Epson STYLUS PRO 4900 DATASHEET

User's Guide

NPD4275-01 EN

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Copyrights and Trademarks

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The information contained herein is designed only for use with this Epson printer. Epson is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.

Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.

Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables other than those designated as Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

EPSON

, EPSON STYLUS®, Epson UltraChrome® and SpectroProofer® are registered trademarks, and EPSON EXCEED YOUR VISION or EXCEED

YOUR VISION is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Microsoft

Apple

Intel

PowerPC

Adobe

General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

, Windows®, and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

, Macintosh®, Mac OS, and OS X are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

, Photoshop®, Elements®, Lightroom®, and Adobe® RGB are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Contents

Copyrights and Trademarks

Introduction

Important Safety Instructions................. 6

When choosing a place for this product. . . . . . . . 6

When setting up this product............... 6

When using this product................... 6

When handling the ink cartridges............ 7

Warnings, Cautions, Notes and Tips.......... 7

Printer Parts.............................. 8

Front section........................... 8

Rear/Spindle. . . . . ...................... 11

Control panel.......................... 13

Screen View........................... 14

Printer Features.......................... 17

Realizing High Resolution................. 17

Realizing High Productivity................ 18

Superior Ease of Use..................... 18

Notes on Usage and Storage.................. 19

Installation space....................... 19

Notes when using the printer............... 19

Notes when not using the printer............ 20

Notes on handling ink cartridges............ 20

Notes on handling paper.................. 21

Introducing the Supplied Software............. 23

Contents of the Software Disc.............. 23

Summary of the Printer Driver............. 25

Basic Operations

Loading and Removing the Roll Paper.......... 26

Printing and Reading Roll Paper Information

.................................... 26

Setting Auto Roll Paper Feeding............ 27

Loading Roll Paper...................... 27

Cutting the roll paper.................... 31

Removing the roll paper.................. 32

Loading Cut Sheets........................ 34

Loading the Paper Cassette................ 35

Loading Manually from the Rear............ 39

Loading and Ejecting Thick Paper........... 40

Basic Printing Methods(Windows)............ 43

Basic Printing Methods(Mac OS X)............ 44

Printable area............................ 46

Roll Paper Printable Area................. 46

Cut Sheets Printable Area................. 46

Changing the Type of Black Ink............... 47

Turning Off the Power Using Power

Management............................. 49

Canceling Printing........................ 50

Using the Printer Driver(Windows)

Displaying the Settings Screen................ 51

From the Printer icon.................... 51

Displaying Help.......................... 52

Click the Help Button to Display............ 52

Right-click on the item you want to check and

display............................... 52

Customizing the Printer Driver............... 53

Saving various settings as your Select Settings

.................................... 53

Saving media settings.................... 53

Rearranging display items................. 54

Summary of the Utility Tab.................. 55

Uninstalling the printer driver................ 56

Using the Printer Driver(Mac OS X)

Displaying the Settings Screen................ 58

Displaying Help.......................... 58

Using Epson Printer Utility 4................. 58

Starting Epson Printer Utility 4............. 58

Epson Printer Utility 4 Functions............ 58

Uninstalling the printer driver................ 59

Removing EPSON LFP Remote Panel 2....... 60

Printing Varieties

Auto Correct Color and Print Photos

(PhotoEnhance).......................... 61

Correct color and print..................... 62

Printing Black and White Photos.............. 65

Borderless printing........................ 68

Types of Borderless Printing Methods. . . . . . . . 68

Supported Media Sizes for Borderless Printing

.................................... 69

About Roll Paper Cutting................. 70

Setting Procedures for Printing............. 71

Enlarged/Reduced Printing.................. 73

Fit to Page/Scale to fit paper size............ 73

Fit to Roll Paper Width(Windows only)....... 74

Custom Scale Setting..................... 75

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Contents

Multi-Page Printing....................... 76

Manual Double-Sided Printing(Windows only)

