Digital BW, The Print

Hi Linda


> From: "Linda J. Thorsen" <linda@...>

> 
> This makes sense to me, and of course the driver knows what printer
> I'm using (and in my  case which inks, since i'm using the standard
> set) and it knows which paper I'm using, (Epson Premium Semigloss)
> because I select that in the print driver as well. So while in
> color mode I'm choosing the appropriate profile for that
> paper/printer in the PS Print Preview dialog (because PS doesn't
> really know about my printer),

Here, if you have PS adjust the image file for the printer ICC profile, you
are making the assumption that the printer's greyscale output in Advanced
B&W mode is consistent with its output in Colour mode - the profile you are
using is a colour ICC profile compiled by printing the response behaviour of
the printer in colour mode.  This MAY be the case in the default settings
but I doubt it.  It can NOT be correct for all the possible settings in ABW
mode. So if this is a help then it is a bit pot luck.  If you are Let[ting]
Printer Determine Colors there is a debate as to whether the printer driver
uses the profile you send at all.  But again, I would say it is unlikely and
that it is more likely the driver at best has its own lookup tables for ABW
mode for each type of paper selected.

>in ABW I've assumed I don't
> really have to worry about the print driver knowing enough
> if I'm letting the printer manage the "color"-- it gets the basic
> paper/ink info it needs from its own logic and settings, yes?
> 
> Incidentally, what are people seeing for a black point for ABW on
> the 2400 (eg on Epson Premium Semigloss with PK)  and does
> the Normal,Dark,Darker setting change this, or just
> change the other parts of the curve? I didn't quite follow the
> threadon this one.....

It just changes the gamma or contrast but not the two end points.  The
Highlight Point Shift option does shift the white point so that there is ink
laid down in all parts of the image to avoid the gloss differential between
ink and paper.

QTR Create ICC is a much more sensible approach:  measure and profile the
stimulus-response behaviour of the printer IN ABW MODE and have PS use that
profile to adjust image file data prior to it being sent to the printer.  I
am sure there are people with both a 2400 and Eye-One Photo who can print
the step wedges and create the profiles for various papers and ABW modes and
make them available to people who don't have the equipment.  You only need
to profile the default setting as it makes more sense to edit the look of an
image in PS rather than in the crude Epson driver (by selecting Lighter,
Darkest etc). Then anyone paying the $50 QTR shareware fee can use these
profiles and improve their Epson AB&W output (without having to buy an
Eye-One Photo or similar device).  I have profiles for the 4800 which I am
happy to share with those who have paid their QTR fee.  I do not, however,
have a 2400.

Steve