Desktop Color Printer Solid Ink Xerox Tektronix Phaser 860

Transcription

Desktop Color Printer
Solid Ink
Xerox
Tektronix Phaser 860
December 2001
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In 1999, Xerox acquired printer-maker Tektronix, and has since launched various Tektronix color
printers utilizing either laser or solid-ink imaging technology. In June 2001, Xerox introduced
one such printer, the Phaser 860, which Industry Analysts Technical Services Division (IATSD)
recently tested. Unlike some Tektronix printers, the Phaser 860 series uses solid-ink, not laser,
color-imaging technology.
Solid-ink imaging technology is similar to the more well-known ink-jet technology used by many
printers. The key difference is that, with ink-jet printers, the ink is in liquid form. On the other
hand, with solid-ink printers, the ink is in solid form (in the case of the Phaser 860, in solid
“bullets” measuring about 2” x 1”). With solid-ink technology, the printer first melts the ink, then
applies it to the page to form the image. Impressive imaging quality can be obtained with this
technology. In addition, as Xerox points out, the printer need only perform one pass in order to
lay down the ink. Consequently, Xerox argues that solid ink-jet technology is faster than color
laser imaging technology, as, with most color laser printers, the printer typically must make four
passes in order to lay down all four colors.
CRI T I CAL
T E S T RE P O RT
Company Background
Xerox Office Printing Business
26600 SW Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070
www.xerox.com/officeprinting
Tested Configuration
Phaser 860DP ... $3,399.00
Hard Drive .......... $659.00
Total ....................... $4,058
Other Available Options
High-Capacity
Paper Tray ........ $549.00
FEATURE ANALYSIS
Engine
Rated Speed ......................16 ppm (color and black)
First Print Out ......................................... 10 seconds
Resolution..................................................1,000 dpi
........................................... “1,200 dpi photo mode”
Input Capacities
Paper Tray ...................................... 200 letter sheets
Maximum Paper .......................... 1,200 letter sheets
Paper-Handling Options
Paper Trays..................................... 500 letter sheets
Legal Paper Tray ........................... 200 legal sheets
Label Paper Tray ........................... 100 label sheets
Noteworthy Printer Features
•
250 MHz PowerPC processor
•
Standard 10/100BaseT Ethernet NIC
•
Standard automatic duplexing
•
Adobe PostScript Level 3 Software
•
PCL 5c emulation software
•
Embedded Web server
•
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) Remote
printing
•
Printer alerts via e-mail (MailLinX)
•
“Usage Analysis” software
•
RIP-While-Print (requires optional hard
drive)
•
Proof printing and secure printing (both
require optional hard drive)
•
Xerox Total Satisfaction Guarantee
•
Pantone-approved color matching
Manufacturer’s Recommended Monthly Volume
Up to 65,000 pages
Discussion
The Phaser 860 uses solid-ink technology, which is a
much simpler technology than laser imaging
technology, with the result that it is generally more
reliable. And, because it uses solid-ink technology,
it is very easy to replenish the Phaser 860’s supplies.
Also of note is the Phaser 860’s “free black ink for
life.” What this means is that Xerox provides black
ink bullets free of charge. The black ink bullets are
available free of charge in a package of three.
Alternatively, when the customer purchases a
package of five color ink bullets (containing either
cyan, magenta or yellow bullets), Xerox includes
two black ink bullets free of charge, or, if the
customer purchases a package of two color ink
bullets, Xerox includes one black ink bullet. A
package containing five cyan bullets lists at $198.99,
as do a package of magenta bullets, and a package of
yellow bullets.
Another of the Phaser 860’s unique aspects is its
“Intelligent Ready” feature that “learns” its usage
patterns and responds by automatically going into
“sleep mode” or by “waking up” accordingly in
order to minimize the fairly lengthy warm-up cycle.
Dimensions and Weight
Height ........................15.3”
Width.............................17”
Depth .........................23.5”
Weight..................... 79 lbs.
Power Requirements
90-264 VAC, 50/60 Hz,
Consumption: 220 W
avg./1,000 W max.
Energy Star Compliant
Dedicated Outlet..........Yes
Sold Through
Xerox Direct Response
Channels and Resellers
Industry Analysts, Inc.
