IBM INFOPRINT COLOR 1464, INFOPRINT COLOR 1454 User Manual

Infoprint Color 1454 & 146 4

Help guide



G510-4097-00

Infoprint Color 1454 & 146 4

Help guide



G510-4097-00

Help guide

Page 1 of 1

Help guide

Help Menu pages

Other Help Menu pages available include:

• Color quality guide

• Printing guide

• Connection guide

• Print media guide

Setup Guide

The Setup Guide provides information about setting up
the printer and its options.

Publications CD / User’s Guide

The publications CD contains a User’s Guide which
provides information about loading paper, clearing
error messages, ordering and replacing supplies,
installing maintenance kits, and troubleshooting. It
also provides general information for administrators.

• Clearing jams guide

• Print quality guide

• Repetitive defects
guide

•Moving guide

Other languages

The Help Menu pages, User’s Guide, and Setup Guide
are also available on the publications CD.

Drivers CD

The drivers CD contains the necessary printer drivers
to get your printer up and running.

It may also contain printer utilities, screen fonts, and
additional documentation.

Color quality guide

Page 1 of 6

Color quality guide

This Color Quality guide is intended to help users understand how operations available on the printer can be used
to adjust and customize color output. A brief description of the purpose and operation of the functions available
that affect color output is provided. Additionally, some helpful suggestions are provided on how to use these
functions to produce desirable color output and to solve certain color related problems commonly experienced by
users.

Color Menu

Selections available in the Color Menu provide the user with multiple options that can adjust color characteristics
of the printer.

Note: Values marked by an asterisk (*) are the factory default settings. Values selected in the printer

PostScript or PCL drivers for Windows will override printer settings.

Menu item Purpose Values

Print Mode

Color
Correction

Print
Resolution

Toner
Darkness

To determine whether files are
printed in a monochrome grayscale
or in color.

To adjust the printed color to better
match the colors of other output
devices or standard color systems.

To define the number of dots printed
per inch (dpi).

To lighten or darken printed output, or
conserve toner.

Note: Setting Toner Darkness to
values of 1, 2, or 3 is only effective
when using the PostScript driver.

Color*
Black & White

Auto* Applies different color conversion tables to each

object on the printed page depending on the
type of object and how the color for each object
is specified.

Off No color correction is implemented.
Manual Lets you customize the color conversion tables

applied to each object on the printed page
depending on the type of object and how the
color for each object is specified. Customization
is performed using the selections available
under the Manual Color menu item.

4800 CQ* Default setting.
1200 dpi Provides the highest resolution output which

generates preferable output for certain images
and graphics. This setting also provides
increased gloss.

5 If Print Mode is Black & White, a setting of 5

increases toner density and darkness to all print
jobs (PCL or PostScript). If Print Mode is Color,
a setting of 5 is the same as 4.

4* Default toner darkness setting.
3 Reduction in toner consumption.
2 Further reduction in toner consumption.
1 Maximum reduction in toner consumption.

Menu item Purpose Values

Color quality guide

Page 2 of 6

Color
Balance

Color
Samples

To provide users with the ability to
make subtle color adjustments to
printed output by increasing or
decreasing the amount of toner being
used for each color plane individually.

Note: This function is only applied to
files printed using the PostScript
driver.

To assist users in selecting colors to
be printed. Users can print color
samples pages for each of the RGB
and CMYK color conversion tables
used in the printer.

The color samples pages consist of a
series of colored boxes along with the
RGB or CMYK combination that
creates the color observed for each
particular box. These pages can be
useful in helping users decide which
RGB or CMYK combinations to use
in their software applications to
create the desired printed color
output.

Cyan -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0*, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Magenta
Yellow
Black
Reset

Defaults
sRGB

Display
sRGB Vivid Prints RGB samples using sRGB Vivid color

Off–RGB Prints RGB samples using Off (or no) color

Vivid Prints RGB samples using Vivid color

US CMYK Prints CMYK samples using US CMYK color

Euro CMYK Prints CMYK samples using Euro CMYK color

Off–CMYK Prints CMYK samples using Off (or no) color

• -5 is maximum decrease

• 5 is maximum increase

Sets values for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and
Black to 0 (zero).

Prints RGB samples using sRGB Display color
conversion tables.

conversion tables.

conversion tables.

conversion tables.

conversion tables.

conversion tables.

conversion tables.

Manual Color

To let users customize the RGB or
CMYK color conversions applied to
each object on the printed page.
Color conversion of the data
specified using RGB combinations
can be customized based on object
type (text, graphics, or image).

Vivid CMYK Prints CMYK samples using Vivid CMYK color

conversion tables.

RGB Image • sRGB Display*: Applies a color conversion

table to produce output that approximates the
colors displayed on a computer monitor.

• sRGB Vivid: Increases color saturation for

the sRGB Display color conversion table.
Preferred for business graphics and text.

•Off: No color conversion is implemented.

• Vivid: Applies a color conversion table that

produces brighter, more saturated colors.