...................................... 78

Cautions when Performing Double-Sided

Printing.............................. 78

Setting Procedures for Printing............. 78

Poster Printing (Enlarge to cover several sheets

and print - Windows only).................. 79

Setting Procedures for Printing............. 80

Joining the output paper together........... 81

Printing on custom paper................... 83

Banner printing (on roll paper)............... 86

Layout Manager(Windows only).............. 89

Setting Procedures for Printing............. 90

Saving and Calling Layout Manager Settings. . . . 91

Color Management Printing

About Color Management................... 92

Color Management Print Settings............. 92

Setting profiles......................... 93

Setting color management with the application. . . . 93

Setting color management with the printer driver

...................................... 94

Color management printing by Host ICM

(Windows)............................ 94

Color management printing by ColorSync

(Mac OS X)............................ 95

Color management printing by Driver

ICM(Windows only)..................... 96

Using the Control Panel Menu

Menu Operations......................... 99

Menu List.............................. 101

Details of the Menu....................... 103

Printer Setup menu..................... 103

Test Print menu....................... 105

Maintenance menu..................... 105

Printer Status menu..................... 106

Paper Setup menu...................... 106

Head Alignment menu.................. 110

Network Setup menu.................... 111

SpectroProofer menu................... 111

Ink Menu Table......................... 112

Maintenance

Adjusting the Print Head................... 113

Checking for clogged nozzles.............. 113

Cleaning the print head.................. 115

Correcting Print Misalignment (Print Head

Alignment)........................... 117

Replacing Consumables.................... 120

Replacing Ink Cartridges................. 120

Replacing Maintenance Box 1 and 2......... 121

Replacing the Cutter.................... 124

Cleaning the Printer...................... 127

Cleaning the outside.................... 127

Cleaning the inside..................... 127

Problem Solver

When an Error Message is Displayed.......... 129

When a Maintenance Call/Service Call Occurs

................................... 137

Troubleshooting......................... 138

You cannot print (because the printer does not

work)............................... 138

The printer sounds like it is printing, but

nothing prints......................... 141

The prints are not what you expected. . . . . . . . 142

Feeding or ejecting problems.............. 146

Others.............................. 149

Appendix

Options and Consumable Products........... 151

Supported Media......................... 153

Epson Special Media Table............... 153

Usable Commercially Available Paper Size. . . . 158

Before printing on non-Epson media........ 158

Maintenance Mode....................... 159

Starting and Ending Maintenance Mode. . . . . . 159

Maintenance Mode List.................. 160

Notes When Moving or Transporting the Printer

..................................... 162

Before Moving or Transporting............ 162

Notes on Transporting.................. 162

After Moving or Transporting............. 162

System Requirements..................... 163

Specifications Table....................... 163

Standards and Approvals................. 164

Where To Get Help

Technical Support Web Site................. 165

Contacting Epson Support.................. 165

Before Contacting Epson................. 165

Help for Users in North America........... 166

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Contents

Help for Users in Europe................. 166

Help for Users in Taiwan................. 166

Help for Users in Australia............... 167

Help for Users in Singapore............... 167

Help for Users in Thailand................ 168

Help for Users in Vietnam................ 168

Help for Users in Indonesia............... 168

Help for Users in Hong Kong.............. 169

Help for Users in Malaysia................ 169

Help for Users in India.................. 169

Help for Users in the Philippines........... 170

Software License Terms

Open Source Software Licenses.............. 171

Bonjour............................. 171

Other Software Licenses................... 176

Info-ZIP copyright and license............. 176

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

❏ Keep the entire computer system away from

potential sources of electromagnetic interference, such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless telephones.

Important Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions before using the printer. Also be sure to follow all warnings and instructions marked on the printer.

When choosing a place for this product

❏ Place this product on a flat, stable surface that is

larger than this product. This product will not operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.

❏ Avoid places subject to rapid changes in

temperature and humidity. Also keep it away from direct sunlight, strong light, or heat sources.

❏ Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.

❏ Keep this product away from dusty areas.

❏ Place this product near a wall outlet where the plug

can be easily unplugged.

When setting up this product

❏ Do not block or cover the openings in this product’s

cabinet.

❏ Do not insert objects through the slots. Take care

not to spill liquid on this product.

❏ This product’s power cord is for use with this

product only. Use with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock.

❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the

product’s label.

❏ Use only the power cord that comes with this

product. Use of another cord may result in fire or electric shock.

❏ Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.

❏ If you use an extension cord with this product,

make sure the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.

❏ Do not attempt to service this product yourself.

❏ Unplug this product and refer servicing to qualified

service personnel under the following conditions:

The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered the product; the product has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; the product does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance.

❏ If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe

the following:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this printer, the building installation must be protected by a 10 or 16 amp circuit breaker.

❏ If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or

consult a qualified electrician. If there are fuses in the plug, make sure you replace them with fuses of the correct size and rating.

❏ Connect all equipment to properly grounded

power outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as copiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off.

❏ Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches

or automatic timers.

When using this product

❏ Do not put your hand inside this product or touch

the ink cartridges while printing.

❏ Do not move the print head by hand; otherwise you

may damage this product.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

❏ Always turn the product off using the Power button

on the control panel. When this button is pressed, the Power light flashes briefly then goes off. Do not unplug the power cord or turn off the product until the Power light stops flashing.

When handling the ink cartridges

❏ Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and

do not drink.

❏ If ink gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and

water. If it gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water.

❏ Before installing the new ink cartridge in the

printer, shake it back and forth horizontally in five centimeter movements about 15 times within five seconds.

❏ Use the ink cartridge before the date printed on its

package.

Warnings, Cautions, Notes and Tips

Warning:

Caution:

Note:

Tip:

Warnings must be followed to avoid serious bodily injury.

Cautions must be followed to avoid damage to this product or bodily injury.

Notes contain important information on the operation of this product.

Tips contain useful or additional information on the operation of this product.

❏ Use up the ink cartridge within six months of

installation for best results.

❏ Do not dismantle the ink cartridges or try to refill

them. This could damage the print head.

❏ Do not touch the green IC chip on the side of the

cartridge. This may affect normal operation and printing.

❏ The IC chip on this ink cartridge retains a variety of

cartridge-related information, such as the ink cartridge status, so that the cartridge may be removed and reinserted freely.

❏ If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, protect

the ink supply area from dirt and dust, and store it in the same environment as this product. Note that there is a valve in the ink supply port, making covers or plugs unnecessary, but care is needed to prevent the ink from staining items that the cartridge touches. Do not touch the ink supply port or surrounding area.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Printer Parts

Front section

Introduction

A Front cover

Remove when replacing the built-in cutter or installing the optional SpectroProofer. Normally installed when using the printer.

B Cartridge cover (left)

Open when replacing ink cartridges. U “Replacing Ink Cartridges” on page 120

C Paper cassette

Load cut sheets from 8 to 17 inches wide. U “Loading the Paper Cassette” on page 35

D Output tray

Ejected paper is collected here. Extend according to the size of the paper being ejected.

