Digital BW, The Print

QuadToneRIP version 2.4.0 Release Notes

   QTRgui version 2.4.0.1
   QTR-Create-ICC version 2.4.0.0
   QTR-Create-ICC RGB version 2.4.0.0
   QTR-Linearize-Data version 2.4.0.0

This release may be installed directly over older versions.

All new profiles for Neutral K7 ink printers: 21/2200, 4000, 76/9600, R8/R1800.

Printer enhancements:

R2400 - added printing resolution of 1440x1440 dpi & 1440x1440 super
  (probably the best compromise between speed and quality)
  
R1800 - added support for Manual-Roll feeder for heavy papers


The QTR-Create-ICC & Linearize-Data tools now have the capability to average
several measurements.  There is a new target and a reference file
for a 21x4 stepwedge.  The 21 steps are printed out four times and
you should scan/read all of them.  I believe this method should give the best profiles.

QTR-Create-ICC-RGB now supports the incorporation of Photoshop .acv curves.
This allows usage of RGB Epson driver where ink partitioning is done with PS curves,
including the linearization of the grayscale output.  This greatly simplies the workflow.
Before, one needed to take a grayscale image, convert to RGB, apply ACV curves, and then
print.  Now this is all included in the ICC printing profile with the added benefit that
color management will automatically convert from the grayscale embedded profile.
The profile can also be used for soft-proofing in most cases.

QTRgui now checks that you have used a Curve/Profile in printing

When we download over the old version do we have to save the existing .qidf
and .quad files we created?  They won't be overwritten or deleted will they?

Thanks,

Tom

On 3/1/06, Roy Harrington <roy@...> wrote:
>
> QuadToneRIP version 2.4.0 Release Notes
>
>    QTRgui version 2.4.0.1
>    QTR-Create-ICC version 2.4.0.0
>    QTR-Create-ICC RGB version 2.4.0.0
>    QTR-Linearize-Data version 2.4.0.0
>
> This release may be installed directly over older versions.
>
> All new profiles for Neutral K7 ink printers: 21/2200, 4000, 76/9600,
> R8/R1800.
>
> Printer enhancements:
>
> R2400 - added printing resolution of 1440x1440 dpi & 1440x1440 super
>   (probably the best compromise between speed and quality)
>
> R1800 - added support for Manual-Roll feeder for heavy papers
>
>
> The QTR-Create-ICC & Linearize-Data tools now have the capability to
> average
> several measurements.  There is a new target and a reference file
> for a 21x4 stepwedge.  The 21 steps are printed out four times and
> you should scan/read all of them.  I believe this method should give the
> best profiles.
>
> QTR-Create-ICC-RGB now supports the incorporation of Photoshop .acv
> curves.
> This allows usage of RGB Epson driver where ink partitioning is done with
> PS curves,
> including the linearization of the grayscale output.  This greatly
> simplies the workflow.
> Before, one needed to take a grayscale image, convert to RGB, apply ACV
> curves, and then
> print.  Now this is all included in the ICC printing profile with the
> added benefit that
> color management will automatically convert from the grayscale embedded
> profile.
> The profile can also be used for soft-proofing in most cases.
>
> QTRgui now checks that you have used a Curve/Profile in printing
>
>


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

I am having a problem installing on an iMac G5, does not seem to install  the 
program, or atleast I cannot find it...
 
Kevin  Anderson




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

> QTR-Create-ICC-RGB now supports the incorporation of Photoshop .acv 
curves.
> This allows usage of RGB Epson driver where ink partitioning is 
done with PS curves,
> including the linearization of the grayscale output.  This greatly 
simplies the workflow.
> Before, one needed to take a grayscale image, convert to RGB, apply 
ACV curves, and then
> print.  Now this is all included in the ICC printing profile with 
the added benefit that
> color management will automatically convert from the grayscale 
embedded profile.
> The profile can also be used for soft-proofing in most cases.

Roy, All (helpful people)

Frankly I don't understand a thing about the new ICC-RVB. I read the 
rtf file in the download and it's Japanese to me.

