#Best Printer
9 messages in this thread
I'm currently trying to determine the best solution to high volume color
printing. Do you have a favorite color output device which can print on a
variety of papers? If I could afford an IRIS printer I would snap one up but
funds are an issue. I need photographic quality that equals a Fiery/Canon
setup. I need 8.5" x 11" but 11" x 17" would be a plus. I'd go with a dye sub
solution like the Tektronix Phaser 480 but I don't believe that it will allow
any alternate bond papers. The Tektronix Phaser 340 looks too dithered and
won't pass muster when compared to the Fiery. I'm interested in your opinions,
maybe you have a printer, or maybe your local service bureau has something
worth looking at. Thanks for any responses.
– Bob Ritger
Bob,
Seen the latest PC mag? (Nov. 7 issue) More than anyone ever could possibly
have wanted to know about printers…
They also liked the Tektronix 480X, but you're right, it needs special paper.
SCL
Steve:
Yep, I checked out that special issue but I think it fell just short of what
I'm after. You are right the Tek's got high marks.
– Bob Ritger
Bob:
Kevin Krell should have some very good thoughts on the subject, though we all
know how partial he is to Tektronix. You also might try emailing Ana (since I
haven't seen here around here since the great NT-Wars of '95), as she and Jesus
have mucho experience in that area!
Dave
Hey, I only like the Tek printers because they perform! It's a dealer's dream.
Good technology, good quality, good support.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Dave:
You are right I should drop Ana a line. Wonder what she's up to.
– Bob Ritger
Bob,
The Tektronix 540 plus color laser is probably your best bet for
printing on a variety of quality laser papers. The 340 output can actually be
very nice. Not sure if you only saw one of the samples Tektronix sends out –
unfortunately they don't seem to know the best setting to use, and their
samples are crappy. If in So. Cal, we could fix you up with a least a decent
print to evaluate. The only thing larger with a wide variety of papers is the
Tek 300i, even prints on sandpaper. Output is stochastic dithered – pretty
good, but probably not suitable for you. The dye sub printers print on
polyester media, not paper.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin:
>> The 340 output can actually be very nice. <<
Its not bad at a 2' distance but up close the dithering is prominent. I have
two samples from my own scanned photos and one TEK sample with the colored
baseballs. All show the dithering. Do you think the 540 will show a marked
improvement over the 340?
>> The dye sub printers print on polyester media, not paper. <<
Just think of all those polyesters that have to die to make this stuff <G>.
– Bob Ritger
Bob,
The Tek 540 *is* a continuous-tone color laser printer, but don't expect
the same output as the dye-sub. The printer driver and application do need to
be set properly (and right color-correction setting) for best output. Note,
however, that the Tek 340 probably outsells the 540 by 30:1 – it's a better
choice for most businesses. Neither printer is best for the high-end graphics
arts user.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates