New Shiraz RIP Server V8

Shiraz Software is committed to the Continuous Improvement of our products. With our new generation of RIP software we have not only developed support for the latest operating systems from Apple and Microsoft, which has become expected from our users, but also re-engineered our core architecture to optimise performance, taking full advantage of the latest innovations in processor technology. Shiraz RIP Server V8 introduces a host of new innovative features and modules to increase functionality and streamline work-flows. For example the new CAD engine creates new opportunities for printing Large Format CAD files without the need for costly specialised printer options and the new dashboard allows simple control of all RIP modules from one place. The new installation process only installs the modules you need and our Live Update facility ensures these are constantly kept up to date. Finally V8 drives an extensive range of new printers and new medias in addition to those already supported in our products. The following list highlights the major new features in Shiraz RIP Server V8 and you can preview some V8 screens here.

Shiraz RIP Server V8 – Supporting the latest operating systems and processors, optimised RIP processing performance, new features, enhanced user experience, improved installation and updates, together with support for the latest printers puts the new generation of Shiraz at the forefront of Printing Technology today.

RIP Buffering – is a new feature which enables queues to RIP ahead in parallel enabling faster production. You can now print on one queue and have additional queues Ripping and preparing jobs for output in background. New controls on Server V8 allow users to manage RIP buffering for each queue.

Hyper RIPPING – utilising the latest processor generation with multi core hyper threading capability allowing each core of the processor to work on separate tasks. We have introduced smart multitasking RIP engine which divides each job into smaller parts and by processing in parallel, delivers smarter performance and reduced waiting time.

Mac OS X Lion - Native support for the latest Mac OSX Lion operating system. Developed and certified for the new OS offering maximum functionality and performance by maintaining pace with new advances in hardware and Operating systems.

Windows 7 – Native support for the latest Windows 7 operating systems. Developed and certified for the new OS offering maximum functionality and performance by maintaining pace with new advances in hardware and Operating systems.

Improved Usability

New Shiraz Dashboard – Dashboard is a new tool to present a single simple view of the entire suit of modules and utilities available in Server V8. The Dashboard enables the users manage various component of the RIP from a single interface and offers simple, quick start guides on each.

New Server Module– The Server module has gone through a complete re-architecture, streamlining work-flow, simplifying common tasks and enhancing the look & feel of the application making it more intuitive to work with. The resulting new Server has faster UI response while still maintaining its robustness. Changing between queue views is instantaneous, and the feedback from the printers is managed in separate parallel threads providing status updates with no delays in User Interface Performance.

New “Live Update” Utility– A completely new Live Update utility regularly checks against our servers, offering software updates, keeping your software and media profile suite up to date. Using the new Live Update technology the latest software and media profiles are delivered fast and seamlessly directly to the end user from our global cloud servers.

New Thumbnail Generator – Introducing a new fast and efficient WYSIWYG thumbnail generator. Each job is represented as it will be printed showing the nest, crop lines, actual layout and all the user defined print options.

New “Shiraz Viewer” Tool – A new sophisticated remote connection tool enabling an instant remote connection to any computer over the Internet, even through firewalls. This utility can be used for technical support, sales demonstrations or quick resolution of any issue and is now an integral part of the Server V8 software. Shiraz Viewer is used by sales and technical support engineers, both at Shiraz and our dealers, to train users, reduce downtime and provide the best service to Shiraz customers.

Web Based Installation – The V8 installers have been created to work with cloud storage and deliver critical components on-demand. The new installers have smaller footprints and so are delivered more efficiently. The latest drivers and profiles are installed at the same time as the application reducing the time it takes to install, reducing the number of steps required and creating a positive installation experience.

Nesting Enhancements - Introducing a new Nesting component which utilises improved intelligent nesting algorithms to enhance the nesting layout of jobs as well as facilities to give the user the ability to edit and manipulate the nest and manually alter the layout before printing.

Print Mode Management – A new print mode widget on the Server allows the user to edit and change print modes on a submitted job. The print modes control various features and functions of the printer and the job which can now be manipulated at Server as well the client level.

Multiple Job Selection – This new feature on Server V8 allows the operator to select different print jobs in any order. These jobs can be submitted for printing, with the job order being displayed in the print queue. Further changes can be made with the order and print jobs being updated interactively.

Client/Server Verifications – With the new OSes have come additional security measures especially concerning communications over TCP/IP. A new Client-Server Communication Module performs secure verification between client and server to ensure robust and consistent bi-directional communication. Clients check for full access and connection permissions, highlighting any restrictions to users. This allows quick resolution of networking and permissions issues outside the control of the Shiraz software.

New License Keys – All Shiraz products now offer the choice of hardware or software license keys enabling appropriate choice for the environment. The multi-platform hardware USB license key enables robust moving of license between stations while the software license offers a safe and efficient storage of the license data within the computer ensuring no accidental damage to the key.

Latest Adobe PDF Library – The Shiraz RIP engine PDF renderer has been updated with the latest release from Adobe® which ensures the RIP can carry on handling all versions and varieties of PDF files created by latest Adobe® suit of image handling software.

New HPGL/2 Engine – New Shiraz HPGL/2 engine now support rendering and printing of all HP-GL/2 vector and raster files. This new engine targets the Design, Engineering, GIS/Mapping and Architectural industries allowing them to print large format without the need for costly specialist solutions.

New Faster Screening Mode – The proprietary Shiraz screening has been extended to include new modes to handle fast high speed output suitable for outdoor industrial printers.

Double Sided Printing – Additional features that allow double sided printing on large format printers. With a variety of manual duplex options this allows users to create signage that can be viewed from both sides – either freestanding or in windows. Images can be the same or different on each side and can be automatically scaled to take account of wet expansion of the media caused during printing.

General Enhancements and Improvements – Numerous additional enhancements and improvements keeping Shiraz RIP Server V8 at the forefront of printing technology reaching new levels of quality, performance stability and maturity.