Ten Years After: CIP4 and the Creation of JDF

Origins
Computer-to-plate and digital file exchange were beginning to have an impact on the industry. Digital printing was in its infancy, PDF/X was new and you still had a variety of file formats to pick from. Private networks, DAT cartridges, and CD-ROM were used to transfer files ... and that was the state of the art in the year 2000. Stat cameras, phototypesetters, drum scanners, and strippers could still be found on in most printing plants. Although a few large printers had implemented custom automation, it was far too expensive and too complex for the majority of printers to even contemplate.