Virtual proofing is really nothing new, a long time ago we used to look at Matchprints against what was on the CRT (stop laughing because I said CRT) and play with the Gamma control panel to tweak the color so I could get things closer in fewer proofs. It worked for the most part.

Since the birth of the LCD panel with it's color consistiency and a handy moniker this practice has a proper name. Whether you will admit to it or not we have all done some sort of virtual proofing. Now you can spend about $1000.00 on some calibration equipment, as long as you have a select LCD flat panel display. This get you to the point where you set up some required standards and controls that allows you to approve color, on screen with a relatively high amount of success, in my experience, and get the one thing none of us have in our production schedules...time.

The underlying technology isn't much different than pulling a contract proof. It's just on a tightly calibrated screen instead of a piece of paper. The cost for each virtual proof is going to vary from vendor to vendor and the flavor of virtual proof you choose. Right now Kodak Matchprint Virtual and ICS Remote Director are the two most commonly supported flavors.

I wouldn't expect to see a discounted price between a virtual proof and a contract proof but I do. Given the know how that has to go into the process and the setup and maintenance on both sides to be able to virtually proof, I'm surprised the price is lower.

Just think of the day when we've adopted this as the norm and we're getting a proof in a matter of hours to our computers. Overnight is one thing but over a cup of coffee is a completely different story.