Digital BW, The Print

I've been following the linearization threads, on and off, and it's been very 
informative. Not to muddy the waters further, but in hopes of knowing what 
people's thoughts are on this, I'd raise a question about the implementation of 
linearization for inkjet printing.

Since linearization is supposed to return a machine to a known state, in part 
defined by other factors like ink limits, wouldn't it make more sense for 
this to be an onboard function of the printer? I'm not an engineer, but it would 
seem that designing and implementing an automatic/semiautomatic routine 
through the print driver or onboard software would be relatively simple. On the 
digital capture side of things, it does seem that manufacturers are just beginning 
to "get" what serious photographers want it; not more pixels, but better 
pixels and improved workflow (from onboard camera controls through Raw processing 
and image file organization). 

Barring some unknown and difficult engineering issue, why doesn't Epson 
provide a linearization function in the print utilities? If the machine could 
simply be returned to it's know state it would simplify the entire process of 
authoring accurate print profiles and help assure that data is flowing   through 
the system properly. It would also improve the accuracy of the print profiles 
they supply.

Any engineers or ubergeeks want to address this? I'd be interested in your 
opinions.



Bill Kennedy
Associate Professor of Photography
St. Edward's University
Austin, Texas


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