E Maintenance Box 2

This box collects waste ink when printing beyond the edges of the paper for borderless printing.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

F Paper eject support

Support smooth ejection of the printed paper by raising the supports when printing on plain roll paper and when the optional SpectroProofer is installed. U “Loading roll paper” on page 29

G Front manual feeder

Feed paper into this slot when printing on cut sheets that are 0.8 mm thick or thicker. U “Loading and Ejecting

Thick Paper” on page 40

H Cartridge cover (right)

Open when replacing ink cartridges or Maintenance Box 1.

U “Replacing Ink Cartridges” on page 120

U “Replacing Maintenance Box 1” on page 121

I Maintenance Box 1

Container for collecting waste ink.

J Ink cartridges

Install ink cartridges on the left and right for a total of 11 colors. Ink cartridge order U “Screen View” on

page 14

K Print head

Fires ink via high density nozzles while moving left and right to print.

Do not move the print head by hand.

L Control panel

U “Control panel” on page 13

M Alert lamp

Lit or flashing when an error or warning occurs in the printer.

On : An error occurred. Check the contents of the error on the control panel's screen.

Flashing : An ink or paper low warning occurred. You can specify for which consumable this warning

should occur. The factory setting is Off (no warning). U “Maintenance Mode List” on

page 160

Off : No error.

N Printer cover

Open when loading thick paper, cleaning the inside of the printer, or removing jammed paper. Normally closed when using the printer.

O Rear manual feeder

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Manually feed paper into this slot when printing cut sheets one at a time. U “Loading Manually from the Rear” on

page 39

P Paper support

Raise this support when manually feeding paper to load the paper properly. Supports paper to prevent it from falling forward or backward.

Q Edge guide

Move left and right depending on the size of the paper that you want to load. This prevents paper being fed at a slant.

R Roll paper feeder

Paper feed slot for roll paper printing. U “Loading Roll Paper” on page 27

S Roll paper cover

Cover to protect the roll paper. Except when loading or removing roll paper, it should be closed when using the printer.

T Spindle holders

Hold the spindle loaded with roll paper on the left and the right.

U “Loading roll paper” on page 29

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Rear/Spindle

Introduction

A Rear unit

Remove if the paper jams, and then clear the jammed paper. Normally installed when using the printer.

B Roll paper holder unit connector

Always use with the cable connected.

C USB interface connector

Connects the USB cable.

D Airflow vents

Vents the air used to cool the inside of the printer.

E LAN connector

Connects the LAN cable.

F Status light (green and red)

The color indicates the network transmission speed.

Green : 10Base-T

Red : 100Base-TX

G Data light (orange)

The network connection status and data reception are indicated by a lit or flashing light.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

On : Connected.

Flashing : Receiving data.

H AC inlet

Connects the power cable.

I Movable flange (black)

Fixes the roll paper placed on the spindle. Remove and install when loading or removing roll paper on the spindle.

J Spindle

When you want to load roll paper into the printer, place the roll paper on the spindle.

K Attachment

Install when placing roll paper with a three inch paper core on the spindle.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Control panel

If pressed in the ready status, the Ink Menu is displayed on the screen, and you can clean the print head, perform a nozzle check, or switch the type of black ink. If pressed while printing is paused, you cannot switch the type of black ink. U “Ink Menu

Table” on page 112

l button (Paper Source button)

❏ If pressed in the ready status, or when no paper is

loaded, the Paper Type menu is displayed, and you can switch between roll paper and cut sheets, and check the paper loading method. When settings are changed, the screen icons change as shown below. You can also make the same settings from the printer driver. When printing from the printer driver, the printer driver settings are given priority regardless of the settings on the control panel.

: Prints on roll paper and cuts

automatically after printing each page.

: Prints on roll paper but does not cut

after printing.

P light (Power light)

The printer's operational status is indicated by a lit or flashing light.

On : The power is on.

Flashing : Receiving data or performing

processes such as turning off the power, head cleaning, auto nozzle check, or changing the type of black ink.

Off : The power is off.

P button (Power button)

Turns the power on and off.

C Screen

Displays the printer's status, menus, error messages, and so on. U “Screen View” on page 14

D [ button (Ink menu button)

: Prints on cut sheets.

❏ Returns to the previous screen (Parameter > Item >

Menu > Ready) if pressed while the Menu is displayed.

u/d buttons (Paper Feed buttons)

❏ When roll paper is loaded, you can feed (d button) or

rewind (u button) the roll paper. You can feed up to 3 m of paper by holding down the d button. You can speed up the paper feed rate by holding down the button for at least two seconds.

You can rewind up to 20 cm of paper by holding down the u button.

❏ If you press the d button when no roll paper is loaded

and Cut Sheet is selected from the Paper Type menu, paper is fed from the paper cassette and ejected. U

“Cleaning the paper cassette printing path” on page 127

❏ When feeding cut sheets from the rear manual feeder,

press the d button to feed the paper and enter ready status. U “Loading Manually from the Rear” on

page 39

❏ If pressed while the Menu is displayed, you can select

items and parameters. U “Menu Operations” on

page 99

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

r button (Menu button)

❏ If pressed in the ready status or when no paper is

loaded, the Menu is displayed. U “Menu Operations”

on page 99

❏ If pressed while printing, the Printer Status menu

from the Menu is displayed directly. U “Printer Status

menu” on page 106

❏ Goes to the next screen (Menu > Item > Parameter) if

pressed while the Menu is displayed.

