Epson VDot II Plugin Install & Reference Guide103105 V Dot 2
Epson-vDot-II Epson-vDot-II
User Manual: vDot-2
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Epson vDot-II Plug-in
Install and Reference Guide
For use with Navigator RIPs on
Windows 2000, 2003 and XP
Revision log
RIP 7.x
Epson vDot-II v3.03
Part Number 101-0009-020
Copyright © 2002-2005 by Xitron, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Xitron, Inc.
The information in this publication is provided for information only,
is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a
commitment by Xitron, Inc. Xitron assumes no responsibility or
liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this
publication. The software described in this book is furnished under
license and may only be used or copied in accordance with the terms
of that license.
Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Harlequin is a registered trademark of Harlequin Limited.
Navigator is a registered trademark of Xitron Inc.
Other brand or product names are trademarks of their respective
owners and are used without intention of infringement.
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Contents
Foreword............................................................................... vii
Chapter 1: Supported Printers & Media................................ 1
1.1 Printers...................................................................................1
1.2 Media ......................................................................................1
Chapter 2: Installation............................................................ 3
2.1 Configuration Requirements................................................3
Navigator RIP Platform Requirements ......................................3
2.2 PC Platform Installation.......................................................3
2.2.1 Check Your RIP Configuration ........................................3
2.2.2 Epson Windows Driver.....................................................4
2.2.3 Firewire.............................................................................4
2.2.4 Configuring and Testing the Windows Printer Driver......4
2.2.5 Install vDot-II Plug-in.......................................................6
2.2.6 Feature Passwords.............................................................9
Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing...................................... 13
3.1 Introduction to Setup ..........................................................13
3.2 Memory Settings..................................................................13
3.3 Feature Passwords...............................................................13
3.3.1 RIP Passwords ................................................................14
3.3.2 Plug-in Passwords...........................................................15
3.4 Device Manager Settings.....................................................16
Chapter 4: Creating a Page Setup – Configuration Choices
............................................................................................... 19
4.1 What’s Involved...................................................................19
4.2 Printer Model.......................................................................20
Contents
4.3 Note on Resolution...............................................................21
4.4 Page Setup Controls............................................................21
4.4.1 RIP Resolution..................................................................21
4.4.2 Image Orientation and Scaling........................................22
4.4.3 Calibration and Color Management on a 7.0 RIP.........22
Separation Style.......................................................................23
vDot-II Color Management .....................................................23
4.5 Configure The Plug-in.........................................................24
4.5.1 Output Media (and Plotting Resolution)........................25
4.5.2 Plotter................................................................................26
4.5.3 Color Controls ..................................................................28
4.5.4 Clipping, Tiling and Repeating.......................................28
4.5.5 Progressive Proofing ........................................................29
Chapter 5: Testing Your vDot-II Installation......................31
5.1 Printing a Test File..............................................................31
5.2 Info and ROAM functions..................................................31
5.3 Printing.................................................................................32
Chapter 6: Creating Appletalk Input ...................................34
6.1 Introduction.........................................................................34
6.2 Create Input Channel .........................................................34
6.3 Using the Input Channel.....................................................35
Chapter 7: Calibration..........................................................36
7.1 Introduction.........................................................................36
7.2 Tools and Materials Needed...............................................36
7.3 Printing a Target.................................................................37
7.4 Measuring the Target..........................................................38
7.4.1 Using Genlin...................................................................38
Contents
7.5 Entering Measurement Data ..............................................40
7.5.1 “Profile”..........................................................................41
7.5.2 Name...............................................................................41
7.5.3 Resolution.......................................................................41
7.5.4 Enter Data (Manual) .......................................................42
7.5.5 Import Data From Strip Reader ......................................42
7.6 Using the new Calibration Set............................................43
Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option................................. 45
8.1 Enabling the Halftone Option ............................................45
8.2 How to Set up the Halftone Devices...................................45
8.2.1 Create Page Setup ...........................................................45
8.2.2 Screen Angles .................................................................46
8.2.3 Screen Ruling..................................................................47
8.2.4 Dot Shape........................................................................48
8.2.5 HPS Options ...................................................................48
8.2.6 Pre-separation Options....................................................48
8.2.7 Spot Colors......................................................................49
8.3 Rip and Plug-in Configuration...........................................50
8.4 Using Color Halftone Devices.............................................50
8.5 Making Film Negatives and Separations...........................51
8.5.1 Media ..............................................................................51
8.5.2 Using Error Diffusion Screens........................................51
8.5.3 Using Conventional Screens...........................................54
Appendix A: Media Guide - vDot-II..................................... 55
Media for Ink Jet Printer..........................................................55
Introduction ...............................................................................55
Inks .............................................................................................55
Layout.........................................................................................56
Epson 2400 .................................................................................56
With Photo Black Ink................................................................56
With Matte Black Ink ...............................................................56
Epson 4800 , 7800 and 9800......................................................57
Contents
With Photo Black Ink................................................................57
With Matte Black Ink ...............................................................57
Appendix B: Troubleshooting ..............................................59
Printer Not Ready .....................................................................59
I am using a network connection, but I get a communication
error when I try to print to my printer. ..................................59
I can’t configure my RIP to print with Firewire. ...................59
Paper White Looks Yellow.......................................................59
Streaks/Lines in Output............................................................60
Can I Use TrapWorks with Epson printers?..........................60
I get an error using the a Page Feature with Progressive
Proofs (Epson vDot-II)..............................................................60
Appendix C – Notes on Media, Resolution and Color
Management for the Epson vDot-II Plug-in........................61
Media Selection..........................................................................61
Using Non-Standard Media......................................................61
Resolution and Color Management.........................................62
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Foreword
Thank you for purchasing a quality Xitron product.
The Epson vDot-II plug-in provides high quality proofing capability
to Xitron Navigator Imagesetter and CTP RIPs driving Epson
Variable Dot printers. Chapter 1 of this guide lists the supported
printer models. These same features are obtainable in the stand-
alone XPR series of RIPs for which a separate installation and setup
manual, the XPR vDot-II Quick Start Guide, is available.
This manual is intended both as a Reference Manual for the XPR
vDot-II RIP, and as an installation and reference manual for the
vDot-II Plug-in on its own.
You do not need any special programming or technical skills to install
and use the vDot-II plug-in; however it is a good idea to fully read
through this documentation in order to understand the procedures
involved with successful use of this product. This manual guides you
through the installation procedure and explains how to print test
output jobs from your RIP on a color printer.
Full support for ICC Profile Color Management is included. ICC
profiles have become the industry-preferred method of color control.
All color generated by the vDot plug-in is controlled by our included
ICC profile processor (ColorPro). Properly used, exceptional ink
control including “contract color” is attainable.
Xitron supplies a range of profiles with your vDot-II plug-in, covering
a wide range of standard media.
These profiles will work well with your printer provided it is in good
condition, has had all recommended nozzle cleaning and alignment
Foreword
procedures, is using the correct media for the profile and uses
recommended inks.
You will improve accuracy even further by calibrating
your particular printer using the procedure described in
Chapter 7. For ultimate accuracy, and especially if you
wish to use other media than those for which profiles
and calibration are already supplied, you may wish to
generate a custom ICC profile for your printer.
