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General discussion

Dell 3100cn laser printer Colors are Way Off

Nov 23, 2009 10:16PM PST

am so frustrated! I have had a Dell 3100cn at my house for 4yrs and can still not get it to output colors that are even slightly close to what's on my screen. I purchased one for my home because I am a graphic artist and use one at work and It prints fine there. Colors seem muddy and desaturated. I have tried changing the color profiles (.icm) and the printer description (PPD's) with no change. Has anyone else had this problem? What should I look for to fix this? I am an IT professional so I will understand any technically detailed concepts. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Just what I've seen.
Nov 24, 2009 5:26AM PST

Laser color printers are limited in color matching. For now, for today I would only use them for "business presentation" or "Power Point" work.

In other words, not the right printer for graphic artists.

Then again, what color calibration tools are in use? The Pantone Spyder or similar is what I've used over the years.
Bob

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Color output
Nov 24, 2009 10:11PM PST

Does the ptr. under self-test produce OK? If not, then get that to work. If you can't then you have a defective ptr. start the return process don't even attempt to fix it as color lasers aren't easy w/o all the goodies and HP support, etc..

If it does self-test OK, then proceed to output lesser demanding tasks. If those come out OK, then I suggest you look at the current use pgm. and see what if any options/adj. can be had. You have the advantage of a similar ptr. at work, match those parameters and it should be OK maybe some fine-tuning, but far more effective.

A common problem with printers for demanding color matching is "what you see and what you don't get" result. Monitors and printers do differ in how they produce color. As Robert posted, find a tweaking pattern to help zero-in the color output.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Color Test on Dell 3100cn
Nov 25, 2009 1:03AM PST

I've printed out the gradient test sheet and it looks perfect. It has to be one of the adjustments in the software. What should I look for? Thanks

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Look for
Nov 25, 2009 1:14AM PST

Color calibration hardware and software like the Pantone Spyder. What are you using? Or are you hoping to get by without the calibration tools?

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Color Calibration
Nov 25, 2009 1:26AM PST

I am not using any calibration tools except Adobe Gamma. I don't need it that perfect, just usable. As it is It looks like somewhere the file is going through a conversion from RGB to CMYK poorly leaving the bright vibrancy of the colors to a desaturated or muddy reproduction.

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The lesson I learned long ago.
Nov 25, 2009 1:35AM PST

Was to go get the Spyder. Without fail the owner would complain it didn't match even when it was much better than before. This area is hammering new owners as the sellers of pritners, computers and monitors don't want to scare off a potential sale. "What do you mean that I need to calibrate the colors? I'm buying something else that will work!"

If you are going to go with just software, then expect to get so-so results. I've only been at this a few decades and share what I've learned.
Bob

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Adjustments
Nov 25, 2009 11:41AM PST

I googled an answer for ya:

http://www.google.com/search?q=calibrate+printer+color

Align the monitor then printer. But, I though printer really needs anything, IMHO. As for "gamma" from Abode, that's a massive 1 adj. that loops everything, don't fiddle too much with that. In the link I provide there is a Abode reference, check there.

adios -----Willy Happy