First is this meant to print from PS straight to the Epson driver 
without launching QTR (eventually advantageous for me since I run XP)?

I don't use PS curves in my workflow so this is all new. Is the idea 
to try to partition ink with the PS curves (we're talking of the RVB 
curves)?  If so how do you manage that ?

I also don't understand a thing about the need of the psd.raw file.

Sorry for sounding so stupid, but I'd appreciate help since I feel 
I'm missing an opportunity.

If there're been threads about it please redirect me.

Olivier

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Olivier" <odesmais@...> 
wrote:
>
> > QTR-Create-ICC-RGB now supports the incorporation of Photoshop .acv 
> curves.
> > This allows usage of RGB Epson driver where ink partitioning is 
> done with PS curves,
> > including the linearization of the grayscale output.  This greatly 
> simplies the workflow.
> > Before, one needed to take a grayscale image, convert to RGB, apply 
> ACV curves, and then
> > print.  Now this is all included in the ICC printing profile with 
> the added benefit that
> > color management will automatically convert from the grayscale 
> embedded profile.
> > The profile can also be used for soft-proofing in most cases.
> 
> Roy, All (helpful people)
> 
> Frankly I don't understand a thing about the new ICC-RVB. I read the 
> rtf file in the download and it's Japanese to me.
> 
> First is this meant to print from PS straight to the Epson driver 
> without launching QTR (eventually advantageous for me since I run XP)?
> 
> I don't use PS curves in my workflow so this is all new. Is the idea 
> to try to partition ink with the PS curves (we're talking of the RVB 
> curves)?  If so how do you manage that ?
> 
> I also don't understand a thing about the need of the psd.raw file.
> 
> Sorry for sounding so stupid, but I'd appreciate help since I feel 
> I'm missing an opportunity.
> 
> If there're been threads about it please redirect me.
> 
> Olivier
>

The RGB version fits into two unrelated workflows.  The basic version which has
been around since the previous version is still the same grayscale profile but
uses RGB format where R=G=B.  It's mainly for those using Qimage which does
not support grayscale images.  So you print through Qimage and then QTR.

The new ACV capability is for printing with the Epson driver directly through PS.
This is the Paul Roark (and others) workflow where you take grayscale, convert
to RGB, apply some ACV adj curves and then print.  

Roy

Roy wrote, in part:

> > > QTR-Create-ICC-RGB now supports the incorporation 
> > > of Photoshop .acv curves.
> > > This allows usage of RGB Epson driver where ink 
> > > partitioning is done with PS curves,
> > > including the linearization of the grayscale output.  
> > > This greatly simplies the workflow...


> The new ACV capability is for printing with the Epson 
> driver directly through PS.

> This is the Paul Roark (and others) workflow where 
> you take grayscale, convert
> to RGB, apply some ACV adj curves and then print.

I strongly recommend this workflow.  

I am converting my personal work to it, and *all* of my older curves and
workflows appear to be easily modified to take advantages of this.  Being
able to linearize the system easily for ink and paper batch differences, not
to mention for brand new papers, having the monitor match the print without
the need for a custom dot gain curve, and printing from a grayscale file
without an RGB conversion and application of a curve all make for a superior
workflow.

What I've found is that the old curves that have flat spots in them need to
be modified by having the flat spots converted into barely-sloped curves.
All that I've tried so far then work.

Of course, the current system will not profile the tones for the
variable-tone inksets, but usually the problems people have are issues of
linearization.  

Combining "Create ICC" with the scanner method of making the ICCs (see
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm) results in a workflow
that should give most people much better control of their systems for very
little money.

I have some information about the use of the system in my notes on the R220
at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_R2_Readme.htm, which is the first
system I worked on after Create ICC was available.  However, the notes there
relate only to the linearization of the output, not the incorporation of RGB
curves.  I'll be covering that in the next inkset -- the UT-3D -- which is
running on the R220, 2200 and 4000 in beta version. 

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Roy, Paul

All my thanks for taking the time to drop me an explanation.

