Digital BW, The Print

Just saw this posted over at the Epson Wide Format group: http://imaging-resource.com/
NEWS/1108098105.html

Looks like a 2200 replacement with the Gloss Optimizer and red and blue pigments.  If it 
is indeed a 2200 replacement, then this technology will migrate up the food chain to the 
4000, 7600 and 9600 given Epson's past product history.  Looks like the end of Light 
Black and out of box Great B&W mostly carbon(black & Light black) printing with 
something like QTR.  As a side note, I have been playing around quite a bit with BO 
printing.  I can't believe the heavy dithering pattern visible under a loop using BO 
compared to just adding one additional ink.  The smoothness and subtle gradations are 
completely lost with BO and the contrast is increased dramatically due to this.  My guess is 
that visibly, many people are attracted to BO prints solely due to this increase in Contrast.
Any Thoughts on this?

Tariq

Hello Tariq,

>My guess is that visibly, many people are attracted to BO prints 
>solely due to this increase in Contrast.
>Any Thoughts on this?

It's more than just contrast.  Contrast can be increased in full ink
sets as well, if desired.  BO has two attributes that make it very
attractive visually, better Dmax and better luminance.

The Dmax is better because the other UT systems hold off on using the
Eboni until image values are RGB 1 or 2 (about 99.5% or so).  So
anything not quite pure black is rendered with other inks.  In BO,
paper white specks completely disappear at about 95%, and apparently,
further density is achieved by increasingly overlapping dots which
increases the ink density (just my guess as to how it works).  But
there is visible separation in the 95-100% range, and all these values
are rendered with the pure black ink.  This gives a very intense Dmax
and good shadow separation (BTW, these remarks are in reference to
matte papers and Eboni black.  The UT inks on glossy papers are
getting deep Dmax without Eboni).

The luminance is caused by the uncoated paper showing between the
dots.   Paper white specks begin appearing at around 95%, so the
paper's reflectivity is an active ingredient in most of the image.  In
the full ink systems, uncoated paper isn't visible until image values
are up around RGB 254-255.  So BO prints have a gorgeous glow to them
which full ink systems can't match.  The glowing silvery upper
midtones are quite addictive <g>. 

The result is prints that really "pop" in a way that isn't just
contrast.  There is a light quality about them that is distinctive.  I
love it and BO is my first choice.  Only with certain images that are
too weakened by the graininess do I use something else.  


Regards,
Clayton


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

Hi Clayton,

Thanks for your reply.  I'm currently using QTR and making my own custom curves which 
utilize just the Original Epson UC Matte black and Light Black.  One can specify how much 
ink is laid down and the interacting curve in QTR and I'm getting the maximum(and same) 
D-max using either QTR or BO.  

The luminosity you describe vs. overall contrast is more akin to local contrast - the 
contrast within a certain range of tones if you will.  One can manipulate and alter this via 
curves.  I'm sure the paper white that shows more through BO printing due to the lack of 
actual subtle highlight tones created by the ink also alter the local contrast in that range, 
not just the overall contrast.  My point is simply that one could replicate the tonality of BO 
printing if so desired through the use of both curves and the control of the ink laid down 
BUT I'm not convinced that the opposite is true - BO printing can't match the subtle 
highlight gradation if more than one ink is used. THere is just less to work with.  

Tariq
 
--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton Jones" <cj@c...> wrote:

> 
> Hello Tariq,
> 
> >My guess is that visibly, many people are attracted to BO prints 
> >solely due to this increase in Contrast.
> >Any Thoughts on this?
> 
> It's more than just contrast.  Contrast can be increased in full ink
> sets as well, if desired.  BO has two attributes that make it very
> attractive visually, better Dmax and better luminance.
> 
> The Dmax is better because the other UT systems hold off on using the
> Eboni until image values are RGB 1 or 2 (about 99.5% or so).  So
> anything not quite pure black is rendered with other inks.  In BO,
> paper white specks completely disappear at about 95%, and apparently,
> further density is achieved by increasingly overlapping dots which
> increases the ink density (just my guess as to how it works).  But
> there is visible separation in the 95-100% range, and all these values
> are rendered with the pure black ink.  This gives a very intense Dmax
> and good shadow separation (BTW, these remarks are in reference to
> matte papers and Eboni black.  The UT inks on glossy papers are
> getting deep Dmax without Eboni).
> 
> The luminance is caused by the uncoated paper showing between the
> dots.   Paper white specks begin appearing at around 95%, so the
> paper's reflectivity is an active ingredient in most of the image.  In
> the full ink systems, uncoated paper isn't visible until image values
> are up around RGB 254-255.  So BO prints have a gorgeous glow to them
> which full ink systems can't match.  The glowing silvery upper
> midtones are quite addictive <g>. 
> 
> The result is prints that really "pop" in a way that isn't just
> contrast.  There is a light quality about them that is distinctive.  I
> love it and BO is my first choice.  Only with certain images that are
> too weakened by the graininess do I use something else.  
> 
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm

Hello Tariq,

>I'm currently using QTR and making my own custom curves which 
>utilize just the Original Epson UC Matte black and Light Black.  
>My point is simply that one could replicate the tonality of BO 
>printing if so desired 

Sounds really good.  I have heard that some people are working on
this.  If it succeeds it will be an important advancement.  I wish you
all success and hope we will hear more about it.


Regards,
Clayton


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