HPLIP

Text output is mid-gray instead of black in high-quality mode

Asked by Randolf

OpenSuSE 10.2
HP Photosmart C7280
hplip-2.8.5
Inks which came with the printer.

Hello,

I'd like to print my 200-pages text in HQ in order to get sharp edges when printing small text. While the text output is black in "normal" mode and in "photo" mode, it is only low-contrast mid-gray in "high-quality" mode. So, in principle, I could use photo mode, but this would take ages to print a text and duplex printing is also not possible here...

When copying the mid-gray "HQ" output, the copy is dark gray with sharp edges, so better than the original.

I did not manage to get the text in black by changing brightness and/or gamma. Setting brightness to something like 50% leads to a dark gray background (instead of white) with darker gray text.

Where is the magic button to get HQ text...?

Thanks a lot.

The output of hp-info and hp-toolbox follows:

==========================================
hp-info
===========================================

HP Linux Imaging and Printing System (ver. 2.8.5)
Device Information Utility ver. 4.1

Copyright (c) 2001-8 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP
This software comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.
This is free software, and you are welcome to distribute it
under certain conditions. See COPYING file for more details.

Using device: hp:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11

hp:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11

Device Parameters (dynamic data):
  Parameter Value(s)
  ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
  agent1-ack False
  agent1-desc Black ink cartridge
  agent1-dvc 0
  agent1-health 0
  agent1-health-desc Good/OK
  agent1-hp-ink False
  agent1-id 0
  agent1-kind 2
  agent1-known False
  agent1-level 82
  agent1-level-trigger 0
  agent1-sku 363
  agent1-type 1
  agent1-virgin False
  agent2-ack False
  agent2-desc Cyan ink cartridge
  agent2-dvc 0
  agent2-health 0
  agent2-health-desc Good/OK
  agent2-hp-ink False
  agent2-id 0
  agent2-kind 2
  agent2-known False
  agent2-level 100
  agent2-level-trigger 0
  agent2-sku 363
  agent2-type 4
  agent2-virgin False
  agent3-ack False
  agent3-desc Magenta ink cartridge
  agent3-dvc 0
  agent3-health 0
  agent3-health-desc Good/OK
  agent3-hp-ink False
  agent3-id 0
  agent3-kind 2
  agent3-known False
  agent3-level 100
  agent3-level-trigger 0
  agent3-sku 363
  agent3-type 5
  agent3-virgin False
  agent4-ack False
  agent4-desc Yellow ink cartridge
  agent4-dvc 0
  agent4-health 0
  agent4-health-desc Good/OK
  agent4-hp-ink False
  agent4-id 0
  agent4-kind 2
  agent4-known False
  agent4-level 100
  agent4-level-trigger 0
  agent4-sku 363
  agent4-type 6
  agent4-virgin False
  agent5-ack False
  agent5-desc Photo cyan ink cartridge
  agent5-dvc 0
  agent5-health 0
  agent5-health-desc Good/OK
  agent5-hp-ink False
  agent5-id 0
  agent5-kind 2
  agent5-known False
  agent5-level 100
  agent5-level-trigger 0
  agent5-sku 363
  agent5-type 7
  agent5-virgin False
  agent6-ack False
  agent6-desc Photo magenta ink cartridge
  agent6-dvc 0
  agent6-health 0
  agent6-health-desc Good/OK
  agent6-hp-ink False
  agent6-id 0
  agent6-kind 2
  agent6-known False
  agent6-level 100
  agent6-level-trigger 0
  agent6-sku 363
  agent6-type 8
  agent6-virgin False
  back-end hp
  cups-printer Photosmart_C7200
  cups-uri hp:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
  dev-file
  device-state 1
  device-uri hp:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
  deviceid MFG:HP;MDL:Photosmart C7200
                                series;CMD:MLC,PCL,PML,DW-PCL,DESKJET,DYN;1284.4DL:4d,4e,1
                                ;CLS:PRINTER;DES:CC567;SN:MY7C7H407Z04YG;S:038088C48400102
                                10078cb0000041b8005246b8006447b8006444b8006448b8006445b800
                                64;Z:0102,05000009016a81013241013241013241013241013241,060
                                0,070000000000000000000000000000,0b000000000000000097de97f
                                2000097d997f2000097db97f2000097dc97f2000097da97f2000097dc9
                                7f2,0c0;
  duplexer 1
  error-state 0
  fax-uri hpfax:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
  host 192.168.0.11
  in-tray1 True
  in-tray2 False
  is-hp True
  media-path 3
  panel 0
  panel-line1
  panel-line2
  photo-tray 1
  port 1
  r 2
  revision 3
  rg 000
  rr 000002
  rs 000000002
  scan-uri hpaio:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
  serial MY7C7H407Z04YG
  status-code 1000
  status-desc Idle.
  supply-door 0
  top-door 1