Generally it is not necessary to also create a custom ICC Profile for
your plate-making and press system. In fact, doing so can actually
lead to a reduction in the quality of proofs. This is because
exceptional process control is required throughout the plate making
and press environment to maintain press consistency close enough to
match a custom press profile. Instead, the use of a standard press
(e.g. SWOP) or emulated analog proof (e.g. Matchprint) Input
(emulation) profile is generally a more suitable starting point.
This manual does not cover the topics of adding support for custom
media and the creation and installation of custom ICC profiles.
These areas require additional information, software tools and
training. Contact your supplier for information about the availability
of these items.
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Chapter 1: Supported Printers & Media
1.1 Printers
Xitron’s vDot-II plug-in supports the following Epson Variable Dot 8
color printers:
• Epson 2400
• Epson 4800
• Epson 7800
• Epson 9800
Pre-calibrated color is available for the Epson Ultrachrome K3 Ink
Set only. Users of other ink sets will have to provide their own
calibration and color management profiles.
1.2 Media
There are many hundreds of media marketed for use with ink jet
printers; from printer manufacturers such as Epson and HP, from
established Graphic Arts suppliers such as Mitsubishi or Agfa, and
from many other third party vendors.
Many of these media have very similar names, and it can become
quite confusing. For example Epson’s
Photo Quality Glossy Paper
,
Glossy Photo Paper
and
Photo Glossy Paper
are all different
products with different characteristics, while Epson’s
SemiGloss
Paper-Heavy Weight
and
Semigloss Photo Paper
are in fact the same
product, sold in different regions.
The Xitron XPR series of Proofer RIPs with the vDot-II plug-in
include a library of color profiles and calibrations for specific media,
and accurate results are only possible if the correct media is used.
A full list of supported media for this product is attached as
Appendix B to this manual.
2 Chapter 1: Supported Printers and Media
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Chapter 2: Installation
2.1 Configuration Requirements
To use the vDot-II plug-in you must have a Navigator RIP that meets
the requirements listed below. Assuming the RIP is operational;
resolve any outstanding RIP issues before installing the plug-in. This
manual deals only with the additional information needed to be
successful with the vDot-II plug-in, and does not attempt to cover all
of the RIP features and requirements.
Navigator RIP Platform Requirements
• Windows 2000/3 or Windows XP Pro equipped PC. 1 G Hz
recommended.
• Minimum 512 MB RAM. (With Halftone Option, 768 MB for
the 2100-2200, 1 GB for larger formats.)
• 2 GB free disk space.
• The correct Epson Windows printer driver, using any physical
connection method you wish to use. Best results are obtained
with Firewire or USB connections, or Ethernet for long cable
runs. Do not attempt to share a single Parallel Printer Port with
the Navigator RIP parallel dongle.
• Xitron Navigator RIP revision 6.4 or later.
2.2 PC Platform Installation
2.2.1 Check Your RIP Configuration
Use the
Navigator > About Navigator
menu selection to check the
version of your Navigator RIP. The vDot-II plug-in requires version
6.4r0 or later. If your version is older, please contact your supplier
for an upgrade. The upgrade must be installed and configured with
your imagesetter before continuing to install the plug-in.
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4 Chapter 2: Installation
2.2.2 Epson Windows Driver
Before continuing, install the Epson Windows printer driver for your
printer model and output a test page through the driver.
Epson posts the latest drivers on their web site at
http://www.epson.com.
This manual assumes that you have installed this driver, and that its
name is “EPSON Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 or 9800” or in the case of
the Stylus Photo 2400 “Epson Stylus Photo R2400” as appropriate.
(You can use other names if you wish, provided that you configure
the RIP for the correct name, as described later in this manual.)
2.2.3 Firewire
If you plan on using Firewire (IEEE 1394) to connect to your printer,
you must also install the firewire drivers in accordance with Epson’s
instructions. Make sure the printer has the correct name, and test the
driver installation before proceeding.
2.2.4 Configuring and Testing the Windows Printer Driver
To configure and test a Windows printer driver, proceed as follows
(this example shows the Stylus Photo 2400):
Click on
Start
, go to
Settings
,
Printers
and click to open the window.
Highlight the item
EPSON Stylus Photo R2400
, right click and click
on
Properties
. Select the
Advanced
tab.
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Chapter 2: Installation 5
Fig. 2.1 Windows Printer Advanced Tab
Select the “Spool print documents…” button. For maximum
throughput (proofs per hour) select “Start Printing after last page…”
For the shortest time to process individual proofs, select “Start
Printing Immediately.”
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6 Chapter 2: Installation
Select the
Ports
tab.
Fig. 2.2 Windows Driver Ports tab
Ensure the port shown is your preferred connection method. The
Epson drivers provide great flexibility of interconnection methods by
using any method supported by the Windows printer driver. In this
example a Firewire port is shown, which provides the best
performance of all available methods.
Select the
General
tab and click on Print Test Page to test the
Windows driver, printer and connection method. Resolve any
problems at this stage before installing the plug-in or launching the
RIP. If you experience any difficulties at this stage, consult your
Epson documentation and Epson on-line help resources.
2.2.5 Install vDot-II Plug-in
The vDot-II plug-in is available from a Navigator RIP CD or by
downloading from Xitron’s web site at www.xitron.com.
To install after downloading, follow the instructions found on the web
site or readme file.
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Chapter 2: Installation 7
To install from the CD, insert the Navigator GPS CD Disk 2 in yur
CD drive. The following window appears:
Figure 2.3. PC Installation Screen
Ensure the destination folder is the correct location for the RIP to
which you are installing the Plug-in. If it is not correct, use the
Browse
button to locate the correct folder and click
Next
. At the next screen
click Next (there are no support utilities installed with the vDot-II
plugin.)
At the next screen, scroll through the list of possible plug-ins and
confirm the installation you wish to complete. Confirm your selection
by checking the boxes as shown in figure 2.4, and click
Next
.
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8 Chapter 2: Installation
Fig. 2.4 Installer Selection Window
If the Installer returns a “RIP Not Found…” error at this stage, it is
not able to locate important components of the RIP. Click
Back
, and
re-confirm that you have correctly specified the RIP destination
folder.
The installer will now copy the plug-in and support files to the RIP.
During this process you will see progress information similar to the
example in figure 2.5.
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Chapter 2: Installation 9
Figure 2.5 Installation progress
2.2.6 Feature Passwords
After copying a number of files to your system, the Installer will
prompt for feature passwords as shown below:
Fig. 2.6 Entering Passwords
10 Chapter 2: Installation
With your vDot-II Plug-in you will have received a printed sheet with
several passwords listed. These are required to enable a number of
specific features in your Navigator RIP for use with the vDot-II plug-
in.
If you have purchased the Halftone Option you will also need to
enter a password to enable it.
There are two different types of passwords. RIP passwords which
have 7 numerals, and Plug-in passwords which have 20 alphanumeric
characters. Normally the passwords are entered during installation of
the plug-in. However they may also be entered after the RIP is
running as described in Chapter 3.
