The old adage, "you can't get something for nothing" is usually true, but when it comes to Genuine Fractals, it comes pretty darn close to producing a freebie: greater resolution with very little cost in quality loss! Altamira's Genuine Fractals software is a plug-in for Photoshop that they claim can "...enable you to increase the resolution and size of your images while preserving original sharpness and detail."
We've been using GF for two years now, with good results, and have been recommending it to our customers who have digital image files they want to enlarge, instead of having to rescan the original -- either because they don't have access to the original art or their own scanner could not resolve any higher. Some artists use GF because they donşt want the inconvenience of having to spend additional time retouching or editing a larger version of an image that is finally "just the way they like it".
Does Genuine Fractal really perform as promised? We think it comes pretty close, and here are some test results to support our findings:
Many people are discovering the richness and depth of Lysonşs Fine Art papers. Not only do they have unique textures, but all four papers have the same type of cast coatings, making them very similar in their printing profiles. These four papers are:
Lyson 100% Cotton Fine Art Paper (300 gsm)
Lyson Smooth Fine Art Paper (310 gsm)
Lyson Soft Fine Art Paper (285 gsm)
Lyson Rough Fine Art Paper (210 gsm)
Two other Lyson papers also share these similar cast coatings on a more economical paper base:
Lyson Photo Glossy Paper (180 gsm)
Lyson Photo Matte Paper (170 gsm)
The cast coating on these six papers has made them more stable with dye-based inks than some papers with other types of coatings. These papers have probably been tested with more dye based inks than any other papers on the market today! The third group of Lyson papers are made with the new micro-porous top layer coating technology, and an inner polyethylene barrier layer:
Lyson Professional Photo Satin
Lyson Professional Photo Gloss
The advanced technology of these last two papers enables them to produce rich, saturated images with extremely fine detail, and still not "pucker" or bleed, even under heavy ink laydowns.
All of the above papers are also pigmented ink compatible, with Lyson 100% Cotton Fine Art Paper, Lyson Smooth Fine Art Paper, Lyson Soft Fine Art Paper, and Lyson Professional Photo Satin producing the best results. If you already use some of these papers, now is a great time to stock up, during our 20% off sale. If you haven't tried Lyson papers, the 14-sheet sample pack for $7.96 (a $21.90 value) is a great way to discover these papers. Go to:
David Brooks gave a review of the Epson 1280 in the July SHUTTERBUG magazine and mentioned that 2880 dpi printing with the black ink only produced smoother and richer monochrome or B/W prints. Since then, we've noticed similar results with the Epson 5500 at 2880 dpi. The new 1280, 780, 890 and 5500 are all 6-ink photo printers that are capable of 720 x 2880 dpi. The 777, 880 and 980 are 4-ink printers that are capable of 2880 dpi. While even Epson admits that 720 x 2880 dpi printing shows little improvement (over 720 x 1440 dpi) when printing with a 4-inkset (black and 3 colors), and even less of an improvement when printing with a 6-inkset (black and 5 colors), people are discovering that printing with the black ink only shows a significant improvement at 2880 dpi. The monochrome results are much smoother, richer and have a longer tonal range than when printed at 1440 dpi. Using only the black ink to make B/W prints on the Epson 5500 completely eliminates the problems of metamerism associated with pigmented inks. Using the black ink only also eliminates the color cross-overs that result when trying to print a neutral B/W print by using all 4 or 6 inks (whether dye or pigment). There is a price to pay though when printing at 2880 dpi: printing times are 2 to 3 times longer than printing at 1440 dpi -- but users say it's worth the wait!
FREE PRINT DEMOS ON EPSON 5500 & EPSON 10000
Thinking of buying an Epson 5500 or 10000 printer, but would like to know how your images will print on these machines? We now have working models of both of these printers (the 10000 is the pigment ink model). You can now order one of our 8.5" x 11" test prints, with our regular test patterns (go to):
...or order a custom print (up to 16" x 20") made through Bair Art Editions (our fine art printing division) using one of your own digital files (go to):
You will be charged our regular fees for these prints. However, if you order an Epson 5500 or 10000 printer through us within 30 days after your print purchase, we'll credit the print towards your printer purchase. We're also making the same offer for those interested in purchasing the 7000, 7500, 9000 or 9500 printers. We're currently selling the 5500 for $3399.00 and the 10000 printer for $9799.00, with free shipping within the continental U.S.A. Call for prices on these printers. (Please be aware that the 9000, 9500 and 10000 printers weigh over 200 lbs, and will require either a loading dock or three additional people besides the truck driver to lift the crate off the truck. If you do not make these preparations, you may be charged a "lift" fee. Some freight companies also charge a "residential" fee if you live in a residential area, because the crate has to be transferred to a smaller truck that meets city ordinances. We cannot control these possible additional charges.)
EPSON 9000, 9500 & 10000 OWNERS: GET $1,000 FREE PAPER 'TIL AUGUST 31
Get $1000 worth of Epson Fine Art Paper. If you own an Epson Stylus Pro 9000, 9500 or 10000, simply follow the instruction on the web pages below to request a coupon that you can take or mail to a participating Epson Dealer to arrange for your complimentary supply of Epson Fin Art Papers:
1 - Roll (36" x 50') Epson Smooth Fine Art Paper (225 g/m); MSRP: $269.00
1 - Pkg. (10 Sheets - 36" x 44") Epson Smooth Fine Art Paper (425g/m); MSRP: $249.00
1 - Roll (36" x 50')Epson Textured Fine Art Paper (225 g/m); MSRP: $269.00
1 - Pkg. (10 Sheets - 36" x 44") Epson Textured Fine Art Paper (425g/m); MSRP: $249.00
-- Total Value: $1036.00
INKJETART would be happy to be your "participating Epson Dealer" for the redemption of this coupon. Remember, you must redeem your coupon by 8/31/01, so fill out the form immediately in order to get the coupon in time to have it redeemed!
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"Inkjet NEWS & Tips" is published by
Royce Bair, Editor royce@inkjetart.com
Inkjet Solutions for Photo-realistic & Archival Fine Art Printing
http://www.inkjetART.com/
Inkjet Art Solutions
8100 s. 1300 w., Suite A
West Jordan, UT 84088
Phone: 801-256-0360 Fax: 801-256-0369
(c) Copyright 2005 The Stock Solution, All Rights Reserved
No portion of this publication may be reproduced or re-published
without written permission from Royce Bair or his stock photography agency, The Stock Solution.
Send your comments to Royce Bair royce@inkjetart.com.
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All longevity estimates should be treated as such, Inkjet Art Solutions is not liable for pre-mature fading of prints or damage to printers through use of our products. Be sure to properly research your purchase and follow the directions given. If you need help, please contact us.
For more information regarding our policies, including our return policy, please visit our Policies Page
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