Model Parameters (static data):
  Parameter Value(s)
  ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
  align-type 1
  clean-type 1
  color-cal-type 4
  copy-type 3
  embedded-server-type 1
  fax-type 1
  fw-download 0
  icon Photosmart_3300_series.png
  io-mfp-mode 3
  io-mode 1
  io-support 6
  job-storage 0
  linefeed-cal-type 0
  model Photosmart_C7200_series
  model-ui HP Photosmart c7200 series
  model1 Photosmart C7250 All-in-One
  model2 Photosmart C7280 All-in-One
  model3 Photosmart C7283 All-in-One
  panel-check-type 1
  pcard-type 2
  plugin 0
  plugin-library
  power-settings 0
  pq-diag-type 0
  r-type 1
  r0-agent1-kind 2
  r0-agent1-sku 2
  r0-agent1-type 1
  r0-agent2-kind 2
  r0-agent2-sku 2
  r0-agent2-type 4
  r0-agent3-kind 2
  r0-agent3-sku 2
  r0-agent3-type 5
  r0-agent4-kind 2
  r0-agent4-sku 2
  r0-agent4-type 6
  r0-agent5-kind 2
  r0-agent5-sku 2
  r0-agent5-type 7
  r0-agent6-kind 2
  r0-agent6-sku 2
  r0-agent6-type 8
  r1-agent1-kind 2
  r1-agent1-sku 2
  r1-agent1-type 1
  r1-agent2-kind 2
  r1-agent2-sku 2
  r1-agent2-type 4
  r1-agent3-kind 2
  r1-agent3-sku 2
  r1-agent3-type 5
  r1-agent4-kind 2
  r1-agent4-sku 2
  r1-agent4-type 6
  r1-agent5-kind 2
  r1-agent5-sku 2
  r1-agent5-type 7
  r1-agent6-kind 2
  r1-agent6-sku 2
  r1-agent6-type 8
  r2-agent1-kind 2
  r2-agent1-sku 363
  r2-agent1-type 1
  r2-agent2-kind 2
  r2-agent2-sku 363
  r2-agent2-type 4
  r2-agent3-kind 2
  r2-agent3-sku 363
  r2-agent3-type 5
  r2-agent4-kind 2
  r2-agent4-sku 363
  r2-agent4-type 6
  r2-agent5-kind 2
  r2-agent5-sku 363
  r2-agent5-type 7
  r2-agent6-kind 2
  r2-agent6-sku 363
  r2-agent6-type 8
  r4-agent1-kind 2
  r4-agent1-sku 177
  r4-agent1-type 1
  r4-agent2-kind 2
  r4-agent2-sku 177
  r4-agent2-type 4
  r4-agent3-kind 2
  r4-agent3-sku 177
  r4-agent3-type 5
  r4-agent4-kind 2
  r4-agent4-sku 177
  r4-agent4-type 6
  r4-agent5-kind 2
  r4-agent5-sku 177
  r4-agent5-type 7
  r4-agent6-kind 2
  r4-agent6-sku 177
  r4-agent6-type 8
  r8-agent1-kind 2
  r8-agent1-sku 801
  r8-agent1-type 1
  r8-agent2-kind 2
  r8-agent2-sku 801
  r8-agent2-type 4
  r8-agent3-kind 2
  r8-agent3-sku 801
  r8-agent3-type 5
  r8-agent4-kind 2
  r8-agent4-sku 801
  r8-agent4-type 6
  r8-agent5-kind 2
  r8-agent5-sku 801
  r8-agent5-type 7
  r8-agent6-kind 2
  r8-agent6-sku 801
  r8-agent6-type 8
  scan-style 1
  scan-type 1
  status-battery-check 0
  status-dynamic-counters 1
  status-type 2
  support-released 1
  support-type 2
  support-ver 2.7.9
  tech-class DJGenericVIP
  tech-type 2
  usb-pid 6511
  usb-vid 03f0

