I own a photosmart b9180, it's hp's red headed stepchild

Every article in every pc mag always said "buy the best printer you can, you'll save in the long run on consumables".
I bet they never owned the b9180, lol. I paid $695 for the printer.
To fill it up with ink, it's 8 cartridges at $38.95 each, about $320. for ink.
I own a great scale, and when the cartriges tell the printer it's empty & it stops printing, I always weigh the "empty" cartridges.
There is always a 10-15 gram difference in these empty cartridges, don't make sense.
Last week I get an error message- can't print, replace 1 of the printheads.
So I call hp, buy the new printhead, install it & guess what?
I get a message that 2 other printheads need to be replaced.
So I call hp & order the remaining 3 printheads, b/c I don't want to install the 2 that were faulty & then get a message to
replace the fourth & final one.
So I install the other 3 printheads, the printer goes through it's half hour wakeup routine, aligments, calibrations etc.
Now when the problem first started last week I had all new ink cartridges installed, but by going though printhead cleanings, deep printhead cleanings,alignments & calibrations on the old printheads, then doing it when I installed the first new printhead, then doing it again when I installed the other 3 new printheads almost all the cartridges were empty.
So I get another set of new hp cartridges, put em in, and then I get a message that my grey cartridge, which is 5 minutes old is "either missing, damaged, or empty". I wanna kill myself.
Now tech support told me these printheads are designed to last 18 months. Are you serious?
I bet that little tid bit wasn't in their advertising/marketing brochures. Let me see- spend $600-700 for the printer,
spend $320 every time you need new ink, and after 18 months replace the printheads for $240.
What can I do? Someone already told me to use it as a boat anchor, so come up with something else.
I also own the 8550 wide format & b209 photosmart all in one. I purchased these 2 printers 8 months ago b/c I got tired of
what it cost to fill up the b9180. The ink for the other 2 printers is reasonable, plus they both take the same cartridge, so it gives me a little flexability.
Tech support told me they would sell me their new 7500 wide format all in one for $166, to make up for the b9180.
I said hey guys, your website has it for $179. where is the bargain? Plus I told them I recently purchased the 8550 & b209 b/c at that time hp didnt make a wide format all in one. So they want to sell me a wide format all in one. Nice, but then what do I do with the 8550 & b209? All I want from tech support is to make the 9180 work but they tell me it's printer failure.
Printer failure????? A $650 printer with $240 worth of new printheads, and $320 worth of new ink, and printer failure.
My heart is ready to fail.
Can anyone help me please.
BTW, I also own 2 13 yr old desk jet 722c's and NEVER had a problem with them. Only hp didn't write drivers for windows 7 so I can only use them with my windows xp system.
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razzamatazzboca wrote:
[snip] BTW, I also own 2 13 yr old desk jet 722c's and NEVER had a problem with them. Only hp didn't write drivers for windows 7 so I can only use them with my windows xp system.
There are Windows 7 drivers for the Deskjet 722c (720 series), they were written by HP and are delivered through Windows Update. If you have the Deskjet 722 connected to your XP machine you could share it and then do the following: on the Windows 7 machine go to the Devices and Printers folder, Add a Printer, Local Printer, Create a Port, Local Port, \\Computername\Printername (use the actual share name for the computer and printer), OK, then click on Windows Update and select HP for the manufacturer and HP Deskjet 720c.
If you have a 64 bit version of Windows 7 you will need to apply the patch here.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
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Similar Messages

HP Printer update 2.7 causes inky disaster with Photosmart B9180

Just a heads up that installing the HP printer update 2.7 through software update creates a huge problem with the Photosmart B9180. After routinely installing this update last month, I finally decided to print something. It came out of the printer almost black and dripping with ink. It dripped on my hardwood floors and splashed on my hardwood cabinets. I was able to sop up the ink, wash and dry the floor and cabinet before the ink dried. I first assumed that the printer had simply failed after a few years of use.
Then I googled to find out that the problem had been experienced by others and was due to the new printer driver distributed by Software Update as v. 2.7 for a variety of printers. The update takes the B9180 driver to version 3.3.0. It was very difficult find the earlier version of the driver to install, but fortunately, I had saved HPPrinterDrivers2.5.2 from November 2010, and installing that version took my printer back to behaving normally. Now I get alerts from Software Update to install the HP printer update 2.7, which would of course, recreate this problem with the printer. I hope that Apple will stop distributing this update until HP fixes its driver for the B9180. Here is a link to the forum that first reported the problem: http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Mac-printing-and-scanning/Very-stange-behaviour-Pho tosmart-B9180-prints-with-huge-amount/m-p/879141#M20791
HP has not responded to these posts on its own forum.

