Comparative Setup and Image Quality Evaluation. HP Smart Tank 455* Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485

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Comparative Setup and Image Quality Evaluation DECEMBER 2017 HP SMART TANK 455 VS.

Color Print Quality Black Print Quality Color Copy Quality Black Copy Quality HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485

* HP Smart Tank printers are also branded as HP Ink Tank printers in some regions Test Objective Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab

to conduct a comparative evaluation of image quality and setup and installation of the HP Smart Tank 455 (also branded as HP Ink

1 Comparative Setup and Image Quality Evaluation DECEMBER 2017 HP SMART TANK 455 VS. Competitive Inkjet Models HP Smart Tank 455* Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 OVERALL PERFORMANCE RATINGS Setup & Installation Color Print Quality Black Print Quality Color Copy Quality Black Copy Quality HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 indicates an advantage; = indicates parity. Ratings above are with respect to each other. * HP Smart Tank printers are also branded as HP Ink Tank printers in some regions Test Objective Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab (BLI) was commissioned by HP Inc. to conduct a comparative evaluation of image quality and setup and installation of the HP Smart Tank 455 (also branded as HP Ink Tank) versus the Epson ET- 2600, Epson L385 and Epson L485. BLI used its proprietary image quality test targets printed and copied in default mode and compared density readings and the visual quality across the samples. permission of Keypoint Intelligence is unlawful and violators will be prosecuted Keypoint Intelligence

Executive Summary Simple Setup and Clean Ink Filling BLI technicians found the HP Smart Tank 455 to be much simpler to set up, and offering a cleaner process for loading inks.

tank. Best In-Class Print Quality 1 BLI s analysts found that the HP Smart Tank 455 had the greatest advantage in print quality, delivering sharp text, clean lines and vibrant colors, even in draft

2 Executive Summary Simple Setup and Clean Ink Filling BLI technicians found the HP Smart Tank 455 to be much simpler to set up, and offering a cleaner process for loading inks. Two of the Epson model s tank design requires users to remove the tank from the side of the printer and lay it on the table to access the openings, while the third has a very narrow fill area, making it awkward for users to fill. The HP printer only requires users to lift a lid and open the stopper to access the tanks; once the ink bottle is pressed onto the tank nozzle, the ink automatically starts filling the HP printer ink tank. Best In-Class Print Quality 1 BLI s analysts found that the HP Smart Tank 455 had the greatest advantage in print quality, delivering sharp text, clean lines and vibrant colors, even in draft mode. Output from the Epson models produced in draft mode was washed out and barely usable. Key advantages of the Smart Tank 455 include brighter colors, smoother lines and text, more consistent ink fill and better clarity of fine details, while output from the Epson units appeared fuzzy, washed out and flat/lacking definition. 1 Best overall print quality compared to tested in-class competing OEM ink tank systems <$ USD from Epson. Test results should be similar for different model numbers using the same OEM ink formula. Based on testing and results found in December 2017 report by Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab using OEM inks, default mode & draft mode for printing & copying on plain paper with analysis of image density and visual quality. See Setup & Installation When compared to the three Epson inkjet models, the Smart Tank 455 offers a cleaner and neater procedure for filling ink due to both the design of the printer s ink tanks and the ink refill bottles. For the Epson model, the ink bottle design can cause spillage when removing the seals. For the Epson L385 and L485, the tank design requires users to remove the tank from the side of printer and lay it on the table to fill. While the ET-2600 has an integrated tank design, the large fill hole on the printer can cause splashback when squeezing the bottles to empty the ink into the tanks. HP Smart Tank 455 Epson L385/L485 Epson ET-2600 The HP ink bottles have a simple flip-top design that lets users quickly and easily fill ink. The bottles have a seal under the cap which includes a plastic tab for easy removal. (HP 30 black / 31 color ink bottles are also branded as HP 50 black / 51 color ink bottles in some regions.) The ink bottles for the Epson L385 and L485 have a plastic tab that must be twisted or cut off the top of the bottles. Under the caps, there is a foil seal that must be removed. BLI technicians struggled a bit with the foil and caution users to remove the seal slowly and carefully, as the design is prone to spilling. The ink bottles for the Epson ET-2600 have a twist-off cap on covering the ink nozzle. Under the nozzle caps, there is a foil seal that must be removed. BLI technicians struggled a bit with the foil and caution users to remove the seal slowly and carefully, as the design is prone to spilling. 2