Status History (most recent first):
  Date/Time Code Status Description User Job ID
  -------------------- ----- ---------------------------------------- -------- --------
[................]
Done.

=====================================
hp-check
=====================================

hp-check[13921]: info: :
Initializing. Please wait...
SUSE LINUX

10.2

scheduler is running

1.2.7

Linux tantal 2.6.22.6-default #2 SMP Tue Sep 4 16:10:21 CEST 2007 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux

hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| SYSTEM INFO |
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Basic system information:
hp-check[13921]: info: :Linux tantal 2.6.22.6-default #2 SMP Tue Sep 4 16:10:21 CEST 2007 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux

hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Distribution:
hp-check[13921]: info: :suse 10.2
hp-check[13921]: info: :
HPOJ running?
hp-check[13921]: info: :No, HPOJ is not running (OK).
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking Python version...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, version 2.5.0 installed
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking PyQt version...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, version 3.14 installed.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking SIP version...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, Version 4.2.1 installed
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for CUPS...
hp-check[13921]: info: :Status: scheduler is running
hp-check[13921]: info: :Version: 1.2.7
warning: /etc/cups/cupsd.conf file not found or not accessible.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dbus/python-dbus...
hp-check[13921]: info: :dbus daemon is running.
hp-check[13921]: info: :python-dbus version: 0.80.1
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :------------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| COMPILE AND RUNTIME DEPENDENCIES |
hp-check[13921]: info: :------------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
note: To check for compile-time only dependencies, re-run hp-check with the -c parameter (ie, hp-check -c).
note: To check for run-time only dependencies, re-run hp-check with the -r parameter (ie, hp-check -r).
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: cups - Common Unix Printing System...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: cups-ddk - CUPS driver development kit...
warning: NOT FOUND! This is an OPTIONAL/RUNTIME ONLY dependency. Some HPLIP functionality may not function properly.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: cups-devel- Common Unix Printing System development files...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: dbus - Message bus system...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: gcc - GNU Project C and C++ Compiler...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: GhostScript - PostScript and PDF language interpreter and previewer...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libcrypto - OpenSSL cryptographic library...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libjpeg - JPEG library...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libnetsnmp-devel - SNMP networking library development files...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libpthread - POSIX threads library...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libtool - Library building support services...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: libusb - USB library...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: make - GNU make utility to maintain groups of programs...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: PIL - Python Imaging Library (required for commandline scanning with hp-scan)...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: ppdev - Parallel port support kernel module....
error: NOT FOUND! This is a REQUIRED/RUNTIME ONLY dependency. Please make sure that this dependency is installed before installing or running HPLIP.
hp-check[13921]: info: :To install this dependency, execute this command:
hp-check[13921]: info: :su -c "modprobe ppdev"
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: PyQt - Qt interface for Python...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: python-ctypes - A foreign function library for Python...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: python-dbus - Python bindings for dbus...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: python-devel - Python development files...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: Python 2.3 or greater - Required for fax functionality...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: Python 2.2 or greater - Python programming language...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: Reportlab - PDF library for Python...
warning: NOT FOUND! This is an OPTIONAL/RUNTIME ONLY dependency. Some HPLIP functionality may not function properly.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: SANE - Scanning library...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: SANE - Scanning library development files...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: scanimage - Shell scanning program...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for dependency: xsane - Graphical scanner frontend for SANE...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :----------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| HPLIP INSTALLATION |
hp-check[13921]: info: :----------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Currently installed HPLIP version...
hp-check[13921]: info: :HPLIP 2.8.5 currently installed in '/usr/local/share/hplip'.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Current contents of '/etc/hp/hplip.conf' file:
hp-check[13921]: info: :# hplip.conf. Generated from hplip.conf.in by configure.