RGB Text • sRGB Display
RGB

Graphics

CMYK • US CMYK*: Applies a color conversion table

• sRGB Vivid*

•Off

• Vivid

to approximate SWOP color output.

•EuroCMYK: Applies color conversion table

to approximate EuroScale color output.

• Vivid CMYK: Increases color saturation for

the US CMYK color conversion table.

•Off: No color conversion is implemented.

Menu item Purpose Values

Color quality guide

Page 3 of 6

Color Adjust

Color Saver

To manually recalibrate the color
conversion tables, adjusting for
variations in output that can occur as
a result of changing conditions, such
as room temperature or humidity.

To conserve toner. If selected, this
setting will override Toner Darkness
settings.

No selections exist for this operation.
Pressing Select initiates this operation.

On Applies a lower Toner Darkness level.

Toner Darkness setting is ignored.

Off* Prints using Toner Darkness setting.

Solving color quality problems

This section is intended to help answer some basic color-related questions and to describe how some of the
features provided in the Color Menu can be used to solve typical color problems.

Note: You should also read the quick reference page entitled “Solving Print Quality Problems,” which

provides solutions for common print quality problems, some of which may affect the color quality of
the printed output.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about color printing

What is RGB color?

Red, green, and blue light can be added together in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed
in nature. For example, red and green light can be combined to create yellow light. Televisions and computer
monitors create colors in this manner. RGB color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of red,
green, and blue light needed to reproduce a particular color.

What is CMYK color?

Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks or toners can be printed in various amounts to produce a large range of
colors observed in nature. For example, cyan and yellow can be combined to create green. Printing presses,
inkjet printers and color laser printers create colors in this manner. CMYK color is a method of describing colors
by indicating the amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black needed to reproduce a particular color.

How is color specified in a document to be printed?

Software applications typically specify document color using RGB or CMYK color combinations. Additionally, they
commonly let users modify the color of each object in a document. Since the procedures to modify colors will vary
depending on the application, refer to the software application Help section for instruction.

How does the printer know what color to print?

When a user prints a document, information describing the type and color of each object in the document is sent
to the printer. The color information is passed through color conversion tables that translate the color into
appropriate amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner needed to produce the desired color. The object
type information lets different color conversion tables be used for different types of objects. For example, it is
possible to apply one type of color conversion table to text while applying a different color conversion table to
photographic images.

Color quality guide

Page 4 of 6

Should I use the PostScript or PCL driver for the best color? What driver settings should I use for the
best color?

The PostScript driver is strongly recommended for best color quality. The default settings in the PostScript driver
will provide preferred color quality for the majority of printouts.

Why doesn't the printed color match the color I see on my computer screen?

The color conversion tables used in Auto Color Correction mode generally approximate the colors of a standard
computer monitor. However, because of technology differences that exist between printers and monitors, there
are many colors that can be generated on a computer screen that cannot be physically reproduced on a color
laser printer. Color match can also be affected by monitor variations and lighting conditions. Read the response
to the question “How can I match a particular color (such as a color in a corporate logo)?” on page 5 for
recommendations on how the printer Color Samples pages may be useful in solving certain color matching
problems.

The printed page appears tinted. Can I slightly adjust the color?

Sometimes a user may consider printed pages to appear tinted (for example, everything printed seems to be too
red). This can be caused by environmental conditions, paper type, lighting conditions, or user preference. In these
instances, Color Balance may be used to create more preferable color. Color Balance provides the user with the
ability to make subtle adjustments to the amount of toner being used in each color plane. Selecting positive (or
negative) values for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black under the Color Balance menu will slightly increase (or
decrease) the amount of toner used for the chosen color. For example, if a user believes the overall printed page
to be too red, then decreases to both magenta and yellow could potentially improve color preference.

Is it possible to increase the gloss in the printed output?

Additional gloss can be obtained by printing using the 1200 dpi Print Resolution setting.

My color transparencies seem dark when projected. Is there anything I can do to improve the color?

This problem most commonly occurs when projecting transparencies with reflective overhead projectors. To
obtain the highest projected color quality, transmissive overhead projectors are recommended. If a reflective
projector must be used, then adjusting Toner Darkness settings to 1, 2, or 3 will lighten the transparency.

What is Manual Color Correction?

The color conversion tables applied to each object on the printed page when using the default Auto Color

Correction setting will generate preferred color for the majority of documents. Occasionally a user may want to

apply a different color table mapping. This customization is accomplished using the Manual Color menu and the
Manual Color Correction setting.

Manual Color Correction applies the RGB and CMYK color conversion table mappings as defined in the Manual
Color menu. Users may select any of four different color conversion tables available for RGB objects
(sRGB Display, sRGB Vivid, Vivid, and Off) and any of four different color conversion tables available for CMYK
objects (US CMYK, Euro CMYK, Vivid CMYK, and Off).

Note: The Manual Color Correction setting will not be useful if the software application does not specify

colors with RGB or CMYK combinations, or in certain situations where the software application or
the computer operating system adjusts the colors specified in the application through color
management.

Color quality guide

Page 5 of 6

How can I match a particular color (such as a color in a corporate logo)?

Occasionally users have a need for the printed color of a particular object to closely match a specific color of
interest. A typical example of this situation is when a user is trying to match the color of a corporate logo. While
instances can occur in which the printer cannot exactly reproduce the desired color, users should be able to
identify adequate color matches for the majority of cases. The Color Samples menu items can provide useful
information in helping to solve this particular type of color matching problem.

The eight Color Samples options correspond to color conversion tables in the printer. Selecting any of the Color
Samples options will generate a multiple-page printout consisting of hundreds of colored boxes. Either a CMYK
or RGB combination will be located on each box depending on the table selected. The observed color of each
box is the result obtained by passing the CMYK or RGB combination labeled on the box through the selected
color conversion table.

The user can scan the color samples pages and identify the box whose color is the closest to the desired color.
The color combination labeled on the box can then be used for modifying the color of the object in a software
application. The software application Help section should provide instructions for modifying the color of an object.
Manual Color Correction may be necessary to utilize the selected color conversion table for the particular object.

Which Color Samples pages to use for a particular color matching problem depends on the Color Correction
setting being used (Auto, Off, or Manual), the type of object being printed (text, graphics, or images), and how the
color of the object is specified in the software application (RGB or CMYK combinations). The following table
identifies which Color Samples pages to use:

Color specification of
object being printed

RGB Text Auto sRGB Vivid

* The default Manual setting.
Note: The default values for the Manual CMYK classifications are US CMYK for 100V and 110V machines and Euro CMYK for 220V

machines.

Classification of
object being printed

Graphic Auto sRGB Vivid

Image Auto sRGB Display

Printer Color
Correction setting

Off Off - RGB

Manual sRGB Vivid*, Vivid, sRGB Display, Off

Off Off - RGB

Manual sRGB Vivid*, Vivid, sRGB Display, Off

Off Off - RGB

Manual sRGB Vivid*, Vivid, sRGB Display, Off

Color Samples pages to print
and use for color matching

Color quality guide

Page 6 of 6

Color specification of
object being printed

Classification of
object being printed

Printer Color
Correction setting

Color Samples pages to print
and use for color matching

CMYK Text Auto US CMYK

Off Off - CMYK

Manual

US CYMK*, Vivid CMYK, Off, Euro CMYK*

Graphic Auto US CMYK

Off Off - CMYK

Manual

US CYMK*, Vivid CMYK, Off, Euro CMYK*

Image Auto US CMYK

Off Off - CMYK

Manual

* The default Manual setting.
Note: The default values for the Manual CMYK classifications are US CMYK for 100V and 110V machines and Euro CMYK for 220V

machines.

US CYMK*, Vivid CMYK, Off, Euro CMYK*

Note: The Color Samples pages are not useful if the software application does not specify colors with

RGB or CMYK combinations. Additionally, certain situations exist where the software application or
the computer operating system will adjust the RGB or CMYK combinations specified in the
application through color management. In such a situation, the resulting printed color may not be
exactly as expected based on the Color Samples pages.

Printing guide

Page 1 of 2

Printing guide

Get the most out of your printer by properly loading the
trays and setting the types and sizes. Never mix media
types within a tray.

Note: Paper Size cannot be adjusted when

auto size sensing is enabled. Auto size
sensing is enabled by default for printer
trays, but is not available for the
multipurpose feeder.

Load paper or other print media

To help prevent jams:

• Flex all stacks of print media back and forth to

loosen them, and then fan them before loading.
Do not fold or crease the print media. Straighten
the edges of the stack on a level surface.

4 Flex the sheets back and forth to loosen them,

and then fan them.

5 Place the paper against the back left corner of

the tray, print side down.

6 Squeeze the front guide lever and slide the guide

until it firmly touches the stack of paper.

7 Reinstall the tray.
8 If you are loading a different type of media than

was previously loaded in the tray, change the
Paper Type setting for that tray on the operator
panel. See “Set Paper Type and Paper Size” on
page 2.

• Do not exceed the maximum stack height.

Overfilling may cause jams.

• Never remove paper trays while a print job is

printing. It could damage the tray or the printer.

Loading 500-sheet trays

1 Remove the tray.

2 Squeeze the front guide lever and slide the guide

to the front of the tray.

Loading the multipurpose feeder

1 Open the multipurpose feeder.

2 Squeeze the paper

guide lever and
slide the guide all
the way toward the
front of the printer.

3 Flex the sheets

back and forth to
loosen them, and
then fan them.

4 Arrange the stack

of print media
correctly for the
size, type, and print
method you are using.

5 Place the print media, print side up, along the left

side of the multipurpose feeder, and then push it
in as far as it will easily go. Do not force the
media.

3 Squeeze the side guide lever and slide the guide

to the correct position for the size paper you are
loading.

6 Squeeze the paper guide lever and slide the

guide until it lightly touches the side of the stack.