HP Introduces Next-Generation Printer Language

New HP PCL 6 Object-oriented Printer Language Tuned for Graphics-rich
Documents, Includes Font-synthesis Technology

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA. APRIL 8, 1996

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the next generation of HP Printer
Control Language (HP PCL), the defacto industry-standard printer language.
HP PCL 6 offers new, modular, object-oriented commands designed to take
full advantage of today's graphics-intensive applications. HP PCL includes
font-synthesis technology for true what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG)
printing and better document fidelity.

PCL 6, which is slated to be incorporated into future HP LaserJet printers,
offers the following benefits:

 - new modular architecture that can be easily modified for
   future HP printers;
 - faster return to application;
 - faster printing of complex graphics;
 - more efficient data streams for reduced network traffic;
 - better WYSIWYG printing;
 - improved print quality;
 - truer document fidelity; and
 - complete backward compatibility.

"As goes PCL, so goes the printer industry, because PCL is the
industry-standard link between PCs and printers," said Carolyn Ticknor, HP
vice president and general manager of the LaserJet Solutions Group. "PCL 6
will give business users improved ease of use and better performance and
print quality for today's increasingly complex documents."

New Modular Architecture

PCL 6's modular architecture allows new features to be added easily so that
new HP printers can meet customers' needs as workplace conditions change.
For example, future HP printers are expected to incorporate technology
that improves print quality from the Internet and World Wide Web. HP is
working with Microsoft, Netscape and others to develop these enabling
technologies.

Improved Performance

PCL 6 commands were designed by HP to closely match Microsoft Windows
graphical direct interface (GDI) commands. As a result, users get improved
performance and better print quality. For example, users will regain
control of their PC and application sooner because PCL 6 allows the
printer driver to translate GDI to PCL 6 faster than before. Network
throughput will improve because PCL 6 uses smaller, more compact commands
than previous versions used. Complex graphics will print faster because
PCL 6 is an object-oriented printer language specifically designed for
graphics.

Gray-scale images, which are processed as objects, appear smooth and even,
offering superior print quality for graphics and scanned images. Design
consistencies between PCL 6 and GDI also yield better WYSIWYG printing.

Refined Document Integrity through Font Synthesis

PCL 6 incorporates a new font-synthesis technology that provides more
accurate printing. Today, a printer typically will substitute a font it
does not recognize with another, producing output different from what was
intended. Font synthesis will generate an image of a font on the fly to
create a document that prints as it appears on the screen, improving
document fidelity and offering truer WYSIWYG printing.

Compatibility

PCL 6 is completely backward-compatible with today's software applications
because PCL 5e is integrated with HP PCL 6.

PCL 6 will support all Microsoft Windows 3.X, Windows NT, Windows 95 and
IBM OS/2 applications. Complex graphical applications whose printing
components closely match the Windows GDI model will provide the most
notable performance gains.

HP is the world's leading supplier of hardcopy products that set the
standard for technology, performance and reliability. HP's market-leading
products include LaserJet and DeskJet printers, DesignJet large-format
printers and plotters, ScanJet scanners, OfficeJet printer-fax-copier
devices, CopyJet color printer-copiers and HP FAX facsimile machines.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing,
communications and measurement products and services recognized for
excellence in quality and support. HP has 102,300 employees and had
revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.hp.com.
 
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