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September 9, 2006

I am afraid that I am amazed and shocked at the conclusions of this article. The thesis and expert comments included here clearly show that there is still a long way to go before the graphic arts industry really understands color and how to reproduce it accurately across different media. For example, it is stated that as there is an average Delta E of only 1.5 between the proof and the print and that there can be this much or more color difference between one side of a press and the other, we have no need to improve the color accuracy of the proofing system. What is not stated is that most untrained people have no difficulty seeing a 1.5 unit difference between two patches of a color but that only a well trained pressman can see that level or more across the width the print. If all colors in the image are shifted consistently by 1.5 in the proof relative to the print the printbuyer will not be happy with the print. What is worse, is that while the average of the test measurements was 1.5 there were maximum differences that are much, much larger. What if the maximum differences were in the corporate logo or the high equity brand mark? Again, the printbuyer would reject the print job because it did match the proof.

Not until the maximum errors of proof versus print colors drop to a level of less than 2/3 of the random errors of printing will the issues of print versus proof finally be put bed. But then, many pressed are having colorimetric controls added to them which can improve the impression to impression and side to side consistency of the print so maybe this will be an ever-changing race into the future. Those of us involved in color control and color management certain see that as a reality.

Thank You,
Danny Rich
Sun Chemical Corporation

Responding to: http://members.whattheythink.com/specialreports/060906sherburne.cfm

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