You can enter either 7 or 20-character passwords into the Installer
screen shown in figure 2.6. The entries are as follows:
a) vDot-II Lite
Enables Epson 2400 and 4800 support.
And / or
b) vDot-II
Enables all other supported printer models.
c) Halftone Option
Always a 20 digit Plug-in Password.
The next screen is similar. Enter any RIP Option passwords that
enable special features of the plug-in. These are also found on the
printed password sheet.
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Chapter 2: Installation 11
Fig. 2.7 Entering Passwords (2)
ColorPro enables color management. (In previous RIP versions this
was called HIPP and you can enter a HIPP password in this location
if you have one.)
After the installation is complete, click on
Finish
to close the Installer.
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Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing
3.1 Introduction to Setup
Now that your vDot-II Plug-in is installed, you need to configure
certain options in the RIP. These options are divided into two groups
– initial setup and configuration choices for media and quality.
Chapters 3 and 4 explain this.
3.2 Memory Settings
a) Overall Memory Allocation
Launch the RIP, select
Navigator > Configure RIP > Options
and
make sure the “Memory For RIP” and “Allow Use of All Available
Memory” boxes are not checked, and that the “Memory Reserve For
RIP” box
shows 0.
b) “Memory Reserved for System”
Set to 256 M Bytes (enter 256000).
c) “Band Size”
Set to 256 KB.
Click
OK
.
d) “Printer Buffer”
In the
Configure RIP
window enter 20000 KB for Printer Buffer.
Click
OK
. Exit and re-launch the RIP.
3.3 Feature Passwords
With your vDot-II Plug-in you received a printed sheet with several
passwords listed. These are required to enable a number of specific
features in your Navigator RIP for use with the vDot-II plug-in.
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14 Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing
Normally these passwords are all entered during installation of the
plug-in (see section 2.2.7 above). If you already entered this
information, go directly to section 3.4. To enter passwords into an
existing RIP, follow these steps:
3.3.1 RIP Passwords
To enter these passwords, select
Navigator > Configure RIP > Extras
Fig. 3.1 Configure RIP Extras Dialog
For each item, highlight it in the list, and click
Add
. Enter the
password and click
OK
.
Possible items to be added are:
a) ColorPro (or HIPP)
These Color Management options enable the processing of ICC
profiles for accurate color matching. The results of using either are
the same.
Comment [PA1]:
Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing 15
ColorPro is the advanced color management system provided with a
6.0 RIP, while HIPP is the simpler version available for RIPs up to
5.5.
If you have an XPR Low Resolution RIP will you also have RIP
passwords for:
b) X-Epson, vDot-II Lite
Enables Epson 2400 and 4800 support.
And/or
c) X-Epson, vDot-II
Enables all other supported printer models.
When you have entered all the 7 (or 8) digit RIP passwords supplied,
click
OK
twice, exit and re-launch the RIP. Return to the
Configure
Rip >Extras
dialog and make sure all the entries you added show up
as “Yes” in the list. If any do not show “yes,” check and re-enter the
password.
3.3.2 Plug-in Passwords
If you purchased the Halftone Option, the password will be a 20-
character string.
If you are using a High Resolution Navigator RIP, you will also have
Plug-in Passwords for either vDot-II Lite or vDot-II devices (see
3.3.1). The vDot-II 20-character password enables the 2400 & 4800
printer models.
The third menu item in the main Navigator user interface (between
“Edit” and “Color”) controls special functions for individual plug-ins.
Select this menu item (on a new RIP it will default to “Preview”) and
choose the “Select Device” option. You will see a list of all the
available output devices in the RIP. Choose any one of the “78-
9800”, “4800” or “2400” devices listed, and click “Select.” The main
menu item will now change from “Preview” to the chosen device.
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16 Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing
Select the menu again, and choose “Enter A Xitron Password.” A
dialog box will appear as shown in figure 3.2:
Fig 3.2 Entering a Plug-in Password
Enter the first 20-character plug-in password on your sheet. Make
sure you copy the password exactly and with no spaces.
Click OK to store the password.
If you have more than one 20-character Plug-in Password, simply
repeat these steps until all have been entered.
3.4 Device Manager Settings
The Device Manager allows you to select and name the output
devices you will be using in the RIP. Select
Navigator
>
Device
Manager
. At the top of the window is a list box labeled, “Plug-in.”
The names of the various plug-ins are shown on page 1 for each
printer. Check that the box shows the correct entry for the vDot-II
plug-in, Epson-vDot-II.i32.
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Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing 17
Fig 3.3 Device Manager Dialog
Some entries may already be filled in. If so, leave these, or re-name
them something you prefer. If you plan on using the pre-configured
calibration and color management features of the vDot-II plug-in, you
must ensure that the Names you use are identical with the Types
chosen, as in the example in figure 3.3. At a minimum you need to
have at least one Name entry for each different printer. Each printer
model has several Device Types, the differences being as follows:
• Color vDot
This is the standard high-quality color device type using variable dot
error diffusion screening, suitable for Sheet or Roll fed media.
• Color Halftone
This device creates composite full color images which have been
screened by the RIP’s conventional dot-based screening system,
Harlequin Precision Screening (HPS). Spot colors are accurately
reproduced as screen dots of the appropriate color. Depending on
the printer model and media used screens of up to 150 lpi and above
can be simulated.
18 Chapter 3: Setup RIP for Proofing
• Color Keys
The Color Keys device creates individual separated prints for each
color in the job, including spot colors. These prints can be
reproduced on clear film to provide an accurate proof of traps when
printing with multiple colors.
In addition, the Color Keys devices can output screened separations
in black ink onto clear film, suitable for the creation of silk screens
and even offset plates for some applications.
Note that the Color Halftone and Color Keys device types require
the purchase of the Halftone Option. Installation of the Option is
achieved by adding a password, as shown in section 3.3.2.
If there are no devices listed when you click “New” and open the
“Type” list box, this is probably because you are using an XPR RIP
and you have not correctly entered the RIP Passwords (see section
3.3.1).
The choice of device type completes the initial Setup of the RIP to
use the vDot-II plug-in.
The next step is to configure specific details necessaryd to produce
output.
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Chapter 4: Creating a Page Setup –
Configuration Choices
4.1 What’s Involved
In this section you will create one or more Page Setups for your
printer. A Page Setup includes settings for printer, resolution,
connection method, print quality and media selection (which sets
calibration and color management).
These items are reviewed in order. To start, select
Navigator > Page
Setup Manager
, and click
New
. The Page Setup dialog is shown in
figure 4.1.
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20 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
Fig 4.1 Page Setup Dialog (7.x RIP)
4.2 Printer Model
To select the printer model and mode for this Page Setup, select it in
the Devices list box. In this example we are selecting the printer type
“4800 Color vDot.”
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Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices 21
4.3 Note on Resolution
When a RIP product such as Xitron’s Navigator drives a plotting
device such as an ink jet printer, the term Resolution has two distinct
uses. This is because the RIP first processes the incoming data into a
continuous tone raster at a specified resolution, called the RIP
Resolution, and then in a second process at output time the
continuous tone data is screened and output on the printer at what
may be a different resolution, called the Plotter Resolution. For
further details about the significance of these parameters see
Appendix B,
Resolution and Color Profile Issues.