The Epson L385 and 485 require users to remove the tank from the side of the

Once the foil seal is removed and the nozzle screwed back on the bottle,

BLI technicians noted that the ink fill area is a bit small and if one is

After ink is loaded, the unit goes through an initialization routine that

While the HP Smart Tank 455 required the extra step of installing the

Once the stopper is removed, the bottle can be inserted and the ink squeezed

Due to the fact that the hole is larger than the nozzle, there is a

Because the fill area is small, BLI technicians found it awkward to access

3 The Epson L385 and 485 require users to remove the tank from the side of the printer and lay it on the table next to the printer to fill the ink. Once the foil seal is removed and the nozzle screwed back on the bottle, users can lift the cover, remove the stopper and fill the ink tanks. BLI technicians noted that the ink fill area is a bit small and if one is not careful, inks could easily be spilled. After ink is loaded, the unit goes through an initialization routine that takes 15 to 20 minutes. While the HP Smart Tank 455 required the extra step of installing the printheads, HP users would still be up and running before Epson users. Once the stopper is removed, the bottle can be inserted and the ink squeezed into the tank. Due to the fact that the hole is larger than the nozzle, there is a potential for ink to splash when filling. After ink is loaded, the unit goes through an initialization routine that takes 15 to 20 minutes. Because the fill area is small, BLI technicians found it awkward to access on the ET-2600; they noted that users with smaller hands might have an easier time loading inks on this model. Because the HP Smart Tank 455 is designed with an ink tank that fits into the nozzle of the bottle, filling the tanks is clean, easy and mistake-proof. The fill area of the Epson L385 and L485 is prone to spills when loading the tanks with ink. 3

Image Quality Assessment (Print Mode) Business users want vibrant colors and clean text and to get the results they expect the first time; if users have to reprint a page because colors are wrong or

4 Image Quality Assessment (Print Mode) Business users want vibrant colors and clean text and to get the results they expect the first time; if users have to reprint a page because colors are wrong or quality is lacking, they re wasting valuable time and resources. BLI evaluated image quality of all the devices using a series of BLI proprietary targets, as well as the ISO test suite, printed in draft and default modes, on two different types of 24-lb. multipurpose paper (one with ColorLok technology and one without). In BLI s assessment, the HP Smart Tank 455 had the best overall print quality, with more vibrant colors, smoother coverage in shaded areas, better clarity of fine details and cleaner lines and text. Specific examples can be seen below and on the following pages (Printed output was scanned and saved at 300dpi and saved in JPG format). Color Text Comparison Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok When producing red text on a light blue background, the HP Smart Tank 455 produced darker, sharper text. Text from all three Epson units was lighter with some visible jagged edges, while backgrounds showed visible mottling. Color Text Comparison Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In draft mode, the light blue background was produced as a series of scattered dots by all three Epson models. Though there was some minor banding visible in shaded areas, the HP Smart Tank 455 produced dark, sharp text, even in draft mode. 4

Color Graphics Comparison Default Mode (Magnified to show

business graphics in default mode, color production was

detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In draft mode,

washed out and inaccurately produced (the orange part of

5 Color Graphics Comparison Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok When producing business graphics in default mode, color production was comparable across all four models, though colors from the Smart Tank 455 were slightly richer. Color Graphics Comparison Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In draft mode, however, colors from all three Epson models were extremely washed out and inaccurately produced (the orange part of the pie chart looks almost yellow), while those from the Smart Tank 455 were still vibrant. 5

Black Text Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok Black text printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 was clean with smooth edges.

