Digital BW, The Print

On 9/19/06, CDTobie@... <CDTobie@...> wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 9/19/06 2:54:16 PM, gudstrand.list@... writes:
>
>
> > Are you saying that the HP cannot print black and white with variable
> > toning? I thought that the use of the colored inks with B&W was the
> default
> > in the HP print driver. Have you used the HP?
> >
> No but I hope to work with them next week at Photokina. Their own
> description
> is that the B&W mode uses only black and gray inks. The experience of
> those
> on this list is that such prints tend to be 'carbon tinted' not neutral,
> and
> that the exact tint varies with the media in question. Thats what using
> bits of
> color ink along with blacks and grays is all about...
>
>
The HP does use colored ink depending on what is selected in the driver.
Either way all the reports I have seen have indicated that the prints from
the HP are very neutral.  I understand that the reviewers are subject to
bias like everyone but they are the only ones (at this time) basing their
opinions on experience, experience with the printer and its output that is.
I may have read something into your posts that was not there but it seems to
me that you have not made it very clear that you are basing your comments on
nothing more than speculation.

I have posted a couple of reviews, others have posted additional reviews.
You seem to have a reputation on this list and your words can and do
influence opinions.  I think it is only fair if you are going to continue to
spread FUD that you make it clear that your speculation is not based on any
experience with the printer, nor on a clear understanding of the operation
of the printer.  If there is an issue with the current reviews I would love
to hear your comments about their shortcomings or at least address the
critical parts of the reviews that you find deficient.

HP's description about the B&W clearly states that the printer can use
either black and gray inks or a composite of inks when printing grayscale.
To eliminate the redness inherent in carbon inks HP has added blue to the
carbon black.  While other carbon ink sets may suffer from a tint issue it
is clear that HP has taken steps to correct it.  You may disagree with the
reviewers and/or the HP documentation about the effectiveness but you really
cannot claim that there is an issue unless you have some information to
counter what is currently available.

I am basing my comments on the printer user manual which can be found here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?product=1142684&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us

And Neil Snapes review here :

http://www.neilsnape.com/HP9180_review.htm

Again, I would love to look at the documentation to which you have based
your comments.   This printer is new and information regarding its
performance is just starting to trickle out, any information that can help
with a purchase decision would be welcome.  Again, I am no expert and
welcome a discourse.  If I have misunderstood what I have read, either
reviews or specifications or your comments I would more than welcome
enlightenment.

-- 
-Gary


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