Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Tyler Boley" <tyler@...> 
wrote:
>
> Ergosoft recently came out with an upgrade to StudioPrint with a some
> interesting developments for quad users.
> Until recently, StudioPrint was very difficult if not impossible to
> linearize with multiple light inks and variable dot. Variable dot
> worked with with one light ink per color obviously (for color work),
> but more partitioning was a problem. So quads, hexes, seps, etc. were
> single dot size per ink. This worked beautifully, but created minor
> limitations that few would notice...
> There are some new controls and dither settings in v12 that literally
> allow the user to select which of 3 dots sizes, at what percent, are
> used, per ink. For multiple gray mono work that means per gray
> (black). That takes a moment to get your head around.
> Now, the very lightest gray can be brought in at the very smallest dot
> size to begin with, and at the black end, the K ink can be finished
> off at the largest dot size, allowing the maximum dmax available given
>  media constraints.
> Another resulting improvement- previously, under a loup, it was
> possible to detect the dark gray coming in over the mid gray with
> widely spaced darker dots. This essentially results in some minute
> gray values represented less than optimally, and a loss of resolution
> in low contrast detail within those particular grays.
> Now, with very carefully chosen settings, that ink can be brought in
> with a smaller dot, resulting in closer dot spacing, more detail, and
> more represented shades of gray.
> Needless to say, the amount of testing required to get this right is
> daunting, I doubt many will go down this road. But the tools are there
> for the insane. Using 100% of all 3 dot sizes in all 4 inks (quad)
> will not work with the current built in partitioning algorithm, and
> it's probably not necessary anyway.
> Also, the availability of the largest dot at 100% K has brought back
> the dmax I lost to v11s "distributed" function when using a double ink K.
> I realize this post will be of interest to very few if any. These
> improvements are slight to the naked eye, but any move toward a more
> photographic output is significant to me, and the difference can seen.
> So for me, without going to a 6 or 7 ink setup, v12 has allowed me to
> improve output and remains a very interesting and evolving tool.
> Tyler
>

I must say the dot size controls sound way too complicated and unnecessary.
Each printer model has fixed dot sizes available and which ones to use are
based on the resolution you are using.  The Epson manuals specify which size
to use for each resolution.  So getting the user involved in that is not needed.
A RIP ought to have all that builtin. Admittedly the variable dot transitions are
more complicated than single dot sizes, but again that ought to be calibrated
and built into the RIP.

My 2 cents.
Roy