[hpssd]
# Note: hpssd does not support dynamic ports
# Port 2207 is the IANA assigned port for hpssd
port=2207

[hplip]
version=2.8.5

[dirs]
home=/usr/local/share/hplip
run=/var/run
ppd=/usr/local/share/ppd/HP
ppdbase=/usr/local/share/ppd
doc=/usr/local/share/doc/hplip-2.8.5
icon=/usr/share/applications
cupsbackend=/usr/lib/cups/backend
cupsfilter=/usr/lib/cups/filter
drv=/usr/local/share/cups/drv/hp

# Following values are determined at configure time and cannot be changed.
[configure]
network-build=yes
pp-build=yes
gui-build=yes
scanner-build=yes
fax-build=yes
dbus-build=yes
cups11-build=no
doc-build=yes
shadow-build=no
foomatic-drv-install=yes
foomatic-ppd-install=no
foomatic-rip-hplip-install=yes
internal-tag=2.8.5.23

hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :-------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| DISCOVERED PARALLEL DEVICES |
hp-check[13921]: info: :-------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :No devices found.
error: 'ppdev' kernel module not loaded.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :--------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| DISCOVERED USB DEVICES |
hp-check[13921]: info: :--------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :No devices found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| INSTALLED CUPS PRINTER QUEUES |
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Photosmart_C7200
hp-check[13921]: info: :----------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :Type: Printer
hp-check[13921]: info: :Installed in HPLIP?: Yes, using the hp: CUPS backend.
hp-check[13921]: info: :Device URI: hp:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
hp-check[13921]: info: :PPD: /etc/cups/ppd/Photosmart_C7200.ppd
hp-check[13921]: info: :PPD Description: HP PhotoSmart 7260 Foomatic/hpijs, hpijs 2.8.5.23
hp-check[13921]: info: :Printer status: printer Photosmart_C7200 is idle. enabled since Sun 25 May 2008 07:17:45 PM CEST

hp-check[13921]: info: :Communication status: Good
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Photosmart_C7200_fax
hp-check[13921]: info: :--------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :Type: Fax
hp-check[13921]: info: :Installed in HPLIP?: Yes, using the hpfax: CUPS backend.
hp-check[13921]: info: :Device URI: hpfax:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11
hp-check[13921]: info: :PPD: /etc/cups/ppd/Photosmart_C7200_fax.ppd
hp-check[13921]: info: :PPD Description: HP Fax
hp-check[13921]: info: :Printer status: printer Photosmart_C7200_fax is idle. enabled since Sun 25 May 2008 06:48:20 PM CEST

hp-check[13921]: info: :Communication status: Good
hp-check[13921]: info: :
[.........entries of other printers removed.....................]
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :----------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| SANE CONFIGURATION |
hp-check[13921]: info: :----------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :'hpaio' in '/etc/sane.d/dll.conf'...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found. SANE backend 'hpaio' is properly set up.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking output of 'scanimage -L'...
hp-check[13921]: info: :device `hpaio:/net/Photosmart_C7200_series?ip=192.168.0.11' is a Hewlett-Packard Photosmart_C7200_series all-in-one

hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| PYTHON EXTENSIONS |
hp-check[13921]: info: :---------------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking 'cupsext' CUPS extension...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking 'pcardext' Photocard extension...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking 'hpmudext' I/O extension...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking 'scanext' SANE scanning extension...
hp-check[13921]: info: :OK, found.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :-----------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| USB I/O SETUP |
hp-check[13921]: info: :-----------------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Checking for permissions of USB attached printers...
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :-----------
hp-check[13921]: info: :| SUMMARY |
hp-check[13921]: info: :-----------
hp-check[13921]: info: :
error: 5 errors and/or warnings.
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Summary of needed commands to run to satisfy missing dependencies:
hp-check[13921]: info: :su -c "modprobe ppdev"
hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Please refer to the installation instructions at:
hp-check[13921]: info: :http://hplip.sourceforge.net/install/index.html

hp-check[13921]: info: :
hp-check[13921]: info: :Done.

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Solved
For:
HPLIP Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Randolf (randolf-butzbach) said : 		#1

Seems that the mid-gray output is rather related to double sided printing than the quality level. I.e. text gets mid-gray when duplex printing is enabled.

Revision history for this message
Aaron Albright (albrigha-deactivatedaccount) said : 		#2

This is actually by design when using the duplexor the print is a little lighter. You can use do the manual duplex process, print odd pages, turn over the paper, print even pages which will print in the darker black.

This is primarily to allow the ink to dry correctly before printing on the other side of the paper.

Hope this helps.

Aaron

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#3

Oops!
From my point of view this is a bug in the design.

Together with
https://bugs.launchpad.net/hplip/+bug/173857
I think there should be no automated change of the printout
in duplex mode at all.
I would expect to get exactly the same output in duplex mode,
just now on both sides of the paper.

Of course it is my problem if I try to print two images
with solid colors in dulpex mode on a lightweight paper.

Instead of an obscure unexpected automatism to print less ink
in duplex mode, there could be a ink-amount/density option
in the PPD file together with appropriate PPD constraints
for mutual exclusion of high-density together with dulpex
or - perhaps even better - a variable duplex dry-time setting
in the driver which depends on the current ink-amount/density
which is used by the driver.

What do you think?

Revision history for this message
Randolf (randolf-butzbach) said : 		#4

Thanks Johannes, also for reminding on the other annoying bug...

But I don't want my printer to dictate me, what I am allowed to do and what not.

I have opt for the C7280 because of the duplexer: I don't want to have this mess with turning around the paper (with all it's possible errors in direction and order).

I think an option "duplex fast"/"duplex normal" would do the trick. But frankly speaking, I don't think that this is necessary: If I want to get it fast, I can always use "draft" -- the output quality not that different from what the current duplex mode produces, but *much* faster.

So, I want to get the output in duplex mode exactly as in single sided mode, just on two sides, just as if I would have turned around the paper manually. And this shall be also possible in 1200 dpi mode...

If I'm using an inappropriate paper or if I'm impatient to wait for the ink to dry, or whatever, fine, this is my fault.

Revision history for this message
Raghothama Cauligi (raghothama-cauligi) said : 		#5

Well... 1200 dpi printing is meant for printing high quality images on PHOTO PAPER.
Depositing black ink at this level will cause it to pool. If you attempt to print
on plain paper at this level, it will cause the paper to wrinkle. Auto-duplexing
this will severely gum up the mech. Hence, auto-duplexing is not supported in this
printmode. As to additional dry time, we are planning to add that feature with the
next release.
It is not that the printer dictates what you are allowed to do, it is that the
printer does what it is capable of doing.
Raghu

-----Original Message-----
From: <email address hidden> [mailto:<email address hidden>] On Behalf Of Randolf
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 3:26 AM
To: Cauligi, Raghothama S
Subject: Re: [Question #34234]: Text output is mid-gray instead of black in high-quality mode

Question #34234 on HPLIP changed:
https://answers.launchpad.net/hplip/+question/34234

    Status: Answered => Open

Randolf is still having a problem:
Thanks Johannes, also for reminding on the other annoying bug...