4.4 Page Setup Controls
In the main page setup window you can choose your RIP Resolution
(but not Plotter Resolution, which is set when you select your media
in Configuration, section 4.5.1 below), image orientation, scaling,
calibration and color management.
For further details about the settings in Page Setup see the Xitron
Navigator Users Guide.
4.4.1 RIP Resolution
Select the Rip Resolution in the top right corner of the Page Setup
Dialog.
Fig 4.2 Rip Resolution Settings
In this case we have selected the normal resolution for high quality
proofs, 720 by 720 dpi.
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22 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
4.4.2 Image Orientation and Scaling
The controls for orientation and scaling are in the lower right corner
of the Page Setup Dialog.
Fig 4.3 Image Orientation and Scaling
Use the controls to change the orientation of the printed image, and
to scale it (up or down) in the X and Y axes. The “Trim Page” option
removes any large amounts of white space from the top and bottom
of the image. The Control Strip option adds an information slugline
to the output, which provides a range of useful information about the
job and printing conditions.
Fig. 4.4 Control Strip
4.4.3 Calibration and Color Management on a 7.0 RIP
Controls for Calibration and Color Management are located on the
left side of the Page Setup Dialog.
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Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices 23
Fig. 4.5 Calibration and Color Management Controls
Separation Style
Set the Style list box to CMYK Composite. This is the only option
available for the Color vDot-II and Color Halftoned devices. The
Color Keys device has additional options:
“Monochrome” separation Style renders all colors into shades of gray
in a single image.
“CMYK Separations” separation Style renders each color as an
individual grayscale image.
If you are using either of the Halftone Dot device types (Halftone
and Color Keys) there are additional controls required to set screen
rulings, dot shapes and spot color handling. See Chapter 8, Using the
Halftone Option, for further details.
vDot-II Color Management
The vDot-II Plug-in is pre-configured with calibration and color
management for specific media types, and the vDot-II data set that
corresponds exactly to your Output Media should be selected in the
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24 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
ProofReady list box. (The media choice must also match the setting
you make in section 4.5.1 below.)
This setting is pre-configured to apply ICC Profile-based color
management targeted at a standard SWOP press. Choosing a
ProofReady color management configuration accepts this option for
Color Management, and the entry “vDot” appears in the “Color” List
Box.
If you wish to configure color management differently, you can create
a special ColorPro Setup. Details of the use of ColorPro are
contained in a separate ColorPro User’s Guide.
If you wish to calibrate your individual printer to match the pre-
configured calibration state, see Chapter 7.
You will only get accurate color with exactly the correct media and
the correct resolution, though you may find acceptable results for
some applications by using substitutes.
If the RIP is able to detect that you have made an incorrect
combination of settings it will warn you when you attempt to process
a job. For example, if you select a calibration profile in Page Setup
for a different media than that chosen in the Configuration dialog you
will see the following warning:
Fig 4.6 Mis-matched Profile Warning
4.5 Configure The Plug-in
From within the Page Setup dialog, locate the button near the top left
corner of the screen marked “Configure Device.” Click this button to
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Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices 25
open the vDot-II Device Configuration window.
Note: many of the variables in this window can be changed after the
job is RIPed. To do so, highlight the job in the Active or Held
queues in the Output Controller, click
Info
then
Configure Device
.
You will see the same display as figure 4.7, but some functions will no
longer be available (such as Progressive Proofs) because they were
processed at the time the job was RIPed. However, many other
functions such as Repeat to fill media or Horizontal Tiling, can be
selected at this stage, either before the job is printed or before re-
printing it, which is done by dragging it back to the Active Queue.
Figure 4.7. vDot-II Configuration dialog box
4.5.1 Output Media (and Plotting Resolution)
The large window at the top of the screen lists the various media
types supported by the Epson vDot-II Plug-in for this printer. Also
listed are the various RIP and Plotter Resolution options (see
Appendix B for more information), a Media ID value, and typical
part numbers for each media type, where known. It is very important
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26 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
that the media is correctly specified as there are numerous settings
including color management, ink drop size and speed, ink nozzle
control etc., that vary from one type to another. Left of the window
are icons for each entry that present useful information as described
below:
The current RIP Resolution is incorrect for this choice.
The current RIP Resolution is correct for this choice.
The current RIP resolution is correct and there is an available
calibration for this choice.
In most cases, if the RIP resolution is incorrect there will be another
choice for the same media with the current RIP resolution. If not,
you can still choose the media but you should then change the RIP
resolution to the correct value when you exit the Configuration dialog
(see 4.4.1 above).
Note that some media types and resolution combinations are not
supported when you use Matte Black as an ink choice in certain
models (see below). The RIP will not be able to output if an incorrect
combination of media and ink set has been chosen.
If you need to use a media type not listed, see Appendix B.
4.5.2 Plotter
The section labeled “Plotter” contains entries related to the printer
connection. The list box next to the icon of a printer should show the
previously installed Epson Windows printer driver for this printer
model. If not, select it now. It is possible to output through another
Windows driver but Xitron does not recommend this action. If you
wish to output to a file for printing later, choose
File
from this list and
enter the path and filename below.
Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices 27
Check the box labeled “
Automatic Cutter”
if you are using roll media
and require a cut after each job.
The box labeled “
Special Codes”
is reserved for use by Xitron
technical support staff. Do not put any information in this box unless
asked to do so by our support staff or their representatives. (With
some media types you may notice some automatic entries in this field
- this is normal.)
The “Inks” list box allows you to select which of two types of black
ink are installed on the printer.
The choices available are Photo Black and Matte Black. Only the
Stylus Photo R2400 can be easily changed from one type to the other
by exchanging the Black ink cartridge. With all other models
supported by the vDot-plug-in, changing ink type requires a complex
flushing and re-charging process that consumes a substantial amount
of ink and time. See your printer documentation for details.
When you select your Output Media (see 4.5.1 above) you may
notice the “Inks Allowed” column, which identifies which ink set(s)
are permitted with the chosen media. If you choose a media where
both Photo and Matte inks are allowed then you can print regardless
of ink set, but you may not achieve acceptable quality. If you select a
media that only allows one ink set, and you set the Ink Set control to
another set, the RIP will abort the print job and report the error. If
you specify an Ink Set that differs from that actually installed on the
printer, the printer may abort the job and report the error.
The remaining controls in this section are inactive unless you select
“User Defined” as your Output Media. See Appendix D for more
information about non-standard media.
The box labeled, “
Give more time to Windows
“should normally be
checked. If your RIP output speed seems slow, and you have at least
512 M Bytes RAM in your PC, uncheck the box and compare
results.
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28 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
4.5.3 Color Controls
Xitron’s Epson vDot-II Plug-in provides two methods of color
control; manual and ICC profile. The four sliding controls in the
Configuration dialog provide the manual method of color control,
but they can also be used to make adjustments when ICC Profile-
based color management including vDot-II color management is in
use.
