Upgrades vs New RIPs; and Which RIPs Qualify

As a general rule, upgrading an existing RIP is typically less expensive than purchasing a new one. There are exceptions in some markets, of course, but too few to point out here. Costs will vary depending on the age of the RIP in question. However, the savings can easily top 50% in most cases.

There are some issues that reduce the savings though. For instance, if you are upgrading from a RIP installed on a 32-bit operating system to the current 64-bit v12, you’ll need a 64-bit OS in order to complete the transition. Likewise, if you are using an older PCI interface to connect to your output device, that will have to be replaced with the USB (Blue Box) interface. Obviously, both circumstances affect the cost.

Did you know that your Harlequin RIP didn’t need to come from Xitron originally in order to qualify for upgrade status? Harlequin RIPs from Compose (Express RIP), RTI (RTI-RIP), HighWater (Torrent RIP), Graphic Integration Technology (GIT RIP), ECRM (RIPMate), and many others are eligible. Even RIPs that were originally purchased through now-defunct manufacturers are still upgradable. But be aware, the value begins to depreciate once you fall two or three versions behind.

Global Graphics, the company that develops the core Harlequin RIP on which all Harlequin brands are founded, has been Xitron’s partner for over 25 years. The strength of this relationship has resulted in Global’s trust in Xitron to handle upgrades on the following RIP brands in addition to those noted above:

• Autologic Information International

• Compose

• Creo

• ECRM

• Escher Grad

• Fujifilm

• FFEI

• Gerber

• GIT

• Heidelberg

• HighWater

• KBK

• Linotype Hell

• Moriswa

• Optronics

• JetPlate

• Polaroid

• Pongrass

• Purup

• Rampage

• RTI

• Ryobi

• Scitex

• Strobbe

• Vutek

• Xeikon

• Xyvison

If you own a RIP with any of these brand names and are interested in upgrading, contact us for a no-obligation quote. We can help you determine your best plan going forward.