cheap rip or other?

[wonderings]

We have an Epson 10600 Ultra Chrome. Right now it runs off our Harlequin rip that we use for our CTP as well. I want to get a separate computer/RIP to run the Epson to increase the speed (fun via firewire) and to free up the rip just for plates, as it takes a while to rip large posters and this holds back the plate making.

For colour, it just needs to be pleasing, not going to calibrate it to a press or anything like that. Looking for somewhat cheap ideas to do this. I was thinking of picking up a Mac Mini for the Epson, but not really sure what I should be looking at RIP wise.

All suggestions welcome

Thanks

[KimSaks]

Why not run it using the standard Epson Windows software that it came with?
If you're just looking for pleasing color it should do just fine.
If you're looking for a bit more productivity, give me a call or write me offline... there are a number of options and prices you have to choose from.
Have a great day!
Kim

KJSAKS Enterprises, Inc
ph... 702-561-5936
e-mail... kimsaks619@aol.com

[mattbeals]

You can buy a RIP from someone like Compose, Lucid Dream, Xitron, RipIT and others. I think they'll all have drivers for the Epson.

If you look at Lucid Dream they have their PDF/X Maker plug-in you can take the RIPped and trapped data from the primary RIP and send a RIPped/trapped/imposed PDF over to the proofing RIP. It's a pretty slick set up. I have a customer who has two HQ v5.5 RIP's for different devices. The primary RIP is a HP server (pretty beefy) and it handles all the RIPing and trapping. When they need poly plates the RIP (PDF/X Maker) sends the RIPped and trapped PDF over to the second RIP for poly plates. Pretty affordable, very reliable and quite fast.

[wonderings]

I am really looking for something very light weight. I basically want to drop pdfs into a hot folder, preview the job on a rip of some variety and then print. Its hard to find any prices online for some reason. Anyone know anything or use EFI™ eXpress?

EFI Color Print Management Software PDF Digital Printing Offset