I have to read Paul's papers before anything else now because I can't anticipate why and what in this workflow is superior. The traditional worklow with QTR is pretty straightforward and leaves no room for error. I can't yet imagine acv providing superior control and precision. Except the ability of a direct printing through PS that is a possible advantage, I'm preparing myself for a deep 'dive' into Paul's papers to find out.

The most puzzling remains the psd.raw ??? 

What a tremendous input all of you bring to the BW printing and share with others, is just incredible,.. Great newsgroup with most valuable and admirable people !!! 

Olivier 

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Roark" <paul.roark@...> wrote:

>
> 
> I strongly recommend this workflow.  
> 
> I am converting my personal work to it, and *all* of my older curves and
> workflows appear to be easily modified to take advantages of this.  Being
> able to linearize the system easily for ink and paper batch differences, not
> to mention for brand new papers, having the monitor match the print without
> the need for a custom dot gain curve, and printing from a grayscale file
> without an RGB conversion and application of a curve all make for a superior
> workflow.
> 
> What I've found is that the old curves that have flat spots in them need to
> be modified by having the flat spots converted into barely-sloped curves.
> All that I've tried so far then work.
> 
> Of course, the current system will not profile the tones for the
> variable-tone inksets, but usually the problems people have are issues of
> linearization.  
> 
> Combining "Create ICC" with the scanner method of making the ICCs (see
> http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm) results in a workflow
> that should give most people much better control of their systems for very
> little money.
> 
> I have some information about the use of the system in my notes on the R220
> at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_R2_Readme.htm, which is the first
> system I worked on after Create ICC was available.  However, the notes there
> relate only to the linearization of the output, not the incorporation of RGB
> curves.  I'll be covering that in the next inkset -- the UT-3D -- which is
> running on the R220, 2200 and 4000 in beta version. 
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

> I strongly recommend this workflow.  
> 
> I am converting my personal work to it, and *all* of my older 
curves and
> workflows appear to be easily modified to take advantages of this.  
Being
> able to linearize the system easily for ink and paper batch 
differences, not
> to mention for brand new papers, having the monitor match the print 
without
> the need for a custom dot gain curve, and printing from a grayscale 
file
> without an RGB conversion and application of a curve all make for a 
superior
> workflow.
> 
> What I've found is that the old curves that have flat spots in them 
need to
> be modified by having the flat spots converted into barely-sloped 
curves.
> All that I've tried so far then work.
> 
> Of course, the current system will not profile the tones for the
> variable-tone inksets, but usually the problems people have are 
issues of
> linearization.  


Paul,

I could not get connected to the link above detailing the workflow. 
So I went : http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Monotone_Curves.htm

While I'm all ready to trust your words I can't figure out the 
superiority of avc vs QTR (except direct printing from PS). 

Itinerative spoting of corrections on an acv to get a linear output 
seems to me a much tougher challenge than QTR-linearize at first 
glance. Softproofing is also very straightfoprward with QTR-ICC and I 
just need to send the Tif file to the soft for what I find a perfect 
matching print.

I mean no offence at all saying this, I just can't realise how you 
find the acv workflow superior while I suspect there's a good 
reasoning behing it that I'm missing. Cant you direct me to another 
paper of yours, another link...anything I'll be reading with great 
interest. Thanks.

Olivier

Olivier,
 

> I could not get connected to the link above detailing the workflow.

My general index is at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm.  As far as I
know the pages are working, but the server does sometimes need a refresh or
two to load a page.  


> ... I can't figure out the
> superiority of avc vs QTR (except direct printing from PS).

That was not the point of my post and not what I intended to suggest.  I'm
saying putting the *.avc curve into an ICC has some advantages to using the
curve in Photoshop.  If QTR or any system is working for you, I don't
recommend changing.

In general, I prefer approaches that give good results with the Epson driver
with no additional curve, software, or special processing.  This is an
attempt to be sure those who are starting out have the positive feedback of
quick and easy success.  It also gives a fall-back mode when the more
sophisticated approaches fail for some reason.  Then, on top of this simple,
easy approach, I try to have different stages of sophistication that can be
used.  Going forward, the ICCs and Create ICC fit nicely into this approach.

