QTR-Quadtone RIP

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "djon43" <djon43@y...> wrote:
>
> I raised this question on the B&W inkjet Group, should do it here as 
> well ...
> 
> A particular file/image is distinctly sharper with black-only (Epson 
> 2200 driver) than literal same file/image with QTR (2.3.10), printed 
> to the same size.  

I don't know exactly what you are seeing, but I wonder if it is just a matter of having
gray inks as well as the black ink.  In BO the dark black dots against the white paper
may give the appearance of "sharpness" where QTR would appear smoother because
of the more gradual transitions.  Sharpening before printing with QTR may have some
of the same effect.   Back in the film/darkroom days grainy films often looked sharper
that a fine grained film for the same reason.

> 
> Someone on the B&W inkjet group suggested that QTR may *lack* a 
> sharpening application that may be hidden in the Epson driver. 

I don't know what the Epson driver does but QTR certainly does not add sharpening
during the printing.

> 
> I've never heard of a hidden sharpener in Epson, but they do exist in 
> digicams. He suggested I add extra sharpening to a file intended for 
> QTR, Vs the file that's already good for black-only.

Sharpening will enhance the local contrast which means the transition will appear
sharper.  I think a small amount of sharpening is ideal for both scanning and printing
to overcome the inherent sampling or re-sampling that happens.

> 
> That helps, though my first efforts make the sharpening obvious in 
> close inspection.
> 
> ** Has anybody else noticed a sharpness issue with QTR Vs Epson? or 
> other drivers? 
> 
> ** Do you use any special sharpening workflow/technique/tool for files 
> destined for QTR, as opposed to files destined for other drivers (such 
> as Epsons for color or black-only)?

For any output workflow I think its appropriate to find what level of sharpening best
suits the image and your desires.  To me the level is just below it where you can
consciously see it.

>

Roy