Digital BW, The Print

Hi Todd,

> >> Oversampling and
> >> upsampling has always seemed like just more bandaids.
> >
> > Not a bandaid at all.  ALL digital output requires some kind of
> filter to
> > smooth out the stepping, it's just part of digital to analog
> conversion....
> > I can explain it in detail if you like.
>
> Isn't this similar to the argument for sharpening?

No.  Actually, it's the opposite!  Oversampling does the OPPOSITE of
sharpening, it smooth out the transitions between samples...where sharpening
decreases the width of the transitions...sharpness is basically
contrast...and to increase contrast, you have to increase the difference
between values.

> I've always heard the "need" for sharpening explained something like, "all
> CCD scans require some kind of sharpening to compensate for the softening
> effects of scanning, it's just part of the analog to digital
> conversion, as
> optics are involved which can soften and image, and CCDs are prone to blur
> and smear."

Well, I obviously disagree with that ;-)

Regards,

Austin