Choosing Output (Color) Settings When Creating A Photoshop PDF

Question

I created an illustration in Photoshop (CS2). I worked in RBG. I'm transmitting it to a printer who requires that I send it as a PDF.
I make a copy of the original .psd file. I embed the fonts (rasterize text). I flatten the file. I do a Save As to save it as a PDF.
When I do the Save As, I embed color profile sRBG IEC61966-2.1.
Now I have to mark all the PDF settings in a series of display windows: General, Compression, Output, Security.
The one I'm having doubts about is the third group: the Output (Color) settings.
Here's my question:
Having embedded the RBG profile (sRBG IEC61966-2.1) in my PDF file, if I choose "No Conversion" and "Include Destination Profile," can I be sure that the printer will print my illustration using the embedded color profile sRBG IEC61966-2.1?
I thought it might be helpful to show all the Photoshop display windows in the above sequence, so I've also posted this question here:
http://markarmstrongillustration.wordpress.com/514-2/
Would sincerely appreciate your feedback-- many thanks.

Answer 1

Hi again Scott,
Thanks again for your very helpful feedback. Let me try to sum up what else I've learned, and to try to put the situation in perspective.
I did cover art for a guy who's self-publishing thru Createspace, which is a print-on-demand subsidiary of Amazon. I'm currently awaiting a proof to see how the colors turned out.
I work in Photoshp. Createspace requires cover art files to be submitted in PDF format. You can work in either RGB or CMYK, they say-- doesn't matter.
When I save my file (in Photoshop) as a Photoshop PDF, I can embed the color profile I used. In my case, that was sRGB IEC61966-2.1. And I did embed that profile. I also have to enter Output (Color) settings for the PDF. I went with "No Conversion" (i.e., stick with sRGB IEC61966-2.1) and "Include Destination Profile" (which I thought-hoped would be my embedded profile, again, sRGB IEC61966-2.1).
But I wasn't sure-- I have very limited experience submitting PDF files for print-- so I posted my question here. I also posted it to the Createspace Community Forum, and I also sent it to Createspace Tech Support.
The response I got in the CS Forum was very helpful-- FYI here it is:
"I participated in some of those discussion where no one seemed to agree on a correct answer -- and decided to try to find one (at least, for me and my projects).  To that end, I designed a color reference sample booklet, dropped in color swatches working in RGB and CMYK, printed/distilled the pages to PDF using every reasonable combination of settings I could think of, and over the past couple of months have ordered proofs of each and compared the resulting colors to the colors in a commercial printer's 4-color process guide.  When working in RGB, I got the most accurate color by selecting the "Convert to sRGB IEC61966-2.1" option and embedding the sRGB ICC color profile data.  Obviously, I can't say if that's the right answer for someone else, but it was in my case."
And here's the not-so-helpful response I got from CS Support:
"We accept files in both the RGB and CMYK color spaces. We recommend maintaining all original artwork in Adobe RGB, which allows for the best possible conversion to our digital, CMYK printers.
I apologize that I am unable to offer specific information regarding which color space to use during file creation. We will accept either Adobe RGB or sRGB submissions - we do not recommend one over the other. Any images may be tagged with your choice of CMYK or RGB profiles or left untagged in a generic color space and as such, you are welcome to create your PDF files through any program or method you like.
It is because of the numerous programs and methods available that we are unable to give technical assistance with PDF creation.
I understand your desire to ensure accurate color reproduction; unfortunately, color management for books is not something that we offer at this time.
As you are required to order a proof before making a title available for sale, you will have the opportunity to review a physical copy to ensure you are satisfied with the color. After reviewing the proof copy, you may make adjustments to your files if necessary."
I also googled "color profiles" and "printing" and came across this statement:
"Many printers now prefer digital art files be supplied in the RGB color space with ICC profiles attached. Images can then be converted to the CMYK color space by the printer using color management methods that honor profiles if present; this helps preserve the best possible detail and vibrancy."
And I also found a very credible site (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/adobe-rgb.htm) which said that Adobe RGB (1998) is, essentially, only used by niche photographers, and which recommended sRGB IEC61966-2.1 as the "universally accepted" RGB color profile. 
Anyway--
Based on all the above, including your own feedback, I think I made the right choices-guesses for my PDF, at least for one being sent to Createspace: embed sRGB IEC61966-2.1, and specify "No Conversion" and "Include Destination Profile." At any rate, I'll get to see how closely the colors match when I finally see the proof.
Probably more than you wanted to know. Oh, well...