QTR-Quadtone RIP

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "fwaterlander" <frans2001@...> 
wrote:
>
> Joost,
> 
> Sorry, but I don't buy into this "do whatever gives the best 
> results". That's a cop-out. 

Frans,

Not sure whether your rather fierce reaction is actually addressed to 
me. I feel caught between two fires here. I do understand, and share, 
your frustration that this should be a field where clear-cut answers 
should be available. And as things stand, there aren't. And yes, 
documentation is not perfect.

On the other hand: color management (of which print-monitor matching in 
b&w printing is a part of) is a highly complex field. I have a PhD in 
Physics and , although not an active scientist myself anymore, I do 
have a few direct colleagues who are and who are quite knowledgeable in 
this area. Belief me, I spend a lot of time digging into this. That has 
learned me that it is, in a practical situation, near to impossible to 
implement a rock-solid scientifically correct method. One always need 
some approximations. ANY method out there has its shortcuts. And 
different methods/workflows have different shortcuts. And hence the 
ambiguities.

Secondly: bear in mind this IS a community thing. Digital B&W printing 
in general is still a fairly young, rapidly moving field with only 
little formally documented. Roy and Stephen have made a GREAT 
contribution and we are all happy to benefit from their work. Bear in 
mind that other RIPs are WAY more expensive than QTR. And not always 
better documented.... 

So yes I understand your feelings. Reality is that you must decide if 
you're happy to deal with the evolving nature of this approach, and its 
ambiguities. If QTR does not fit your needs or preferences, than 
perhaps the, newer, ABW approach of the Epson K3 printers as the 2400 
and 3800 is something for you. No experience myself, but as I 
understand it, quite a bit easier to use (without being more "correct").

Joost