Digital BW, The Print

BKPhoto@... wrote:
> 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

Automatic calibration on the printer itself would indeed be 
very nice. However that would mean a spectrometer embedded in 
the hardware and that would add to the price. It has been done 
though on printers from other manufacturers. The best so far 
on Epsons has been the automatic nozzle control on the 10000CF.

Last month Epson introduced ColorBase for the 
9800/7800/4800/2400 models and combined with a separate 
Spectrometer this is the best you can get in calibration on 
Epson printers now. It isn't done automatically, the 
calibration data isn't kept in the firmware of the printer but 
at least it means a calibrated base for the Epson driver + the 
Epson Stylus RIP. I was a surprised that it wasn't extended to 
support third party RIPs too but the Colorsync list seemed 
surprised with the introduction so I doubt third party RIP 
manufacturers were informed at all. We discussed Colorbase 
some weeks ago.
                    --
           Ernst Dinkla


www.pigment-print.com
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