6 Black Text Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok Black text printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 was clean with smooth edges. Text produced by the Epson units was not nearly as dark or cleanly formed and edges of text appeared jagged. Black Text Comparison - Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok Black text printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 was dark with slightly jagged edges. Text produced by the Epson units was was light, broken and jagged. Line Quality Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok 6

7 HP Smart Tank 455 vs. Competitive Inkjet Models In default mode, on both ColorLok and non-colorlok paper, lines printed by the HP model were noticeably cleaner and smoother. Line Quality Comparison - Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok The HP Smart Tank 455 was significantly better when printing fine lines in draft mode, which were smooth and fully formed. Lines produced by all three Epson inkjet models were light, jagged and broken. 7

is most vibrant with realistic looking highlights and the roofline is clearly delineated from the dark background.

8 HP Smart Tank 455 vs. Competitive Inkjet Models Color Photo Output Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In standard mode, the yellow car printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 is most vibrant with realistic looking highlights and the roofline is clearly delineated from the dark background. Colors from the Epson units, especially the dark background, look washed out and some banding is visible. Color Photo Output Comparison - Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In draft mode, the photo of the car printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 is bright with realistic looking highlights and the roofline is clearly delineated from the dark background. Colors from the Epson units, especially the dark background, look washed out. Some banding was visible on all output, but this is typical of inkjet technology when printing heavy coverage documents in draft mode. 8

9 HP Smart Tank 455 vs. Competitive Inkjet Models Color Photo Output Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok In default mode, a photo of pink and yellow flowers printed by the HP model was vibrant, with a good level of depth and detail. Output from all three Epson models was comparable, though images appeared slightly washed out. Color Photo Output Comparison - Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok Even in draft mode, the photo of pink and yellow flowers printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 was still vibrant with clear details and depth, but output from the three Epson inkjets looked flat and very washed out. 9

the HP Smart Tank 455 had good saturation, with clear details and depth.

10 HP Smart Tank 455 vs. Competitive Inkjet Models Color Photo Output Comparison - Default Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok A photo of a baby in a highchair printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 had good saturation, with clear details and depth. But, although skin tones were natural looking, output from the three Epson inkjets looked flat and washed out. Color Photo Output Comparison Draft Mode (Magnified to show detail) ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok ColorLok Even in draft mode, photographic images printed by the HP Smart Tank 455 had a good level of detail, though skin tones were a bit yellow on non-colorlok paper. Output from the three Epson inkjets looked flat and very washed out. 10

Waterfastness Black Waterfastness Drip 1 Drip 2 Average HP Smart Tank Wireless 455 0.07 0.07 0.070 Epson L385 0.168 0.152 0.

151 This test measures the amount of colorant transferred from a printed to an unprinted area when a drip of distilled water is

The sample is allowed to dry for one hour before the test is performed. One sample is tested at default quality.

11 Waterfastness Black Waterfastness Drip 1 Drip 2 Average HP Smart Tank Wireless Epson L Epson L Epson ET This test measures the amount of colorant transferred from a printed to an unprinted area when a drip of distilled water is allowed to run across five parallel bars. Five density readings are averaged for two separate drips. The sample is allowed to dry for one hour before the test is performed. One sample is tested at default quality. HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 No ink transfer was visible when water was dripped across output from the HP Smart Tank 455. There was visible smearing when water was dripped across output from all three Epson models. 11

Image Quality Assessment (Copy Mode) In copy mode, the HP Smart Tank 455 produced more vibrant colors, smoother coverage in shaded areas, better clarity of fine details and cleaner lines and text.

Color Background Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 In copy mode, the Epson models were slightly better at producing

12 Image Quality Assessment (Copy Mode) In copy mode, the HP Smart Tank 455 produced more vibrant colors, smoother coverage in shaded areas, better clarity of fine details and cleaner lines and text. Specific examples can be seen below and on the following pages. Samples were output using default settings on ColorLok paper. Color Background Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 In copy mode, the Epson models were slightly better at producing light-colored shaded backgrounds. While the Epson models produced copied output with smooth coverage, the HP Smart Tank 455 produced backgrounds with visible light and dark yellow bands. Color Graphics Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 When copying color business graphics, the HP Smart Tank 455 provided the most vibrant output with a good level of detail. In the bird graphic above, the shades of blue are more vibrant, whereas the Epson s output appears washed out. 12

