stochastic screen

Definition: Type of halftone screen produced digitally in which dots are not laid in a grid-like pattern, but appear random, with their frequency in a small area related to the density of the colour required. * Where only the frequency of the dots varies, the screen is said to be 1st order stochastic. Where both frequency and dot size varies with colour density, the screen is 2nd order stochastic. * Also known as FM -- frequency modulated -- screen. No sarcasm: this might be the final frontier Stochastic screens return half-tones to the subtleties of the photograph. It makes full use of image data, so the quality factor is a saintly unitary -- that is, file sizes are at least 50% smaller than with normal screen of the same effective ruling, moiré problems are reduced if not eliminated, and tonal transitions are soohh, so smooth. However, FM screening needs heavy computer fire-power and it takes skill to get right -- sound like poor reasons for not using it when you can.

Related Terms: Hexachrome

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