Technical Services Division
1275 Bloomfield Avenue
Building 3, Suite 50-C
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
Phone: (973) 227-8699
Fax #: (973) 227-3644
www.industryanalysts.com
IATSD Critical Test Report – Xerox Phaser 860
Page 2
IMAGE QUALITY
Image Density (0.0 to 2.5 where 2.5 is the darkest
possible)
Printer Resolution - (horizontal/vertical point lines
produced)
Printer Halftone Reproduction - (10% to 100%
coverage in 10% gradations)
Negative/Positive Line Reproduction
Negative/Positive Dot Reproduction
Phaser 860DP
1.745
C = 4/3 pt.; Y = 4/4 pt.; M = 4/4 pt.; K = 4/4 pt.
There were even levels of gradation between halftones.
There were noticeable differences between the line
widths of negative horizontal and vertical lines
There was no noticeable differences between the line
widths of positive horizontal and vertical lines
Discussion
Overall, image density was outstanding and text output was crisp and clear. When it comes to the quality of the
images output by the Xerox Phaser 860DP, the average user would have few complaints.
To a more trained eye, however, while halftones produced in the KDY image quality test chart were faithfully
rendered, the output of photographic halftone images was only acceptable, especially when compared to the output
of a considerably less expensive ink-jet photo printer. While the colors produced by the Phaser 860 were relatively
accurate, its rendition of detail was somewhat muddled. This may be attributed to the fact that the wax ink does
not lend itself to dithering as well as liquid ink does (the same may be said of photographic images produced by
dry-toner printers, but this may be minimized with fine control over the toner-fusing process, which blends the
dots of toner together). Moreover, even when using its most vivid color settings, the overall saturation of images
produced by the Phaser 860 was subdued when compared to the output of the photo printer.
Nevertheless, the targeted users of this printer (office users that print business graphics) will be more than satisfied
with the quality of images produced by the Xerox Phaser 860.
The sample photographic images on the following pages help illustrate the points made above. They are
untouched and were scanned using the same scanner, settings (True Color RGB, 75 dpi) and software. Note that
the scanner introduces some moiré effect in the black-and-white resolution charts on the right side of the image.
 2001 • Industry Analysts, Inc.
Page 3
Figure 1 – ISO “Bicycle” image produced by the Xerox Phaser 860 using the “High-Resolution/Photo 1200”
quality setting and automatic color.
Page 4
Figure 2 – ISO “Bicycle” image produced by the Epson Color Photo 780 using automatic settings.
Page 5
NETWORK PRINTER PRODUCTIVITY (POSTSCRIPT LEVEL 3)
10-Page Microsoft Word Text Document
Phaser 860DP
Paper Source
Paper Feed
Top Tray
Short-edge
First Page Out Time (seconds)
1 Set Simplex (ppm)
3 Sets Simplex (ppm)
28.3
7.4
9.0
9.2
9.6
1 Set Simplex to Duplex (ppm)
3 Sets Simplex to Duplex (ppm)
6.9
7.8
8.3
8.6
11-Page Adobe Acrobat Text/Graphics Document
Phaser 860DP
Paper Source
Paper Feed
Top Tray
Short-edge
1 Set Simplex (ppm)
33.4
6.2
7.4
7.6
8.7
5.6
6.8
7.0
7.3
Page 6
10-Page Microsoft PowerPoint Text/Graphics Document
Phaser 860DP
Paper Source
Paper Feed
Top Tray
Short-edge
1 Set Simplex (ppm)
27.5
5.1
7.6
9.0
9.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Discussion
Overall, printer productivity was consistent from application-to-application, and printer productivity was not
significantly affected in either color or duplex mode.
USER INTERFACE
Figure 3 – Xerox Tektronix Phaser 860 control panel
Page 7
Discussion
The Phaser 860’s controls were easy-to-use and the menus were clear and explicit. The green indicator to the left
of the LCD display flashes and/or changes color in order to reflect the printer status. In most cases, this provides
users who are sitting or standing on the other side of a typical office workspace with sufficient information about
the printer’s operating status. However, our test unit’s rubber-coated controls were somewhat sticky in feel, and at
times the “up” and “down” controls would stick and would not return to the home position. We suspect, though,
that this will improve as the keys are used over time.