Color Graphics Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 When copying color business graphics, the HP Smart Tank 455

13 Color Graphics Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 When copying color business graphics, the HP Smart Tank 455 provided the most vibrant output with smoother transitions across color bands. In the graphic above, you can clearly see each color of the rainbow in the HP output, whereas the Epson models output lacks clear transitions in the red/orange area and colors appear washed out. Black Text Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 Copied text from the HP Smart Tank 455 was dark and clean, with minimal jaggedness. Text produced by the Epson units was not nearly as cleanly formed and edges of text appeared jagged. Line Quality Comparison Default Mode on ColorLok (Magnified to show detail) HP Smart Tank 455 Epson ET-2600 Epson L385 Epson L485 The HP Smart Tank 455 was also produced better fine lines in copy mode, which were darker with smoother edges than what was produced by the Epson units. Lines produced by all three Epson inkjet models were lighter and showed inconsistencies. 13

14 Appendix A: Test Methodology Test Environment Testing was conducted under ambient conditions of 68F to 78F and 45% RH (+/- 10%), monitored daily by an Extech RH520 temperature/humidity digital recorder and Honeywell Model 61 Seven-Day Temperature/Humidity Chart Recorder, in BLI s test facility located at 80 Little Falls Road, Fairfield, NJ (U.S.A). Test Equipment BLI s dedicated test network, consisting of Windows 2003 servers, Windows 10 Professional workstations, 10BaseT/100BaseTX network switches and CAT5 cabling, Yokogawa WT210 power meter, Powerstat voltage regulator and ESP D5143NT Transient Voltage Surge Supressor. Tested Models HP Smart Tank 455, Epson ET-2600 (which is sold as the L3050 in other regions), Epson L385 and Epson L485. Appendix B: Full-Page Output Samples Examples of Color Photo Quality Print Mode on ColorLok HP Smart Tank 455 Color Photo Print Samples (Default and Draft Modes) Colors output produced by the HP Smart Tank 455 were more vibrant than output produced by any of the Epson models. Colors were vibrant and coverage was smooth. 14

15 HP Smart Tank 455 vs. Competitive Inkjet Models Epson ET-2600 Color Print Samples (Default and Draft Modes) Color output produced by the ET-2600 was slightly more vibrant than the output from the other two Epson models. In draft mode, output was washed out and lacked definition. Epson L385 Color Print Samples (Default and Draft Modes) Color output from the L385 in default mode was acceptable, though not as vibrant as the output from the HP model. In draft mode, images were washed out and lacked depth. 15

16 Epson L485 Color Print Samples (Default and Draft Modes) Color output from the L485 in default mode was acceptable, though not as vibrant as the output from the HP model. In draft mode, images were washed out and lacked depth. About Buyers Lab Since 1961, Keypoint Intelligence Buyers Lab (BLI) has been the leading global independent office-equipment test lab. In addition to publishing the industry s most comprehensive and accurate test reports on office document imaging devices, each representing months of exhaustive hands-on testing in BLI s US and UK laboratories, the company has been the leading source for extensive runnability testing on imaging media and consumables, as well as extensive specifications/pricing databases on MFPs, printers, scanners and fax machines. BLI also has a longstanding reputation for being the industry s most trustworthy and complete source for quality testing services and global competitive intelligence. In addition to testing over 200 office document imaging devices and related consumables annually for its subscribers, BLI provides consulting services to buyers and a range of private testing services that include document imaging device beta and pre-launch testing, performance certification testing, consumables testing (including toner, ink, fusers and photoconductors), solutions evaluations, and imaging media runnability testing. For more information on BLI, call (973) , visit or info@keypointintelligence.com. 16

Executive Summary. The refilled test samples included cartridges from the following refill service providers:

Executive Summary. The refilled test samples included cartridges from the following refill service providers: Custom Test Report Comparative Page Yield / Reliability Evaluation MARCH 2011 Original HP Inkjet Print Cartridges vs. Third-Party Refilled Cartridges Executive Summary In February 2011, Buyers Laboratory