Digital BW, The Print

A few days ago I posted that a recent firmware update for the 4800 
(A0045A.800) seemed to produce an improvement in dmax on certain Epson 
papers with the K3 inks.  Because I was surprised by this, I reprinted 
several targets and ended up sampling three targets (for each paper) 
with two readings per target.  The target-to-target variations are 
slightly greater than the measure-to-measure readings.

The bottom line: The USFA and EEM (both smooth papers) are up; the VFA 
actually remains unchanged.

The figures:  The USFA is up from an average of 1.64 to an average of 
1.70; the EEM (which I use only for proofing) is up from an average of 
1.65 to an average of 1.72; the VFA remains the same with an average of 
1.75.  So, the USFA and EEM results are not a revolution, but a welcome 
and visible improvement.  

Epson cites the firmware change as providing "improved ink management" 
and "improved utility with third party RIPs."  Whatever that means.

Walt