On 11 Jan 2012, at 17:15, Ken Fleisher wrote:
We are considering upgrading to the Epson 4900 printers with the SpectraProofer option. Does anyone have experience with this?
We use a 9900 with the SpectraProofer
One question I have which I cannot seem to find an answer to in the literature is what is needed to drive the SpectraProofer. Is there Epson software that comes with it? Will third party software drive it? Does it build ICC profiles automatically and if so, what does that mean for building ICC profiles externally?
The SpectraProofer has its own software. It does NOT build profiles. All it does is send one of two pre-set targets to the printer, measure the results and then send the measurements back to your computer. You can use third party software with it. The latest GMG RIPs will use it to linearise and calibrate the printers and also measure FOGRA control strips.
One main intended use would be to keep multiple printers in calibration with each other. Does the SpectraProofer make this any more simple than if I already have an EyeOne iSis?
Doubt it'll be much help with that. The main benefits we've found are that you can auto calibrate the proofing system when the studio is unmanned, save a lot of time by not having to verify FOGRA proofs by hand* and the ability to measure media up to 1.5mm thick (our DTP70s choked on anything over 300gsm). *Although this can also waste a production if you need to proof lots of pages at a time because the printer has to pause for 5 minutes between each proof. In which case it's quicker to go back to measuring by hand so that the printer can run without interruption. -- Martin Orpen Idea Digital Imaging Ltd