Heidelberg's NexPress 2100 first to employ new optimized PDF
open standard for personalised, customised Printing
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) today unveiled
details on NexTreme - the first variable data application to output
in the new optimized PPML/VDX open standard developed by the
Committee for Graphic Arts Technologies Standards (CGATS).
Designed for productivity, NexTreme software works with the
NexPress 2100 digital production colour press. It enables the
creation of high-value and high-variable jobs - including
personalised, customised and automated web-based fulfillment
materials - helping high-volume clients generate higher response
rates, and print service providers to strengthen relation- ships
and achieve greater success.
Designed for productivity
NexTreme software provides production efficiencies and
savings by leveraging the full power and capability of the
NexStationTM front end. Unlike previous variable data applications
that process each page completely in sequence, NexTreme takes
advantage of NexStation's parallel processing while batch
processing. As a result, it can powerfully compose jobs with great
performance - allowing for more flexible job scheduling, higher
volumes and longer runs in shorter times.
Users can leverage their knowledge of popular page-layout
programs, because NexTreme software works with popular design
applications QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign. For designers, it
provides the ability to integrate variable text, images and
graphics into personalised, customised print projects using these
familiar programs.
In addition, everyone involved in the workflow process saves
valuable production time and costs with platform-independent PDFs.
The software is the first variable-data solution that allows
soft-proofing - locally or remotely - of any page in the job, with
every element of variable content in place. Proofs are created as
platform-independent PDFs and can therefore be viewed on any
computer.
An open design
Employing the new PPML/VDX open standard, NexTreme
combines the capabilities of PODI's Personalised Print Mark-up
Language (PPML) to encode the layout of variable data with Adobe's
Portable Document Format (PDF) proven openness, reliability,
mobility and on-screen proofing perform- ance.
As a result, NexTreme software integrates seamlessly with
current workflow so printers maintain their workflow practices,
software and equipment. In addition to working on both Apple
Macintosh and PC platforms with QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign
applications, NexTreme software also accepts a full range of
database formats - from ASCII files and direct integration with
ODBC databases, to direct programming, "tagged" file
formats and COM interfaces and automated fulfillment systems.
"Heidelberg has always been an advocate of open
standards in the industry, believing that one size doesn't fit all
types of variable data applications," said Wolfgang
Pfizenmaier, President of Heidelberg's Digital Solution Center.
"We support the use of VDX as an open standard, and encourage
others to develop VDP applications. In the end, clients will get
printed materials that elicit higher response rates and better
returns on investment, which in turn will drive industry
growth."
Configurations and availability
NexTreme software can be scaled quickly to meet the
expected growth in a printer's business, without wasting initial
investments or the need to learn new software. NexTreme software is
available in three compatible versions:
- NexTreme 50, for production setup, proofing and small
volumes
- NexTreme 100, for higher volumes of work and faster
composition
- NexTreme 1000, for intensive, server-based variable data
composition
Available in 90 days, NexTreme 50 will be bundled with the
NexPress 2100, and NexTreme 100 will be bundled with the NexPress
2100 Plus and Pro models. Printers will easily be able to upgrade
to the next level by contacting their local Heidelberg sales
representative.
For further information:
Europe
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Matthias Hartung
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 77
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 46
E-mail:
matthias.hartung@heidelberg.com
USA
Heidelberg Digital Solution Center
Director, Communications
Doug Sprei
Tel.: +1 (0)585 512 8054
E-mail:
doug.sprei@heidelberg.com