FAQs for Chromira 5×30″ Digital RA4 Printer
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.