Canopy, the US distributor of Xeikon digital presses, has introduced a new tool for proofing and transmitting variable data print jobs using PDF.
PDF ProofStreamer emulates the Xeikon PrintStreamer to produce an on-screen preview of imposed shirt-run or variable data jobs before they are printed. It allows on-screen pre-flighting to check that a job is OK by using a PDF-based technique to simulate data merging, layering, collation and imposition creating a "thin proof" of all unique versions of the job.
It uses Xeikon's Book Ticket file to work out and extract only the changing elements.
The software was designed to protect the security of customer databases, which the firm claims is essential for the financial community. Clients no longer have to supply their databases to the print site and can sign off a proof on their site before sending the job for printing.
Canopy plans to launch the software next month with a price of 6,300 ($9,500) and will be showing it at Seybold San Fransisco. The firm is currently in discussion with other Xeikon dealers regarding selling the software and will be holding further talks with Xeikon itself at Seybold, according to director of marketing & product development Michael Silverman.
Contact: www.canopyprint.com
By Barney Cox