Digital BW, The Print

Ken,

I don't use Optical so I don't know the 'ins and outs' of that 
software.  I use an Eye One and ProfileMaker.  But, I can offer a few 
suggestions.

In general, the useful life for most CRTs is about 3 years, at least 
for critical color work.  For B&W, it should be longer, since color 
is not the main issue.  The phosphors in a CRT get 'tired' after 
awhile, especially if the monitor is kept at a high brightness level, 
which causes it to go dimmer faster.  You can sometimes extend the 
useful life of your CRT by using a lower resolution (ie, 800x600 
instead of 1024x768) or by using a lower refresh rate.  But, when a 
decent software package won't allow you to hit the target levels, it 
usually means the phosphors are losing their umph.  This makes it 
hard to get the dynamic range you need for accurate viewing.

Good LCDs for graphics work are generally still quite pricey 
(typically above $1000 - $1500).  I still use a CRT for that reason, 
but have been doing some looking around and will eventually make the 
switch.  Eizo's and Apple Cinema displays are expensive.  You may 
want to check out the LaCie and Samsung LCD's.  They have gotten some 
good reviews and recommendations.  Low end LCD's are great for video 
games and general use, but nearly useless for graphics work.  Cheap 
ones are a nightmare to profile, and the results are NOT good.  In 
general, expect to spend AT LEAST $600 or more for a decent LCD.  

If you do mostly B&W work and are able to get a good monitor to print 
match without resorting to extraordinary measures, you may just want 
to keep on using it.  

Regards, Lou 

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Carney" 
<kcarney1@c...> wrote:
> I have a Sony 21" Multiscan E500 monitor.  When profiling with 
Optical 3.7
> Pro, I cannot get the brightness levels low enough, nor the 
contrast levels
> high enough.  I have tried experimenting with the bias controls in 
addition
> to the gain controls for RGB, with no better results.  The b&w 
prints (Epson
> 2200 with OEM inks and IP6, on PR 308) look good, but it bothers me 
that the
> monitor is not within the range that Optical wants. So I have two 
questions:
> 
> A. Is this common, or is my E500 just not up to the task (it is 
about four
> to five years old)?
> 
> B. If the answer is to retire the E500, is there an LCD monitor 
that is as
> good as a CRT for B&W, especially in the shadow areas?  I'm less 
concerned
> with cost (within whatever reason goes with this hobby) than 
accuracy and
> consistency.
> 
> Thanks as always for any advice.
> 
> Regards,
> 
>   --Ken Carney
>     www.kencarney.com