What is Black Point Compensation in Photoshop?

BPC maps source black to the destination black and makes sure the entire dynamic range of the output black is used. In our oppinion it's best left on.

A client asked us to explain what is meany by 8 bit color, here is our understanding:

Computers communicate data through the use of bits. One bit of data 0, 1, can communicate two instructions, black or white. Two bits can give four instructions, (01, 11, 01, and 10) 8 bits can record 256 possible values (2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2) = 8 bit each channel for RGB (24 bit) can communicate 16.7 million colors. Also, 8 bits = 1 byte.

In other words, from a binary perspective, when we say a pixel has a value of:

R=255
G=255
B=255,

in binary its:

11101011
11101011
11101011

Adobe.com: Events of Interest Creativity without Limits
Discover the ease of designing with integrated Adobe software.

Maximize your workflow! Attend the Creativity without Limits seminar, co-sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and Extensis, and let David Blatner, the world's most recognized expert on QuarkXPress, show you the clear advantages of using Adobe InDesign in an all-Adobe workflow. See how smoothly InDesign works with the tools you already know - Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and GoLive software - to provide a powerful publishing environment that streamlines steps and boosts your productivity. Walk away with tips, tricks, and a fresh approach that can help you create without limits. This free seminar runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Who should attend
Anyone new to InDesign, including:
* Graphic designers
* Art and creative directors
* Production artists
* Studio managers
* Web designers and artists
* QuarkXPress users

What you will learn
* See the undisputable advantages of InDesign over QuarkXPress.
* Convert existing QuarkXPress files and adopt InDesign at your own pace.
* Discover time-saving tips and tricks.
* Use an Adobe PDF workflow to conduct smoother, faster creative reviews.
* Find out how each Adobe application contributes to a more streamlined workflow.
* Prepare your files properly for the best printed results.
* Repurpose your content on the Web.

Date(s) and location(s)
* April 22, 2003 - New York, New York
* April 23, 2003 - Cincinnati, Ohio
* April 24, 2003 - Denver, Colorado
* April 29, 2003 - Miami, Florida
* April 30, 2003 - Cleveland, Ohio
* May 1, 2003 - Los Angeles, California
* May 7,2003 - San Francisco, California
* May 8, 2003 - San Diego, California

Space is limited - register now online, or call 877-303-9422.
Can't attend one of these seminars? Click here and we'll notify you of future seminars.
Agenda
9-9:20 a.m. - Welcome
9:20-11 a.m - Advantages of InDesign over QuarkXPress (Break from 10:15-10:30 a.m.)
11-11:30 a.m. - Ramping Up with InDesign
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. - Lunch will be provided. Join our co-sponsors, Extensis and Hewlett-Packard, for an informative working lunch session.
12:45-1:15 p.m.- Simplifying Creative Reviews with a PDF Workflow
1:15-3:15 p.m.- Maximizing Your Workflow (Break from 2:30 - 2:45 p.m.)
3:15-3:45 p.m. - Designing for Successful Output
3:45-4 p.m.- Closing comments and raffle*
4-5 p.m.- Post-Seminar Mixer: Join us after the seminar to network with your peers and representatives from Adobe, Extensis, Hewlett-Packard, and our Adobe Solutions Network partners. Meet local service providers who are ready to accept your InDesign files.

*Must be present to win

I am teaching a course at UCSD Extension (University of California San Diego) on Digital Imaging. Until the class schedule is finalized check out the general link about ucsd extension