The version that Jeff shows in the book, is the MAC version, which seems much more user friendly than the Windows version. The Window version is a stand alone product and acts as a true RIP. I liked the way the MAC version works enough that I am going to try it.
The single biggest issue I found with QTR, besides the lack of info on it's use, is the development of the curves. Everything is pretty driven by the curves and if you can develop a good one, for a paper type, then you can get excellent results. There is a large user base and forum and you can find a lot more info in the QTR forum. I tried QTR with my 9880 with the Epson inkset. I got some good prints, but I also found the Epson ABW driver does a very good job and moved to it. As Jeff points out in the book Epson does not give much feedback, so it's a bit of trial and error to find the correct settings for a print.
The Windows version loads with some paper curves you can try, but most of them are for older paper types. I have not looked at the code for windows for about 1 year, so newer versions may have some newer curves.
You can also do a lot of web searching about the soft proofing options, by converting the curve to a ICC profile. Eric Chan did a lot of work for the 3880 and I believe most of this info is still out there and some will cross over to the 7900. I believe you still can softproof the B &W profiles in windows, but on the MAC this is no longer possible. At least a lot has been written about this for the MAC.
I would also recommend you try the Epson AWB driver, as the results can be very good. I use it on Canon Arches, and Platine and get excellent prints. Epson sadly will not let you use the Media setting "Canvas" when the AWB drive is selected. Not sure why this is and it should be a simple firmware fix. You have to use WCRW and that will of course cause the canvas to print short (on the running length), which is why Epson improved the "canvas" media setting for the 7900/9900 series of printers to allow for the RL issues.
Paul
