Don’t think its possible , Tony . I searched quite a bit for profiling freeware solutions before I spent the $$ for EZcolor last year. The best I could do was saving custom settings in the Epson driver for various color slider setpoints, that I worked out by trial and error, for each paper.
🙂
Brent
So when you bought EZColor, you are able to create media profiles?
I guess I’m asking, what is really required to do it?
Yeah,
The process in EZcolor is to print out a Target image on your selected paper, with no color management enabled. After letting the ink dry, you then run the EZcolor profiling software, scan in the target image ( with a reference IT8 target attached) , and EZcolor calculates the profile for the media, based on its known target and reference values. There is also a profile editor ( which only works on Monaco profiles ) to fine tune the profiles.
The downside of any of the inexpensive packages is the accuracy of the scanner based system for determining color values. Still, they do a decent job . I’m happy enough with EZcolor, printing is much more consistent than before I started using it.
🙂
Brent
Brent,
Thanks a bunch. I guess if one wants to create their own media profiles, they have to use profiling software. Did your EZcolor include (rather did you also get) a monitor measuring device?
Yeah, Tony
I think you can buy EZcolor without a calibration device, but it makes more sense to me to buy the package and go with hardware monitor calibration.
🙂
Brent
Well, the thing is, from what I’ve heard, one has to go really high end if you really want to calibrate your monitor accurately – not all measuring devices are created equal. So then the point becomes, can you *ever* really achieve perfection? Probably not. So I’m thinking of trying it without a device first. Not sure though. Plus I’m a cheapskate, so I say hmmm… I’ve invested the time in profiling the monitor with AG (which admittedly is low end), I’m satisfied will all aspects of color management for 90% of my output (which is to screen), but occasionally, and only occasionally, I have problems with certain hues on the 1280 printer. I don’t use Epson paper (and won’t), so I was thinking that maybe if I could create a media profile for the paper I use, I *may* improve the color for those certain, trouble hues.
Thoughts?
Peace,
Tony
I’d look at the price of the package versus the price of the seperate parts. You might also look at Ian Lyons’ comments at <
http://www.computer-darkroom.com/optix/optix_1.htm> . I suspect that your problem hues might just be out of gamut colors, but I think you’ll appreciate the greater consistency in printing, and the "scientific approach" of a profiling system.
🙂
Brent
I’m reading both links provided now. Thanks Brent.
Hope I help you spend your money <G> !
You pretty much find out in this arena, that ever corner cutting manuever comes back to bite you in the butt in one way or another. It’s either in inferior calibration or with profiles that aren’t quite right and it all ends up costing more in your time chasing down things than if you had spent the right money in the first place.Of course, you need to weigh the price/performance ratio and whether or not you do this professionally or for a hobby. In the end, those products that seemed to expensive initially often turn out to be the best value.
Sage advice Peter, thank you.
I started with Monaco systems without the monitor sensor and had very good results. I profiled about 8 different papers. I picked up the sensor package when they had a promotion a year or so ago and the monitor is definitely better than I could get it with Adobe Gamma. If I had to start over, I would get the package with the sensor included right from the start. Just for reference, I have been accused of being very frugal but I regard the Monaco package to be money well spent. I am sure I have recovered most of the cost in not wasting paper and ink.
Gary,
That’s quite an endorsement. Sigh. I guess if I want to create profiles, I’ll have to do it right from the start and get the sensor.
Thanks to all who’ve replied. I don’t know what I’d do without this forum.
Peace,
Tony
I’m pretty sure the sensor Gary refers to is the monitor calibration colorimeter. You really need a spectrophotometer to make printer profiles that are any good.
I’m pretty sure the sensor Gary refers to is the monitor calibration colorimeter.
Right Peter, that’s what I assumed.
You really need a spectrophotometer to make printer profiles that are any good.
That seems to be the consensus. I’m evaluating package options this month. When (or if) I make the purchase and move forward I’ll post results here.
Peace,
Tony
Clearly, if price is unimportant, the Monaco system is not a good choice. I would suggest that if price is a consideration that the Monaco system is cost effective. The monitor sensor is a colorimeter. Print profiles are generated by printing a color target file and placing the corresponding Q60 target with it and scanning the two items at the same time. The software then does the math and comes up with a profile. Obviously there is an assumption of a good scanner operated according to the instructions.
I guess the question is whether the profile you get from a Gretag type system is worth the significant difference in price.
Gary