But I don't want my printer to dictate me, what I am allowed to do and what not.

I have opt for the C7280 because of the duplexer: I don't want to have this mess with turning around the paper (with all it's possible errors in direction and order).

I think an option "duplex fast"/"duplex normal" would do the trick. But frankly speaking, I don't think that this is necessary: If I want to get it fast, I can always use "draft" -- the output quality not that different from what the current duplex mode produces, but *much* faster.

So, I want to get the output in duplex mode exactly as in single sided mode, just on two sides, just as if I would have turned around the paper manually. And this shall be also possible in 1200 dpi mode...

If I'm using an inappropriate paper or if I'm impatient to wait for the ink to dry, or whatever, fine, this is my fault.

You received this question notification because you are a member of HP Linux Imaging and Printing, which is an answer contact for HPLIP.

Revision history for this message
Randolf (randolf-butzbach) said : 		#6

This would be great!

Regarding the 1200 dpi: I found that the output of text in 1200 dpi even on plain paper is considerably better than in 600 dpi: According to my observation, the edges of text are much sharper (and not as smeared out) than in 600 dpi, full ink mode. This is a big advantage for readability when printing two pages on one sheet. Also the paper didn't really wrinkle when printing text only. Therefore my request. When printing duplex with the reduced amount of ink, I found the edges also sufficiently sharp (but there, the readability is reduced due to the low contrast).

To summarize, I would like to have duplex printing with two pages per sheet (side) and sufficiently sharp edges and contrast to ensure readability of long texts in a handy format, w/o margins cut.

Looking forward for the next release!

Thanks a lot.

        R.

Revision history for this message
Randolf (randolf-butzbach) said : 		#7

Thanks Raghothama Cauligi, that solved my question.

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#8

Cauligi,
you wrote "auto-duplexing is not supported in this printmode"
but as far as I see in ppd/hp-photosmart_7200_series-hpijs.ppd
in the HPLIP 2.8.5 sources there are no UIConstraints in the PPD
at all so that there is still a bug there.

Whenever some kind of settings cannot work together
e.g. for the hp-photosmart_7200_series-hpijs.ppd
- PrintoutMode=Photo with Duplex=DuplexNoTumble
- PrintoutMode=Photo with Duplex=DuplexTumble
- Quality=1200PhotoCMYK with Duplex=DuplexNoTumble
- Quality=1200PhotoCMYK with Duplex=DuplexTumble
- Quality=1200PhotoCMYKFullBleed with Duplex=DuplexNoTumble
- Quality=1200PhotoCMYKFullBleed with Duplex=DuplexTumble
then appropriate constraints must be specified in the PPD
so that the uers printing interface can show impossible
settings to the user before a wrong printout happens.

At least I would not like it when I can select nonsense options
and the driver does internally some obscure magic to make
a printout nevertheless but the printout is not what I expected
because the driver changed some settings internally.

At least I prefer to be informed if I did something wrong
instead of let the software do something else silently.

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#9

I changed the status because I "need information".

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#10

Perhaps the "open" status is the right one when
I like to get information from the HPLIP team...

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#11

I filed a bug report
https://bugs.launchpad.net/hplip/+bug/237342
because there are no UIConstraints at all in hpijs PPDs
so that this open question can be closed.

Revision history for this message
Johannes Meixner (jsmeix) said : 		#12

.

Revision history for this message
Aaron Albright (albrigha-deactivatedaccount) said : 		#13

Thanks Johannes. I'll be going through all the open bugs ASAP. Things have been pretty hectic and I know there are lots to catch up on.

Sorry for the delay.

Aaron