The icons at the top of each slider control can be used as a quick way
to re-set each control to zero. Moving the sliders up or down from
zero increases or decreases the particular color channel – the units
shown are %, so if you set Cyan to +10 all values of Cyan in the image
will be increased 10%. The Brightness control changes all ink
channels together to make the overall image lighter or darker.
4.5.4 Clipping, Tiling and Repeating
Xitron’s Epson vDot-II Plug-in has additional special features for
tiling or clipping large images and repeating small ones.
Specify the Media Type and Size in the
Media
list box and the
Width
and
Height
entries. Also select the correct
Media Source
for the
chosen media. The options for
Media Source
vary from one printer
model to another so check the list box and your printer
documentation if you are unsure which source you need to specify.
If you wish to use cut sheets, select Sheets from the
Media
list. Refer
to your printer manual for details of permissible sheet sizes and
thicknesses.
Print Horizontal Tile
controls the tiling system. When set to
Never
,
only one print is made from each job. If the job is too wide for the
media it will be clipped to the value shown in
Media Width
. To print
only part of the job, enter the width to which you wish the job clipped
in the
Media width
box.
If
Print Horizontal Tile
is set to
All,
as many tiles are created as
needed to output the job. Each tile will be the full height of the job
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Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices 29
(assuming roll media), and the width will be equal to the value
entered in the
Media Width
box. To print one tile at a time,
Print
Horizontal Tile
can be set to the tile number required. Tiles are
numbered from left to right, and tiles overlap by about 0.5 inches.
The
Repeat job to fill media width
check box controls step-and-
repeat printing. This box is only available if
Print Tile Number
is set
to
Never
. If the box is checked, jobs are repeated as many times as
they will fit across the available media width, as set in the
Media width
box. For example, if the
Media width
box is set to 35.6 inches (when
using 36 inch roll media) and an 8.5 inch-wide job is processed, the
job will be repeated 4 times across the width of the roll. If more
copies are required the
Number of rows
can be set to any value up to
10, which will yield a total of 40 copies in this example.
The
Indent image
check box moves all images across the media from
the origin point in cases where blank space is needed to the left of the
image.
The
Center
check box sets the margins to place the image in the
center of the width of the media.
The
Units
list box sets the measurement unit for all of controls to
Inches, MM or Points as required (based on the Units setting of your
Windows 2000 installation).
4.5.5 Progressive Proofing
This special feature is primarily for printers running 4 color jobs on 2
color presses. The system can create a proof that simulates the job
after the first pass through the press, helping to ensure that when the
final two colors are added the result is correct. The system is very
simple and flexible, and enables any combination of 1, 2 or 3 colors
to be printed as required.
Note that due to limitations in RIP processing, Progressive Proofs are
not color managed as accurately as full color composite proofs.
30 Chapter 4: Creating Page Setup - Configuration Choices
To use the feature, un-check the boxes for the colors that you do not
wish to print, and check again to turn that color back on. When the
color is off its icon is shown with a cross.
Note that the Progressive Proofs option is incompatible with several
standard Page Features such as the Crop Marks and Imposition
Features. If you are using Progressive Proofs we recommend not
using Page Features.
Click OK to return to the Page Setup Dialog.
Click
Save As
(or Save if you are editing an existing Page Setup) and
give your new Page Setup a useful name.
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Chapter 5: Testing Your vDot-II Installation
5.1 Printing a Test File
Once you have created a Page Setup it is time to output a sample job.
Begin by clicking the checkbox labeled “Disable Output” on the
Output Controller window. Pull down the Navigator Menu and select
Print File.
From the list box, choose the Page Setup created for the vDot-II
plug-in (on the PC select “pdf” in the “Files of Type...” list box).
Browse the system for your RIP, usually C:\Xitron\Navigator 7.0.
There you’ll find a folder labeled Sample Files containing a file
labeled “Drupa Sample.PDF.” Select this file and click Print.
5.2 Info and ROAM functions
After the RIP processes the file it will appear in the Output
Controller as shown in figure 5.1.
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32 Chapter 5: Testing your vDot-II Installation
Fig. 5.1 The Output Controller
With the job highlighted, click the “Info” button and check the size,
orientation, printer type etc. Take particular note of the width and
height of the job and make sure it is within the limits of your printer.
(You can often save media by setting rotation in the Page Setup dialog
- see section 4.4.2 above.) By clicking the “Roam” button you can see
an on-screen preview of the job before outputting it.
(To obtain a reduced scale ROAM view, use the menu on the
ROAM window and select Reduced ROAM.) The test image should
appear as shown in figure 5.2.
Don’t be surprised if some of the colors in the ROAM view seem
wrong. You are looking at data that has been color managed for the
printer, ink and paper combination you have specified and these
adjustments typically look “wrong” when viewed on an RGB monitor.
Fig. 5.2 Test Image
5.3 Printing
After viewing, close the Roam windows and click the “Disable
Output” box to release the job for output.
Chapter 5: Testing your vDot-II Installation 33
As the job progresses, you will see a dark gray bar in the central
window of the Output Controller. This progress bar indicates the
proportion of the job output.
Depending on your Windows Printer driver settings (see section
2.2.4 above) it may take several seconds before the printer starts to
output. If the printer does not start to output after one to two
minutes, check the output controller for error messages and see
Appendix A, Troubleshooting.
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Chapter 6: Creating Appletalk Input
6.1 Introduction
To print to the RIP from a Macintosh workstation running OS 9 or
older, it is necessary to create one or more AppleTalk input
connections. This chapter describes the process of creating the input
channel, and associating it with the Page Setup you created in
Chapter 4.
6.2 Create Input Channel
From the Navigator menu select Input Manager. When the Input
Controller displays, click New.
Fig. 6.1 Add Input Channel
In the Name field, enter the name you wish to see in the Macintosh
Chooser, and select AppleTalk as the Type.
From the Page Setups list box, select the Page Setup you wish to use
for this channel.
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Chapter 6: Creating Appletalk Input 35
Click OK. (You can create as many additional channels as you wish
for different Page Setups.)
6.3 Using the Input Channel
From the Navigator menu select “Start Inputs” if it is not already
selected. The RIP will display a message as it starts each input
channel. From a Macintosh on the network you can now select your
input channel in the usual way through the Chooser using a
LaserWriter (or other PostScript) driver (Classic OS) or using the
Printer List dialog (OS-X) as shown in figure 6.2.
If Navigator is running on a Windows XP platform, the AppleTalk
stack must be loaded and a Miramar code properly entered to
communicate with the RIP over AppleTalk. Xitron does not
recommend the use of AppleTalk with OS X platforms as it is the
slowest protocol available.
Fig. 6.2 AppleTalk Printer in Printer List
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Chapter 7: Calibration
7.1 Introduction
Xitron supplies the vDot-II plug-in with a number of calibration
curves for specific media and resolution. These curves were created
with reference printers of the same type that the plug-in is intended to
support.
In many cases printers will have characteristics so similar to the
reference printers that no additional steps are needed to get good
quality output. However, it may be helpful to calibrate your printer to
compensate for differences between it and the reference machine.
