Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 5/6/02 12:06:48 PM, rmorrison@... writes:

> I
>was just speaking with someone this weekend that has been using the new
>printers for a month.  He also uses quad ink sets on similar class
>(7000/9000) machines.  He suggested that the new epson printers do a better
>job than the old ones making BW images with color inks...but that the quad
>prints were still far superior for critical BW work.

Yes, given craftsmanship, knowledge, and a certain amount of messing about, 
it is possible to beat the results of the new machines in some areas. My 
point was that the B&W market was small to begin with, and offered minimal 
profit incentive for development. Now there will be an even smaller market 
and less likelihood of third party development because "anybody" can print 
pretty good black and white straight from the box. 

Thats a good thing, in terms of empowering the end user and lowering the bar, 
but a bad thing in terms of nurturing a B &W art market, and holding the 
quality standard. Its also how progress typically works, and theres not much 
anyone can do about it. If it proves an area of value, the next generation of 
Epsons may improve further still, and continue edging in on the custom B&W 
print market.

What I haven't quite doped out yet is the relationship between gray balancing 
and custom ICC profiles with the new machines. With the total Under Color 
Removal, for truely neutral images the profile should not any effect, other 
than controlling the gray ramp... though it would still be great for color 
controlling tints.

C. David Tobie
Design Cooperative
CDTobie@...