H X button (Paper Cut button)

Press to cut roll paper with the built-in cutter. U

“Manual cut method” on page 32

I Y button (Paper Set button)

❏ This button locks or unlocks the paper presser.

U “Loading and Ejecting Thick Paper” on page 40 U “Loading roll paper” on page 29

❏ When pressed after roll paper printing is complete, the

paper presser is unlocked, roll paper is automatically wound up and can be removed. When Remaining Paper Setup is set to On from the Menu, the roll paper is wound up after printing a barcode on the edge of the paper indicating paper information such as the amount of remaining roll paper. U “Printing and

Reading Roll Paper Information” on page 26

Off : Ready to print.

H light (Ink Check light)

The ink status is indicated by a lit or flashing light.

On : Indicates errors such as an

installed ink cartridge is expended, an ink cartridge is not installed, or a wrong ink cartridge is installed. Check the contents of the error on the control panel's screen.

Flashing : The ink is low. We recommend

replacing the ink cartridge as soon as possible because the ink may be expended while printing.

Off : No error.

N b light (Paper Check light)

The paper status is indicated by a lit or flashing light.

On : No paper loaded or the paper

setting is not correct. Check the contents of the error on the control panel's screen.

J Z button

❏ If pressed while a parameter is selected from the

Menu, the parameter is set or executed.

❏ If pressed while the ink is drying, the drying process is

canceled.

K W button (Pause/Cancel button)

❏ The printer enters pause status if this is pressed while

printing. To release the pause status, press the W button again, or select Pause Cancel on the screen and then press the Z button. To cancel print jobs being processed, select Job

Cancel on the screen and then press the Z button. U “Canceling Printing” on page 50

❏ If pressed while the Menu is displayed, the Menu is

closed and it returns to ready status.

L W light (Pause light)

Indicates whether or not the printer is ready to print.

On : Not ready to print. Pausing or

canceling job.

Flashing : Indicates errors such as paper jam,

or paper skew. Check the contents of the error on the control panel's screen.

Off : No error.

Screen View

A Message

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Displays the printer's status, operation, and error messages. U “When an Error Message is Displayed” on

page 129

B Paper Source Settings

The following icons indicate the paper source status set by the l button.

You can also make the same settings from the printer driver. When printing from the printer driver, the printer driver settings are given priority regardless of the settings on the control panel.

: Prints on roll paper and cuts

automatically after printing each page.

: Prints on roll paper but does not cut

after printing.

: Prints on cut sheets.

GR (Green)

LLK (Light Light Black)

Y (Yellow)

LC (Light Cyan)

VLM (Vivid Light Magenta)

OR (Orange)

MK (Matte Black)

VM (Vivid Magenta)

LK (Light Black)

C (Cyan)

PK (Photo Black)

2 Status indicators

The ink cartridge status is indicated as follows.

C Ink Cartridge Status

Displays the approximate level of remaining ink and the current status. The ink cartridge icons change as follows when the ink is low or an error occurs.

Normal Warning or Error

1 Ink Slot Number

When facing the printer, the slots are numbered from left to right in ascending order from 1. The following shows the colors that correspond to the ink slot numbers.

No alarm : There is sufficient ink and

printing is possible.

: Ink is low. You need to prepare a

new ink cartridge.

: An error occurred. Check the

message on the screen, and clear the error.

3 Ink color codes

See the list in 1 (above) for the colors that corre‐ spond to the codes.

Tip:

You can check the remaining ink level more reliably in Printer Status from the Menu, or from EPSON Status Monitor in the printer driver. We recommended checking the remaining ink level before printing a large job, and preparing a new cartridge for any ink cartridges that are running low.

U “Printer Status menu” on page 106

Windows U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on

page 55

Mac OS X U “Using Epson Printer Utility 4” on

page 58

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

D SpectroProofer Usage Status

The following icons indicate the installation status of the optional SpectroProofer.

: Installed.

No icon : Not installed, or it is not installed

correctly.

E Type of black ink

Displays the selected type of black ink.

F Maintenance Box Status

The status of Maintenance Box 1 and 2 is indicated as follows.

: There is enough space in the maintenance

box.

G Remaining Paper

The following icons indicate the remaining amount of loaded paper.

One of the following icons is displayed depending on whether roll paper or cut sheet is set as the paper source.

: The amount of remaining roll paper

(length) is indicated after the icon. This is displayed only when Remaining Paper Setup is set to On.

U “Printing and Reading Roll Paper

Information” on page 26

: The amount of remaining paper (number

of sheets) in the paper cassette is indicated after the icon. This is displayed only when Cut Sheet Remaining is set to On in the Maintenance Mode menu and Cut Sheet Remaining is set from the Menu.

U “Maintenance Mode” on page 159

: The Maintenance Box is nearing the end

of its service life. You need to prepare a new Maintenance Box. (flashing)

: Maintenance Box is at the end of its

service life. Replace the Maintenance Box with a new one. (flashing)

Tip:

You can check the remaining space more reliably in Printer Status from the Menu, or from EPSON Status Monitor in the printer driver. We recommended checking the remaining space before power cleaning and so on, and preparing a new Maintenance Box if it is nearing the end of its service life.

U “Printer Status menu” on page 106

Windows U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on

page 55

Mac OS X U “Using Epson Printer Utility 4” on

page 58

U “Paper Setup menu” on page 106

H Roll Paper Margin Parameter

The following Roll Paper Margin settings from the Menu are displayed after the

Auto :

15 mm :

35/15 mm :

3 mm :

15 mm :

Default

Top/Bottom 15mm

Top 35/Bottom 15mm

3mm

15mm

icon.