7.2 Tools and Materials Needed
The RIP includes facilities for interfacing an automatic strip reading
measurement instrument such as the X-Rite DTP-41. However, for
occasional calibration you can also use any quality instrument capable
of reading color densities in Status T format.
(Note that the DTP-41 is not only able to measure color densities
required for calibration, but is also a spectrophotometer which is a
requirement if you plan to create ICC profiles.)
In addition, you will require a good supply of media. Note that the
RIP can only be calibrated for media listed in the document “Media
For ink Jet Printers” - referred to in Chapter 1 and attached at
Appendix A - for which Xitron provides internal calibration targets.
To create an initial calibration curve for other media types requires
the use of additional tools not provided with the vDot-II Plug-in.
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Chapter7: Calibration 37
7.3 Printing a Target
This step is essential and may not be skipped. It is possible to go
through the entire process without this step but the results will be
incorrect. Begin by making sure you have created a Page Setup with
the correct settings for the calibration targets. The
Color
list box will
show “vDot-II” and Calibration should show “None.” In this example
we will calibrate an Epson 2400 using Epson Semimatte Proofing
Paper at 720 dpi. We have created a suitable Page Setup, and named
it 2400 vDot.
Go to the
Output
menu and choose
Print Calibration
. The following
window will appear:
Fig. 7.1 Print Calibration
Highlight the correct Page Setup, and click on “Print Uncalibrated
Target.” The RIP will generate a special four-color target which you
should print on the correct media type.
The target image is show here:
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38 Chapter 7: Calibration
Fig 7.2 Calibration Target
7.4 Measuring the Target
7.4.1 Using Genlin
If you do not have a strip-reading densitometer such as the DTP-41
supported by Genlin, and you wish to use a manual Status T
densitometer, skip this section and go to 7.5, Entering Measurement
Data.
If you have the DTP-41 or similar instrument, use the Genlin
application installed with your RIP. Locate the Genlin icon inside the
RIP folder, launch it, and then select Configure from the menu bar.
Fig. 7.3 Genlin Configuration
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Chapter7: Calibration 39
Use the Browse button to locate the RIP you are calibrating.
Highlight the SW folder within the RIP folder before clicking the
“OK” button.
In the Instrument list box, select the correct model of your measuring
device.
Set Measure to Status T, Media to Press paper, and set the Port to
the serial port to which you’ve connected the measurement device.
Click
OK
.
From the Menu bar, choose Read Target.
You will see a box with one or more Reference Numbers. Each time
the RIP generates a calibration target it records the details in a
database and gives each target a Reference Number. This number is
printed on the target. Check the target printed in 7.3 above. Note the
Reference Number and highlight the correct number in the list. Then
click OK. Verify in the next screen that Genlin is expecting to read
the correct number of colors for this target, and click Read.
For each color strip, Genlin shows a window similar to that shown in
figure 7.4.
Fig.7.4 Genlin Prompt
Arrange the target in the direction of the arrow with the first (Cyan)
strip under the measuring head and slide the target under the head
until it stops. Click OK and feed the target gently through the reader.
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40 Chapter 7: Calibration
Repeat this process for each of the four colors, after which Genlin
will display the following message box:
Fig 7.5 Genlin Finished Prompt
Genlin has placed a file of measurement data in the RIP folder ready
for the RIP to import.
7.5 Entering Measurement Data
From the Navigator Menu Bar select
Output > Calibration Manager.
Fig. 7.6 Calibration Manager
In the
Device
list box, select the device that you are calibrating. This
must be the same device name as was selected in Page Setup when
you printed the Calibration Target. Click
New
.
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Chapter7: Calibration 41
Fig. 7.7 Calibration Editor
7.5.1 “Profile”
Select in this list box the same Calibration Profile that you chose in
Page Setup, which must match the media. This underlying
Calibration profile provides the target information (aim curve) that
you are going to calibrate the printer against.
7.5.2 Name
Enter a convenient name for this calibration set.
7.5.3 Resolution
Calibration is only accurate at one resolution, so select the resolution
that set in Page Setup here. This provides a warning in the RIP
monitor, should you attempt to use it at a different resolution.
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42 Chapter 7: Calibration
7.5.4 Enter Data (Manual)
If you are using a hand-held densitometer make sure it is set to the
Status T response curve. Measure the density values for each Cyan
patch on the target and enter these values in the boxes. When you
have finished the Cyan data, select another color in the
Channel
list
box, and repeat until all four sets of values have been entered. Click
OK
.
7.5.5 Import Data From Strip Reader
If you used Genlin to create an import data file as described in
section 7.4, simply click the
Import
button.
Fig. 7.8 Import Dialog
The Import Measurements dialog box shows a list of the four color
channels contained in the import data file. Click
Import
.
The RIP will immediately import all the data values and change the
numbers in all the boxes for all four colors. Click OK to save the
Calibration Set.
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Chapter7: Calibration 43
7.6 Using the new Calibration Set
Close the Calibration Manager and return to the Page Setup edit
window. If you open the Calibration list box you will now see your
new calibration set is available for use:
Fig 7.9 Select New Calibration
Since the new calibration set is based on the originally supplied
calibration profile, the color management settings and performance
do not change.
44 Chapter 7: Calibration
If you do not intend to use the default ProofReady color
management and wish to create your own using ColorPro, the
calibration process does not change. However, in this case there
would be no entry in the ProofReady list box and the name of your
chosen Color Setup would appear in the Color list box.
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Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
8.1 Enabling the Halftone Option
In Chapter 3, sections 3.3.2 and 3.4, we covered entering Plug-in
Passwords and the selection of Devices in the Device Manager. For
each printer model there are two Halftone device types; Color
Halftoned and Color Keys, which depend on the purchase of the
Halftone Option for full operation. You can use these devices
without the password, but output will include vertical lines showing
that the RIP is operating in a demonstration mode. To remove the
lines and operate in full mode requires the installation of the
Halftone Password using the method described in section 3.3.2.
8.2 How to Set up the Halftone Devices
8.2.1 Create Page Setup
Using the same procedure as described in Chapter 4, create a new
Page Setup using one of the Color Halftone devices. The example
here will use the 76-9600 Halftone device.
Fig 8.1 Color Halftone Separation Style
After setting the Separation Style, click the icon to the right of the
Style Name and click Edit. The screening setup dialog will appear as
shown in figure 8.2.
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46 Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
Fig 8.2 Screening Setup
8.2.2 Screen Angles
For best results, Xitron recommends using off-axis screen angles. To
do so, check the “Use Harlequin Precision Screening” check box and
click the button “HPS Options.” In the following dialog select the
angle set “7.5, 76.5, 22.5, 37.5 in the top list box, and click OK:
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Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option 47
Fig. 8.3 HPS Options
Then set the individual screen angles to the values as shown in figure
8.4.
Fig. 8.4 Screen Angle Settings
8.2.3 Screen Ruling
Edit the table near the bottom of the screen to set the Screen Ruling
you wish to use for the current RIP resolution. In this example 150
lpi has been chosen and turn on “Override angles” in the main Page
Set-up dialog.
48 Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
8.2.4 Dot Shape
Choose one of the library of dot shapes (spot functions) available.
