In regard to Garth's observations of ink jet printers, I would like to add
something here.
Almost all of my printing is out of Photoshop and occasionally Quark Express.
Some things
to keep in mind are 1) Are you trying to proof for pre-press? 2)Are you using
the internal
calibrations built into the software? 3) Keep in mind that most applications
such as MS Word
and the like are not designed for optimal output of images. On the Windows
platform these
images will normally reside in a Windows Meta File.
Ideally one should use a professional Desktop Publishing Program if they want
optimal image
capability from a given printer. Quark, Pagemaker, Framemaker and the like are
all very
good at image control. Also keep in mind that if you are going pre-press, you
must use some
sort of Adobe PS RIP. The one that is made for the Epson (Epson Stylus RIP) is
excellent
for pre-proofing. It only works on the higher quality Epson Stylus Inkjet
printers.
Photoshop has many tools built into it for UCR and GCR for pre-press and even
some good RGB
control.
Using the Adobe Gamma Settings along side RGB images will enable you to get the
image output
to come very close to what you see on the screen. This also makes scanning
easier in that
you know that your known screen values on a given printer you should always
give the same
result. Of course this is not good for general CMYK control. I found that
scanning to an
RGB value then converting the RGB image to given CYMK values will almost always
give a
predictable result. Ever since Photoshop 4.0, it has never been easier to
correct for a
given output device. Of course PS 5.0 is even better.
Bottom line here is that with a little attention one can get consistent results
from any of
the higher quality Stylus printers. Using the Epson high quality glossy stock,
I can get
output that rivals a the Iris proofer. No the color is not as accurate as the
Iris to a
Match print but the consistency is there. One thing to remember ink is based
on CYMK and is
not the same as RGB. Once you get out of the RGB output mode you will have
consistent
quality images.
Phillip Franklin
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