Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 9/19/06 2:54:16 PM, gudstrand.list@... writes:


> Are you saying that the HP cannot print black and white with variable
> toning?  I thought that the use of the colored inks with B&W was the default
> in the HP print driver.  Have you used the HP?
> 
No but I hope to work with them next week at Photokina. Their own description 
is that the B&W mode uses only black and gray inks. The experience of those 
on this list is that such prints tend to be 'carbon tinted' not neutral, and 
that the exact tint varies with the media in question. Thats what using bits of 
color ink along with blacks and grays is all about...

>   Like most I have not seen
> any prints from it.  I have heard good things about the printer from those
> who have it and have reviewed it, I am curious why your opinion seems to
> negative in regard to the 9180.
> 
Negative only in terms of what its fundamental printing methods are, based on 
HPs descriptions of number of inks, and methods of B&W. I'd love to be 
suprised and find it superior to expectations.

>   In a perfect world we could all buy the new
> Canon but for some of us the $2,000 price tag is a show stopper.
> 
$1800; but who's counting... <G>

>   The cost
> of the Epson at $850 (plus RIP) is also a lot more than the HP.
> 
But why a RIP... the beauty of the new   two-gray printers is that they can 
do both color and B&W, via the driver...

>   If
> reasonable output can be attained from the HP it seems like a great printer
> for many.  I also seems that its presence has already had an impact on
> prices and features of other printers as well.  This can only be a good
> thing, can't it?
> 
The upcoming 12 ink HPs may be a good thing indeed. I'll have to actually use 
the 8 ink models to see if they transcend current results from single-gray 
ink printers. Early reports of significant metamerism don't bode well, however.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Division
DataColor Inc.
CDTobie@colorvision.com
www.colorvision.com


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