U “Printer Setup menu” on page 103

I Platen Gap Settings/Custom Paper Registered

Number

❏ The following icons indicate the current Platen Gap

settings.

U “Printer Setup menu” on page 103

No icon :

Standard

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Narrow

Wide

Wider

Widest

Introduction

Printer Features

This printer is a wide-format ink jet color printer supporting 17 inch paper.

The main features of this printer are described below.

Realizing High Resolution

❏ Indicates the selected number out of Custom Paper in

the Menu.

U “Paper Setup menu” on page 106

By implementing Epson UltraChrome HDR Ink technology, we provide high-resolution printing to meet professional needs.

Expansion of the color reproduction area providing a wider range of expression

By using 10 color inks that include orange and green, color ranges from bright, vibrant green to yellow as well as yellow to red have been expanded even further.

Realizing an even gray balance without color casting

Fine black & white gradation has been achieved by using three density types for black ink.

Providing two types of black ink to match the paper type

You can choose from photo black ink or matte black ink depending on the paper type. Photo black ink provides a smooth finish to glossy photo papers. Matte black ink increases black optical density for matte type papers.

This printer allows you to set both photo black ink and matte black ink and switch between them depending on the paper type.

U “Changing the Type of Black Ink” on page 47

Decreasing light dependency maintains an even color under different environments

By using 10 color inks, we have reduced "light dependency (color inconsistency)" in which the color balance shifts due to differences in environmental light.

* These are measured results using A/F11 light

sources against a D50 light source.

Long life prints

Pigment inks maintain more beautiful and more vibrant prints over a long period of time since their high water and ozone resistance and high light fastness prevent the inks from being broken down by light and ozone in the air.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Realizing High Productivity

Excellent color stability leads to efficient printing

The color stabilizes in a short time so it can safely be used for pre-press workflow and color editing, increasing work efficiency.

Automatically switch roll paper and cut sheets for printing

You can load roll paper in the printer and load cut sheets in the paper cassette at the same time. The required paper is automatically fed if you specify the paper source when printing.

U “Loading roll paper” on page 29

Auto nozzle check prevents printing mistakes

Missing dots are detected on all nozzles extremely quickly and head cleaning is performed automatically if any missing dots are detected. This prevents printing mistakes, and reduces unnecessary costs and wasted time.

U “Adjusting the Print Head” on page 113

Also, up to 50 sheets of printed paper can be held in the output tray. When the number of sheets that can be loaded in the paper cassette is less than 50, the maximum number of sheets that can be held in the output tray is the same as the number of sheets in the paper cassette. This helps to reduce the burden of handling output paper or replenishing cut sheets. U

“Loading the Paper Cassette” on page 35

Automated post-process by using the SpectroProofer (optional)

You can automate the color management process by installing the optional SpectroProofer. You can achieve highly reliable color management by using features such as automated color calibration, print authentication, and profile creation.

Simplified setting operations when changing roll paper

When changing between many different types of roll paper for your printing, you can automatically make settings by using the barcode printing function, as the printer reads the recorded information such as the paper type, the amount of remaining roll paper, and low paper warning values.

Improved operability with an easy to see and use color screen

The large and bright color screen displays the printer status such as the remaining ink level.

U “Screen View” on page 14

With a larger display area, error messages and other information can be presented clearly and in an easy to read format. You can also check how to load the paper.

Checking current operating status even from afar thanks to an alert lamp

When an error occurs, or when ink or paper is running low, you can easily check the status of the printer even from afar thanks to a highly visible, alert lamp. U

“Maintenance Mode List” on page 160

This helps prevent any wasted time when printing has stopped due to running out of ink or paper.

Realizing high productivity through continuous printing

Our paper cassettes, which can be used even for glossy paper, can hold up to 250 sheets of plain paper (for paper

0.1 mm thick) or up to 100 sheets of Epson proofing paper.

U “Printing and Reading Roll Paper Information” on

page 26

Improved paper cutting speed

With the addition of a high speed rotary cutter you can cut paper faster than ever.

U “Cutting the roll paper” on page 31

Superior Ease of Use

Supporting network as standard

A network interface with support for 100BASE-TX and 10BASE-T is installed as standard, allowing the printer to communicate by Ethernet.

Borderless printing function

You can print with no margins for all directions with both auto expand or retain size print settings. U

“Borderless printing” on page 68

Also included is a poster printing function that allows you to join the output paper together when performing borderless printing in order to create large posters and calendars. U “Poster Printing (Enlarge to cover

several sheets and print - Windows only)” on page 79

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Freely placing print data made by various applications using Layout Manager

This function allows you to place multiple print data made by different applications freely on one sheet to create posters and display articles.

U “Layout Manager(Windows only)” on page 89

Improved energy efficiency with sleep mode and Power Management

When no print jobs are being handled, or when no operation has been performed for some time, the printer enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption.

Furthermore, if the Power Management function is enabled, the printer can automatically switch off to avoid wasting electricity. This function works if no print jobs are received and no operations are carried out on the control panel while the printer is not in an error status for a specified duration of time.

U “Maintenance Mode” on page 159

Notes on Usage and Storage

Installation space

Make sure that you secure the following space, clear of any other objects, so that paper ejection and consumable replacement are not obstructed.

See the "Specifications Table" for the external dimensions of the printer.

U “Specifications Table” on page 163

* The following space is necessary at the rear of the

printer when printing on thick paper and when printing from a paper cassette with the optional SpectroProofer installed.