Euclidean is the conventional round dot that appears as a
checkerboard at 50%. You’ll also want to turn on “Override dot
shape” in the main Page Setup dialog.
8.2.5 HPS Options
For full details of how to configure and use Harlequin Precision
Screening (HPS) see the full Navigator Rip User Manual. The
settings shown above are recommended starting points for use with
the vDot-II Halftone Option. For the most accurate proof, you
should use the same screening settings here as you use when making
films or plates at high resolution.
The Halftone Option does not create the exact same dots that you
will see on film – no proofing system can unless it images at the same
resolution as the imagesetter and has the same imaging algorithms.
The Halftone Option simulates press dots such that the result will be
a visually closer match, especially at lower rulings as used in
newspapers, flyers etc., than the very high quality Error Diffusion
screens used in the Color vDot-II mode. In plain terms, Color vDot-
II output is often simply too good compared to the press results, and
the Halftone Option closes this gap.
The recommended settings for HPS are:
Generate Extra Gray Levels – Yes, set to 1024
Use HPS - Yes (using default HPS Options)
Rotate screens according to page rotation - Yes
8.2.6 Pre-separation Options
In the top right hand corner are settings related to the format of the
jobs you will be processing. These controls have the following
meanings:
• Override separations in job
If checked, the RIP will ignore separation information (which objects
belong on which separations) in the job file and use the settings you
Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option 49
specify here. Xitron always recommends using this feature to
eliminate possible errors contained in the page layout file.
• Use Level 1 Spot Colors
If checked, this allows the RIP to recognize spot color information
defined in the PostScript Language Level 1 Specification.
Recommended setting is checked.
• Override angles in job
If checked the RIP will ignore screen angle information in the job
and use the settings you specify here.
Xitron always recommends using this feature to eliminate possible
errors contained in the page layout file.
• Reject pre-separated jobs
If checked the RIP will not process any job that is pre-separated by
the sending application.
Recommended setting is un-checked.
• Recombine pre-separated jobs
If checked the RIP will accept pre-separated jobs, recombine them
into a composite, and re-separate using the settings you specify here.
Recommending setting is un-checked.
8.2.7 Spot Colors
If Other Colors In Job is set to “No” then spot colors will be
converted to CMYK equivalents based on the contents of the
PostScript file unless Override separations is checked on. With
Override separations on, the system makes calculations using the
various ICC profiles and other color management settings in use for
this page setup. A spot color will appear as rosettes of the 4 process
colors. If set to Yes the same calculation is done to generate the
required color, but the spot color is output as either dots, or solid
tone, in the emulated color.
The recommended setting is Yes.
Click OK to save the settings and return to the Page Setup dialog.
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50 Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
8.3 Rip and Plug-in Configuration
The controls in the Page Setup dialog for RIP configuration and the
controls in the Device Configuration dialog for Plug-in configuration
have the same functions with the Halftone devices as with the vDot-II
devices.
8.4 Using Color Halftone Devices
The first time a job is processed with a Page Setup configured to use
one of the Color Halftone devices, the RIP may spend several
minutes generating halftone screens. Once generated the RIP saves
this information and they do not have to be made again.
If you click Disable Output and ROAM the job when it appears in
the Output Controller, it will appear as a normal color job. However
if you select Roam Option you will see a list of the individual colors
used in this job, each of which has its own screen, as shown in figure
8.5.
Fig. 8.5 Roam Options with Spot Colors
Clicking Disable Output again will release the job to the printer. At
this time the various colors merge into a print image and output. If
you examine the proof with a loupe you will see the rosette structure
and if you have spot colors (and you set “Other Colors In Job” to Yes
in 8.2.7 above) you will see the spot color reproduced.
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Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option 51
8.5 Making Film Negatives and Separations
The vDot-II plug-in, in combination with the Navigator RIP and
Epson Stylus Pro printer can be used to make film negatives or
positives suitable for screen printing and other processes. This
section provides some insight to get you started.
8.5.1 Media
Xitron tested one brand of transparent film and found it to work well
with the Stylus Pro 7800 and 9800 models. Other films may also
work well, but you should make a number of tests before committing
to any quantity of media.
The film Xitron tested is Pictorico Premium OHP Transparency
Film. It is available as roll and sheet media. Pictorico can be
contacted at 1-888-879-8592, www.pictorico.com.
8.5.2 Using Error Diffusion Screens
Select the 78-9800 Mono device, but in the Page Setup dialog select
“CMYK Separations” as the separation style.
Color jobs will be separated into the four process colors and appear
in the RIP Output Controller as four separate Page Buffers as shown
in figure 8.6.
Fig. 8.6 A Separated Job
You can select all four of these Page Buffers and click on the ROAM
button to see a color preview, but on output the images will appear in
black only. You can make the separations print negative by
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52 Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
highlighting any one of the Page Buffers, checking the Negative box
and clicking OK as shown in figure 8.7. The system will change all
related Page Buffers together.
Fig. 8.7 Selecting Negative Output
If your job contains Spot colors they will be converted to Process
separations unless you configure the Separation Style to include Spot
colors as individual films. To do this, edit the Page Setup dialog, click
the icon to the right of the Separation Style list box, click Edit and
you will see the following dialog:
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Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option 53
Fig. 8.8 Edit Separation Style
In this example “Other Colors in job” has been set to Yes, forcing the
RIP to create individual separations for each color, including spot
colors.
In the following example the job has 4 Process and 4 Spot colors and
each one creates its own Page Buffer in the Output Controller:
Fig. 8.9 Separations Including Spot Colors
If you do not wish to output all of these separations you can delete
unwanted Page Buffers before releasing jobs for output to the printer.
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54 Chapter 8: Using the Halftone Option
8.5.3 Using Conventional Screens
You can also output film negatives or positives using conventional
halftone dots (provided you have purchased the Halftone option for
your vDot-II plug-in).
This is done using a Color Keys device. Create a Page Setup using –
for example - the 4800 Color Keys device and follow the directions
earlier in this Chapter for screen angles, ruling etc.
Since the Color Keys devices normally output separations in color,
there is an additional step required to enable output of the
separations in black only. To do this, edit the Page Setup dialog, click
the Configure Device button, and check the “Print color separations
in Black” box as shown in figure 8.10.
Fig. 8.10 Setting a Color Keys Device to print Black Separations
The remarks in section 8.5.2 concerning Spot colors, multiple Page
Buffers and negative output all apply to conventional dot separations
in just the same way as they do to error diffusion screened
separations.
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Appendix A: Media Guide - vDot-II
Media for Ink Jet Printer
Introduction
There are many hundreds of media being marketed for use with ink
jet printers, from manufacturers such as Epson and HP, from
established graphic arts suppliers such as Mitsubishi and Agfa, and
from many other third-party vendors.
Many of these media have very similar names, and in some cases,
several media from one supplier can have almost identical names.
For example, Epson’s
Photo Quality Glossy Paper
,
Glossy Photo
Paper
and
Photo Glossy Paper
are all different products with
different characteristics, while Epson’s
SemiGloss Paper-Heavy
Weight
and
Semigloss Photo Paper
are in fact the same product, as
sold in different regions.
