Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" 
<ps.harris@b...> wrote:
> Hi all
> 
> What is the advantage in using RIP software ie Imageprint on a 
> desktop inkjet printer.
> 
> I use an Epson 1290s with custom profiles and do get vary good 
> results, both colour and Grey scale.
> 
> Is their any advantage in using RIP software.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Paul

Hi Paul

The Raster Image Processing is that which essentially transforms the 
RGB information from the picture into CMYK for the printer, hopefully
in a correct way. It controls how the ink droplets are spread on the 
paper- so essentially, it will bypass the original Epson engine.
Black and white RIP's are also designed specifically for mixes of 
grey and should (provided they are well thought out) have an edge 
over the Epson interface (even if corrected via curves). Based on 
the posts I've seen there seems to be still a lot of controversy as 
to whether the added cost of a RIP is justified for delivering 
superior rendering compared to the Epson driver + curves method.
There is of course also the black only method where you don't stand 
to gain by using a RIP- I don't think it would be possible to offer 
definitive judgement, a lot has to do with the original content of 
the photo, paper, your artistic intent and viewer perception. The 
best way would probably be for you to be able to examine photos 
rendered via RIP or traditionally and make up your own mind.

Good luck 1

Andrei