HP launches Production Stream Server

HP has announced the availability of the HP Indigo Production Stream Server version 1.1. Powered by Creo, the digital front end provides HP Indigo digital press users a greater ability to print accurate color using wider range of process and spot colors.

‘Print service providers, including those establishing hybrid offset and digital workflows, will benefit from a new level of ability and reliability in color matching, RIP productivity and JDF connectivity,’ said Yishai Amir, director of strategic marketing, Indigo division, HP.

Developed by the Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group (PODS), the new server also has a host of productivity enhancements, including integration with Kodak’s new Unified Workflow solution. With this feature, users of Prinergy and Brisque workflows can now incorporate their HP Indigo press operations in automated, JDF- and PDF- based end-to-end workflows, handling everything from web-to-print order entry to automated finishing.

Enhancements to the HP Indigo Production Stream Server version 1.1 enable HP’s exclusive pantone-enabled features for high-end, offset-quality spot-color printing and process-color matching, including: HP IndiChrome on-press: a six-color (CMYKOV) pantone emulation for simulating the Pantone Matching System; HP IndiChrome off-press: an 11-colour mixing system for solid spot ink creation; HP Professional Pantone technology: and an on-press four-color (CMYK) Pantone emulation for simulating Pantone Matching System Colors.

The Production Stream Server also enhances connectivity and productivity with features such as: load-while-printing operation for efficient production of variable-data jobs containing a large number of records and support for the HP Indigo presses 1000 and 1050.

Comelli Numerique, based in Arcueil, France, and part of the Comelli Conservices group, established its digital division in 2006 and installed an HP Indigo press 3050 and an HP Indigo press 5000. Both HP Indigo presses are driven by HP Indigo’s Production Stream Server, powered by Creo, providing a workflow solution to increase productivity, on-press time and facilitate more efficient production.

Frdric Mallez, director, Comelli Numerique, is impressed with the speed and quality capable with digital printing. ‘We are experiencing a strong return on our investment. Our company produces approximately 40,000 full-color pages a month with a staff of five employees,’ said Mallez. ‘We entered the digital business carefully, as we wanted to be certain there would be a quick return on our investment. And we have seen a strong return—we are now growing 40 per cent a month.’