October 6, 2005

Late yesterday we released an update for the ROES Client.  An explanation of the new features/attributes in the client software are below, along with a few ROES DP2 Server related scripts/macros plus reminders and other tips.  First, 2 support alerts:

Order transmissions via ftp failing with 'broken pipe' error

We have encountered several issues the last few days with failed order transmissions.  In each case, the roeslog file has shown a consistent disconnect after a certain file size, usually 16384 bytes (in some cases 65536 bytes) occurring with a broken pipe error.  It seems to be fairly consistent with Linksys routers that may have received a firmware update that failed to take properly.  In most cases, re-running the firmware update manually from within the router's browser-based interface resolved the issue.  In a few instances, just powering down the router has restored full capabilities.  We have also seen this with Netgear ADSL routers where a firmware update was the only resolution.

Images pulled into the ROES Client darkening during rendering in a product

While it is only occasionally reported, we continue to see the behavior of images severely darkening upon being added to a product in the ROES Client.  In most cases the image's colorspace is something other than standard sRGB, however what has become apparent is that the issue only occurs with Java 1.5 versions.  Java 1.4 appears to handle the same images just fine, so if a studio reports this have them remove Java 1.5 and launch the ROES Client from your web site's link.  This will prompt for our default install of Java, which is still version 1.4.2_09-b05.  This last 1.4 release (as well as earlier 1.4 versions) seems to ignore the non-standard colorspace and is very stable, so they will be able to bring the same image into ROES and render it in a product.

New ROES Client Features/Attributes:

Pager Text Entry

Text entry in Pager in a rotated layout no longer requires the product to snap to a zero degree rotation.

Autosave Update

The Autosave feature will automatically switch to the correct catalog when opening a saved file.

New sizespaletteicons attribute

The ability to view just radio buttons for products in the Sizes palette has been available only as a universal setting in the client launch configuration.  Now, using this new attribute in the Template Tool, when viewed in the Sizes palette you can set your template folders to either display the standard icons or use simple radio buttons to select a product.  For instance, on your basic print sizes you can set sizespaletteicons to false and have them display as just radio buttons, while leaving your memory mates and greeting cards displaying the full icons with the preview images.

Use of ui_columns - More!

The ui_columns attribute can be used on product/template folders and on option lists.  Now, you can also use ui_columns on the template and node areas within PagerTools, to better utilize the space provided for these to display in below the thumbnail area. 

New Select All option in thumbnail pane

A new menu option to select all thumbnails displayed from a folder selection will now appear upon right-clicking in the thumbnail pane. This function was previously only available as a hotkey combo, Control/Command-A. 

ROES DP2 Server Scripts/Macros available:

Exportimages Scripts

The ExportImages scripts for DP2 v7 and DP2 v6.1.46 are both available from the web site at www.softworkssystems.com/Downloads.htm .

RollFrameForNode macro to alleviate 'none' entries in the image designation

We have a DP2 macro available for use at the lab to remove the 'none' designation that can be returned when printing image names on proof pages and such.  It is available for download from the web site at www.softworkssystems.com/Downloads.htm.

Macro to remove ROES-added image indices

A DP2 macro is available to remove the image indices added at the client (the -1, -2, etc. added to the image name).  It is available for download from the web site at www.softworkssystems.com/Downloads.htm.

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Tips/Reminders:

4GB max to zip

A reminder - there is a limit of 4GB of data for a zip file, anything larger will begin to overwrite the data directory structure.  Please advise your clients to keep their orders a reasonable size - this will help in better data transmission in addition to data integrity.

Addenabled attribute

Be sure to add the addenabled attribute on multi-image proof sheets (set to true) and informational/advertisement products used as the first template in a group (set to false).  For the proof sheets it will allow customers to add the item to an order with empty nodes (whereas before they had to hold the ALT or OPT key to Add with Empty).  For the informational items it will prevent the item from being added and causing an error upon receipt at the lab.

Encrypted and zipped templates files

Many labs have already started using encrypted templates, remember that the encryption password must match the order file password used in the server.  You do not need to use zipped templates files if encrypting, the process will compress them upon conversion to the .xml.enc file. You can also save the templates file as a zip file from within the Template Tool to avoid using a 3rd party zip utility.  

New access to Sizes and Options palettes

As options and sizes listings have grown, occasionally setting expanded=false on several option sets isn't enough to get the pop-up menu on the screen enough.  Now holding down the ALT or OPT key and clicking on the Sizes or Options buttons will bring up the respective palette window.  

Pager Quick Start Guide

The Pager Quick Start Guide is available for your customers at www.softworkssystems.com/Pager%20Quick%20Start.htm.  This will assist them in getting through the basics of the Pager and will be updated as needed.