I agree. But as I said in my first post, my HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One c309a continues to work fine. But I have had this kind of issue before. Last time in what I think was HP 2.6 update it was the c309a that lost the ability to scan (the tab disappeared from the print preferences for the printer). At the time I was advised that HP had messed things up. There were pages and pages on the HP support website devoted to trying to sort the issue out. But it took about a year for a further update to surface.
I am away for a few days now but will try your suggestion as well as a re-boot of everything on my return and then see if moving to Mountain Lion sorts it.

Owned HP Photosmart Premium C310 since 2011-01-03. Installed 5 new HP cartridges. Now it won't print

We bought the HP Photosmart Premium C310 on 2011-01-03. On April 6, I had to install all 5 new HP ink cartridges. Now it won't print at all. It accepts the "Print" command, makes noises as if it is printing, pulls the paper through slowly while it "pretends" to be printing, but the page comes out with NO INK on it. I have gone through all the many, many "self-help" solutions HP offers, on the printer screen itself, through the computer desktop "HP Solution Center," and also online at HP.com. It is still in warranty, so I am thinking I should just take it back to Best Buy and tell them to repair it. I'd really like to get it working. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
gake04

In the link given by 007Ohmss be sure to update the firmware as described in step 4:
Step four: Install a firmware upgrade
Check for a firmware upgrade that might help solve the problem:
On the product control panel, touch the Setup icon ( ).
Touch Web .
Touch Product Updates .
Touch Check for Product Updates .
Touch Yes to update. The update might take 10 to 20 minutes. Do not turn off the printer until the update is complete. The printer will shut down and start back up automatically.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

HP Photosmart B9180 not printing black

i am not getting black ink on any of my prints
i used the printer the other day and it was fine
the black ink cart is at about 88%
i did get a message about ink carts that had expired but ignored it as i always do so i am not sure if this is the cause of this problem
is this a failure of the ink cart and if so is there a manual fix or do i have to buy a new one

Hi @shiftee,
I understand your black ink is not working. I suggest using the following document to troubleshoot the issue: HP Photosmart Pro B9180 and B9180gp Photo Printers - Color Blocks on the Test Page are Streaked or M....
If the issue persists, you might consider replacing the black cartridge. Keep in mind, the root cause may not be the cartridge, it could be the printer, you may even consider calling us. We may be able to offer you a discount on a newer printer model, or discuss available out of warranty options.
If you are in Canada or US call 800 474 6836, or you can Contact HP Worldwide.
Best of luck!
Please click the Thumbs up icon below to thank me for responding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Sunshyn2005 - I work on behalf of HP

Photosmart B9180 Duplex Printing - Can you do it?

I know duplex printing is not 'supported' but can you do it anyway manually? What harm would there be? Have you tried it?

Hello, Support, in this context, means the product driver doesn't have the capability of manual duplex printing. In order for this product to print 13" x 19" media, this product has to push the media out the back of the printer, hence no room for a duplexer. Many of the our other HP consumer and commercial printers do support this feature. Would it hurt the b9180 to print duplexed? No, I just don't know of any easy way to do it. I suppose you could do it by printing one page at a time. Meaning, if you had a 2 page document you would have to send two separate print jobs and rotate and flip the 1st printed page before you sent the second job.
I'm curious, do you have a different idea on how to accomplish this task? If you do, I would be happy to test it out as I have a b9180 set-up here at my desk.
Miles
HP Employee

I own a photosmart d7260. every time I try to print the page comes half way out I get a disconnected

when I try to print I get a disconnected message then the lights on the printer blink all crazy like. I am then prompted on my computer screen to check or update the drivers ( something to do with a coredump??) by inserting the disk that came with it, which I do but the disk is not recognized. Now what? Purchased this printer in 2009.

