Print better colors with i1Prism V2

Caldera V9 has an integration of i1Prism V2, the engine of i1Profiler.

This provides better smoothness (especially, solves the problem of the erratic separation curves near the neutrals), for an equivalent (or even better) accuracy. It will also make better profiles in Ncolor printing modes, under certain conditions. This engine also has more settings to play with (e.g. Contrast and Saturation sliders in Perceptual mode).

This feature requires EasyMedia.

Correct colors within the RIP

This feature, often called “last minute Color Correction“, allows Caldera users to correct the colors of a Print in addition to the standard color management. The GUI will consist of standard sliders (contrast, luminosity, Red/Cyan balance etc..) with a real-time preview in the main PRINT window.

Re-Open jobs from within the spooler

This allows users to double-click a job in the Spooler during any stage of printing and to reopen it in the Print window, with exactly the same printing parameters as initially specified. This can be used to check the parameters in case of doubt, but also to resubmit a job with different parameters.

Relinearize your profiles with EasyMedia

This new function of the EasyMedia color profiling option allows resynchronizing of an ICC profile with the current printing conditions. The effects are to correct the Linearization curves in order to compensate for a shift of densities in the primaries, for example after a head change, or after a certain period of time, when the nozzles fire (release) less ink.

The procedure consists of printing and measuring a Linearization target, while the rest automatic. EasyMedia will also, before attempting to correct the linearization curves, display a report on the ink density shifts, and make a yes or no suggestion as to whether or not a relinearization is necessary.

Save current print configurations

This enables users to save the current Print configuration (in the Print window) in a named file. A menu gives access to all saved configurations, therefore allowing the user to switch quickly between different kinds of printing workflows.

This is basically the same as duplicating the Print module in the Application bar; however it’s faster and offers more flexibility. It also has some similarities with the standard “Workflows” in Caldera automated printing).

Use Color Books to visually compare color output

A “Color Book” is a multi-page PDF file including a certain number (usually large) of color swatches, allowing one to make a visual match between a reference color (e.g. a logo to reproduce) and a color that can be effectively reproduced by a given printer (or more exactly by a printing configuration, including Media, resolution etc..). Usually a Color Book adresses colors in device space, (i.e. if a printer is CMYKOG), the books will consist of all CMYOG possible combinations, with a given sampling step (e.g. 5%).
The source of the Book could also be a Spot Color library, for example all the Pantones. Another application consists of targeting a Book on a certain color, and to generate close “variants” of this color. The GUI will have options to configure the swatch size, the page size, the labels to display under the swatches, etc. ..

Automatic Print gutters to avoid nozzle clogging

This new function will print “gutters” (aka Color Stripes or Color Bars) with each job, i.e. multiple bands, one for each ink, all along the side of the prints. The goal is to have the printer spitting ink at all times to prevent abrupt density variations or nozzle clogging. The gutters are configurable in a certain number of ways, dimension, positioning, etc…

Monitor offline printers with Livespooler

The LiveSpooler offers the ability for the Caldera Spooler to monitor the printing queue of “Offline” printers (i.e. file-driven printers). It is based on an XML exchange protocol specified by Caldera, which allows the printer controller and the Caldera Spooler to exchange information.

For the printers supporting this protocol, the Caldera Spooler will precisely display what happens with the jobs: when they enter the printer’s queue, when they are printed, the amount of jobs printed, and when they are deleted. Additionally, the Spooler can report errors or warnings emitted by the printer, as well as ink levels.

Flow+ users will greatly benefit from this feature which automatizes the report of the prints for Offline printers.

New languages supported

The Chinese language and characters are now fully supported, as well as the Turkish language. This includes the special method to input Chinese text on the keyboard. The text is rendered with anti-aliasing, for better readability.