I think many will appreciate the flexibility and power that rips like QTR
offer.  I am in no way being critical of those approaches and programs, and
my approach is not inconsistent with the use of those programs.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Paul,

By all means, please be sure I was not challenging the solid results 
your approach provides : besides, I intend to dig further into this 
and find out more about this workflow at least for knowledge purpose. 

One thing I do not understand in the new QTR-ICC using your approach 
is the existence of the psd.raw (binary greyscale image that clips 
black and white ends out of specified boundaries ? ). 

The process (?) :
- create linear stepwedge 16b by "bending" the curves as per your 
recommendations
- read this, create txt of the linearised datas
- then apply the acv to the psd.raw and save it (this is how the acv 
is incorporated to the profil)

Then you do not need the acv at all for future printing ?

What happens when both are dragged to Create-ICC? The txt provide the 
linear datas while the psd.raw is used to clip out of (paper) gamut 
whites and blacks (mapping white and black points) and embeds the 
curve shape ? Shouldn't the Create-ICC do it whithout the psd.raw ? 

Or is it that when acv is applied to psd.raw the clipping happens in 
PS and the Create-ICC "takes" linear datas and "plot" them on the 
psd.raw greyscale :

LinearData 1  -> acv data 1
LD2 -> AVCD2

For instance LD White = L*97 comes to ACV 255, LD Black =L*17 comes 
to ACV 0, then L*57 (or 54) comes to  ACV 128...

The principle of it is not very obvious to me and I'm not sure I can 
best use it being so...lost.

Olivier

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Roark" 
<paul.roark@...> wrote:
>
> Olivier,
>  
> 
> > I could not get connected to the link above detailing the 
workflow.
> 
> My general index is at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm.  As 
far as I
> know the pages are working, but the server does sometimes need a 
refresh or
> two to load a page.  
> 
> 
> > ... I can't figure out the
> > superiority of avc vs QTR (except direct printing from PS).
> 
> That was not the point of my post and not what I intended to 
suggest.  I'm
> saying putting the *.avc curve into an ICC has some advantages to 
using the
> curve in Photoshop.  If QTR or any system is working for you, I 
don't
> recommend changing.
> 
> In general, I prefer approaches that give good results with the 
Epson driver
> with no additional curve, software, or special processing.  This is 
an
> attempt to be sure those who are starting out have the positive 
feedback of
> quick and easy success.  It also gives a fall-back mode when the 
more
> sophisticated approaches fail for some reason.  Then, on top of 
this simple,
> easy approach, I try to have different stages of sophistication 
that can be
> used.  Going forward, the ICCs and Create ICC fit nicely into this 
approach.
> 
> I think many will appreciate the flexibility and power that rips 
like QTR
> offer.  I am in no way being critical of those approaches and 
programs, and

> my approach is not inconsistent with the use of those programs.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

Sometimes one needs to copy and paste the link -
especially if there is punctuation (e.g. , or .) on
the tail end a click won't work.

--- Paul Roark <paul.roark@...> wrote:

> Olivier,
>  
> 
> > I could not get connected to the link above
> detailing the workflow.
> 
> My general index is at
> http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm.  




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Olivier,

 
> ... I do not understand in the new QTR-ICC using your approach
> is the existence of the psd.raw ...

The only readme-tutorial files I've posted are on the simpler grayscale (no
*.acv curves) use of "Create ICC."  My R220 workflow at
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_R2_Readme.htm has some information on how
to use the system.  At http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm I
describe a procedure to make ICCs on a flatbed scanner.

The next inkset will use the curves.  I will post a full description of what
I do when that inkset (UT-3D) is ready.  I'm going to decline to get too
involved piecemeal before that, although I will post a few ICCs as examples
of what to expect.

I have also found that my old workflows and curves can utilize this
approach.  It's easy to download a copy of the "Create ICC" package and use
one of my curves with it to convert from a non-color managed workflow to one
that is color managed and easier to linearize and use.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com