Is the HP z software weird or am I missing something? Calibration

[Phil Indeblanc]

I did a search here, and elsewhere, and there are so many posts regarding calibration, and very helpful ones I may add.
I read a few and they just don't get specific enough to get to my situation for me to adapt the info.

Here is the issue...

At the Printer we can do a Color Calibrate.
At the HP Utility in Win7 we can Manage all these and also do a "Create New paper Preset".

At the printer, I can load a paper type/size and the prnter will ask about the size(roll vs sheet), and then ask what type it is.
I have the options including Film, and this gives you Transparent/Clear film or Matte Film. So I select Transparency Film.

Then I just get this:
"Load valid paper for calibration or press X(cancel)"

So I go to the computer...

At the HP Utility...
Create New Paper Preset Step1 of 6
I give it a paper name like HP HiGlossFilm, and select Paper Category/Film, and then Paper Type
I have the same options of Trans/Clear film or Matte film.

I select Transparency/Clear film , and after I click Next, it shows Step 2 of 2..."You have successfully added a new custom paper type.
To associate an ICC profile with the new custom paper type, Select "Install Profile" if you already have an ICC profile for it".

I only have a "Done" option.

I don't have a profile as it suggests.
I had not found any icc for it online either.

Now I know a work around maybe to select a high gloss photo paper or something(maybe even backlit?) and make a icc for it....
In fact the paper I placed in is called HighGloss Film, But it is opaque metalic film paper....Not transparent as the Paper Type options.


Deep breath....

Either these "Films" are not calibrate-able... or there is something wonky going on... Or something I missed?(besides reading the manual and reading the fine print, something like: ..."Films are not specifically calibrated. Please use a nearest paper type")

[Geraldo Garcia]

Never worked with transparency film on the Z, but I remember reading somewhere that you cannot calibrate or profile those on the printer due to their transparency.
But I never tested.

[Phil Indeblanc]

That's what crossed my mind! So it is in the print after all :-) it makes sense!
Thanks Ger....
What do folks use for metallic finish film?

I ask as it is not paper, so very little absorption of ink.

[Mark Lindquist]

Film.  Look at manufacturer's website - there may be a profile.

[deanwork]

No, you can't profile transparency film without  a specialized spectrometer unit.  I tried with the Epson backlit.

The Z won't profile it. But it does profile Kozo, Silk, Linnen,  canvas, and other specialized media, just not backlit media.

What I ended up doing with the Epson backlit film was to use the HP film media setting and hp generic profile for that and do manual adjustments. That came close. It worked for me.

John

[Phil Indeblanc]

Lexjet doesn't have a profile for this paper on any model HP (LexJetSunset Metallic)

Thanks John, Im gonna give the High gloss Photo paper a try, then the Backlit option, as that too is film like material! Maybe the printer goes heavier on ink for that profile(?) I would guess to compensate back lighting washouts? 

[deanwork]

I was shocked that I could do it fairly easily with the Epson backlit media. You may have to play a little with subtle contrast and color balance but it shouldn't be that big of a deal. I believe  I used the Epson transparency profile and media setting because I had used some of that in the past. I don't think you will want to use the gloss enhancer channel though. It has been several years so I don't exactly remember.

john

[Phil Indeblanc]

Good to know John! I'll see what happens tonight with it.
I got a few more Pro Satins going out now. We'll see later tonight:-)

[deanwork]

I meant the HP transparency profile.

[Phil Indeblanc]

I tried to Color Calibrate from the printer using Backlit Paper Type/HP Vivid backlit, and it gave the same message, not valid