It sounds like the driver maybe be corrupted. you may want to uninstall and reinstall. if you need new CD the download is free at http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=3315742&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us
or you can order a new disk
I work for HP but my posts and replies are my own thoughts.
If I have solved your issue, please feel free to provide kudos
Make it easier for other people to find solutions, by marking my answer with Accept as Solution if it solves your issue.

Stange behaviour HP printer Photosmart B9180

Today suddenly i have troubles printing from Adobe Photoshop CS5.
When i choose print, the settings dialog comes. Then when i press " print settings " Photoshop crashes
Exception Type: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGBUS)
Exception Codes: KERN_PROTECTION_FAILURE at 0x00007fff78b6d3f8
When i save my image and print it with Aparture i can perform all settings BUT the print result is a paper dripping in wet ink. The printer spoils the whole paper with all colours making one mass of wet ink. (luckely i could clean the floor, because the ink dripped of all sides of the paper)
I noticed a recent update of HP printer software for OSX Lion from Apple? Maybe it has to do something with this?
When i print a testpage from the built in printer menu it works perfectly.

I solved my problem. (thanks to Robin Warren) It's all about the new HP printerdriver that was rolled out 8 aug 2011, called Version 3.3
The crash problems and the huge ink spill problems are gone.
I posted my problem in the HP forum also:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Mac-printing-and-scanning/Very-stange-behaviour-Pho tosmart-B9180-prints-with-huge-amount/td-p/804413
The solution is roll back to driver version 3.2 !
This driver is not available on Apple and HP, so follow the instruction in the HP posting ( in short, replace the HP folder in Printers from a backup)
If you do not have a timemachine copy from 2 months ago, i provided the whole HP folder as a download.
I know it's not the best way to solve problems, but i'm annoyed that there was NOBODY from HP supporting my threath.

Photosmart b9180 panorama problems

I am having problems printing panos in the 30+ inch size range. The panorama prints out in a matter of a few seconds with very poor quality, vertical blank lines, and poor color fidelity to the origninal. This occurs no matter what quality setting I select under the print set up. I am printing from Photoshop CS3 under Win 7. I have also tried printing from Qimage with even poorer results-- only a small portion of the image prints. Prints of size up to 13x19 print correctly so it appears to be related to the print size.
Any help would be appreciated.

This document may offer some help:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01467277&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3396080
007OHMSS
I was a support engineer for HP.
If the advice resolved the situation, please mark it as a solution. Thank you.

I own an HP 5512. if I press the red x on the printer, will that cancel all print?

used a website and a packet contained like 64 pgs. i kept clicking on the print and it would not print. it is the correct printer too. so' I have used a mess of paper and have went through several cartridges. so, I am hoping by pressing the red x on the printer that it will cancel anymore prints jobs. is this correct or is there another solution?

What operating system?
Pressing the cancel (red X) on the printer will cancel the current print job, it will not cancel otheres in the queue.
You can cancel other jobs in the queue as described in this document.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

My photosmart is printing pink instead of red

When printing from photoshop my printer is printing in pink something that is clearly red. I have cleaned the printhead and there is no change

printing from other apps ok? then check the color profile settings.

What is the best apple product for my wife?

