Digital BW, The Print

Many months ago a lot of hours, paper and ink were spent using the Epson RIP for the 2200 for B&W printing. Even though enumerable settings were tried, a first class B&W print was not achieved. Different papers were used along with photo black and matte black ink. Finally matte black ink with Epson's Enhanced Matte paper were adopted as the constants. Even though these endeavors were not successful, I thought that another try might be worthwhile. I kept the settings that produced the most acceptable B&W. However the "most acceptable" prints were not really worthy of serious consideration and further trials as it became too frustrating. 

I had been using PS 7 and now PS CS has taken its place. Additionally, Qimage was also used and still is. Qimage has had many upgrades since the RIP stopped being tried. A recent upgrade to Qimage kindled my curiosity again about using the RIP with Qimage. The upgrade has a "select color grid" that could possibly be used to neutralize the tint in B&W prints. Unfortunately that mechanism adds even more variables to the already long list of variables attendant to the RIP.

Has anyone used the Epson RIP with any success? If, so I would very much appreciate exchanging information about paper, inks and, most of all, a list of settings. Too, any hints about its usage would also be most appreciated. Those that have it will no doubt agree that its instruction manual is not helpful. Moreover, the techies at Epson are in the same category.

Peter Palmieri

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