A: Chromira can 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).

A: Chromira uses ZBE’s patented Resolution Enhancement Technology, a special optical system, which produces a diamond-shaped pixels that overlap and effectively creates a sharper, higher resolution visual of 425 Pixels per Inch.

A: Images printed on Chromira are far superior in image quality to images from an inkjet 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 inkjet printer with at least 1500 Dots per Inch of resolution to equal the quality of Chromira’s prints at 300 Pixels per Inch.

A: Chromira is designed to work with popular RIP packages that can produce RGB – TIFF, BMP or JPEG files. The Chromira can print the RGB TIFF files which are the “RIPped” output of most popular RIP software. Many labs already have RIP packages, which they use to drive other printers. This can drive the Chromira as well.

A: The Chromira prints on virtually all RA4 photographic materials, both paper and film.

A: Chromira works with virtually every RA4 emulsion. However, Chromira works especially well with digital imaging emulsions designed to maximize output on digital printers.

A: No, B& W materials are not compatible but Chromira Printers make beautiful B&W prints on color media.

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 travel over the network to Chromira as they are being printed. Everything needed to interface to the network is included with Chromira. The lab needs only to supply the network cable to plug into Chromira.

A: No. Chromira has Windows XP built in.

A: Yes, but it is not recommended. Digital image files can be quite large. The 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 embedded within the Chromira prior to printing. The Chromira can retrieve 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 needed. Then, it prints. 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 printed. In this way, there are no long interruptions in printing or bottlenecks in your network while large files are being copied.

A: Chromira does not absolutely require a network to operate. Files can be printed from CDs or DVDs, as well as being received over a network.

A: Chromira can print RGB TIFF files in both MAC and PC formats. MAC images can be brought to Chromira via 1) Network, 2) DVD, or 3) CD.

A: Yes, Chromira must be loaded and unloaded in darkness. After loading, the doors are closed and Chromira can be operated in normal light.

A: Chromira uses air to actuate some of the moving parts.   This reduces wear and allows for part of the longevity Chromira is known for.

A: Chromira 30 prints at approximately 25 inches per minute for images a full 30″ wide depending on the scaling and rotating of the image. Narrower images may print slightly faster. With prints that are not being reduced in size, or rotated, Chromira prints at full speed. Large files, being printed at a reduced size, can slow down Chromira due to the required data processing time. Similarly, heavy network traffic can delay access to a file to be printed.  That could cause Chromira to pause briefly for data.

A: Absolutely.

A: The Chromira 30 accepts paper widths as small as eight inches and as large as 30″.

A: Images larger than 30″ wide (depending on the Chromira model) can be printed in strips.

A: The length of the print is limited only by the length of the roll of paper and image file.

A: Approximately 24 inches.

A: One. However, you will lose approximately 24″ of paper each time you unload and rethread 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 printer stops and waits for a new roll.

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.

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.

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.

A: Contact ZBE for reference to available ICC printer profiles.

A: Yes. Color and density are easily adjusted when you print the image.

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.

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.

A: Yes. Simply specify the number of prints when submitting the job.

A: Yes, the Chromira allows for the resizing of any single image.

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.

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.

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.

A: Yes.

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.