Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 11/7/06 6:34:37 PM, alan_kearney@... writes:


> I've noticed that many posts talk about using PrintFix Pro 2 to gain an
> extreme level of control over print output/consistency.
> 
Thats meant it two ways: one is to run the new PrintFIX PRO 2.0 process to 
build color profiles augmented with lots of extra gray and near gray data. Thats 
for standard color inksets, and will work best with the newer printers (Epson 
2400 and beyond, Canon iPF printers, HP Z 3100 printers). The other is to use 
PrintFIX PRO 2.0 to export files for use in RIPs and other applications for 
specialty black and white printing. There are export modes for QTR 
linearization format, and CreateICC format, as well as more general Lab and Visual Density 
export capabilities as tab deliniated text files.

>  I wonder if anyone
> has used the "Pulse" by X-Rite to optimize prints, both color and Black and
> White?
> 
That would require some form of profiling software for ICC profiles, and some 
form of export software for specialty B&W uses. The lower priced Pulse 
bundles offer fairly simple ICC profiling software that builds very good profiles 
for color, but does not have the special features and functions for black and 
white that PrintFIX PRO offers. Even at higher pricepoints with Monaco Profiler 
versions, it doesn't offer specialized black and white; that hasn't been 
around very long. Others might be able to comment on what export capabilities the 
Pulse software offers, as I haven't looked at it recently.

>  What drives my curiosity is the fact that I already own the X-Rite
> DTP-94 "puck" user for monitor calibration. I thought I'd read that that
> sensor was the heart of the "Pulse", which could mean I'd save some $$$$ if
> I can buy the Pulse without the sensor?
> 
No, your DTP-94 is not in any way related to printed patch reading, you would 
need an seperate device for that. The Pulse will be discontinued shortly, so 
there may be special pricing available on it, but the most affordable separate 
device at the moment is PrintFIX PRO.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Division
DataColor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]