(RIP) A device or program that converts electronic files into a pattern of dots the output device can display. All output works with dots. Vector art, halftones, and outline fonts are rendered as a pattern of dots by the RIP.

The hardware engine which calculates the bit-mapped image of text and graphics from a series of instructions. It may, or may not, understand a page description language but the end result should, if the device has been properly designed, be the same. Typical RIPs which aren't PDL-based include the Tall Trees JLaser, the LaserMaster and AST's TurboLaser controller. A basic page printer comes with a controller and not a RIP which goes some way to explaining the lack of control