Prepress
HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server
Thursday 13. March 2008 - Designed to be a high-performance raster image processor (RIP) and press controller for large-volume and complex variable-data jobs, the HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server is the next-generation print server and IT solution for HP Indigo digital color production segments
Overview
Designed to be a high-performance raster image processor (RIP) and press controller for large-volume and complex variable-data jobs, the HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server is the next-generation print server and IT solution for HP Indigo digital color production segments such as: general commercial print applications that include brochures and sell sheets; direct marketing that includes direct mail and trans-promotional applications; publishing that includes applications such as books and manuals; and photo merchandise products such as photo books and photo calendars.
This off-press solution connects to print service providers management information systems (MIS), taking workflow tasks out of the press room and putting them in the prepress environment where they can be efficiently and centrally managed.
The HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server supports fast-growing digital applications, giving print service providers greater capabilities to pursue new, high-margin jobs. As a highly flexible, centralized and scalable solution, the server can manage up to 12 HP Indigo press models 5xxx, 3xxx, w3xxx and UltraStream; or six HP Indigo 7000 Digital Presses.(1) The HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server also supports the HP Indigo w7200 Digital Press.
A flexible architecture allows customers to add storage, press control or RIP horsepower at anytime. In addition, there is improved support for personalized applications, site-wide production queue management and a new imposition tool. The server also offers enhanced remote management through the HP Integrated Lights Out processor.
Offered in three base configurations IN050, IN100 and IN200 and can be upgraded by purchasing expansion packs.
Key features and benefits
Flexible architecture allows the HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server to scale to very large high-volume commercial print production environments
Centralized production management, job priority control and automated load balancing for both processing and printing
PrintLink protocol for the HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press, enabling separation of prepress tasks from printing to facilitate greater operator and pressroom productivity
Data collection including job file, press status and media information from presses and transmits them to print shop MIS operations
Single-point control for lights-out automation from job submission through printing
Optimized variable-data printing solutions for faster, better processing, including support for major file formats including JLYT/SNAP, PPML 2.2, PPML-T, PDF 1.7 and optimized PDF
New imposition tool for both bound products and step-and-repeat applications. Offers automated fit to page, simple user interface, multiple layouts on a sheet, just in time processing, and control of bleed settings, customized page gutters, gaps and margins
Reliable, redundant, mission-critical HP IT hardware for robust, high-performance production and streamlined workflow operation
Advanced remote support management, including enhanced remote management for job ticketing, job submission and job previewing
Provides brilliant color quality with emulations, ICC 4.0 color management, device link profiles, and automatic half tone adjustments. PANTONE-licensed color tables, both PMS and GOE color systems, and HP Professional PANTONE emulation
Additional Job Definition Format support for third-party hybrid offset/digital workflows such as Agfa ApogeeX and Heidelberg Prinect
Connection to an extended range of workflow and MIS solutions through Job Definition Format (JDF) interfaces
Software “Migration Kit” for HP Indigo Production Manager users operating press models 5xxx, 3xxx, w3xxx and UltraStream(2)
A powerful workflow component in the HP SmartStream family
HP SmartStream is a graphic arts portfolio of components that helps customers create production workflow solutions to meet a broad range of market segments and application needs. The HP SmartStream portfolio provides comprehensive workflow management, from job creation to fulfillment. Combining HP SmartStream and partner components results in greater flexibility with specific solutions that address key market segments and are customizable and scalable to the unique business needs of customers.
HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server Specifications
Supports HP Indigo presses 7000, w7200, 5500, 5000, 3500, 3050, 3000, w3200, w3250 and UltraStream
Input file formats: Postscript 1,2,3; DCS; DCS 2; EPS; PPML 2.2; PPML-T; GIF; JPEG including jpeg 2000; TIFF 6; JLYT/SNAP; PDF 1.7; PDF/x1-a: 2001; PDF/x1-a: 2003; PDF/x-3:2002; PDF/x-3:2003; PDF/X-4; Microsoft XPS 1.0 including HD photo assets
Font formats: Type 0, 1, 2 (CFF), 3, 4, 32, 42, CID Fonts, demand loadable fonts
Operating system software: Microsoft Windows 2003 server, R2
Client OS versions: XP, Vista, Windows 2003, Win2K, Mac-OS 10.4 and 10.5
Networking: TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DHCP
Languages supported: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese and Simplified Chinese
Submission methods: Hot folders, spooling, internal connectivity, JDF, import
RIP core: Global Graphics Harlequin 8.0
Color and color separations: Device link support; ICC v4.0 profiles; CMYK with up to three additional spot colors or CMYKOV with one additional spot color
Hardware: All servers are quad-core servers (DL380/DL360) G5, 3.16 GHz, 1,333 MHz FSB, 4 GB RAM, press controllers come with 800 GB storage which can be expanded to 2.4 TB.
Hardware infrastructure: Redundancy in power supplies, PDUs and RAID arrays, base configurations include two network switching hubs. HP ILO architecture.
Control Station: xw4300
Availability
The HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server is expected to be available worldwide in June.
(1) Connectivity to HP Indigo press 3500 is an optional feature, sold separately.
(2) Migration Kit for the HP Indigo Production Manager does not include all HP SmartStream Production Pro features and does not enable compatibility with HP Indigo 7000, W7200 or WS6000 model presses.