Re: some thoughts on CIELAB
Re: some thoughts on CIELAB
- Subject: Re: some thoughts on CIELAB
- From: Don Hutcheson <email@hidden>
- Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 12:03:16 -0500
I'm getting tired of reading posts that seem to bash the ICC, just because
it isn't perfect. I'll be the first to agree that color management is not as
easy as it should be, but most of the implementation issues I've faced in
the last eight years have had less to do with the ICC specifications than
with software and hardware limitations.
Tom Lianza's comments about CIELAB are largely correct, but in spite of the
weakness of CIELAB, the current ICC model works remarkably well. The fact
is, thousands of demanding color imaging specialists around the world have
achieved real quality and profitability benefits thanks to ICC color
management.
Sure, a better default PCS would be nice, but it won't suddenly eliminate
all color management problems. And as Bruce Lindbloom points out, we can
work around its limitations. So let's not rush to replace CIELAB until we've
thoroughly tested and agreed on a better alternative.
Actually, considering how quickly it was put together, the original ICC
technology model was remarkably thorough. When I look at the mess color
reproduction was in 'before ICC' my first reaction is not to whine about how
much better it could be, but to offer my sincerest congratulations and
thanks to the ICC for a remarkably good 'first effort.'
It's not just the technological accomplishment I applaud, it's the amazing
political coup. Considering the secrecy and competition that surrounded
color in the early 1990s the ICC achieved a minor miracle by convincing some
major competing companies to pool their knowledge into a common, open color
management framework. This unique diplomatic accord has made the ICC a
de-facto standard in an area once severely handicapped by incompatibility.
I totally agree we can make it better. And I don't doubt some radical
changes may be needed. But attacking the ICC is counterproductive.
Undermining it does no one any service. And dismantling the ICC would just
drag us back into the dark ages. I sincerely hope that's not Tom's intent.
My father once told me, "If you don't like something, join it." My advice to
Tom is the same, "Join the ICC." What better place to influence the future
of color management? Surely Sequel can afford it? It seems the ICC could
benefit from having Tom on board.
Dad also used to say, "Better the Devil you know than the Devil you don't."
If we destroy the industry's faith in the ICC, what will replace it? Much of
its potential value lies in unanimous support. Already it is simplifying
color exchange across media and oceans, but only between those who have
chosen to adopt it. Broadening the acceptance of ICC workflows and standards
is therefore just as important as enhancing the underlying technology.
But broad acceptance brings higher obligation. The ICC holds the keys to a
vital technology upon which thousands of companies - and potentially all
imaging industries - depend. With this in mind it is no longer appropriate
(in my opinion) to consider the technology as 'belonging to the ICC' so much
as 'belonging to everyone but under ICC stewardship.' To fulfill that role
the ICC needs to listen to all opinions, both inside and outside of the
organization and especially to people who, like Tom, have a long and
impressive history with practical color science.
I think the message we are hearing in this thread is that there are bright
minds outside the official ICC committee who have some valid concerns and
suggestions, but who feel the ICC are deaf to constructive criticism.
However, at the GATF Color Management Conference in December 2002 Larry
Warter of the ICC openly solicited comments from a large group of color
management users, which seems to show a sincere desire for user-feedback.
I have long believed the ICC can do a better job of listening to real-world
users but I've also felt we users and vendors have a responsibility to
support this vital and unique industry resource with constructive comments,
rather than scolding it for failing to be perfect. To that end I'm spending
over $2500 of my own personal money and giving up a week's income to attend
the February ICC meeting in Barcelona.
I'd L*u*v* to CIE Tom there too.
FWIW,
Don
*************************************
Don Hutcheson
Hutcheson Consulting
(Color Management Solutions)
www.hutchcolor.com
11 Turnburry Rd
Washington, NJ 07882
Phone: (908) 689 7403
Fax: (908) 689 5305
Mobile: (908) 500 0341
email@hidden
*************************************
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