The Xitron XPR series of Proofer RIPs and the ProofReady and
vDot-II plug-ins include a library of color profiles and calibrations for
specific media. Accurate results are only possible if the correct media
is used. The purpose of this document is to identify exactly which
media are supported on which printer, and to provide part numbers
for these media to enable the user to accurately match the media and
RIP settings.
Inks
In addition to the correct media, the correct ink set is essential for
accurate results. All Xitron’s color calibration and profiling for vDot-
II is done using Epson’s Ultrachrome K3 8 color ink set.
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56 Appendix A: Media Guide
Layout
The following pages contain charts for each family of printers for
which Xitron supply color profiles and calibrations. (This is not by
any means the full list of devices which Xitron are able to drive from
our RIP products.)
Each chart identifies the printer followed by a list of the supported
media for that model.
Epson 2400
With Photo Black Ink
Media Type Part Numbers Profile Names
Epson Premium Semigloss Photo
Paper
S041331
S041327
C13S041328
C13S041336
C13S041338
C13S041334
Epson Premium
Semigloss
Epson Proofing Paper Semimatte
(also Epson Proofing Paper
Commercial Semimatte)
S041744
C13S041668
Epson Semimatte
Proof
With Matte Black Ink
Media Type Part Numbers Profile Names
Epson Enhanced Matte Paper
(also Epson Archival Matte
Paper)
S041341
S041343
S041339
C13S041344
C13S041340
Epson Enhanced
Matte
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Appendix A: Media Guide 57
Epson 4800 , 7800 and 9800
With Photo Black Ink
Media Type Part Numbers Profile Names
Epson Premium Semigloss Photo
Paper (250)
C13S041641
C13S041642
Premium Semigloss
Photo 250
Epson Proofing Paper Semimatte
(also Epson Proofing Paper
Commercial Semimatte)
S041724
S041668
S041744
C13S041668
C13S041724
C13S041658
C13S041659
Epson Semimatte
Proof
With Matte Black Ink
Media Type Part Numbers Profile Names
Epson Enhanced Matte Paper S041341
S041343
S041339
S041908
S041595
S041596
S041597
S041725
C13S041595
C13S041596
C13S041597
Epson Enhanced
Matte
Epson Archival Matte Paper C13S041344
C13S041340
Epson Archival Matte
58 Appendix A: Media Guide
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Appendix B: Troubleshooting
Printer Not Ready
Check to make sure that the printer says “Ready” on the display, and
that no ‘ink empty’ lights or ‘paper empty’ lights are lit, then power
off the machine and power it up again.
If this does not solve the problem, check to make sure that your
connection method is set up properly. See Chapter 4 for more
information about connection methods.
I am using a network connection, but I get a communication error when I try
to print to my printer.
Follow Epson’s instructions to make sure your Windows driver is
installed and working properly. Verify you can print a test page from
Windows before trying to use the RIP.
I can’t configure my RIP to print with Firewire.
Firewire can be used (with the Epson firewire option where it is not
supplied as standard). Again the Windows driver and Epson firewire
software must be installed and working before using the RIP.
Paper White Looks Yellow
Epson’s paper stocks are very bright compared with most input
samples you might be trying to match. Try turning off “Fill
background with paper color of input job” in your color setup. (For
6.0 RIP users see the ColorPro user manual. For 5.5 Rip users see
Appendix A, HIPP Color Management System.) Alternatively, try to
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60 Appendix B: Troubleshooting
use a paper stock with a white that is the same color or slightly darker
than the paper white of that which you are trying to match.
Streaks/Lines in Output
Usually, streaks or lines in your output are caused by poor print head
alignment or clogged nozzles. You should use the Epson Windows
driver Utility software to perform a head cleaning or print head
alignment. Occasionally more extreme cleaning is required and can
be performed by an Epson technician.
Some third party inks are infamous for clogging Epson print nozzles.
Use of third party inks is not recommended by Epson, nor are stock
color profiles supportable with their use.
Can I Use TrapWorks with Epson printers?
Yes. All supported devices work well with TrapWorks (on a 5.5 Rip)
and TrapPro (on a 7.0 RIP).
I get an error using the a Page Feature with Progressive Proofs (Epson vDot-II)
This is the result of an incompatibility between the Progressive Proofs
system and the RIP’s Page Feature mechanism. If you get an error
when combining Progressive Proofs with a Page Feature then you
must disable the Page Feature.
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Appendix C – Notes on Media, Resolution and
Color Management for the Epson vDot-II Plug-
in
Media Selection
The Configuration dialog discussed in Chapter 4 includes a list of
media types. For each media there are several entries, with different
combinations of RIP and Plotter resolutions. The reason for these
different entries is that the vDot-II driver has to make a number of
adjustments depending on the combinations of RIP and Plotter
resolution. These adjustments include setting ink droplet size, print
head speed, maximum ink level and the interweaving of scan lines.
Most of these adjustments are encapsulated in a single Media ID
variable, for example Epson Photo Glossy Paper is Media ID 44.
The system of ink control is so sophisticated that for many purposes,
provided the correct Media ID is selected, accurate and pleasing
proofs can be generated with only minor manual adjustments rather
than implementing a full ICC color management configuration. For
this reason we strongly recommend using one of the many alternative
standard Media Types. Remember that a non-standard media is not
only unknown to the vDot-II plug-in, but also unsupported by Epson.
Using Non-Standard Media
If you are forced to use a non-standard media, significant
experimentation will be required to establish a suitable Media ID and
other settings.
Create a test job containing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black step
wedges from 5% to 100%, and a number of patches of Super Black
with total ink levels from 100 to 300% containing reversed out (white)
type of around 6 pt.
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62 Appendix C: Media, Resolution and Color Management
Print this test job under your intended conditions of use (e.g. RIP at
720 dpi, plot at 720 by 720 dpi) with a range of different standard
media selected. You don’t have to try all combinations – if your
media is glossy then only try glossy and semi-glossy options; if your
media is matte only try matte and semi glossy options, etc. You will
be able to reject many samples on grounds of ink run on the surface,
or the reverse type being illegible at total ink coverage of only 150%,
etc. The goal is to find a media option that produces clean prints that
dry quickly and have reversed type visible all the way to 300%
(because the chosen settings are preventing total ink coverage from
exceeding a safe value regardless of the job). Measure the reflection
density of the 100% patches of each color and select the settings that
give you maximum density without over-inking. If you cannot find a
standard media setting that meets these requirements then your
media is probably not suitable for use with the Epson X800 series.
Resolution and Color Management
ICC Profiles supplied with the XPR RIP have been generated using
“normal” conditions, meaning RIPing at 720 dpi and plotting at 720
by 720 dpi. Tests show that the profiles are still valid at other RIP
resolutions, but some errors will occur if used at different plotting
resolutions. Errors of 2 or 3 Delta e can be expected if you plot at
720 by 1440 instead of 720 by 720. These errors are reduced but not
eliminated by calibrating under the actual output conditions.
The RIP will warn of all uses of the built-in profiles that do not match
Media ID, RIP or Plot resolution.