Digital BW, The Print

Steve,

Lou's advice is based on substantial experience and expert opinion. 
Since he's already given a comprehensive explaination of the benefits 
and limitations of each package, the only thing I'd add is that if 
you're not getting the results you want from QTR with existing 
profiles, to create custom curves for QTR or IJC/OPM you'll need a 
densitometer or spectrophotometer and the desire to learn how to use 
it -- so factor that into your learning curve and software investment.

If you decide to go with ImagePrint as an "out-of-box" solution, let 
me know. I've got an ImagePrint Version 5.6 for the 2200 that I don't 
use any more and you can contact me off-list if you're interested in 
purchasing it...

Richard

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "SteveZ" 
<blizzie12@y...> wrote:
> Hmmmm....interesting, so far I've had two replies to my question. 
> One in favor of IP, the other suggesting that I'm better off using 
> QTR. Would be nice to hear more opinions though I'm really tempted 
> to wait on purchasing IP and try figuring out custom curve 
> creations. Louis Dina presents a strong case.
> 
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Louis Dina" 
> <lbdina@c...> wrote:
> > Yes, I own ImagePrint, QTR and IJC/OPM.  ImagePrint provides 
> decent B&W 
> > output, and is a big improvement over the Epson driver with the 
> > standard inkset.  But I find both QTR or IJC/OPM are far superior 
> to 
> > IP.  
> > 
> > With IP, you are locked into their ink limits and linearization, 
> both 
> > of which are generic (tied to the inkset).  I find B&W prints 
from 
> IP 
> > harsh in comparison, with lack of adequate separation.  The 
prints 
> from 
> > the other two programs are linear, richer and much nicer.  I 
> prefer the 
> > way they blend two profies for greater control.  IP has the tint 
> > picker, which is ok, but not as nice.  IP is also pretty 
expensive 
> for 
> > what it offers.  
> > 
> > Also, both QTR and IJC/OPM allow you to use any inkset with any 
> paper.  
> > QTR, in particular, has lots of available profiles.  kPeople on 
> this 
> > bard will be happy to share profiles with you if you ask.
> > 
> > I never use IP for anything any more.  For color, I get better 
> results 
> > with the Epson driver and custom profiles.  For B&W, QTR and 
> IJC/OPM 
> > are superior.  But, IP is pretty easy.  Just be aware that IP is 
> > licensed for a single printer model only.  If you get a new 
> printer 
> > model, you will have to buy another (expensive) license.
> > 
> > Lou
> > 
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "SteveZ" 
> > <blizzie12@y...> wrote:
> > > Does or has anyone use ImagePrint by Colorbyte for their black 
> and
> > > white work? I'm thinking of buying this software ( for Epson 
> 2200)
> > > since I'm still struggling with the QTR custom curve creation 
for
> > > various papers. Does ImagePrint come with all the paper 
> profiles? I
> > > wish I was better at the techincal aspect of the QTR but the 
> reality
> > > is I'm not, so maybe it's time to spend some big money and 
> invest in
> > > a solution that'll make life easier for me. It's either that or 
> I pay 
> > > someone who uses QTR to sit with me at my computer and show me 
> how to 
> > > create custom curves.
> > > 
> > > Anyone care to comment?
> > > I'd appreciate hearing back from you.