Mac to RIP to Imagesetter

[PAFAN]

I'm a graphic designer who really knows nothing about RIPs, yet is given the task to figure out a few things.

I work at a small printer looking to purchase a used imagesetter for 8 mil plates. I work in CS2 apps on Mac OSX.

Are any of these RIPs okay to work with?:
1. Apogee/Viper 1.9.2 - Post Level 2 (with Accuset 1200)
2. Multistar 600 - Post Level 2 (with Select Set 5000)

Any RIP/Imagesetter advice will be helpful.

Thanks!

[Joe]

Originally Posted by PAFAN

I'm a graphic designer who really knows nothing about RIPs, yet is given the task to figure out a few things.

I work at a small printer looking to purchase a used imagesetter for 8 mil plates. I work in CS2 apps on Mac OSX.

Are any of these RIPs okay to work with?:
1. Apogee/Viper 1.9.2 - Post Level 2 (with Accuset 1200)
2. Multistar 600 - Post Level 2 (with Select Set 5000)

Any RIP/Imagesetter advice will be helpful.

Thanks!

I'd make sure whatever you get is Postscript 3. Postscript 2 would be a deal breaker for me right off the bat.

[Shanavaz]

Postscript level 3 RIPs may be required in the near future. You can either get a software RIP or hardware RIP. Again the intrface PC or MAC. The computers are getting powerful and the memory is getting cheap. Go for the latest to avoid facing a dead end. For your information, even laser printers come with Postscript level 3.

[hagar_uk]

Originally Posted by PAFAN

I'm a graphic designer who really knows nothing about RIPs, yet is given the task to figure out a few things.

I work at a small printer looking to purchase a used imagesetter for 8 mil plates. I work in CS2 apps on Mac OSX.

Are any of these RIPs okay to work with?:
1. Apogee/Viper 1.9.2 - Post Level 2 (with Accuset 1200)
2. Multistar 600 - Post Level 2 (with Select Set 5000)

Any RIP/Imagesetter advice will be helpful.

Thanks!

PS level 2? seriously things have moved on so far from those days, look at going to a softwre RIP, like Highwater, or Xitron, they can drive those devices (with the right card) and cope with PDF as well and will be much much quicker

[frailer]

Depending on your location, resources...your main considerations will be a steep learning curve and ongoing support when you run into problems...[you will]. As stated earlier, the more up to date, the better. trying to process newer files through older RIPs can be, well, "preoccupying".
When you get closer to a choice/have more info on what you're looking at, post here again. Then get ready to post again when you kick off. Not wanting to put you off, just get you ready.

[PAFAN]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice.
frailer - I'm sure I will be posting here again as things progress.

[pwydler]

Really buy a new rip there are several in the market
Eagle Rip is cheap and good
Also Hrlequin rip
The Apogee is good but in the later versions

[pressgeek]

For years we ran an AccuSet 1000 with Viper 1.9.2 RIP, but the RIP is not compatible with any version of OS X, without a hacked PPD. AGFA support will just tell you that the RIP is not supported, and suggest you upgrade to Apogee X. I suggest you listen to pwydler and look for an Eagle or Harlequin RIP. Eagle even sells a turnkey system installed on your choice of boxen, with an installed APIS card and cable to hook up to an AGFA imagesetter.

If you end up with the Viper, look for me at the new forum and PM me. I will find the "modified" PPD's that will work with OS X and get them to you - I never throw anything away.

If anyone from AGFA reads this, I know nothing about any PPD's that may have been modified. I have never seen these PPD's on the internets. I have never used one of these modified PPD's. If I see any of them, I will immediately report this grievous offence to the proper authorities.

Good Luck!