CGS comes up trumps in real world test

The evaluation of the 14 proofing systems varied from the typical approach of testing in laboratory conditions, under the supervision of colour experts provided by the vendors themselves. Instead, the staff and students collected samples from the actual production sites of end users, who were asked to generate proofs within a specific time limit.

This meant the evaluation of the samples took into consideration not only how well a system worked, but also the degree to which the end users could achieve the desired results under real world conditions. The clear winner in the evaluation was the ORIS Color Tuner system from CGS, only system to score a 'Very Good' rating from the judges.

Michael Laird, managing director at CyraChrome and the local distributor of the Color Tuner system, was pleased with the results of the testing.

“This backs up our own experience of customers using Color Tuner in the workplace,” says Laird. “When it comes to actually producing colour accurate digital contract proofs, Color Tuner is still the most effective and user-friendly means of doing it.”

“We know this from what customers who have used other systems tell us and from our own experiences of working with and observing customers who are using Color Tuner.”

The entry from CGS was produced on an Epson 4000 printer, and scored 8.2 out of a possible 10 for measured accuracy. In visual comparisons, the sample also climbed to the top of the scores with 7.55 out of 10. CGS also took out third prize in the test with its second Color Tuner sample, produced on an Epson 7600 with a score of 7.3 out of 10.

The tests included both measured and visual comparisons of the proofs to press sheets, and used the Altona test suite developed by independent colour expert group European Color Initiative. All evaluations were 'blind' with no indication given as to which system had produced the proofs.