PDF/X-1a vs PDF/X-4 in printing practice

Hi everyone,

Similar topics have already been discussed here, but I feel that the question of how older and newer PDF/X standards are actually used in printing practice still hasn’t been clearly answered. I keep hearing mixed opinions from different sources.

I’m not a specialist, more of a theoretician, but as far as I understand, in offset printing PDF/X-4 allows for better print quality, since the RIP analyses live transparencies (which are not flattened in the file) and, if the press supports it, can even print nicely from the RGB colour space.

PDF/X-4 is said to be a better, more modern standard that enables higher quality output. However, most of the print shops I work with — even those that consider themselves among the most advanced in the region — still ask for PDF/X-1a. It makes me wonder whether PDF/X-4 really produces noticeably better results, especially considering that in PDF/X-1a I can flatten all problematic graphics with transparencies, gradients, etc., in high resolution in Photoshop and then place them, for example, on a folder or leaflet background in Illustrator.

Based on that, a few questions come to mind:
1. Perhaps it’s just in Poland, but why do most print shops still prefer PDF/X-1a? Is it simply safer? Less prone to errors?
2. Let’s assume we prepare the same project as both PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-4. What are the real, practical benefits of using PDF/X-4? Would I notice any visible difference (leaving aside factors like press precision and screen ruling)?

I’d be very grateful if you could share your experiences and insights. Whenever I try to ask the print shops I work with for details, I usually get only brief, vague replies (they’re often too busy with production work).

Many thanks in advance!