Re: IPDS Printing

Close... they chose to use the PCL data stream, which HP also uses.

PPDS is "one" of the data streams on Lexmark.

IPDS requires two things.
(a) printer feature code IPDS (hardware)
(b) IPDS data stream

It works together, and can do all the "special" processing that HPT has
to do in processor memory. The IPDS chip has it's own memory and
can process the IPDS data "much faster" than HPT. I believe IPDS
goes back to the early 70's which is when I first saw it.

Almost "all" Lexmark lasers will accept their IPDS card. That
doesn't include the very low end $200 deals.

I just checked and they have 22 models that accept the IPDS
card.

Almost "all" Lexmark lasers use PCL is one flavor or another.

Your other option is *AFPDS which is a "limited" data
stream for special fonts, overlays, etc. This is used by HPT
and does not perform nearly as well as native IPDS.

IPDS has always been expensive .....

Be aware that you must have the proper feature code
on OS/400 to use IPDS which is a "pay" item.

Can't help you with the HP questions.
OK.. I took a peek:

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=6085674&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=6085674

EThompson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

I am a little confused. In the past, to use overlays or special fonts in printing, we always had to use IPDS compatible printers. Lexmark printers have IBM PPDS compatibility built in, but they charge almost $600 additional for an IPDS/SCS card. I can't find an IPDS card for HP printers with the company we buy from. Does anyone know if the IPDS card is required for Lexmark/HP printers? Does HP allow IPDS printing? I haven't had to buy printers in several years but am trying to find a decent quality printer that will duplex and allow IPDS printing from the i5 that doesn't cost $1700/ea. It doesn't have to be high capacity 500-1000pp/week. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I am trying to move things from line printers to laser but if they have to buy 8 new printers for $14000.00 + shipping, I think that is going to be hard to get them to do even though the savings longterm on not having to have pre-printed forms etc will outweigh the initial outlay in a couple of years.