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Viper Software RIPViper Software RIP

Agfa's Viper software raster image processor (RIP) brings the faster performance, increased quality, and enhanced color management of Adobe PostScript Level 2 to Macintosh-based design and production environments. Because Viper is based on Adobe's Configurable PostScript Interpreter (CPSI) software for imagesetters, users can also take advantage of the performance gains offered by Adobe's PixelBurst coprocessor.

The latest version, Viper 1.9, runs in native mode on Apple's newest PowerPCs (PowerMac 9500, 8500, 7500, and 7200). Driven by the dramatic performance of the PowerPC 604 chip and the faster PCI bus interface, Viper equips users for maximum productivity.

Combined with an Agfa laser imagesetter, Viper offers a cost-effective output solution for designers, color trade shops, service bureaus, commercial printers, graphic services departments, and other creative groups.

Because Viper runs on a standard Mac platform you can choose to add RAM, hard disk space, or additional boards to suit your performance needs. And since Viper is a software RIP, it can migrate to more powerful Macintosh platforms in the future--protecting your investment and growing with your business or department.

Get all your Viper product and technical questions answered in our Imagesetter-RIPs Newsgroup.

Features and Configurations:

  • Page Description Language: Adobe CPSI PostScript Level 2.

  • 35 PostScript fonts included; support for composite fonts; support for Adobe Kanji composite fonts.

  • AgfaSet (3.1) utility and Agfa Calibrator (4.0) software tools included.

  • Agfa Balanced Screening Technology and Adobe Accurate Screens included.

  • Standard Macintosh network interfaces.

  • Maximum Page Depth: 80 inches (203 cm).

  • Macintosh platform requirements:

    Viper 1.3: dedicated 68040 Mac Quadra 650 or above.

    Viper 1.5: dedicated Power Macintosh.

    Viper 1.9: dedicated PowerMac 9500, 8500, 7500, or 7200

    Recommended configuration: 64 MB RAM and 1 GB hard disk.

  • Every original Viper is upgradeable to the newest and fastest version of Viper. Current owners of Viper 1.5 may upgrade directly to the new Viper 1.9. Owners of earlier versions will need to purchase both the Viper 1.5 and Viper 1.9 upgrades.

  • Imagesetters supported: Agfa AccuSet, Agfa ProSet, Agfa SelectSet and Agfa SelectSet Avantra.


Product Specifications: Viper Software RIP

Get the power of PixelBurst

When Viper is teamed with an optional PixelBurst NuBus-based card, its performance is improved significantly. The Adobe PixelBurst coprocessor is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that speeds processing by freeing up the main CPU more quickly, accelerating halftone screening and generation of text and line art--particularly at high resolutions or when outputting large images. And since PixelBurst is a standard, plug-in card, you can install it yourself in minutes.

Agfa's unique "daughter card" interface for PixelBurst provides efficient communication between the software RIP and the imagesetter, without requiring an additional NuBus slot. Furthermore, it relieves the I/O load on the Macintosh CPU and SCSI system.

A RIP with a bright future

The Viper software RIP running in native mode on Power Mac platforms offers significant throughput and productivity increases. And, Viper offers an excellent growth path, since it's based on Adobe's Configurable PostScript Software Interpreter (CPSI) for imagesetters. True Adobe PostScript gives you the advanced capabilities of Level 2 today, and a simple upgrade path to even more desktop capabilities as soon as they become available.

Agfa Viper Features

Page Description Language
Adobe CPSI PostScript Level 2

Fonts
35 PostScript fonts included
Support for composite fonts
Support for Adobe Kanji composite fonts

Macintosh Platform Requirements
Viper 1.3: Dedicated 68040 Mac Quadra 650 or above
Viper 1.5: Dedicated Power Macintosh
Viper 1.9: Dedicated PowerMac 9500, 8500, 7500, or 7200

Recommended configuration:
64 MB RAM and 1 GB hard disk

Minimum requirements:
32 MB RAM and 300 MB hard disk

Networks
Standard Macintosh network interfaces

Imagesetters Supported
Agfa AccuSet
Agfa ProSet
Agfa SelectSet
Agfa SelectSet Avantra

Maximum Page Depth
80 inches

Screening Technologies Included
Agfa Balanced Screening Technology
Adobe Accurate Screens

Software Tools Included
Agfa PS Companion tool set, including PSE 11.0, AgfaSet 3.1, and Agfa Calibrator 4.0.

Options
Agfa Balanced Screening Options
Agfa CristalRaster Screening Technology
MultiStar RIP multiplexer
Viper Kanji Fonts


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