I feel I'm flogging a dead horse, however, your (AngusPady) posts have given me some good ideas for the RE
rint cartoons so, here goes:
RE:
The original poster ask for a comparison between Kodak and inkjet systems.
I don't think so. The OP wrote: "I am wondering if getting a higher end Proofing system such as the Kodak Approval would bring any further advantages to the DotProofing" The qualifier "such as" means he was using the Approval as an example of the type of proofer he's referring to rather than the specific brand he's considering.
RE:
I consider myself an independent colour management consultant before I call myself a vendor, I am in the fortunate position to be able to sell almost any rip/proofing solution. I am not tied to one but I support the ones that I feel will work best for my customer base.
Great! That's why I wrote in an earlier post: "You're a vendor (OK consultant that's able to sell devices) so you have more resources available to you to help us understand the capabilities of inkjet proofers to reveal halftone printing problems. Perhaps you could shed a light on that specific issue rather than bringing in other factors?"
So, as a consultant, can you answer the specific questions about halftone proofing on inkjet devices?
RE:
I would suspect that the many years you spent working for Kodak influences you in your options.
As far as the Approval is concerned, I was using one in a printshop before I ever worked for Creo/Kodak. I have no special love for Kodak or its products. I will say that I've been influenced by the engineers that I worked with at Creo.
RE:
I will agree that this post has gotten away from the question and that is unfortunate.
I don't know if that is true. The thread brings up questions about inkjet proofing for halftones. If that capability is a key purchase criteria - but if that type of device is not capable then inkjet proofing is not appropriate despite what benefits inkjet proofing may provide. If inkjet proofers are capable of reliable halftone dot proofing then their other benefits can be compared with thermal/laminated dot proofers and a decision made.
So again, but maybe think of me as a prospective customer and you the consultant that I've contracted to help me make a decision, can you answer my specific questions:
Do (any) inkjet dot proofers show the same rosette structures that will be in the final presswork?
Do they show artifacts like subject moiré, screening moiré, ribboning, sawtoothing, image integrity (e.g. screened text) as they will appear in the final presswork?
Do they introduce moiré that won't actually appear in the final presswork?
Once I've got that information I can discuss the other upsides and downsides of my proofing options and make an informed decision.