
for the MACs to communicate on a PC network.
This is most commonly done via a Windows
XP Server in the lab. The Windows XP Server
will communicate with both PCs and MACs.
Alternately, there are several software
packages available which allow a MAC to
communicate on a PC network. If the images
are brought to Chromira on disk (usually
a ZIP disk), it is necessary to use one
that is PC-formatted. The MAC can use both
PC and MAC formatted disks, but Chromira
can only read PC formatted disks.
Q:
Does the machine need a darkroom?
A:
Yes, Chromira must be loaded and unloaded
in darkness. After loading, the doors are
closed and Chromira can be operated in normal
light.
Q:
Why does Chromira require a compressed air
supply?
A:
Chromira uses air to actuate some of the
moving parts.
Q:
How fast does Chromira print?
A:
Chromira prints at approximately 5 inches
per minute for images a full 30" wide
and 4 inches per minute for images a full
50" wide, depending on the scaling
and rotating of the image. Narrower images
may print slightly faster. Normally, with
prints that are not being reduced in size,
or rotated, Chromira will print at full
speed. Large files, being printed at a reduced
size can slow down Chromira, due to the
data processing time in handling the large
files. Similarly, heavy network traffic
delaying the access to a file being printed
can cause Chromira to pause briefly for
data.
Q:
Can Chromira print a "full bleed"
to the edge of the paper?
A:
Absolutely.
Q:
On what paper widths can Chromira print?
A:
The Chromira 30 accepts paper widths as
small as eight inches and as large as 30",
while we recommend a minimum of 20"
and a maximum of 50" paper for the
Chromira 50.
Q:
How can I print images larger than 30"
wide on the Chromira 30 or 50" wide on
the Chromira 50?
A:
Images larger than 30" or 50"
wide (depending on the Chromira model) can
be printed in strips.
Q:
What is the largest print I can make?
A:
The length of the print is limited only
by the length of the roll of paper and image
file.
Q:
How much paper is lost when threading Chromira?
A:
Approximately 24 inches.
Q:
What is the minimum number of prints I can
make before unloading the printer?
A:
One. However, you will lose approximately
24" of paper each time you unload and
rethread the paper.
Q:
What is the maximum number of prints I can
make before unloading the paper?
A:
You can queue up as many prints as you like.
Chromira can print an entire roll of paper,
unattended. When the roll runs out, the
printing stops and waits for a new roll.
Q:
How do I know if there is enough paper left
in Chromira to print a job?
A:
Chromira keeps track of the paper supply
as well as the amount of exposed paper.
When the paper supply is low, a warning
message is posted on the screen.
Q:
How is Chromira calibrated?
A:
Primary calibration of Chromira is executed
by first printing a test calibration image.
The calibration image has a series of gray
patches ranging from white to black. The
gray patches are read with a densitometer,
which connects into the computer. Chromira
calibrates automatically from these densitometer
readings. This process is generally called
"linearizing" the machine.
Q:
How does color management work on Chromira?
A:
Color management on Chromira works by applying
a "profile" to the image being
printed. The purpose of the profile is to
make adjustments to the colors as specified
in the image file so that colors of the
printed result will precisely match the
colors of the original. In practice, color
profiles will adjust the color differences
between brands of paper. It will probably
be necessary to have a different profile
for each brand and type of paper being printed.
The profile is normally applied to the image
file during RIPping.
Q:
Where do I get color profiles for the material
I am using?
A:
Contact ZBE for reference to available ICC
printer profiles.
Q:
Can I adjust the color of an image when I
print it?
A:
Yes. Color and density are easily adjusted
when you print the image.
Q:
Do I have to make test prints?
A:
Chromira prints are much more consistent
and predictable than photographic prints
made optically. However, critical color
applications may still require test prints
since prints can never perfectly match a
computer monitor.
Q:
How many LEDs does Chromira have?
A:
To print with LEDs it is necessary to have
Red, Green and Blue LEDs. Rumors of a 4th,
Black LED are not true. ZBE's precision
control circuitry allows Dmax to be attained
using Red Green & Blue only, without
the need for the black LED.
Q:
Can I make multiple prints of a single image?
A:
Yes. Simply specify the number of prints
when submitting the job.
Q:
Can I make multiple prints of differing size
from a single image?
A:
Yes, the Chromira allows for the resizing
of any single image.
Q:
Can Chromira nest prints, side by side on
the roll?
A:
Yes, Chromira's automatic nesting feature
will instantly result in the printing of
any set of images side by side to reduce
paper waste and automatically maximize imaging
productivity.
Q:
Can Chromira interface with any automatic
cutters?
A:
Yes. An optional accessory of the Chromira
is the Chromira Trim, an automatic squaring
cutter. Chromira also interfaces with the
ChromiraTrim XY, which is designed to provide
highly productive print cutting for mid-to-high
volume digital imagers.
Q:
What is the skill level required to operate
Chromira?
A:
Anyone experienced with loading paper in
any printer can learn to load and unload
Chromira in about 5 minutes. Anyone with
basic Windows computer skills can quickly
and easily learn to submit prints to Chromira.
Q:
Can a prospective customer send in a file
for ZBE to print a sample?
A:
Yes.
Q:
In the event of a technical problem, what
happens?
A:
Chromira automatically performs a complete
self-diagnostic every time it is turned
on. Any problems are immediately reported.
In the event that the automatic self-test
does not identify the problem, the next
stage is a set of operator assisted self
tests. Sophisticated fault diagnosis software
guides the machine operator through a complete
set of tests. Chromira prompts the machine
operator with voice messages to manually
actuate each component of the machine. Chromira
monitors the results and generates a comprehensive
log of tests. In most cases this will clearly
identify the fault. The log of tests can
then be e-mailed to ZBE for verification
and subsequent action.
11/2004.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
If you would like more information, please
fill out our information
request form. |
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