What are the best front ends for an Epson 1060?

[Out in AZ]

We currently are using DuPont software RIP running on a Dell. We don't feel this will work for us and the Chroma Pro color management software is not giving us good results. So we are researching other RIPs and CM options. Your experiences and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Jim Stone]

Personally I would sell the whole thing and get an Epson 9800 with an EFI XF software on the front.

[Mickyj07]

We use Rampage JVX, Dynastrip, with a Canon W6400 as a proofer. Monaco profile software with X-rite devices to keep color management nice and tight. It works for us.

[UncleSam]

I personally used EFI Best Color with Epson 9600 and it gave me a lot of problem to match our press. So, we changed to CGS Oris Color Tuner to drive our Epson 9600. Since then, our proof can actually match our press! My boss and pressman are happy about it!

And now, I'm using the Oris Color Tuner to drive Epson 9800. Very good result! So, whether you want to keep your 10600 or buying a 9800, I recommend you to use CGS Oris Color Tuner!

[stargate]

I would get gmg and I tested most of other rips including CGS and EFI. No comparison. Forget EFI. It doesn't have selective color correction and almost always your proof don't match your target and you would want to make red more red or something like blue greener....

[Prathap]

I would go for GMG / star proof, the closed loop system software.
Its easy to alter at any given point for optimum results.

Cheers!!

[stargate]

I was looking at the Starproof also. Why? It works on OS X!. I wish I could run gmg on OS X instead of Windows!

I think Starproof prints one of the best dots on the inkjet but the problem with StarProof is that it ONLY prints dots and there is no contone printing. To get accurate color match you have to do MANY MANY (10-20) manual color tweaks. At least if you want to match something as tough as Fuji FinalProof.

There are only 2 contenders in my opinion - gmg and CGS. I discarded CGS because I couldn't get decent dots on HP 1050c and I need this to proof newsprint ads. I like gmg interface better - it's simple. In CGS every hotfolder has it's own window. I put 21" monitor for my 12 hotfolders and it was still cluttered. In gmg there is one window for all printers and hotfolders.

Derek

[Prathap]

Hello,
I am surprised to see if u need to do more than 2-3 tweaks.
I used to get best results in 2-3 shots.
If I am not wrong there must be contone proofing too.If you think its time consuming you can do a low res proofing as well.
I love MAC so I would like anything that runs on MAC. No restarts n crashes n viruses.
Earlier we used DTP now its even better with the Gretag Devices.
It gives the best on Epson especially with the newsprints.
I remember installing several Epsons Pro 4000 for the Newspaper industry long time ago. They where quite surprised to see the actual dots.
It definitely has got the hot folder concept and also the remote proofing option.
However GMG has got its style too.

Choice is yours.!!
Cheers

[stargate]

Yes and no.

You don't need more than 2-3 color tweaks if you target is something as easy as any press or G7... but if you target is something like Fuji FinalProof there is no way you can match it with 2-3 tweaks with StarProof. With gmg maybe but no with StarProof. Problem is Fuji red. This should get better with new Vivid Magenta ink in new Epsons.

Somehow StarProof never ever even competed in IPA against Gmg or others...

I wonder why.