Paper Size Rear Space

A2 Approx. 370 mm

Super A3 Approx. 260 mm

A3 Approx. 200 mm

A4 Approx. 70 mm

Notes when using the printer

Note the following points when using this printer to avoid breakdowns, malfunctions, and print quality decline.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

❏ When using the printer, observe the operating

temperature and humidity range described in the "Specifications Table". U “Specifications Table”

on page 163

Even when the conditions above are met, you may not be able to print properly if the environmental conditions are not suitable for the paper. Be sure to use the printer in an environment where the paper's requirements are met. For more details, see the manual supplied with the paper.

Also, when operating in dry areas, air conditioned environment, or under direct sunlight, maintain the appropriate humidity.

❏ Capping may not occur (the print head is not

positioned on the right-hand side) if the printer is turned off during a paper jam or when an error occurs. Capping is a function for automatically covering the print head with a cap (lid) to prevent the print head from drying out. In this case, turn on the power and wait a while until capping is performed automatically.

❏ Store the printer after confirming that the print

head has been capped (the print head is positioned at the far right). If the print head is left uncapped for a long time, the print quality may decline.

Tip:

If the print head is not capped, turn the printer on, and then turn it off.

❏ Close the roll paper cover and printer cover before

storing. If you are not using the printer for a long time, put an anti-static cloth or cover on the printer to prevent dust. The print head nozzles are very small, and they can become clogged easily if fine dust gets on the print head, and you may not be able to print properly.

❏ If you have not used the printer for a long time,

check the print head for clogging before you start printing. Perform head cleaning if the print head is clogged.

U “Checking for clogged nozzles” on page 113

❏ When the power is on, do not remove the power

plug or cut the power at the breaker. The print head may not be capped properly. In this case, tu rn on the power and wait a while until capping is performed automatically.

❏ Do not move the print head by hand.

Notes when not using the printer

If you are not using it, note the following points when storing the printer. If it is not stored correctly, you may not be able to print properly the next time it is used.

❏ If you do not print for a long time, the print head

nozzles may become clogged. We recommend that you print once a week to prevent the print head from clogging.

❏ If the paper is left in the printer, the roller of the

paper presser may leave a mark on the surface of the paper. This can also cause wavy or curled paper resulting in paper feeding problems or the print head could be scratched. Remove any paper when storing.

Notes on handling ink cartridges

Note the following points when handling ink cartridges to maintain good print quality.

❏ The included ink cartridges and installed

Maintenance Box 1 are just for initial ink charging. You may need to replace the ink cartridge or Maintenance Box 1 soon.

❏ We recommend storing ink cartridges at normal

room temperature, and to use them by the expiry date printed on the cartridge packaging.

❏ For the best printing results, use up the ink cartridge

within six months of installation.

❏ If you move ink cartridges from a cold place to a

warm place, leave it at room temperature for more than four hours before using the ink cartridge.

❏ Do not touch the green IC chip on the ink

cartridges. You may not be able to print properly.

❏ Install ink cartridges into all slots. You cannot print

if any slot is empty.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

❏ Do not leave the printer without ink cartridges

installed. If the print head (nozzles) dries, you may not be able to print. Leave ink cartridges in all slots even while you do not use the printer.

❏ Because the green IC chip contains the cartridge's

own information such as the remaining ink level, you can still reinstall and use the ink cartridge after removing it from the printer.

❏ To avoid getting dirt on the ink supply port, store

the removed ink cartridge properly. The ink supply port has a valve in it so it does not need to be capped.

❏ Removed ink cartridges may have ink around the

ink supply port, so be careful not to get any ink on the surrounding area.

❏ To maintain the quality of the print head, this

printer stops printing before ink cartridges are completely expended.

❏ Although the ink cartridges may contain recycled

materials, this does not effect printer function or performance.

❏ Handle roll paper by holding the edges. We

recommend wearing cotton gloves.

❏ Cut sheets may be wavy or slack if the temperature

and humidity change. Be careful not to scratch or soil the paper, and flatten it before loading it in the printer.

❏ Do not wet the paper.

❏ Do not throw away the paper packaging as you can

use it for storing the paper.

❏ Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,

excessive heat, or humidity.

❏ Keep cut sheets in their original package after

opening, and keep them in a flat place.

❏ Remove roll paper that is not in use from the

printer. Rewind it correctly and then store it in the original packaging that came with the roll paper. If you leave the roll paper in the printer for a long time, its quality may decline.

❏ Do not dismantle or remodel ink cartridges. You

may not be able to print properly.

❏ Do not drop or knock it against hard objects;

otherwise, the ink may leak.

Notes on handling paper

Note the following points when handling and storing the paper. If the paper is not in good condition, print quality may decline.

Check the manuals supplied with each paper.

Notes on Handling

❏ Use Epson special media under normal room

conditions (temperature: 15 to 25 ˚C; humidity: 40 to 60 %).

❏ Do not fold the paper or scratch the surface of the

paper.

❏ Avoid touching the printable surface of the paper

with your bare hands. Moisture and oils from your hands can affect print quality.

Notes on handling printed paper

To maintain long lasting, high quality print results, note the following points.

❏ Do not rub or scratch the printed surface. If they are

rubbed or scratched, the ink may peel off.

❏ Do not touch the printed surface; the ink may peel

off.

❏ Make sure the print outs are completely dry before

folding of stacking; otherwise, the color may change where they touch (leaves a mark). These marks will disappear if they are separated immediately and dried; however, they will remain if not separated.

