Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 9/14/06 10:39:40 AM, picnic@... writes:


> I'm assuming this is different from the current Printfix Pro that's
> available now.
> 
Correct, it is a software update with a range of new features.

>   However, my wish is that I don't have to buy more hardware,
> software to make it possible to print toned images that I have done in PS
> and print them directly with little or no metamerism. 
> 
Correct again: one of the workflows with PrintFIX PRO 2.0 is to allow you to 
tone your images in Photoshop, with screen preview, and print the results with 
virtually no metamerism on Epson K3 and Canon iPF5000. Side effects of this 
include the ability to use other's toning curves, both in Photoshop, and 
inported into PrintFIX PRO where they can be built into the profile for, and the 
ability to get the same tonalities on different media, or from different 
printers.

>   QTR allows me to
> print with basically no metamerism but I'm limited to working in an ICC
> profile of Roy's creation in PS, then converting to a matte or gloss profile
> to be used by QTR--and I can tone by blending, adjusting ink density, etc.
> One can also create their own profiles/curves with more hardware/software.
> 
These QTR "profiles" are actually curves hidden in a profile shell. And they 
are not automatic; meaning you have to experiment and tweak the curves to 
attempt to get neutrality throughout the grayramp, or a particular tint. The only 
thing that gets done in any sense automatically is linearization.
> 
> Not having used the ABW driver on the 2400, I understand that one selects a
> grayscale image, then can 'tone' within the ABW driver.
> 
Right, and this is similar with the Canon B&W mode. But this method is trial 
and error, does not preview in Photoshop, does not allow advanced cross tints, 
or feathering the tonality to paper white, or using curves for tinting, all 
of which are functions of PrintFIX PRO 2.0... nor does it measure and correct 
neutrality for precise gray balance.

>   Still--its using
> their 'tones'---not able to do split toning (I don't think), etc.
> 
Correct...

>   I would
> like to be able to work directly--no additional purchases, no 3rd party
> driver, etc.  I suspect I'll have to wait a good while LOL.
> 
Well, if you already own PrintFIX PRO (which you sort of implied at the 
beginning) then it will be a free software upgrade for you, and fairly soon. 
> 
> Thanks--I'll look for this product--I'm assuming that this is the one you
> mentioned would be introduced at PHotokina next week.
> 
> Yes, we'll be introducing this at Photokina, and I'll be demoing it all week 
there, with sample prints from a range of printers, on a range of media.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


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