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The problem is...general information on color reproduction problems

 

Color reproduction problems

When reproducing colored originals, the different devices (scanner, monitor, printer, etc.) have to work in different color spaces (RGB, CMY or CMYK), therefore all using color differently. The RGB color spaces of different platforms, for example, differ slightly (Apple® Macintosh®: MacRGB; Windows® PC: SRGB).

You also have to take into consideration that every device is only able to record and reproduce a specific area of (visible) colors. This area of visible colors is also called "Gamut". For example, a (simple) printer might be unable to display the bright red of a color photo.

The reproduction of colored originals always only approaches the original. High-quality devices guarantee an output which comes near the original. It is very likely that the monitor display of a scanned photo looks different to the original. Another discrepancy to the original might occur due to different printer's colors.

The color spaces (as described above: RGB, CMY and CMYK) depend on the devices used. Therefore the HP Designjet 50ps software uses a color management system, a device-independent LAB color space and so-called ICC profiles. The color definition of the LAB color space is based on human eye perception. The LAB color space allows you to exchange color data independently of systems and devices.

Further information:

Problem solution via color management and ICC profiles

Which are the advantages?

See also the Color Management Tutorial.

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Problem solution via color management and ICC profiles

Using an ICC profile, the color management system converts all device-dependent data to the device-independent LAB color space (communication color space). To make these data ready for use with another device (here the HP Designjet 50ps printer), they again have to be converted respectively by means of an ICC profile.

The ICC profile of a device is more or less a conversion table for this specific device, adapting color information from a device-dependent color space to a device-independent color space or vice versa.

Simplified the procedure looks as follows:

 

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Which are the advantages?

By these means you are able to already correct the output within the virtual printer or hot folder settings via the respective profiles. It is possible to install various virtual printers and adapt these according to the desired output procedure or the front end the print jobs are sent from by, for example, defining different printers for CMYK and RGB output.

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