Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "k2kv" <js@r...>
wrote:
> 
> David,
> 
> I must chime in here, with some simple thoughts, as I am probably 
> one of the least technologically informed people in this group (and, 
> that may even be an advantage).
> 
> I am dismayed that you are having such a problem, and everyone is 
> trying to offer sincere help here, but I believe it is very 
> difficult to understand each person's offerings EXACTLY as intended 
> due to the unique way each person articulates his own experiences, 
> and each with a different level of accuracy in their ability to 
> present the issues as they perceive them.
> 
> Personally, after following this thread since the beginning, I 
> believe your problem is a very simple one, not complicated at all 
> The QTR implementation requires very little effort (certainly no 
> more than preparing a cup of tea), so I am compelled to offer my own 
> two cents.

I didn't think it would require a lot of effort to get an acceptable
result (at least equal to my PS print) with it, and I am not talking
about using it to its full potential to *improve* on the quality.
That's why I thought that I had some QTR settings wrong, and the
banding issue adds to that feeling. Surely the banding doesn't have
anything to do with my PS workflow.

> FWIW, I want you to know that I am using the very same setup as you, 
> and have NEVER had even the slightest problem with QTR, as it 
> delivers exactly the same contrast/density/sharpness as when I print 
> from the Epson driver, except that it delivers perfectly neutral 
> metamerism-free prints! You should be having the same results as me, 
> as it is a very simple process, made complicated by many settings 
> that may sound or look the same, but which really are not. Here is 
> how I do it, my settings, opinions and some suggestions:
> 
> 1. I do not believe your monitor is so out of calibration that it is 
> the cause of this specific problem. If you are getting close to what 
> you want printing b/w & color through the Epson driver, you should 
> get approximately the same accuracy through QTR. This seems a simple 
> deduction. 

Thank you :) That is the idea I was trying to send. I would look at my
montiro settings if the results were a bit of, but the difference
could not be big enough to mess up the proofin that way. In any case I
am happy to live without proofing, even though some might think
differently.

> 2. For me, I approach my b/w workflow in several different ways, 
> none of which are important here. The big difference from what I am 
> reading of other workflows, is that I DO NOT convert to the QTR 
> workspace until I have completely finished working on my image. 
> Then, just before I print with QTR, I convert to the QTR workspace. 

That's how I would do it too, the same way I convert to sRGB right
beofre saving a web version. Everything else is done in AdobeRGB.
 
> I convert by going into Image-> Mode-> Convert-to-Profile (at the 
> very BOTTOM of the list. I have a feeling you are not doing this 
> correctly, and are simply clicking the wrong selection). The profile 
> dialog that opens up should read "QTR - gray matte paper." Use Adobe 
> (ACE) engine, Perceptual, Black point, and Dither.

I have done that. I use the profile conversion method all the time for
web display.

> 3. Save the file as a .TIF file, open the QTRGui program and select 
> the image. Select the 2200 printer, use QUAD 2200, Type: Matte 
> Paper, 1440 Super, Better (not "faster").

I have done that.
 
> 4. Curves should be set to (on the left) UC-EEnhMatte Warm and (on 
> the right) UC-EEnhMatte Cool, with a blend of 50. Leave both Ink 
> Limit sliders below at "0."

Done that.
 
> 5. Select your paper size and print!

That too :)
 
> Now, if this doesn't solve your problem, UNINSTALL QTR COMPLETELY 
> (there is a link to a complete "cleanout" utility at 
> http://www.sbillard.org/Shareware/QTRCleanout.exe). Then, reinstall 
> QTR from a fresh download, reinstall the profiles, and try it again. 
> I'm using 2.2.0.

I can do that. However, this is the first version of the program that
I ever use...so there aren't any remnants in there.
 
> I hope this helps you pinpoint your problem. QTR is a great program, 
> and there is no reason on earth why you should not benefit from it 
> like the rest of us. Please let me know if any of this helps!

Thanks for your message. I will go through this again, and I will also
try some slight gamma adjustment in QTR and see if it changes anything.

David.