❏ If you put the print outs in an album before they are

completely dry, they may be blurred.

❏ Do not use a dryer to dry the print outs.

❏ Avoid direct sunlight.

❏ Prevent color distortion while displaying or storing

the print outs by following the instructions in the paper's manual.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Tip:

Typically, print outs and photos fade over time (color distortion) due to the effects of light and various constituents in the air. This also applies to Epson special media. However, with the correct storage method, the degree of color distortion can be minimized.

❏ See the manuals supplied with Epson special media

for detailed information on handling the paper after printing.

❏ The colors of photos, posters, and other printed

materials appear different under different lighting

conditions (light sources

). The colors of print outs from this printer may also appear different under different light sources.

* Light sources include sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light, and other types.

Introduction

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Introducing the Supplied Software

Contents of the Software Disc

To use this printer, install the printer driver from the supplied software disc. The printer driver is already installed if you ran Easy Install when setting up.

As well as the printer driver, you can find the following software on the Software Disc supplied. Select from the Software List and install any software that was not installed by Easy Install as necessary.

For Windows

Software Name

Printer Driver

Epson Network Utility ✓ When the printer is connected to a computer via a network, this plug-in

ICC Profile (Adobe)

EPSON LFP Remote Panel 2 - With this software, you can update the printer's firmware and make

Printer Linearization - With this software, you can perform high-accuracy color calibration with

Installed by Easy

Install

✓

- Install this when you need an input profile when performing color

Summary

program acquires the status of the printer such as the remaining ink level, error status, and so on. The acquired information is displayed on the printer driver's Main screen and the EPSON Status Monitor 3 screen.

U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on page 55

Normally, this software is installed with the printer driver. However, if the printer driver is installed without using the installer of the Software Disc, such as using the plug-and-play function of the OS, Epson Network Utility is not installed. In such a case, install Epson Network Utility from the Software List.

management.

custom paper settings from your computer.

U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on page 55

the optional SpectroProofer, or standard color calibration using the printer's built-in sensor.

U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on page 55

EpsonNet Config - With this software, you can configure various network settings for the

printer from your computer. This is useful as it allows you to enter addresses and names using the keyboard.

EpsonNet Print ✓

(When LAN

connection is

selected)

With this software, you can perform direct TCP/IP printing when the computer and the printer are connected via a network. This software is automatically installed if LAN connection is specified in Easy Install; however, it is not installed if USB connection is specified.

For Mac OS X

Software Name

Printer Driver ✓

Installed by Easy

Install

Summary

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Software Name

ICC Profile (Adobe)

EPSON LFP Remote Panel 2 - With this software, you can update the printer's firmware and make

EpsonNet Config - With this software, you can configure various network settings for the

Installed by Easy

Install

- Install this when you need to enter a profile when performing color

Summary

management.

custom paper settings from your computer.

U “Using Epson Printer Utility 4” on page 58

printer from your computer. This is useful as it allows you to enter addresses and names using the keyboard.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Introduction

Summary of the Printer Driver

The main functions of the printer driver are described below.

❏ Converts print data received from applications into

printable data and sends it to the printer.

❏ Allows the user to specify print settings such as the

media type and paper size.

Windows

❏ Allows the user to execute printer maintenance

functions to maintain print quality, and check the printer's status and so on.

Windows

You can easily import or export printer driver settings.

You can save these settings and easily import or export these saved settings.

U “Customizing the Printer Driver” on

page 53

Mac OS X

U “Summary of the Utility Tab” on page 55

Mac OS X

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Basic Operations

Loading and Removing the Roll Paper

We recommend setting Remaining Paper Setup before loading roll paper into the printer. See the following for more information on making settings.

Also, when loading the Epson special media UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper, you need turn the Auto Roll Feeding setting to Off in advance. To turn the setting to Off, see U “Setting Auto Roll Paper Feeding”

on page 27

Printing and Reading Roll Paper Information

Note:

❏ Press the Y button when removing the roll paper. If

you do not press the Y button when removing the roll paper, the barcode is not printed and you cannot manage the roll paper information.

❏ If Paper Size Check is set to Off from the Menu, the

amount of remaining paper may not be detected correctly. When Remaining Paper Setup is set to On, do not set Paper Size Check to Off. The factory setting for Paper Size Check is On.

U “Printer Setup menu” on page 103

Buttons that are used in the following settings

The printer can automatically print the following roll paper related settings in a barcode on the leading edge of the roll paper before the roll paper is removed.

❏ Roll Paper Remaining

❏ Roll Length Alert

❏ Paper Type

This is useful when multiple rolls are used because the barcode is read automatically and the paper settings are updated as roll paper is replaced.

To print roll paper information in a barcode and to read the printed information, set Remaining Paper Setup to

On and configure the Roll Paper Length and the Roll Length Alert from the Menu.

The factory setting for Remaining Paper Setup is Off. You can change the setting using the following procedures.

Turn on the printer by pressing the P button.

Check that paper is not loaded in the printer, and

then press the r button to display the Menu.

Press the d/u buttons to select Paper Setup, and

then press the r button.

Select Roll Paper Remaining, and then press the

r button.

Select Remaining Paper Setup, and then press

the r button.

Press the d/u buttons to select On, and then

press the Z button.

Press the l button to return to the previous

screen.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Basic Operations

Press the d/u buttons to select Roll Paper

Length, and then press the r button.

Press the d/u buttons to set the length of the roll

paper, and then press the Z button.

Press the l button to return to the previous

screen.