PRINT DRIVERS
Figure 4 – Xerox Phaser 860 PostScript Level 3 print driver
Page 8
CLIENT SOFTWARE
Figure 5 – Xerox PrinterMap Service
Figure 6 – Xerox CentreWare Internet Services
Page 9
Figures 7-8 – Xerox CentreWare Internet Services Job Accounting Data
Page 10
Figure 9 – Xerox CentreWare Internet Services Raw Job Accounting Data
Figure 10 – Xerox CentreWare Internet Services Supplies Email Alert Settings
Page 11
Page 12
Figure 11 – Internet Services eMail Alert Screen
Discussion
The Phaser 860 features an intelligent, easy-to-use and easy-to-implement software suite. There is only one print
driver; it contains programming features that are thoughtfully spread-out over eight uncluttered tabs. Most users
should have no difficulty understanding the Phaser 860’s feature set.
The Internet Services feature, which enables users to access the Phaser 860 via a Web browser, is excellent. Using
Internet Services, users may easily find everything they need to know about the Phaser 860’s status (see Figures 68). While other devices feature similar functionality, none offer the Phaser 860’s job-management capabilities,
which enable administrators to calculate true cost-per-page using the information shown in Figures 8 and 9.
INSTALLATION AND ADMINISTRATION SOFTWARE
Figure 12 – Xerox CentreWare DP Installation Wizard
Page 13
Page 14
Figure 13 – Xerox CentreWare DP Network Connection Properties Screens
Figure 14 – Xerox PrinterMap Main Screen
Figure 15 – Xerox PrinterMap Printer Properties
Figure 16 – Xerox PrinterMap Hourly Report
Figure 17 – Xerox PrinterMap Alarm Log
Page 15
Page 16
Discussion
Print-Driver Installation: The administrator may run a printer-installation utility from the included CD-ROM. In
an industry first, the administrator has the ability to perform the entire installation (installation of user manuals,
print drivers and software utilities [a 32.5 Mb download]) from the printer hard disk (if installed), using
CentreWare Internet Services and a Web browser.
Device Installation: For the Novell 4.11 network operating system, CentreWare DP provides an installation
wizard that was very easy to use. For the Windows 2000 network operating system, a wizard-based installation
program is run from the included CD-ROM.
Administration Utilities: The Phaser includes a variety of useful software utilities:
•
•
•
•
PinterMAP – Collects a variety of useful data from all printers on the network (see Figure 14). Can
produce standard and custom reports (see standard report shown in Figure 16).
CentreWare DP – Provides easy network installation and administration for Xerox printers (see Figures
12-13).
Internet Services – CentreWare Internet Services provides administrators with the ability to easily find
everything they need to know about the Phaser 860’s status (see Figures 6-8). While other devices feature
similar functionality, none offer the Phaser 860’s job-management capabilities, which enable users to
calculate true cost-per-page using the information shown in Figures 8 and 9.
eMail Alerts – CentreWare Internet Services may be programmed to automatically deliver customized
email alerts to several designated recipients (see Figures 10 and 11).
Note: The software bundled with the Phaser 860 was developed by Tektronix and lightly modified by Xerox (the
Xerox name appears on several screens). It is distinctly different than the CentreWare software suite that Xerox
includes with its Xerox-developed DocuPrint and DocumentCentre image devices. The Phaser software suite
offers much of the same functionality but in a more elegant manner than the CentreWare suite. IATSD hopes that
when Xerox inevitably homogenizes its software, it folds the best features of the Phaser suite into CentreWare, or
vice versa, rather than imposing CentreWare on the Phaser products.
Page 17
MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES
Figure 18 – This back view of the Phaser 860 shows the printer controller and available connections
Figure 19 – As may be seen above, excellent access to the controller is provided. This makes upgrades easy.
