Convert PCL5 to PCLXL (PCL6).

[motoslide]

We use unix-based application which produces forms from accounting data (Logo, various fonts, boxes, shading, etc.)
We've found that the output isn't interpreted correctly on a "PCL6-only" printer. Most PCL6 capable printers also understand PCL5, so there is no problem. For the few which no longer support PCL5, we need some kind of conversion utility.

Anybody know of one?

Another option is to convert the PCL5 output to PostScript. I'd appreciate ideas on that as well.

(I'm also posting this in the "Unix Scripting" forum, since the solution must be UNIX based)

"Proof that there is intelligent life in Oregon. Well, Life anyway.

 

[jlasman]

PCL6 is so different from PCL5, that I doubt there is such as thing for that conversion. I suppose you could convert the PCL page to a bitmap and then generate PCL6 from that. I am not aware of any Unix software to do the last part of that.

I would guess that the software would cost more than the printer. PCL6 only printers tend be bottom end.

If DansDad is listening, "perhaps" he has some thoughts. It sounds like a big can of worms you are opening.

Jim Asman

http://www.spectracolorservices.com

 

[DansDadUK]

I think that Jim is quite correct in what he has said.

Even if there is anything out there which would convert a PCL5 print stream to a PCL6 equivalent, as Jim points out, this is likely to result in an encapsulated bitmap format (a bit like the output from the 'host-based' JetReady drivers).
I guess the same might also be true of converting PCL5 to PostScript.

It would be far better to go back to the original source (the accounting application) and modify this to generate the print stream in the desired language, either directly, or via a print driver API (I don't know if *n*x systems have a common API or not).

 

[motoslide]

Thanks for the replies. There is a newer version of the Forms creator which can output in PostScript. I believe these HP's (2840n) can interpret that format. We'll either need to upgrade that software, or have the Client move the 2840's elsewhere in their organization and purchase PCL5 compatible replacements to handle our forms.

Lesson learned? Be more specific before saying "Any LaserJet-compatible printer should work fine".



"Proof that there is intelligent life in Oregon. Well, Life anyway.

 

[assets]

I was going to ask if you can use postscript. I HATE HATE PCL6. It has caused no end of problems. I do not know what HP were thinking (or not thinking) when it was developed. It like someone speaking french when you only undersand english. It would not find the correct printers drivers/trays in word2002, which ment writting VB to select the correct tray.

Never give up never give in.

There are no short cuts to anything worth doing