The following information outlines the basic processes required to configure your Blackmagic, Megarip, or Veripress as quickly as possible so you can get started straight away.
In order to begin processing jobs, a Media, an Output, and a Pagesetup will need to be created.
- A Media controls the settings for output, colour correction, ICC profiles, screen printing, and output screening.
- An Output determines where any processed jobs are sent, either to a printer, a file location, or a remote destination.
- A Pagesetup is where the Output, Media, and alternative job submission methods are assigned.
This can be done manually (requires further calibration and profiling), or by using one of our pre-configured setups – with all the calibration and profiling done for you.
The following outlines how to configure the Client using a pre-configured Media/Output/Pagesetup combination from the Serendipity Media Catalogue application.
Information on how to manually configure the Client can be found at the bottom of this article.
Step 1 – Running the Software
- Once the software has been installed, launch the Server application for your product.
- After the Server is up and running, launch the Serendipity Client application to begin configuration by double-clicking the Serendipity Client file in the installation directory or the desktop/dock icon.
The Client will connect to the active Server and display the default monitoring system – Jobs – on the screen. From this point, configuration of the system or loading a pre-configured setup can be done.
Configure Serendipity Client Preferences – Blackmagic & Veripress only
- In the Serendipity Client window, select Server menu > Server Settings (Preferences).
- Select the Colour tab.
- Click on System Specials and select Reference-Lab (or your own specials) and click OK.
- Click OK to dismiss the Settings window and apply any changes.
Step 2 – Media Catalogue – Using a Pre-Configured Setup
Media Catalogue is an integrated application that allows users to access Serendipity’s online database of Media configurations. Media can be downloaded and added to the Workbench database automatically, so you can begin proofing and printing straight away.
The feature is accessed via the Serendipity Client Help menu and can be used for Blackmagic, Megarip, and Veripress products.
Watch this short video to see how easy it is to setup using the Media Catalogue. If you prefer, written steps are below.
How To Use Media Catalogue Video
Using the Media Catalogue
- Open Media Catalogue from the Serendipity Client > Help menu.
- Select Create New to configure an Output, Media and Pagesetup combination.
- In the top of the window, click the Output Driver button and select your output driver.
- In the left Media column, you will see any available Media appear for your selected driver.
- Select the Media you would like to setup. All details will appear on the right side of the window.
- Click Next to continue.
- The Setup for Media window will appear. You can edit any of the available name fields here if required.
- If you are creating a new output, leave the option on Create New.
- If you are connecting to the output via Bonjour, set up access via the dropdown. If not, click “Select Later” and configure the connection method in the next step (see For Non-Bonjour Connections below).
- Click Create to continue. The selected combination will automatically be added to the Workbench. Close the Media Catalogue when finished.
For Non-Bonjour Connections:
- Go to the Workbench application. If this is not open, in the Serendipity Client window select Application menu > Workbench.
- On the left you will see a list of datatypes in a column. Select Output.
- Select the Output you just created with the Media Catalogue.
- On the right you will see a configuration panel appear. Select Connection.
- Click the Destination Driver button. From the popup, choose your connection method, for e.g. FTP, or TCP/IP.
- Enter any relevant information and save the changes (File menu > Save).
You are now able to submit jobs or a test print to confirm the connection.
Step 3 (Optional) – Configure a RIP – Blackmagic and Veripress only
If your Blackmagic or Veripress installation requires proofing a RIP output, a setup will need to be configured to poll the RIP jobs for processing.
- Go to the Workbench application window. If one is not open, go to the Serendipity Client Applications menu > Workbench.
- In the datatypes list on the left, select RIP.
- With RIP highlighted, go to File menu > New to create a new RIP. Rename if necessary.
- Select the RIP item. A configuration panel will appear to the right.
- In the RIP Driver panel, click the RIP Driver button.
- Select the appropriate driver for the CTP RIP input from the list of licensed drivers.
- Configure the RIP driver options by enabling checkboxes and/or choose Custom Settings by clicking the Edit button. Accept any changes to close the Edit popup.
- Select Polling in the gray column.
- Tick Enable Polling and set a poll interval time, e.g. 2 minutes.
Note: Some RIP drivers and polling methods require the use of a Job Genie in order for the Veripress RIP setup to recognise incoming ripped files. See the Workbench > Job Genie section of the product manual for further information, or view tutorials on how to create your own customised Job Genie in the Serendipity Knowledge Base. - Enter the file path to the RIP folder in the Paths section. To enter a path, click the New button below the panel. Click Browse on the popup window and navigate to the RIP folder destination. Click OK to save the path. If required, setup Stripe Paths.
- Select Connection in the gray column to load the Connection panel.
- Choose the method the RIP setup will use to connect to the RIP output folder from the dropdown menu, e.g., localhost. Enter any hostname/IP details if required.
- Select Testing in the gray column to load the Testing panel.
- Click the Test button to Save and Test the RIP setup. The Testing panel will display a Polling OK result to confirm the RIP path is valid.
For information on how to see polled RIP jobs and submit them for proofing, see the Modules > RIPMonitor and Serendipity Client Menu Items > Submit Menu sections of the product manual.
Manual Configuration
Manual Calibration of your print media may be required if:
– A pre-configured Media is not available for your printer and/or paper.
– You’re configuring your Blackmagic media for contract or press proofing.
– You want to control your colour management to get the best performance from your printer.
The Serendipity Knowledge Base contains helpful articles to assist you in configuration.
These calibration procedures are suitable for display, photographic, or contone proofing:
How to Calibrate a Printer using CMYK Printer Screening Mode
How to Calibrate a Printer using RGB Mode
This method uses Blackmagic / Megarip’s own screening and is suitable for 1-bit CTP RIP proofing:
For detailed information on specific modules/applications mentioned, see the relevant sections of the product manual.