Page 18
Figure 20 – As may be seen above, replacing the Phaser 860’s ink bullets is quick, clean and easy
Page 19
IATSD “BOTTOM LINE”
Competitive Advantages
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Free black ink bullets
Low cost per page for both color and black and white output
Solid-ink technology is more reliable than xerographic technology
Quality construction
Excellent software suite
Automatic duplexing
Minimal speed penalty for duplex output
Minimal speed penalty for color vs. black-and-white output
Easy maintenance
Competitive Disadvantages
•
•
•
•
Solid ink does not lend itself well to color dithering
Photographic quality is only average
Black-and-white speed is comparable to that of a $500 laser printer
Color speed is comparable to that of a $700 ink jet printer
Suitable For:
Not Suitable For:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Small workgroup that produce some color
Business graphics (PowerPoint)
More black-and-white than color
Applications that require high-quality photographic output
Tabloid paper-size applications
Applications that require document finishing
Applications that require fine image detail
Conclusion
While the Phaser 860 is undeniably a unique, high-quality color-imaging device with a remarkably low cost per
page, IATSD had a difficult time identifying who it would be appropriate for, and what would be its ideal
application.
One the one hand, the Phaser 860 is nearly as expensive to purchase as some other color xerographic devices that
are nearly three times faster. It is not fast enough to satisfy the needs of large- and mid-size workgroups; nor does
it have the paper capacity suitable for large- or mid-size workgroups. This makes it appropriate only for the
smallest workgroup. At the same time, it could be considered too large and expensive to use as a personal printer.
Moreover, it does not provide any document-finishing technology or support tabloid-size paper, and its
photographic output is uninspiring.
On the other hand, the Phaser 860 is extremely easy to use and maintain. Its software, construction and design are
first-rate. Its leading-edge technology is both simple and reliable. It does not slow down appreciably when
printing in color or duplex mode, and is a very enjoyable printer to use.
The key to this unique product is twofold: 1) black ink is free; and 2) it is simple and reliable enough to preclude
the need for a service contract. This means that the more black output one produces, the more one can justify the
Page 20
Phaser 860’s relatively high price and slow print speed. On the other hand, the Phaser 860’s slow 10-ppm print
speed and lack of 11” x 17” output and document-finishing options hamper its usefulness as a black-and-white
printer.
The decision then to purchase the Phaser 860 has to remain firmly with the customer. This is because, ultimately,
it is the customer who must be able to decide whether their small workgroup produces enough black-and-white
letter- and legal-size output to justify the Phaser 860’s more expensive purchase price, versus its strengths and
weaknesses.
To help customers better decide whether the Phaser 860 will be right for them, the following example will be
helpful:
•
First, let us assume a purchase price of $4,067 for a Phaser 860 optimally configured with the optional harddrive and 500-sheet paper tray. The Phaser 860 maintenance kit cost is $0.005 is per page, while black ink is
free, so that black-and-white cost per page is $0.005 (the cost of the maintenance kit).
•
Next, let us assume that the black-and-white cost-per-page (supplies and service) for a comparably priced
xerographic color device is $0.02 per copy. That means that after 271,133 pages ($4,067/$0.02) of black-andwhite output, or 7,500 pages per month over a 36-month period, the Phaser 860 will pay for itself.
Additionally, the Phaser 860’s full-color output is a very reasonable $0.085 per page (Xerox list price and yield
using an unknown area coverage), or $0.13 per page (Xerox list price and IATSD tested yield at 5 percent area
coverage per color).
When considered in this light, if the customer’s black-and-white volume is sufficient (and because black ink is
free), the Phaser 860 can actually pay for itself over time. Consequently, the customer must consider whether the
Phaser 860’s previously discussed strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and/or if their black-and-white monthly
volume is sufficient to help justify its purchase.
Contact Information
50 Chestnut Plaza
Suite 900
Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: (716) 232-5320
Fax: (716) 454-5760
Technical Services Division
1275 Bloomfield Avenue
Building 3, Unit 50C
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone: (973) 227-8699
Fax: (973) 227-3644
This test report is part of an ongoing series of Critical Test Reports from Industry Analysts Technical Services
Division (IATSD) and may be viewed free-of-charge at our Web site (http://www.industryanalysts.com). Reprints
are available for a nominal fee. Reproduction in any form without permission is strictly forbidden and will be
subject to prosecution.

Desktop Color Printer Solid Ink Xerox Tektronix Phaser 860

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