Hello all,
I recently broke our Windows laptop (stepped on it and cracked the screen). The price on replacing this screen makes me feel, that I should go the extra mile and just replace the thing since it was sort of up there in age anyway.
So here is where I need you guys. I have heard that Macs are excellent products, but I know VERY little. My wife and I have been with windows our entire lives. I sincerely apologize for the "noob" questions, but googling for a couple hours has left me with little first hand experience that fits us well. With that being said...First question:
Is there anything a typical Windows user will have trouble adjusting to?
For example, I know the iphone/ipod touch don't use flash. Are the macs the same? I read that they dumped flash in 2010? Can you still use it if you wanted to? Is there an alternative? But what I'm really getting at is, how hard will it be for us to transition? Are there typical windows features we may lose? Is it true that I'll no longer need anti-virus software?
Is the MacBook Air right for us? Ipad 2? MacBook Pro?
One reason I want a Mac, as I've said, is that I've heard that they are the best. I want to give my wife a very good gift. She never gets anything top of the line for herself and I want to spoil her with this surprise without her being able to tell me "no". Therfore, I want this new item to tailor to her more than me.
She mainly uses the laptop for pleasure. She loves to browse sites...read articles...and most of all, check up with friends on facebook. She is also really really into pictures and editing. She loves to take pictures and create little videos with music and whatever and I've heard that the Macs have pretty good software for this (Does it come standard?).
Anyway, while this will be pleasure over business 95% of the time, she may need word processing capability. This is likely to be extremely light work. Example would be listing DVDs we own. Possibly touching up a resume... She's been interested in writing a book though, so maybe this has the potential to upgrade to more business (I guess I may have just eliminated the ipad, huh?).
So is there a type of apple product that seems to scream out for my wife?
Also, If it has any weighing in this decision, we both own ipods.
I very sincerely thank you guys for reading my wall of text. I am happy to read links if you have any good ones to share instead of writing yourselves. I know I've overwhelmed you guys with a ton of questions. And I'm sorry if this is a topic you get all the time, but I figured I'd give it a try to make the best decision I can!
Thanks so much,
Danny

Hi Danny,
These are some great questions, hopefully I can answer them appropriately for you.
MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air vs. iPad 2
The good news, outside of an optical drive, those first two are pretty similar in terms of functionality and features. Throw the iPad 2 into the sequence and it changes things significantly.
While the iPad 2 is an exceptional product with near limitless features, thanks to the App Store, it still requires a computer. It can wirelessly print, but how did that printer get setup? It can stream over AirPlay to your Apple TV, but how did that AppleTV get setup? Not to mention, having your media backed up is always a good idea.
There are two big differences between the MacBook Air & MacBook Pro and it's something to consider.
1.) How often do you need peripheral ports?
The MacBook Air has 2 USB ports, a MiniDisplay Port and a headphone jack. It does not have a FireWire port, it does not have an Ethernet port, it only has an SD card slot on the 13" model, it also does not have an optical drive.
Are these important to your wife? Will she routinely be burning, writing to or reading from CDs/DVDs? If so, you'll need to purchase an external drive and tie up one of your USB ports or purchase a hub. It also does not have an Ethernet port and in order to gain access to one you need to buy an external adapter that again ties up a USB port. It also only supports 10/100 connections, not 10/100/1000.
There's no doubt that CD/DVD media is in a decline, soon just about everything is going to be available via direct downloads and many things already are so maybe that's not important. Given the device's portability and how many places have WiFi you could justify not needing an Ethernet port. Most manufacturers default their peripheral connection for external media to USB, FireWire is very Mac specific and often times adds a premium price onto the accessory. Gigabit Ethernet is negligible for day-to-day usage, unless you're moving multi-GB files on a routine basis.
2.) What sort of potential growth opportunities do you need?
One glaring limitation to the MacBook Air is that you cannot upgrade the RAM or HD capacity, something that you can do on the MacBook Pro. OWC does make 3rd party flash storage but it's very expensive, especially when you compare it against platter drives.
Storage will vary from user-to-user. I have probably 50GB worth of media between photos, music, videos, etc. My wife on the other hand? Well over 1TB of content and although she doesn't access it daily, it's frequent enough where it prompted us to get a NAS solution for our apartment.
RAM is one of those things that you can never have enough of in computing. You won't hear someone way: "Wow, this computer is way too fast." Unless you're trying to install a computer game from the early 90s.
I encourage you, if you end up with the MBA, to consider the upgrade to 4GB of RAM. I question how relevant 2GB of RAM will be on a computer in 2 or 3 years and what the demands of programs will require then.
Get to an Apple Store
Go early in the morning during the week or late one weeknight an hour or so before the store closes. Spend 20-30 minutes with each of the three products you're considering. They're all preloaded with software, games, productivity applications, sample galleries, etc. Ask the people on the floor to let you discover uninterrupted but be nearby when you're done and have some Q&A. Don't let them dry to "drive" your experience or prattle about how awesome and magical it is. They don't know exactly what you'll be using it for and if you tell them you're brand new Apple they'll usual try to show you what they like, not what you might like by blind discovery.
Macromedia Flash & Applications
Flash does not work on iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPhone) but it works just fine on the MacBook Pro & MacBook Air. Every new Mac will come with iLife which includes: iPhoto, Garageband, iMovie, iDVD and iWeb. They're fantastic programs and are "gateway" products to Apple's next tier of products:
iPhoto -> Aperture
Garageband -> Logic
iMovie & iDVD -> Final Cut
iWeb is the red-headed stepchild in this equation. You'd graduate to an Adobe product like Dreamweaver if you suddenly became interested in web-design.
Good luck in your decision making process!

