Digital BW, The Print

I received an answer from ColorByte today to some of the questions I've had
lately on the 2200.  I believe much, if not all, of this applies to the
larger-format UltraChrome printers as well.  I know some people despise
cross-posting, so instead, I've multi-posted this to the appropriate groups.

1. Dither

The coarseness of the dither is primarily defined by the density of the
light black ink.  Epson's light black ink has a higher density than a
typical quadtone ink set which is why, as John P. put it, "we can't run a
higher level screen in the highlights."  They are also limited to the amount
of light cyan and light magenta they can use because the eye is very
sensitive to hue shifts in those areas.  It's important to remember that
they're doing this with color inks, and with the Epson inks no less.  I know
some have had great luck with 3rd party inks, but after nasty clogs on two
previous machines, I am very hesitant to run anything other than Epson inks
through this $700 machine.  And frankly, in the 7 months that I've been
using my 2200, I had one instance where I saw very slight banding on the
first print after switching from photo black to matte black.  A single head
cleaning cycle cleared it up.  Aside from that, no clogs!

2. Centering

Version 5.5 of IP (in beta at the moment) will fix this problem.  It will
allow you to specify the actual paper size (not just printable area) and it
will handle the margins to allow centering on the paper.

3. Striations

The most common cause for striations and other print artifacts is a "flared
nozzle."  This is a nozzle that isn't completely clogged, but fires ink in
two directions instead of one.  The only way to confirm a nozzle is flared
is to look at a nozzle check under a microscope.  A head clean can fix this,
so if you're seeing these artifacts, even though it may not look clogged,
I'd try a head cleaning cycle or two.

4. Gloss Differential or Bronzing

Version 5.5 for the 7600/9600 will have "Wide Gamut Technology."  They've
basically given IP more control over how it lays ink down in chromatic areas
which ultimately allows them to eliminate bronzing on gloss papers and give
brighter and sharper appearing images with the matte black ink.  Makes me
wish I had a 7600 instead of the 2200!

So, it looks like Colorbyte is listening to everyone's suggestions and
comments!

--Tom