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Newsgroups: comp.laser-printers
Subject: Re: PostScript vs DDL vs Interpress (was PostSript Printers)
Message-ID: <8704171906.AA14299@brillig.umd.edu>
Date: Wed, 15-Apr-87 08:37:19 EST
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Posted: Wed Apr 15 08:37:19 1987
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We could debate the issue of which PDL is "better", "faster", "more flexible",
etc., and whether nonprogrammable "languages" like IMPRESS, hpgl, etc., are
"better", "faster", etc., but there is still one fact that remains undisputed:
PostScript is the only languate that exists today on a wide range of devices
from a wide range of manufacturers (true, the LaserJet's language is
emulated by lots of printers, but read on) at a wide range of resolutions:
200 DPI up to 2540 DPI.  PostScript is the only PDL implemented on a
typesetter available today; Compugraphic is expected to announce an Interpress
RIP for their 9600, but that hasn't happened yet.  The Lino 100/300 have been
running PS for almost a year and a half.  This may not be a big deal to some
of you, but we've done several books.  The first was done on an Autologic
APS-5 using ditroff, with proofs going to an Imagen Imprint-10 and a Xerox
9700.  The next two were done on LaserWriters; after them, the publisher
said "No more laser printer masters!  We want phototypeset camera-ready."
We were forced to use Linotronics for subsequent camera-ready pages.
As a language, PostScript probably isn't the end-all do-all of the
typesetting/publishing world; however, due to Adobe's energy and commitment
to the language, it's become entrenched as the only viable one for those
of us that require high-end output from time to time.

Also note that PostScript is the only PDL available today at 400 and 600 DPI
on plain paper (or anything else for that matter).

Pat Wood
etc, etc, etc.