Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 3/3/06 5:19:27 PM, kobrins@... writes:


> I print with a 1280 with U2 inks and either QTR or Paul Roark's
> curves.  I just read Paul's note on making a B&W ICC with a scanner and
> here is the dumb question:  what improvements should I expect to see in
> my printing if I go this route?  I assume that 1)there would be a much
> greater probability of the print matching the image on the monitor and
> 2) I could profile new papers.  The Epson 1600 seems to run about $500
> refurbished which is a lot, especially given that I am coveting a
> 2400.  So, while I realize the answer is subjective, what other
> advantages should I expect if I buy a scanner and learn how to use the
> ICC profile tool?
> 

This is a rather self serving suggestion, but even back when I was developing 
scanner-based printer profiling products, I always told people not to go out 
and buy a scanner because they needed a patch reader; to only buy a scanner if 
they really wanted that scanner, for actual scanning purposes. If what they 
wanted was to ready in patch values, to get a patch reader; its a much more 
exacting solution. Don't know exactly what import options are available in the 
software in question; but for $500 you could have a lot more options from a copy 
of PrintFIX PRO, for linearizing B&W products, for profiling color printers, 
etc... unless you are actually looking to scan images; and the B&W thing is 
just a fringe benefit.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@colorvision.com
www.colorvision.com


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