Digital BW, The Print

Hi Roy, I did indeed get QTR up and running for the 9600 and also have 
experience with ImagePrint for my 2200.  I have not yet tried blending options 
w. QTR to get what, in my opinion, is close to "neutral." (I think you suggested 
a blending mode of 85% cool or Cool Selenium to 15% Warm, which is what 
I'll try).  Still on my to-do list.

I'm exploring the grayscale inkset options basically just to know what my 
options are.  I have a business idea to offer printing services to local photogs.  
My reasoning as to why a grayscale inkset might be needed for that purpose 
is this: if I, as someone who's been exploring this for over 2 years now, am still 
a bit skeptical that a system that uses color inks to make B&W can be as good 
as 6 or 7 gray inks, I imagine that customers who have done a lot less 
experimentation will be at least as skeptical.  (On the other hand, the 
ignorance (I don't mean that pejoratively) of the client base could work in my 
favor, given that most people have no idea of what metamerism is, what the 
grayscale ink options available are, etc).  I have not yet held in my hands and 
compared with my own eyes a print made with a grayscale inkset to one 
made with ImagePrint or QTR and the split of opinion among those who have 
still seems significant, e.g., all the passionate statements by people who 
swear B&W prints w. ImagePrint or QTR and UltraChrome inks are just as 
good as w. grayscale inks are counterbalanced by those who argue equally 
passionately that this is not the case.

However, I may just opt out of the whole grayscale insket thing and go for a 
software-based solution.  It would certainly save me a lot of $ and worries 
about clogging, etc.  If I stick purely to personal printing, I'm 90% convinced 
that's what I'll do.

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Roy Harrington" <
roy@h...> wrote:
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "chipcarterdc" 
> <chipcarterdc@h...> wrote:
> > I'm hoping you all can help out here with figuring out what options are 
> > available for grayscale inksets in 44inch Epson models.  I know that the 
> > various options have been discussed in bits and pieces over time, but I'm 
> > trying to get the big picture.  Here's what I think I know -- please add, 
correct, 
> > disagree, etc.
> > 
> > (1) Epson 9600 w. PiezoTone inks, NOT, as I understand it, with the Piezo 
B&
> > W ICC system -- if I read their website correctly, this is not currently an 
option 
> > with the 9600 unless you get StudioPrint RIP, which only runs on 
Windows (I 
> > have a Mac).  If anyone cares to elaborate on the differences between the 
> > PiezoTone system and the Piezo B&W ICC system, I'd appreciate it 
(Inkjetmall 
> > does have an FAQ on the differences, but it's written under the assumption 
> > that you already know how the PiezoTones system works, which I don't)
> > 
> > (2) Epson 9000 w. Piezo B&W ICC system (I have no idea what the 
> > differences would be of the 9000 v. the 9600 for grayscale inks, nor do I 
know 
> > if you can even still buy a 9000 anywhere)
> > 
> > (3) Epson 9600 w. the Septone system, EXCEPT this is only an option if 
you 
> > run Windows.  The Photoshop plug-in does work for Mac, but only works 
for 
> > the 2200.  (Same is true for Septone with the 9000)
> > 
> > (4) Epson 9600 w. MIS's UltraTone 7 system (not yet available)
> > 
> > So, if I'm understanding the options correctly, there is currently no 
grayscale 
> > inkset for the 9600 that will work with Mac (short of running Virtual PC).  
> > Meaning, for wide-format grayscale inks, either (a) find a 9000 (if you have 
a 
> > Mac) or (b) buy a Windows computer.
> > 
> > Any options I'm missing?
> 
> Hi Chip,
> 
> Did you get QTR and blending to work for your 9600?   It's not a dedicated
> B&W setup but a lot of people are satisfied with the black and light-black
> results.  (They have bought ImagePrint for that capability).  It's very close
> to a full B&W set.  If you still want a light-gray ink for the ultimate in smooth
> highlights you could replace Cyan or Magenta with a light gray ink from
> MIS Ultratones.  There was some interest in doing this for the 2200 but
> I think in the end the standard results (UC inks with QTR) were so close that
> people figured on keeping the color capability.
> 
> Anyway I'm curious what you think about the current B&W results and
> whether you really feel it necessary to go for a light-gray.
> 
> Roy