Kodak Spectrum vs. Kodak Matchprint

[Gregg]

Can anyone explain the difference between these 2, or are they the same?

I recently had a vendor that mentioned they could provide Epson proofs, or Kodak Spectrum. I had never heard of a Kodak Spectrum, but have other vendors that supply Kodak Matchprint. So I am curious as to the differences between the 2 Kodak systems.

Also, can anyone tell me (roughly) how much cost per square foot the Kodak Spectrum is.

I have been given rough estimates of (understanding that it varies depending on stock):
Epson: $1.50 - $2.00
Fuji Final Proof: $12.50
Kodak Matchprint: ?
Kodak Spectrum: ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[couriergraphics]

I believe that they are one and the same. I do not think anyone has analog matchprint anymore & the spectrum is the device that makes digital matchprints.

 

[gordo]

Spectrum is the imaging device. Matchprint is the proofing media.

The final proof is a laminate halftone dot proof analogous to Matchprint proofs made in a film workflow.

gordon p

 

[Ian Mackenzie]

I'll take a shot at this.

1. Kodak/Creo Spectrum is an output device that can image on plates AND proofs. The idea being that the Brisque or Prinergy CTP RIP can image the exact same digital halftone data on both proofing material (like Approval) and plates. Many shops use this unit now solely for proofs but it does have a dual purpose. This was a Creo product while the Approval was a Kodak product. The Spectrum can also make a much larger proof than an Approval but it is S-L-O-W.

2. When someone mentions "Kodak Matchprint", I believe they are referring to a Kodak inkjet-based proofing system that is composed of:

- Kodak Matchprint inkjet RIP
- Private label Epson printer
- Kodak inkjet media

Matchprint was, of course, a 3M brand. It somehow made it to Polychrome (via Imation) and then to KPG (Kodak Polychrome) then to Kodak. There is now Matchprint Digital, Matchprint Virtual, etc.

As for substrate costs...Epson (premium) paper sells for around $00.69 per square foot for just the paper. You add ink and other stuff and your raw material cost per proof is just over $2.00. I dont know costs of other materials like Spectrum.

 

[gordo]

I'll take a shot at this.

1. Kodak/Creo Spectrum is an output device that can image on plates AND proofs. The idea being that the Brisque or Prinergy CTP RIP can image the exact same digital halftone data on both proofing material (like Approval) and plates. Many shops use this unit now solely for proofs but it does have a dual purpose. This was a Creo product while the Approval was a Kodak product. The Spectrum can also make a much larger proof than an Approval but it is S-L-O-W.

Just to be clear, the Kodak/Creo Spectrum is an output device deigned to image proofs. It could optionally also image plates. Also, it did not image the "exact same digital halftone data" meaning it was not pixel for pixel the same as the RIPed data. It was however halftone dot for dot the same.

best, gordon p