Their question is: can the customer send them a
ballot file to size rather than the ballot image size of 11 x 17 for an
8 1/2 x 11 ballot? If so, they can eliminate the interim processes
and go directly to plate.
GEMS
outputs its ballot image using whatever printer settings it is given, so
this should be possible. Just set the paper setting to 8.5/11 and
tweak the print offsets -- much like printing BOD to the
5si.
One
question I have though is how do they deal with the cut marks?
Typically print shops print on paper larger than 8.5/11 and then cut to size
using these marks. If they are printing directly to 8.5/11 stock then
make sure they are aware of our registration
tolerances.
If the answer is no, is there a bridge software
solution between the GEMS postscript file and the image
setter?
Is any one else addressing this issue?
They should also
be able to do it with any DTP software that can manipulate postscript
or pdf. Adobe Illustrator could probably do it, as might Ghostview
like Greg suggests. A capable and competent print shop would know
better than I which tools are best.
Ken