Q: How does Chromira ProLab handle color matching between multiple size prints?
A: Since all prints come from the same roll/emulsion and are processed at the same time, they are automatically color matched.
FAQs for Chromira ProLab
Q: How does the job sorting and collating work?
A: Prints are nested for maximum paper savings while printing, but are then 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” (27.9 x 35.6cm). Prints larger than 11×14 are deposited on the print “hammock” on the back of the machine.
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: 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 about a RIP?
A: Most digital imaging departments have one or more RIP packages they use to drive other printers. Chromira ProLab is an “open system” Therefore, 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: 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: Does the Chromira ProLab back print data on each finished print?
A: Yes. The Chromira ProLab back prints 3 lines of information.
Q: If I would like to shoot and submit an order right from my studio room without having to walk the order to the print room, can I do that? Will I require a WorkStream license for each computer I would like to network?
A: You can absolutely submit the order from your studio, and no, you will not require separate WorkStream programs for all the computers submitting jobs to the printer. Images can be submitted to the computer that is running the Workstream IA software by way of a hot folder. The hot folder would automatically submit the images through Workstream IA for printing.