Digital Prints

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Mastering Digital Printing
Connectivity/Compatibility: Most wide-formats have cross-platform OS support (Mac
and Windows), although a few do not. There are more connectivity options with wideformats.
Besides standard printer drivers for direct printing, most wide-formats will give
you built-in access or expansion slots for parallel, USB, FireWire, and even serial connections,
plus internal or external connections (10/100base-T interfaces) for print servers,
networks, and RIP drivers.
Even with the added complexities, once you nail down your workflow, wide-format operation
is fairly smooth. In terms of noise, wide-format inkjets are only slightly louder than
their desktop cousins. But you still have to learn to live with that bzzzz, bzzzz, bzzzz sound!
8. What About Printer Software,
Drivers, and RIPs?
In addition to the required printer drivers, inkjet printers now include various software
tools to make your printing more efficient (many will also come with bundled third-party
software trials and demos).
Figure 6.5 Artist Teri Brudnak and her
Roland Hi-Fi JET in her home studio.
Courtesy of Teri Brudnak