Press the d/u buttons to select Roll Length

Alert, and then press the r button.

Press the d/u buttons to set when to display the

running low warning (amount of remaining roll paper), and then press the Z button.

Press the W button to close the Menu.

Setting Auto Roll Paper Feeding

The factory setting for Auto Roll Feeding is On.

Check that paper is not loaded in the printer, and

then press the r button to display the Menu.

Press the d/u buttons to select Printer Setup,

and then press the r button.

Select Auto Roll Feeding, and then press the r

button.

Press the d/u buttons to select Off, and then

press the Z button.

Press the W button to close the Menu.

Loading Roll Paper

Removing and installing the attachment

Load the roll paper into the printer after placing it on the spindle supplied with this printer.

When using the Epson special media UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper, set Auto Roll Feeding to Off from the Menu before loading it in the printer. If UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper is loaded while Auto Roll Feeding is set to On, the roller of the paper presser may leave a mark on the surface of the paper.

When using paper other than UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper, set it to On.

Tip:

The following differences in operation occur when turning this setting from On to Off.

❏ An error occurs if you try to switch to Cut Sheet in

the Paper Type menu while roll paper is loaded. Remove the roll paper and then change to Cut Sheet.

❏ An error occurs if you try to print by specifying the

paper cassette from the printer driver while roll paper is loaded. Remove the roll paper, change to Cut Sheet in the Paper Type menu, and then try again.

Depending on the size of the paper core, follow the steps below to install or remove the attachment from the spindle.

❏ For two inch paper cores

The attachment is not necessary.

Because the attachment is installed on the spindle at the time of purchase, you need to remove it before use.

You may need the attachment for roll paper with a three inch paper co re, make sure you keep it in a safe place after removing it.

❏ For three inch paper cores

The attachment is necessary.

When using UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper, change the setting using the following procedure.

Make sure the printer is on.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Basic Operations

Removing the attachment (when using two inch paper cores)

Remove the black flange and the attachment

from the spindle.

Remove the attachment from both flanges.

Press the hooks (two points) out to release the hooks, and then pull the attachment out of the flange.

Install the attachment on both flanges.

Align the u marks on the flange and attachment, and then push firmly until you hear the hooks click into place.

Installing the attachment (when using three inch paper cores)

Remove the black flange from the spindle.

Removing and installing the spacer

When you perform borderless printing on roll paper, you may need to install the spacer for borderless printing supplied with the printer, depending on the width of the roll paper.

However, you cannot install the spacer for roll paper with a three inch paper core, since it is already using the attachment. Paper widths that need the spacer installed for borderless printing U “Supported Media Sizes for

Borderless Printing” on page 69

Installing the spacer

Remove the black flange from the spindle.

When the attachment is installed in the spindle, remove both left and right attachments.

Install the spacer into the gray flange (fixed part).

Push the spacer until the holes in the spacer and the flange line up exactly.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Basic Operations

Removing the spacer

Remove the black flange from the spindle.

Remove the spacer.

Hold the outer edge of the spacer and pull it straight off.

Placing roll paper on the spindle

Follow the steps below to set roll paper on the spindle supplied with this printer.

Remove the black flange from the spindle.

Insert the spindle into the roll paper.

Place the roll paper on a flat surface where the end of the roll paper is hanging down towards you, and insert the spindle from the right.

Make sure the printer is on.

Check the paper source settings.

Check the paper source icon on the screen, and if it differs from the paper that you want to load, change the setting.

: Prints on roll paper and cuts

automatically after printing each page.

: Prints on roll paper but does not cut

after printing.

Install the black flange.

Push till there are no gaps between the roll paper and both flanges.

Loading roll paper

Follow the steps below to load roll paper on the printer.

: Prints on cut sheets.

To change the setting, press the l button. When the Paper Type menu is displayed on the screen, select Roll Paper / Cut or Roll Paper / No Cut, and then press the Z button.

Open the roll paper cover.

Note:

Insert the paper just before printing. If the paper is left in the printer, the roller of the paper presser may leave a mark on the surface of the paper.

Epson Stylus Pro 4900/4910 User's Guide

Basic Operations

Hold with the gray flange (fixed) on the right,

place both sides of the spindle into the spindle holder on the printer.

Match the colors of the spindle holder to the colors on the end of the spindle.

Note:

If the spindle is set in the wrong direction, paper is not fed correctly.

Feed the paper.

When Auto Roll Feeding is On

When the paper is inserted a little, the screen display changes to Press the Y button.

Check that the screen display has changed, and then press the Y button to automatically feed the paper to the start position.

When Auto Roll Feeding is Off

Insert the paper (so that the edge of the paper comes out of the front manual feeder) until the screen display changes.

Check that the screen display has changed, and then press the Y button to automatically feed the paper to the start position.

Close the roll paper cover.

Press the Y button on the control panel.

Insert paper until message on LCD panel is changed. is displayed on the screen.

Insert the leading edge of the roll paper in the roll

paper feeder.

When inserting, make sure not to fold the edge and remove any slack.

Check the media type.

Are these settings OK? is displayed on the screen, and the media type currently specified on the printer is displayed.

When roll paper with a barcode is loaded, the confirmation message is not displayed as the barcode is read automatically and the settings are made automatically. Go to step 10.

When the displayed media type and the loaded media type match, press the d/u buttons to select YES, and then press the Z button.

If you want to change the media type, select NO and then press the Z button. When the Paper Type menu is displayed, select the category depending on the loaded media type, and then press the r button. Select the media type, and then press the Z button.

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