ONYX Graphics has released Version 7.1 for its workflow software packages: ONYX ProductionHouse, ONYX PosterShop, and ONYX RIPCenter software. New features in Version 7.1 include a new Profile Download Client that makes it easier to obtain media profiles; support for the PANTONE Goe System; support for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system; and dual-mode printer drivers for continuous-tone and half-tone printers. Also included are improvements in RIP-and-print and Layout and Media Manager functions.

The new Profile Download Client for Version 7.1 makes obtaining media profiles much easier than before. Using the new client application, users can access the ONYX web site to view the latest list of media profiles available for ONYX printer drivers. Users can select a custom list of profiles to download and then easily install them onto their Version 7 product. The client application can also be used to obtain printer driver updates from ONYX. Users can install the Profile Download Client on their system running ONYX Version 7.1 or on other supported Windows systems connected to the Internet.

Version 7.1 includes the complete spot color matching table for the new PANTONE Goe System. This enables RIP-Queue to automatically match spot colors in PostScript and PDF files that use the new Goe System naming convention. The new PANTONE spot colors are also available in the ONYX ProductionHouse Layout Tool for manual spot color replacement.

The Windows Vista operating system is now supported in Version 7.1. Vista compatibility includes Vista Business and Enterprise editions, both 32- and 64-bit versions.

Printer drivers in Version 7.1 can now include dual-mode printer drivers - print modes for continuous-tone (contone) and halftone printing. This support is for newer printers from Canon, HP, and Epson that offer both halftone and contone print paths. This new features replace two separate drivers that were previously required to print in contone or halftone mode. Version 7.1 offers users a simpler workflow enabling full use of their printers' capabilities.

Version 7.1 includes Smooth Dot technology that can dramatically improve the smoothness of output from variable-droplet print heads. By using data from new ink configurations that contain ink usage algorithms, Smooth Dot can also help make the profiling process faster and easier.

Also in Version 7.1 are improvements to RIP-and-print functions including RIP-and-print-on-the-fly for PostScript and PDF files, with a print buffer control in RIP-Queue for optimal print speed.

Improvements to the Layout tool include enhancements to the user interface to make it more user-friendly. A right-click tool menu has been added, and the tools can be hidden, docked or floated for easier use.

The Media Manager application in Version 7.1 also includes an improved user interface for setting ink restrictions and transition controls. The new advanced user interface displays a graph of all ink curves and includes a measurement tool that can graph density and ink color changes in test image swatches. The ONYX Profile Generator module has also been improved with new options for UCR and color interpolation.

Drivers for the following printer models have been added: Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8000S, iPF9000S, iPF610 and iPF710; Epson Stylus Pro 11880, 9880, 7880 and 4880; and Mimaki JV33-130, JV33-160, JV5-260S and JV5-320S.

Drivers for the following printer models have been updated to support additional features: HP Designjet Z6100: addition of contone modes and Print & Scan functionality for internal color devices; HP Designjet Z2100 and Z3100: addition of Print & Scan functionality for internal color devices; and Canon imagePROGRAF iPF5000, iPF8000, iPF9000, iPF700, iPF600, iPF500, iPF5100 and iPF6100: addition of contone modes.

Drivers for the following cutters have been added: Graphtec CE Series; Roland XC540 and GX Series; Mimaki CG-75 ML; and flatbed cutters from MultiCam, Aristo, and Zünd.

ONYX Graphics workflow software Version 7.1 is now available at no charge for download by registered licensees of Version 7. Registered licensees of Version 7 can download Version 7.1 from Onyx's website.

The new ONYX software, drivers and profiles are available now from the Hungarian authorized reseller Digit (www.digit.hu).