Digital BW, The Print

Hello Troy,

>I am writing today because I am totally confused about printing
>...after all the reading i did on the web i am even more confused 
>...seems like all the joy is being drained out of it when i start 
>to try to educate my self about printing.
>...I am just plain fed up and confused with reading and trying to
>understand all of this on my own, can some one please guide me.
>Thank you very much in advanced for your help. 

Understood.  Been there.  There are a number of easy ways to get
started.  Please see the series of articles at this link for an
overview, especially article #2

  http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm


>using a Epson 1280. I use photo shop to edit my images. 

>1. do I need to have a printer icc profile for my printer?

Not necessarily.  Please see article #8 "It Doesn't Have To Be
Complicated" at the above link.


>2.what is the easyest way to get quality prints?

The absolutely easiest way IMO is Black Only (BO) printing, and the
1280 does a fine job with that (article #3 and 3b at above link).  

After that, for your 1280, is probably using the MIS UT2 inks.  This
requires a bigger investment in ink (an entire set), dedicating the
printer to BW, and  is a bit more challenging to use.  See Paul
Roark's UT2 web page for details

    http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/UT2-Readme.htm

Reading these articles should clarify a lot of the issues and make it
easier to decide what first step to take.  I too had a difficult time
in the beginning, and starting out with BO printing "got me on first
base", so to speak.   It enabled me to get started with small expense
and easy learning curve, and to have some success and reduce the
frustration.  The experience gained working that way is invaluable,
and any time you feel ready you can branch out and try other things.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm