What Is a PCL Printer?
So you're looking for a new printer, and you keep seeing references to "PCL printers." What does that mean? Is that something you even need? Is it a special, high-tech printer? Will it be more expensive? Actually, PCL printers are easy to use, and most models are inexpensive. They are also the most common printer available; you've probably used one in the past and didn't even know it.
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Introduction
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A PCL printer is any printer controlled by the Printer Control Language (PCL). The printer could be either an inkjet or a laser printer. It was designed by Hewlett Packard to be an alternative to the PostScript printer language.
History
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HP created PCL to provide an efficient and consistent method to control print features across many different types of printers. PCL was originally created to control dot matrix and inkjet printers. However, PCL 3 supported HP's new line of LaserJet printers when released in 1984.
The PCL printer language is now common to all HP printers, resulting in an easily supported print driver, reducing technical support and development costs. Today, PCL is the most common printer command language for Windows and Windows-based applications. And, even though PCL was invented by HP, many other printer manufacturers support PCL printer drivers. However, Apple does not support PCL.
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PCL vs. PostScript
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PCL was designed to compete with PostScript. So how do the two compare? Windows-based PCs can use PCL drivers. Apple does not support PCL---they support PostScript drivers. PCL and PostScript support many of the same printer features, such as watermarks, mono-printing, different paper types and duplex printing. However, PCL offers a few unique features, such as booklet printing and Internet driver updates.
PostScript supports more features desired in commercial printing, such as PANTONE color matching and scalable PostScript fonts. PCL supports TrueType and Intellifont fonts. For digital typesetting, PostScript fonts are considered superior because of their high quality, particularly when scaling. PCL print jobs print quickly; however, PostScript files tend to be larger requiring more memory. Also, PCL print jobs can vary in quality depending on the printer used. PostScript print jobs are printer independent, meaning that the output will look consistent when printed on different printers.
Ultimately, PCL is best for everyday printer needs, and it supports the various functions of All-In-One printers, such as faxing and scanning.
PostScript is best for commercial printing, desktop publishing and digital typesetting. It provides better support for color printing and fonts.
Evolution of PCL: PCL 1 to 3
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PCL1 and 2 were released in the early 1980s. PCL 3 was released in 1984 and was available on only a few printer models. PCL 1 and 2 supported basic printing functions. PCL 3 supported word-processing features and allowed for the use of bitmap graphics and fonts.
Evolution of PCL: PCL: 4 and 5
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PCL 4 was introduced in 1985 and supported larger bitmap graphics and provided more printing options. PCL 5 was released in three different versions. PCL 5 was released in 1990 and supported scalable fonts, more complex graphics, and more desktop publishing features. PCL 5E (Enhanced) added bidirectional communication between the PC and printers, and supported more fonts. PCL 5C (Color) added support for color printing.
Evolution of PCL: PCL 6
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PCL 6 was released in 1995 and introduced a new programming structure so it can be easily adapted for use with future printer designs. It provides improved communication between the printer and PC, faster printing of large graphics, better WYSIWYG support and overall improved print quality.
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