Matching colors

The process of matching printer output color to your computer screen is quite complex because printers and computer monitors use different methods of producing color. Monitors display colors by light pixels using an RGB (red, green, blue) color process, but printers print colors using a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) process.

Several factors can influence your ability to match printed colors to those on your monitor. These factors include:

●print media

●printer colorants (inks or toners for example)

●printing process (inkjet, press, or laser technology for example)

●overhead lighting

●personal differences in perception of color

●software applications

●printer drivers

●PC operating system

●monitors

●video cards and drivers

●operating environment (humidity for example)

Keep the above factors in mind when colors on your screen do not perfectly match your printed colors.

For most users, the best method for matching colors on your screen to your printer is to print sRGB colors.

PANTONE®* color matching

PANTONE®* has multiple color matching systems. PANTONE®* Matching System is very popular and uses solid inks to generate a wide range of color hues and tints. See http://www.hp.com/support/lj5500_software for details on how to use PANTONE®* Matching System with this printer.

Swatch book color matching

The process for matching printer output to preprinted swatch books and standard color references is complex. In general, you can obtain a reasonably good match to a swatch book if the inks used to create the swatch book are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. These are usually referred to as process color swatch books.

Some swatch books are created from spot colors. Spot colors are specially created colorants. Many of these spot colors are outside of the gamut of the printer. Most spot color swatch books have companion process swatch books that provide CMYK approximations to the spot color.

Most process swatch books will have a note on what process standards were used to print the swatch book. In most cases they will be SWOP, EURO, or DIC. To get optimal color matching to the process swatch book, select the corresponding ink emulation from the printer menu. If you cannot identify the process standard, use SWOP ink emulation.

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HP 5500 manual Matching colors, PANTONE* color matching Swatch book color matching
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5500 specifications

The HP 5500 series is a powerful line of color inkjet printers designed for demanding office environments that require versatility, speed, and professional-quality outputs. Notably, these printers are well-regarded for their robust build and user-friendly features, making them suitable for both small teams and large workgroups.

One of the main features of the HP 5500 is its impressive printing speed. Boasting a print speed of up to 30 pages per minute for black and white documents and 20 pages per minute for color, this printer ensures that users can complete their tasks efficiently. The printer's high-capacity ink cartridges contribute to the overall cost efficiency by reducing the frequency of replacements, allowing for less downtime and more continuous workflow.

The HP 5500 series also excels in the area of print quality, consistently delivering vibrant colors and sharp text. With a maximum print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, the printers are capable of producing professional-grade documents and graphics. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that require high-quality marketing materials, presentations, and reports.

In terms of technology, the HP 5500 utilizes HP’s Advanced Color Technologies, which enhance color accuracy and consistency, resulting in striking prints. The printer is equipped with the HP Photo Ret III technology, which optimizes color output, ensuring a smoother gradation and a more dynamic range in photos and graphics.

Another notable characteristic of the HP 5500 series is its versatile media handling capabilities. It supports various paper sizes and types, including heavy media, glossy brochures, and envelopes. It also features a large input tray capacity, allowing users to load up to 250 sheets of paper, which minimizes the need for frequent paper replenishment.

In terms of connectivity, the HP 5500 provides various options such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless connections, facilitating easy integration into existing office networks. This flexibility allows multiple users to share the printer with ease, enhancing collaborative work.

Overall, the HP 5500 series stands out in the competitive printer market with its balanced combination of speed, quality, and versatility. Businesses looking for a reliable, high-performance printer can count on the HP 5500 to meet their printing needs.
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