Color Profiling Software

[JoePixel]

We outsource our color profiling for the Epson Pro Stylus 10000.
An independent color specialist set us up with a profile to match our press and it's pretty good.

Recently we have had some customer requests for proofs to be printed on supplied stock and I can do that, but the proof isn't profiled for that stock. Talked it over with the sales manager and the plant manager and they have given me the OK to look into color profiling software for us to use and then ditch the independent guys.

So, what should I get? I don't need the absolute best one, but I don't want to get the worst one either.

I do have a SpectroScan for reading the printed pieces, and I have an old Best Color Rip driving the Epson.

I probably need to buy the profile making software, and a newer rip. Anything else?

Also, our Epson is getting a little long in the tooth and I was thinking of upgrading to the Epson 9800 Pro. When you buy the Pro version, it comes with the "Color Burst Rip" and I was wondering if that RIP was any good.

[clod]

If all you need is a solution for hard copy proofing, you might look at the GMG Rip. Although a bit more complex than a standard ICC Rip, the accuracy is second to none, and there's no need for additional profiling software. Some other Rips handle the color management without the need for additional software as well...Oris perhaps. Anyway, if you looking at a stand alone color management software that would allow profiling of multiple devices (scanners/monitors/press&proof), Gretag's ProfileMaker of Monaco Profiler are the top two I believe. Both are very good, though I personally prefer Monaco, and both support the Spectroscan (as does GMG). There are tiered solutions from both companies as well, if you only need certain modules.


Aside from that...the customer is supplying the stock? Its compatable with an inkjet printer right? Is this being done to simply simulate the final printing stock better? Couldn't you use the same paper as you are now, but edit the white point of your profile?

[MarkTonk]

Hey Joe,

Prinect Profile Toolbox is our profiling solution and contains two programs, Print Open and Quality Monitor. Last year, Western Michigan University performed an independent study of profiling software. All companies were invited to join . Needless to say, Print Open generated the most accurate proof/press ICC profile of the 9 packages tested. The review can be purchased from http://www.wmich.edu/pci/staff/downloads/index.html.

Note, Print Open is capable of iterations and they were not used in the testing. With iterations, the delta-e would have been even lower.

Our strengths in profiling goes back to the Linotype-Hells and Linocolor software. We generated proprietary profiles but soon worked with ICC for the generation of open standards. Soon after we launched a version of Print Open that generated an ICC profile. I believe this was early to mid 1990?s.

Quality Monitor provides tools for comparison of proof to proof, press sheet to press sheet or proof to press sheet. It provides short or long term analysis and can also be used for proof certification.

Additional information can be found at

http://www.heidelberg.com/www/html/e...olbox,overview

Regards,

Mark

[JoePixel]

Thanks for all the info. I've got some researching to do now.

[digitaldog]

Originally Posted by MarkTonk

Hey Joe,
Needless to say, Print Open generated the most accurate proof/press ICC profile of the 9 packages tested. Mark

Yes I've read the report and when they say "accurate" that's to imply colorimetrically correct based on the reference and final output but I have to say, at least with the last few versions of PrintOpen, I didn't like the Sep's anywhere as well as the same target measured and built using either ProfileMaker Pro or Monaco PROFILER. The GUI is also pretty nasty.

[MarkTonk]

Hi digitaldog,

I find it interesting that you have three different profiling packages. Are you a consultant?

Regards,

Mark

[digitaldog]

Originally Posted by MarkTonk

Hi digitaldog,

I find it interesting that you have three different profiling packages. Are you a consultant?

Regards,

Mark

Yup. Plus I have lots of the goodies due to a book I did on the subject...

[MarkTonk]

Well, that explains allot. We sell our software directly to the end user and it is usually bundled with training and implementation from Heidelberg.

Regards,

Mark

[digitaldog]

Is Larry Michelich or Don Rogers still with you guys?

[MarkTonk]

Hi digitaldog,

Don Rogers is, you want me to send your regards? Would he know you by your alias?

Regards,

Mark