Printing issue related to Windows printer driver dithering setting

A printing issue was discovered with the dithering function of the SATO Windows printer driver.

When it occurs

The error has been observed when changing the dithering setting of printer driver version 8.4.9.27651 from the default value (“Clipart”).

More detail

When printing with Windows printer driver 8.4.9.27651 and the dithering setting is changed to anything other than the default setting (“Clipart”), print results may differ from earlier versions of the driver. This is caused by a dithering function failure and may be more visible when there are tone expressions (color or grayscale images) in the print layout.

Signs you may be experiencing this issue

1. 1.
   If dithering is set to “Photo,” gradation (in logos, etc.) may not be printed.

   1. *
      Tested with Acrobat Reader
2. 2.
   After changing the dithering setting to anything other than “Clipart,” the printed image may not change.

   1. *
      Tested with Microsoft Excel

This issue was not observed when printing:

1. 1.
   1D and 2D codes using barcode font or command font
2. 2.
   Text using resident font or command font
3. 3.
   Any content when the driver is used in pass through mode

Countermeasures

SATO will update the Windows printer driver at a future date. Until then, please take the following measures.

1. 1.
   Please use the default dithering setting (Clipart) if there is no grayscale in the image.
2. 2.
   If you need to change the dithering setting to something other than default (Clipart), please download the previous driver version here.

For any questions, please contact us.