He believes colour management will be a big deal next year. "If you have not investigated it before, you should now," he advises.
There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing the correct software for your business. One of the first factors is likely to be what hardware is supported by the package you choose.
When looking at densitometer or spectrophotometer instruments and which units are supported by the software, the latter is always going to be the most accurate way of measuring colour. A densitometer measures very broad colour, or just light, which makes it better generally for monitor profiling, while a spectrophotometer measures narrow bands of the visual spectrum so is the more accurate way of measuring colour.
Training and support
However, Mackenzie says that the most important thing a buyer should take into account is the training and support that comes with a package. "A package may seem straightforward and good value. But it is only as good as the people explaining it. Otherwise it can often sit there unused. Proper training is needed to make the most of it," he says.
That said, colour management systems are becoming a lot easier to work, says Mackenzie, and more options are coming to the market for the multi-colour printer.
As far as viewing booths go, the technology really taking hold now is LED lighting over the more traditionally used fluorescent lighting.
Due to the chemical reactions in fluorescent tubes, busy printers may find they need to replace them after every six months or so. An LED can last up to 100,000 hours and for printers who need to use different lighting for different jobs this is a good option to choose.
Although those who have already invested in viewing booths with fluorescent lighting are unlikely to change immediately to LED, Mackenzie believes fluorescent lighting will be phased out over time.
WHAT'S NEW IN...
Process controls
- Last month ICS launched Press Director, a press-side monitor-proofing tool, said to eliminate "the last analogue link in an otherwise 100% digital workflow". Press Director uses ICC colour management to ensure the screen matches industry-standard reference printing conditions, or a press fingerprint, and supports CMYK and spot colour, including Pantone. On-screen tools include a densitometer for CMYK and specials, gamut warnings and total ink coverage. It also supports paper stock simulation.
- September also saw an update to X-Rite’s measurement standard, which reduces discrepancies between the old X-Rite and GretagMacbeth spectrophotometers and provides a single standard for all future instruments. XRGA (X-Rite Graphic Arts) was developed following research into the differences between X-Rite and GretagMacbeth machines.
- X-Rite’s PrintCheck and PressOptimizer solutions are now available through X-Rite’s network of sales partners. Developed jointly with GMG, the new line of X-Rite-branded automated print quality control and standardisation solutions allow buyers to follow a job from contract to delivery and ensure quality consistency and ISO standards compliance.
