Different printing needs do require different screen frequency settings, for example, offset printing requires a higher setting, whereas newsprint generally requires a lower setting. Your printer default is set to give you the best screen frequency setting for high quality business graphics.

Screen angle

Note: The only time you can change the screen angle is when the use color option has been deselected. The reason for this is the default angle ensures no color is overprinted by another color.

Spot function

The default angle of the halftone screen and cells places the dots so they are the least noticeable to the human eye. It also ensures the alignment of color through all four color planes. By avoiding the placement of halftone cells at an angle of 90 degrees, the eyes of the viewer are focused on your image and not on the dots.

The spot function determines the shape of the dots by control- ling the order in which the pels in the halftone cell are turned on. The printer code defines the order by assigning a priority to each individual pel within the halftone cell. By turning on or printing a portion of the pels within the halftone cell and then combining the different halftone screens, your printer is able to print mil- lions of colors.

Image Smoothing You can turn Image Smoothing On from the graphics tab of your printer driver or through the PostScript Menu. This increases the contrast and sharpness of bitmapped images and smooths color transitions. This setting is useful for images downloaded from the World Wide Web at 72 dpi. The setting has no effect on images downloaded at 300 dpi resolution or higher.

Printing text In both PostScript and PCL emulations, 100% black text prints using black toner (K of CMYK). This results in sharp, crisp text characters. As mentioned before, the printer applies a unique screening algorithm to small text (less than 24 points in size). This helps ensure that all text has smooth, crisp edges.

Black text included as part of a color bitmap image is printed as a composite black. The result may be fuzzy characters or per-

Chapter 4: Controlling your printer

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Lexmark Optra C710 manual Screen angle Spot function

Optra C710 specifications

The Lexmark Optra C710 is a multifunction color laser printer designed to meet the diverse printing requirements of small to medium-sized businesses. Known for its robust performance and exceptional print quality, the Optra C710 offers a reliable solution for organizations looking to enhance their document workflow.

One of the standout features of the Optra C710 is its impressive printing speed. Capable of producing up to 26 pages per minute in black and white and 23 pages per minute in color, this printer ensures that users can complete their printing tasks quickly, minimizing bottlenecks in productivity. The first page out time is also commendably fast, allowing users to print professional-quality documents without delay.

Print quality is another vital aspect where the Optra C710 excels. With a maximum print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, it produces sharp text and vibrant color graphics. This high resolution is achieved through Lexmark's advanced laser technology, which ensures that prints are crisp and clear every time. The printer's ability to handle a variety of media types and sizes further enhances its versatility, supporting everything from envelopes to cardstock.

In terms of connectivity, the Optra C710 is equipped with multiple options including USB, parallel, and network capabilities, making it suitable for both individual and shared environments. Built-in networking allows various users to access the printer simultaneously, thus streamlining office operations. Additionally, support for various operating systems ensures compatibility with a wide range of computers and devices.

The Optra C710 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its intuitive control panel makes it easy to navigate through different settings and monitor printer status. Regular maintenance tasks are simplified with easy access to consumables, such as toner cartridges, which can be easily replaced without requiring specialized tools.

Moreover, the printer is built for durability. With a monthly duty cycle rated for high-volume printing, it can handle demanding print jobs while maintaining consistent performance. Its energy-efficient features help reduce operational costs, making it an environmentally friendly choice as well.

In summary, the Lexmark Optra C710 is a powerful color laser printer that combines speed, quality, and ease of use. Its multifunction capabilities and robust features make it an excellent addition to any business looking for reliable printing solutions, whether for internal documents or client-facing materials. With its advanced technology and practical design, the Optra C710 truly stands out in the competitive landscape of color printers.