Color Reading Devices

[AmazingRando]

I'm new to the forum, so excuse me if this is something that has been posted previously. I work for a large university in Pennsylvania and we've recently added a new four-color press. We have a problem with the color from our color printer not matching our EPSON proofer (7800) and it in turn not properly matching the new press (or the old presses).

Does anyone have a recommendation for a device that would allow me to calibrate the color for the emissive (monitors) and reflective (print) pieces to all match? Currently the X-rite i1XT is looking like a potential solution to my needs.

I realize that the answer may be complicated, and any help pointing me in the right direction is appreciated.

Regards,
Amazing Rando

[nicmert]

This is a huge question to answer. We use GMG here to manage our color. Basically you need to make sure your press is printing optimally, then run a test form using a set of linear plates. Adjust your color output on your proofer to match your press. This is where GMG comes into play. Your 7800 will work very well. You may also need to adjust your plate curves as well. I'm sure with such an open question you will get many types of responses.

Good luck!

[AmazingRando]

Originally Posted by nicmert

We use GMG here to manage our color.

What is GMG?

-Amazing Rando

[Nicolas]

Originally Posted by AmazingRando

What is GMG?

-Amazing Rando

www . gmgcolor . com

It is a color management system for proofing and color transformation on PDF and image files... GMG is the company name.
Products are:
GMG ColorProof / GMG DotProof / GMG FlexoProof
GMG ProofControl
GMG ColorServer
GMG InkOptimizer

[kovachjon]

Hi,
I think the X-Rite package you are looking at is an appropriate purchase. We use an X-Rite DTP20 here, along with the Optix for monitor calibration. It seems that what you are looking at is the latest and greatest from what we have.
If I can only make one suggestion, it would be to take full advantage of the one day training that comes with it. We did it here, and it was very, very helpful. I am also in PA (North Hills of PGH), and we went up to GIA in Akron, OH for the training. It's one thing to buy the equipment, it's another thing to know how to use it properly. You can also pay for on-site training... for answers to all your detailed questions.
Are you using a RIP?
Jon

[stargate]

i1 pro is not bad but it's manual (read - slow) and not as accurate as Isis. I would prefer Isis spectro (automated chart reader) but if you only going to read few charts and you don't want the best accuracy you can live with i1 pro.

You get what you pay for...

Derek

[kovachjon]

I could definitely be speaking out of the wrong end here, but I don't think I see a difference in quality/accuracy between the iSis and the strip scanners.
I do agree, the strip scanner is slower and more tedious. However, in doing some limited reading about the iSis, it uses the same spectro technology as the Eye One. Is this not true?

[stargate]

Not really the same. tungsten light for i1 and LED for Isis. If you look at the specs Isis repeatability is twice as good as i1 pro. I have both and I measured the same target twice with both instruments. i1 is good but Isis is twice as accurate. I don't remember exactly but I think Isis is 0.1 delta e and i1 pro is 0.2 delta e difference (if you re-measure the same chart again). Now, for most people 0.2 delta is perfectly good... it's your money and your choice

Derek

[stargate]

besides i1 you will buy with UV-cut or without UV-cut filter, so to measure both ways you have to buy 2 instruments (one of each). Now, you suddenly pay twice as much. Isis can measure both even at the same time.

Derek

[kovachjon]

I never knew those things - thanks for that information!