Q: What size prints can the Chromira ProLab make? A:  Chromira ProLab can make prints of any size up to 30” (76cm) wide by 160 (48.8m) feet long.  There is no minimum size restriction. Q: Does the Chromira ProLab cut prints to size? A:  The Chromira ProLab cuts, stacks, and collates most sizes of prints with its XY cutter.  The smallest size Chromira ProLab can cut is 3.5” x 5” (8.9 x 12.7cm).  Chromira ProLab cuts all finished sizes up to 12” x 30” (30.5 x 76cm), and any print that is 30” wide, fully automatically.  Some odd sized larger prints require trimming one edge. Q: What size paper does the Chromira ProLab take? A:  The Chromira ProLab needs only one size of paper: 30” (76cm).  The automatic cutting allows all print sizes to be cut out from a 30” roll. Q: How does Chromira ProLab handle color matching between multiple size prints? A: Since all prints come from the same roll, they are automatically color matched. Q: How does the job sorting and collating work?  A:  Prints are sorted together by job.  All the prints from one job are delivered into the same bin automatically.  The bins hold prints up to 11”x14”.  Prints larger than 11x14 are deposited on the print  “hammock” on the back of the machine. Q: Does Chromira ProLab require a darkroom? A:  There is absolutely no darkroom required.  Other “daylight” operation machines require a darkroom in  order to load “daylight” paper cassettes.  Mini-lab type machines can use a changing bag on a separate table instead of a darkroom, but large-format machines all need a darkroom.  Not only is this inconvenient, but it doubles the amount of space needed for the machine.  In order to avoid the use of a darkroom, Chromira ProLab omits the use of a cassette.  Chromira ProLab uses the original paper box as its cassette.  The whole box goes into the machine and the operator loads the machine by reaching through a light-tight panel.  This takes about 30 seconds.  No darkroom. No cassette.  No cassette to drop and break.  The Chromira ProLab is really the ONLY true daylight operating printer. Q: How big is the Chromira ProLab?  A: The footprint of the Chromira ProLab is 5’ x 5.5’ (1.5m x 1.7m), smaller than many mini-labs. Q: What kind of files can the Chromira  ProLab print? A: Chromira ProLab will print RGB TIFF, JPEG and BMP files.  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 the Chromira ProLab.  Postscript files are converted to TIFF files with a Raster Image Processor (“RIP”).  Q:  Does the Chromira ProLab include or require a “Front End”? A:  The usual “Front End” bottleneck is eliminated with Chromira ProLab.  Each PC networked in the Lab has full access to the “front end” functions.  This completely eliminates the need for a dedicated “front end” computer, and removes the bottleneck, which results from having to pass each print job through the “front end” workstation. Q:  Does the Chromira ProLab require a dedicated operator? A:  Yes, though the Chromira ProLab can run unattended until all the trays are full, it is still a working machine that is constantly outputting finished prints.  An operator will be required to empty the collating trays and print catcher (for large prints). Q:  What about a RIP? A:  Most digital imaging departments have one or more RIP packages they use to drive other printers.  Since Chromira ProLab is an “open system”, it works with any RIP that can generate an RGB TIFF file (including most popular RIPs).  The Chromira ProLab should integrate easily into any system. Q:  Does the Chromira ProLab back print data on each finished print? A:  Yes.  The Chromira ProLab back prints 2 lines of information. Q:  How does the Chromira ProLab connect to our computer(s) or workstation(s)? A:  Chromira ProLab does not plug in like a desktop printer.  It has a built-in Windows XP computer and connects to the other computer(s) over the network much like any other PC.  Files can travel over the network to the Chromira ProLab as it is printing.  Everything necessary to the interface to the network is included with the Chromira ProLab.  The user need only supply the network connection to plug into it.  Q: Since the Chromira ProLab is PC-based, how can I print images from my MAC. A:  The Chromira ProLab can print RGB TIFF files in both MAC and PC formats.  MAC images can be brought to the Chromira ProLab 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 on the network. The Windows XP operating system can 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 the Chromira ProLab on disk, it is necessary to use one that is PC-formatted. Q: How fast does Chromira ProLab print? A:  Chromira ProLab prints at 24 (61 cm) inches per minute.  That equals:              1440 4x6” prints per hour              480   8x10 prints per hour              240   11x14 prints per hour              69     20 x 30 prints per hour              35     30x40 prints per hour Q: What materials can the Chromira ProLab print on? A: Chromira ProLab prints on virtually all RA4 photographic materials, both paper and film, digital B&W, and Metallic. Q: What kind of RA4 chemistry does the Chromira ProLab use? A: Chromira ProLab can utilize any brand of standard RA4 photographic chemicals. Q: Will the Chromira ProLab work in a location that does not have a floor drain? A: Yes, the Chromira ProLab can be configured to utilize “washless RA4” chemistry when convenient floor drain is not available.  Q: What are the benefits of running Chromira ProLab as a washless printer? A: The most important benefit is that Chromira ProLab can operate in virtually any location where power, water, and air are available. Q: Who manufacturers the RA4 processing module of the Chromira ProLab? A:  The RA4 processing module of the Chromira ProLab is engineered and manufactured by Engineering Services to ZBE’s specifications. Q: How is the Chromira ProLab calibrated? A:  Primary calibration of the Chromira ProLab is carried out by printing a test calibration image.  The calibraton image has a series of gray patches ranging from white to black.  The gray patches are read with a densitometer that connects into the computer.  The Chromira ProLab calibrates automatically from these densitometer readings.  The process is generally called “linearizing” the machine. Q: How does color management work on Chromira ProLab? A:  Color management on the Chromira ProLab works by applying a “profile” on-the-fly 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 print will match the colors of the original.  In practice, color profiles will also adjust the color differences between brands of paper.  It will be necessary to have a different profile for each brand and type of paper being printed.  The profile is applied on-the-fly to the image file during rasterization. Q: Can I adjust the color of an image when I print it? A:  Yes. Q: How does Chromira ProLab’s resolution compare with the resolution of an inkjet printer? A:  Images printed on Chromira ProLab are far superior in image quality to images from an ink jet printer.  The resolution of Chromira ProLab 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 at least 1500 Dots per Inch of resolution to equal the quality of the Chromira ProLab’s prints at 300 Pixels Per Inch.  Q: Will the Chromira ProLab workflow integrate with other digital workflow software like ROES, DP2, or Express Digital? A:  Yes. Q: In the event of a technical problem, what happens? A: Technicians are available from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Pacific Time, by phone. If a technician is needed on sight, ZBE will make arrangements for a trained, contracted technician in your area to respond within 24 hours. 9/2007. Specifications subject to change without notice. If you would like more information, please fill out our information request form.