Digital BW, The Print

>> The 7600/9600 is suddenly back on the radar also.  
>>UT2 now has a significant advantage over IP5 and UC systems 
>>for B&W printers. 

>Paul: ... I take it that you think it might be worthwhile to 
>develop UT-2 cartridges and curves to use with these printers?

Yes, I think it is now in MIS's interest to pursue that market, and I'm now
interested in such printers.  (I'd opted for the 4000 due to the dual K, but
since the Eboni glossy printing is working so well with UT2, I now think
I'll end up replacing my 7500 with a 7600.)

>I guess, not knowing anything about the UT or UT-2 inksets, 
>I don't understand why these printers were "off the radar" 
>originally for UT-2, and what has changed so that they're now 
>back "on the radar"?

I need to be able to print both matte and glossy papers.  The cost and
hassle of switching black inks in large format printers like the 7600 is
just too much to bother with.  My 7500 with UT1 prints so well on matte, it
was just not worth upgrading it to the 7600 and also getting a 4000.  So, I
decided to go with the 4000 and stick with the old 7500.

Since I was not interested in a 7600 and since IP5 with the UltraChromes
does a good job with those printers, I didn't see much reason to bother with
them.

>I also assume that the advantage you refer to that UT-2 would have 
>over the UC inks (with or without IP) is that your testing now 
>reveals that switching black inks isn't necessary?

Yes, that is what changes the picture significantly.  (I might add that the
UltraChromes without IP5 (or similar RIP) are not serious B&W printers in my
view.)

> Are there other advantages that I'm missing?

UT2 is smoother, cheaper, and has a better tone/hue range than IP5 in B&W
mode.  (This might have changed if IP can now go full color and B&W in a
single image.)

>In short: do you envision that, in the near future, the UT-2 inkset 
>and workflow will be available to use with the 7600/9600 and not 
>require black ink switching? 

The first step is the 2200.  I hope to start testing that printer this week.
I had thought the 4000 would be next, but they are so backordered, I don't
know when I'll receive one.  So, I might have the time to write 7600 curves
in the interim.  However, I'm, frankly, not in a position to go out and buy
one.  So, it would be a question of finding a loaner or a printer in the
Santa Barbara area. 

>... since I'm now thinking of dedicating a wide-format 
>printer to B&W, I have less need to wait if there's a good B&W inkset 
>approach for the 9600/7600 ...

I think there is a high likelihood that the UT2 approach will work on the
7600/9600.  Once the 2200 is tests out as OK, then I'd say it's almost
certain that the larger versions will also work.  

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com