Digital BW, The Print

CDTobie@... wrote:

> I was aware that [ColorVision] profiles were usable for
> *previewing* [quad black] files, but the idea 
> that you can use them for *converting* files for printing 
> seems pretty amazing!

Dave, I've not checked with Tyler or Dan, but I think the magic is as
follows. At least, this is what I've done, guided in part by their
seminal postings, which I could of course have misinterpreted.

1. Build a profile for the quad (or hex) black inkset.

2. Use the profile to preview a suitable gray scale target image, like a
21 step gray ramp, Tyler's magic Z's, etc. (I've built my own, which
includes both contrast-sensing goodies and DTP-41 patches)

3. Apply partitioning curves to the target image. (it's convenient to do
this in an adjustment layer) and use the preview, and INFO pallete spot
readings though the preview, to adjust the curves.

4. When the curves seem optimized, print the target, measure what really
comes out of the printer, then iterate from step 2.

While the profile is not a perfect predictor of printed densities or L*
values, it certainly shortens curve development time, allowing one to
move somewhat in the direction of having a life. As I am currently doing
this stuff in CMYK mode, it was a breakthrough for me to discover
ProfilerPro can build CMYK profiles for my custom ink sets, and the
resulting CMYK profiles work well for the process above.

Richard Wolfson
www.rwolfson.com