PostScript and PCL4 Files
The DEClaser 1152 printer primarily a PostScript printer. For applications
that do not have a PostScript printer driver, the DEClaser 1152 printer
provides Hewlett-Packard PCL4 emulation as an alternate language interface.
These two language interfaces are quite different in nature. This section
describes the differences between the two languages.
PostScript is a programming language designed to efficiently create what is
known as a ‘‘Page Description.’’ PostScript is a Page Description Language
(PDL). While PostScript is composed of only the printable ASCII characters,
it is not necessarily these characters that get printed on your printer. When
the DEClaser 1152 printer receives a PostScript file, the built-in PostScript
interpreter parses the file for instructions on how to create and lay out the
images and text to be placed on the paper.
The emulation of Hewlett_Packard’s PCL4 language is created from within
the PostScript interpreter. PCL4 is a Printer Control Language composed of
ASCII text embedded with special sequences of printer control instructions
that are preceded with the ASCII decimal 27 character, more commonly known
as the Escape character. The collection of printer control instructions is known
as escape sequences. With very few exceptions, the PCL4 emulator produces
output equivalent to the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet IIP printer.
When configuring the printer drivers in the following sections, keep in mind
that the DEClaser 1152’s communication channels are ready to interpret the
incoming data as a PostScript Language program.
Conventions
The following terms and conventions are used in this guide.
Term/Convention
Meaning
Note
Provides additional information.
Caution
Provides information for preventing equipment or
software damage.
Warning
Provides information for preventing personal injury.
Bullet (
)
A bulleted statement in a procedure describes a result
after performing a step.
Bold type
Text in boldface designates messages that appear on the
control panel and menu options in DECwindows.
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