otto@rd1632.Dayton.NCR.COM (Jerome A. Otto) (03/30/88)
At NCR, we noticed that samples of font output from a QMS PS Jet+ and an Apple Laser Writer Plus were different. The font was created using Altsys Fontographer. The PS Jet+ is installed on an NCR 6416 laser printer. The startup sheet lists version 46.1 of POSTSCRIPT. The Apple Laser Writer was upgraded to a Plus about two years ago. Our department has 10 QMS 800+ or PS Jet+ printers and only the one LaserWriter. I was using the LaserWriter until I needed more memory and then switched to the PS Jet+. At NCR, we are required to use specific fonts for all newsletters, journals, pubs, advertising, etc. As the editor of a technical newsletter and journal, I was required to comply. The two fonts are Helvetica and Plantin. Helvetica is available on all laser printers but Plantin is not. We have used Altsys Fontographer to develop a POSTSCRIPT version of Plantin. The 10 point type on samples appears correct. However, the 12 point type (and just about any other size we tried) looks uneven. This is caused by the bottoms of some letters (e.g., m, n, and r) that are not filled across. It looks like one pixel is printed in the lower left corner of each serif but not extended across the bottom. The LaserWriter is even. The Linotronic output is also perfect. The only difference between the three is probably the version of POSTSCRIPT. I do not know what the level in the LaserWriter is because it is not printed on the startup sheet. When we first noticed this problem, we contacted Altsys. They took samples of our font descriptions and printed them on their printer (probably a LaserWriter Plus) and they claimed it printed correctly. Later when we switched from the PS Jet+ back to the LaserWriter, we found that it worked. No wonder they maintained that they could not reproduce the problem! This problem is critical to NCR because we are required to use Plantin and we have invested several manmonths in creating a POSTSCRIPT version. The QMS printers that we presently have are OK for proofing for the Linotronic but not for creating originals in Plantin. If anyone has seen this problem or has a solution, contact me via e-mail or phone (513) 445-1084. Jerome A. Otto