GMG v. EFI
GMG v. EFI
Hi,
It is almost axiomatic that people tend to like what they've spent a lot of money on. GMG is a good product and it has a lot of happy customers. Resellers like it too as it has a healthy margin for them and its complexity dictates a healthy installation charge. But just as you shouldn't compare a BMW with a Mercedes by only asking their owners--each will be fiercely loyal to their chosen ride, you shouldn't just ask GMG or EFI owners what they prefer. Compare features and ask for trial software. The user experience can be quite different for each RIP, and one will make the most sense for you. That being said, I think it's fair to say that, aside from some more arcane products, the three most advanced proofing RIPs available now are GMG, EFI and CGS ORIS. Many other excellent RIPs are available.
Some corrections to the remarks on EFI: First, as Ian said, there is no media tie-in, and EFI doesn't even sell media. (There is EFI-approved media sold by Tecco, but that is a separate company) The philosophy behind Bestcolor RIPs has always been to provide a completely flexible product, based on standard ICC color management--the user can easily set it up for use with any paper, and profiles for various brands are provided. Second, the Lin Tool is standard with every XF sold and has linearization, L*a*b* optimization, profile-epl linking, and many other functions. The confusion is caused by the fact that when one buys Color Manager, an optional integrated profiling module, the Lin Tool disappears, its functions subsumed into Color Manager. You don't need Color Manager if you have a third-party profiling app or don't plan to make your own profiles.
It is untrue that XF is buggier than any other RIP, but EFI is very, very quick to post fixes when something is discovered, rather than wait for the next revision. You must understand that this RIP drives a vast number of different printers, including virtually all grand format/production models and all Fiery-driven printers, and it's amazing how few problems actually occur. Be sure to ask for a look at the current version of XF, 4.0. New features include the Dynamic Wedge, which allows verification of predominant colors in the actual image, including all spot colors present, on-the-fly reoptimization, scheduled relinearization (on Epson 79/9900), and the Adobe PDF Print Engine. EFI has also added a web-based remote proofing and verification app. Also ask about Fiery XF; it is identical to Colorproof XF but is available in more cost-effective bundles, especially if you plan to drive more than one printer.
1-bit dot proofing: EFI, GMG, and Compose all have this, but be sure you really need it. It is a costly option, is slower, and has slightly less accurate color matching than normal stochastically screened proofing, as it relies on spraying bits of color into the C, M, Y, or K inkjet "dot" to adjust its hue to match offset inks.
Have a professional install your RIP, even if you buy it in a bundle. These are complicated products, and anything other than the most generic installation with canned profiles can quickly run into trouble. The specialist can also train you much more efficiently and quickly than you can learn on your own. Also, in spite of the general aversion to media "tie-ins," it often makes sense to purchase paper from your RIP specialist as he/she will usually more than repay you for the slightly higher price with generous ongoing and expert tech support.
Please feel free to contact us for any further questions.
Mike Strickler
Certified Reseller, EFI Proofing Products
IDEAlliance G7 Expert
MSP Graphic Services
707.664.1628
MSP Graphic Services: Prepress and Color Management
Color Universe Home Page
( Mr. Eddington are you lurking?) That being said..... the fuzzy little clusters that they call dots are hardly what us old Matchprinters are used to.... but it does help a little. Feel free to contact me with any direct questions. ROCK ON!!
