Xitron Turns 30

Xitron, a developer of Raster Image Processors, RIP management software and workflow solutions, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Started in 1977 by Tom Hamilton, Xitron’s first products were interfaces that provided a direct link between proprietary editorial systems and high-speed phototypesetters, such as the Linotype 202, in newspapers. These interfaces were housed in a blue metal box and the name “Blue Box” became synonymous with the device. Although this technology is considered rudimentary by today’s standards, in the late ’70s it was revolutionary, resulting in the first “open system” concepts that would eventually unlock the doors to desktop publishing.