Wasatch Computer Technology has released Wasatch SoftRIP(R) version 6.1 featuring the industrys first full 16-bit color rendering pipeline. This innovation builds upon Wasatchs Precision Stochastic Screens(tm) halftoning method to bring high definition color quality to the printing process.
16-bit rendering improves image quality in much the same way as switching from a lossy file format like a jpeg to the data rich RAW format used by professional digital photographers. RIPs with 8-bit rendering lose color data in the printing process. SoftRIP v6.1 maintains the color data to produce output that is truly faithful to the original source image.
SoftRIP will process files that are inherently 16-bits deep through color management and PSS halftoning with high fidelity color depth. Files that arrive to the RIP only 8-bits deep will also show substantial benefit. They are promoted to 16-bits of color depth prior to entering color management and are maintained at this high definition through halftoning. The effects of this innovation will be particularly dynamic when working with vector gradients and printing with lower quality consumables.
Imaging Configurations (color profiles) made with earlier versions of Wasatch SoftRIP can be used with SoftRIP 6.1. In many cases, older profiles will provide improved image quality just by being used with this new release. New 16-bit Imaging Configurations are not backwards compatible.
With SoftRIPs 16-bit color pipeline, color accuracy is improved and tonal banding becomes a thing of the past, says Wasatch Vice President Jay Griffin. Wasatch 6.1 will create a new definition of color quality in the digital inkjet market.
Upgrade Details for Current Users
Wasatch users with valid service contracts as of January 24, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to version 6.1 as long as they request the upgrade before the end of their service contract. Learn more about upgrading at www.wasatch.com
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