[SOLVED]A nice sharp font renderer (not as sharp as windows)

Is there another font renderer out there? I tried freetype the default and that gives me blurry edges. Infinality is not better in my opinion. Same blurry edges too many configurations. Are there any other renderers out there?
Last edited by tedbell (2012-08-07 20:06:21)

here's ..profile.d/infinality-settings.sh:
### INFINALITY ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES FOR EXTRA RUN-TIME OPTIONS ##
# These environment variables require that their respective patches
# from http://www.infinality.net have been applied to the Freetype
# installation you are using. They will do abolutely
# nothing otherwise!
# This file should be copied to /etc/profile.d/ for system-wide
# effects and/or included in ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile for per-user
# effects:
# . ~/path/to/this/file/infinality-settings.sh
# Of course, the per-user settings will override the system-wide
# settings. Default values indicated below will be used when the
# environment variables below are not defined.
# When I say "Default:" below, I'm referring to the default if no
# environment variables are set. Generally this ends up being
# whatever Freetype's default is set to.
# EXAMPLES
# Please see 3/4 down in this file for examples of different settings.
################## EXPLANATION OF SETTINGS ######################
# SET_XFT_SETTINGS
# Should the below Xft settings be set globally by this script? (true/false)
SET_XFT_SETTINGS=true
# XFT settings are like a red-headed stepchild that should be beaten severely.
# These only affect legacy programs, and *parts* of some modern programs like
# google-chrome. We only deal with these settings because we have to, otherwise
# crap will slip by. I recommend using hintslight and autohint as the defaults
# normally in local.conf. The reason hintfull and autohint:0 is needed here
# because otherwise some programs will occassionally request slight hinting for
# a truetype font. When a program does this, Freetype automatically uses the
# autohinter, when you may actually want it to be rendered with the TT hinter,
# (if specified in local.conf). So setting this to hintfull guarantees that the
# TT font will be rendered with the TT hinter (assuming it is specified in
# /etc/fonts/local.conf to be rendered that way.) For TT fonts that you want
# rendered with autohint, specifiying that in the /etc/fonts/local.conf
# should be enough. But you might think that by setting this to hintfull
# that it's going to use Freetype's full autohinting (which we *completely*
# avoid) for fonts you want autohinted. This is where
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOFIT_FORCE_SLIGHT_HINTING comes in. It tells freetype to
# use slight hinting on fonts set for autohinting, even if the program requests
# full autohinting. Freetype's full hinting only looks OK under certain
# circumstances. The goal of infinality is to make infinality hinting look
# good all the time.
XFT_SETTINGS="
Xft.antialias: 1
Xft.autohint: 0
Xft.dpi: 96
Xft.hinting: 1
Xft.hintstyle: hintfull
Xft.lcdfilter: lcddefault
Xft.rgba: rgb
if [ "$SET_XFT_SETTINGS" = "true" ]; then
echo "$XFT_SETTINGS" | xrdb -merge > /dev/null 2>&1
fi
# INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS
# This is a modified version of the patch here:
# http://levelsofdetail.kendeeter.com/2008/12/dynamic_fir_filter_patch.html
# Allows you to adjust the FIR filter at runtime instead of at
# compile time. The idea is to have values add up to 100, and be
# symmetrical around the middle value. If the values add up to
# more than 100, the glyphs will appear darker. If less than 100,
# lighter. I recommend using this method to make glyphs darker
# or lighter globally as opposed to using the gamma option (see note in
# the gamma option).
# Here are some samples of various filter parameters:
# (this has been changed to use integers between 0 and 100 to
# avoid problems with regional differences like comma for decimal point)
# Strong Extra Smooth "15 20 30 20 15" (extra smooth, natural weight)
# Extra Smooth "20 20 30 20 20" (extra smooth, extra weight)
# Smooth "15 20 32 20 15" (smooth, natural weight)
# Stronger Gibson "11 22 38 22 11" (smooth, extra weight)
# Gibson "11 22 33 22 11" (smooth, natural weight)
# Freetype Light "00 33 34 33 00" (sharp, natural weight) # freetype's "light" LCD filter
# Freetype Default "06 25 44 25 06" (sharp, extra weight) # freetype's default
# Extra Sharp "00 35 35 35 00" (extra sharp, extra weight) # freetype's "light" LCD filter on acid
# Windows uses something more sharp, maybe along the lines of Freetype's default
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: [Freetype's default]
# Recommended: "11 22 38 22 11" (too dark / smooth for some)
# Example 1: export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH
# This performs analysis on each glyph and determines an amount
# to shift the glyph, left or right, so that it aligns better to
# pixel boundaries.
# This results in subtley cleaner looking stems, at the expense of
# proper distances between glyphs. This is only active for sizes
# 10 px or greater and does not apply to bold or italic fonts.
# There are also exceptions on a small number of fonts that I've
# not been able to render nicely with alignment enabled. In those
# cases, a forced translation is applied instead.
# Possible values:
# 0 through 100 - think of as percentage of strength
# 0 corresponds to no shifting whatsoever. In other words, OFF.
# 100 corresponds to a full move to a snap zone defined by
# the snapping algorithm, be it left or right. This
# is the full amount any glyph could be moved in order to make it
# align to the pixel.
# Values inbetween act as caps. If the algorithm determines that it
# wants to move the glyph .33 of a pixel to the left, but the value
# is set to 50 (i.e. 50%), then the maximum move that would be allowed
# is 50% of half a pixel, in other words .25. So instead of .33 the
# glyph is moved .25 of a pixel.
# For a subtle effect that doesn't dramatically affect the glyph, use
# 25 for this and 25 for INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended if you want to use it: 100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=25
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH
# This performs analysis on each glyph and determines an amount
# to horizontally scale the glyph, so that stems align better to
# pixel boundaries. An emboldening (or anti-emboldening) is
# performed afterward to account for stem width exaggeration.
# This results in subtley cleaner looking fonts, at the expense of
# proper distances between glyphs and slightly misshapen glyphs.
# This is only active for sizes 10 px or greater and does not
# apply to bold or italic fonts.
# There are also exceptions on a small number of fonts that I've
# not been able to render nicely with fitting enabled. In those
# cases, a forced translation is applied instead.
# Possible values:
# 0 through 100 - think of as percentage of strength
# 0 corresponds to no stretching whatsoever. In other words, OFF.
# 100 corresponds to a full pixel stretch, be outward or inward. This
# is the full amount any glyph could be stretched in order to make it
# align to a pixel boundary. Which direction is chosen is part
# of the art of what I'm trying to do in the code. ;)
# Values inbetween act as caps. If the algorithm determines that it
# wants to stretch the glyph .75 of a pixel outward, but the value
# is set to 50 (i.e. 50%), then the maximum move that would be allowed
# is 50% of a pixel, in other words .50. So instead of .75 the
# glyph is stretched .50 of a pixel.
# For a subtle effect that doesn't dramatically affect the glyph, use
# 25 for this and 25 for INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended if you want to use it: 100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=25
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE
# This allows you to set a ppem at which alignment and fitting
# will reach 100%. As glyphs become larger, more dramatic
# snapping will not affect the glyph shape as much, so it makes
# sense to allow this.
# For fonts that are 10 ppem, the values set above for
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH and
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH will be used. As the ppem
# gradually becomes larger, so will the strength settings, and
# they will reach 100% at the ppem you specify here.
# This is a simple linear scale.
# Possible values:
# 0 means to not use this feature
# 11 and up will set the 100% level to that ppem value
# Anything else is officially undefined, but I still bound it internally.
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=40
# INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS
# This applies largely to certain MS fonts, but some others as well.
# it will apply known good settings on a font-by-font basis, regardless
# of the other settings above or below.
# - Use known values for selected fonts & ppems that are known to look
# ok with 100:
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH
# - Use various internal tweaks like compatible widths and other
# font-specific hacks.
# - Use gamma, brightness or contrast adjustments automatically
# on certain fonts. Global settings will still apply afterwards.
# - Enable various forced settings on selective fonts during
# rasterization and stem_alignment.
# If set to TRUE, this will use 100 regardless of the values you have
# specified above. It will not affect fonts that are not in this
# small list.
# Possible values:
# FALSE means to not use this feature
# TRUE will enable this feature
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: FALSE
# Recommended: TRUE
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
# INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH
# This enables an algorithm found in ChromeOS for sharpening the
# appearance of glyphs. It is based off this patch:
# http://codereview.chromium.org/3298011/diff/9001/media-libs/freetype/files/freetype-2.3.11-lcd-sharpen.patches
# It gives glyphs a more "grainy" look through some gamma
# correction. It does tend to thin out vertical stems, which
# may be a feature or a bug depending on your taste ;)
# Possible values:
# 0 through 100 - think of as percentage of strength
# 0 corresponds to no sharpening whatsoever. In other words, OFF.
# 25 is good for a subtle effect.
# 50 corresponds to the default ChromeOS value.
# 100 corresponds to maximum sharpening. This usually results in
# something undesirable looking.
# As you increase this amount, it is good to decrease the gamma (2nd value)
# of INFINALITY_FT_PSEUDO_GAMMA, and possibly increase
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH and
# INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH, as it seems like the algorithm
# lightens stems that aren't fully on-pixel.
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended: If you're going to use this filter - 50
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
# INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH
# This enables an algorithm developed with the intention to sharpen
# fonts to look similarly to Windows.
# It gives glyphs a more "grainy" look, like the ChromeOS filter
# except it does so more selectively. This prevents the thinning
# of vertical stems that is noticible when a blanket gamma filter
# like the ChromeOS filter is applied.
# I also get a "cleaner" impression from the fonts with this Windows
# style filter. This filter was done by 100% experimentation,
# and there things that could probably be improved.
# Some may argue that I shouldn't be trying to take the shortcomings
# of the MS approach and bring them here. I disagree, as part
# of freedom is having the right to make your fonts look as
# shitty as you'd like.
# Using this filter does somewhat lessen the need to use stem
# fitting and stem alignment, as glyphs appear sharper.
# This setting can be used at the same time as the previous chromeOS
# sharpening, and happens after it in the code.
# Possible values:
# 0 through 100 - think of as percentage of strength
# 0 corresponds to no sharpening whatsoever. In other words, OFF.
# 10-25 is good for a subtle effect while not completely decimating glyphs.
# 50-75 corresponds to probably something in the range that Windows uses.
# 100 corresponds to maximum sharpening.
# Using a high value for this variable along with enabling the
# fringe filter (below) almost eliminates the need
# for INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT to be set to 100,
# and can instead be set at 0. (Setting
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT to 0 prevents missing
# stems in the middle of s. The drawback is that many fonts just look
# way too sharp and grainy at this setting. Your call.)
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended if you want to use this filter: 65
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=10
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT
# When using autohinting, horizontal stems you'd find in E, f, T, -,
# etc. are normally not snapped to full integer pixel heights, meaning
# that you will get a semi-dark fringe on these stems, above or
# below the black line of pixels:
# (- represents the semi-dark pixels)
# Setting this to 100 will force integer pixel heights. Setting it to
# zero will do what Freetype does by default. Anything inbetween will
# act as a weighted average of the two.
# This is disabled when the standard width is found (via voodoo) to be
# less than 1 pixel, in order to prevent the vanishing stem issues on
# letters with diagonal stems like a and s.
# Under most circumstances, this should be set at 100. If you choose to
# not set it to 100, you may want to set INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH
# to a non-zero value in order to reduce fringing.
# Possible values:
# 0 - default Freetype value
# 100 - a full pixel
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended: 100
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
# INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS
# - Force autohint when no TT instructions present.
# - Artificially embolden horizontally only.
# - When artificially emboldening, maintain the glyph width.
# - Embolden light and thin-stemmed glyphs automatically.
# - Don't sharpen italics.
# Some fonts look bad when stem aligned at certain ppems, no matter
# what. I've put exceptions in to deal with these, included in
# these tweaks. Georgia and Lucida Grande are examples.
# Possible values:
# true - enable tweaks
# false - do not enable tweaks (do Freetype default)
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: false
# Recommended: true
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
# INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION
# This does a weighted gamma correction at the LCD filter phase
# PRIOR to the LCD filter. Unfortunately it does not however
# take into account the color on which the glyph is being rendered
# (or for that matter the color of the glyph),
# which would need to happen in X rendering. It is actually
# using the gamma function in calculations though.
# The first value indicates a px value, the second indicates a
# "gamma" value. All sizes less than the px value will be corrected
# on a weighted scale based on the second value.
# The gamma value is commonly between 0.0 and 3.0. Due to localization
# issues, the gamma value should be specified as it's actual value
# multiplied by 100. So a gamma of 1.3 would be 130. In practice,
# I'd stay between 40 and 250.
# Values 1 through 100 will darken the glyph
# Values greater than 100 will lighten the glyph
# Example 1: Darken glyphs that are less than 10 px. With some fonts
# even 5 or 6px is readable!
# export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="10 60"
# Example 2: Lighten all glyphs (below 100px)
# export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="100 150"
# Example 3: Do nothing
# export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
# Default: [No gamma correction]
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
# INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS
# This filter adjusts brightness, using the standard algorithm
# for brightness. It is applied AFTER the LCD filtering.
# For a Windows XP look, set brightness to something and contrast to 50
# This will also tend to increase its sharpness.
# These values are relative and don't really mean anything
# however they are satisfactory for a range of appearances.
# Another tip is to use a gamma setting of "1000 110" or something
# over 100 to lighten things before processing.
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Dark XP Experience: -25
# Light XP Experience: 40
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="-20"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
# INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST
# This filter adjusts contrast, using the standard algorithm
# for contrast. It is applied AFTER the LCD filtering.
# For a Windows XP look, set brightness to -25 and contrast to 50
# This will also tend to increase its sharpness.
# These values are relative and don't really mean anything
# however they are satisfactory for a range of appearances.
# Another tip is to use a gamma setting of "1000 110" or something
# over 100 to lighten things before processing.
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Dark or Light XP Experience: 50
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="50"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
# INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH
# This filter adjusts subpixel-rendered glyphs toward grayscale.
# Sometimes this is useful in getting a rendering more like
# OSX.
# Range: Integers 0 through 100
# 0 represents no filtering
# 50 represents halfway between subpixel and grayscale
# 100 represents completely grayscale
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended, if you want to use it: 30
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH="33"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH="0"
# INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH
# This filter tries to remove the horizontal fringing that is found on
# default autohinted glyphs (similar to OSX-rendered glyphs).
# For example, an E may be rendered so that the middle horizontal
# stem is 100% black, but also has a horizonal row of pixels above
# it that is at 50% intensity. This makes the glyph look dirty,
# however it is technically accurate.
# This would be useful in cases where you have
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT set to something less than 100
# but also can affect glyphs at 100, to some degree.
# Unless fonts are showing fringes in a way that annoys you, I recommend
# keeping it disabled, as it can slightly interfere with smooth appearance
# sometimes.
# Range: Integers 0 through 100
# 0 represents no filtering
# 50 represents a 50% reduction of detected fringes
# 100 represents completely removing detected fringes
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended, if you want to use it: 100
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH="100"
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH="0"
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH
# This post-filter darkens horizontal stems that autohint renders as semi-dark.
# Freetype will by default not force stems to render to pixel boundaries
# because it results in "vanishing stems". This happens on things like
# s S a and other glyphs with center diagonal stems.
# If you have INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT set to 100,
# you're telling it to force pixel boundaries, which can result in the
# vanishing stems. To get around this problem, I internally override the
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT setting if the stem width
# is less than a full pixel, regardless. This causes semi-dark stems, but
# at least there are stems there.
# This filter is intended to darken those semi-dark stems. I highly
# recommend using this, but setting to a low value like 10, because
# it is particularly sensitive right now, and can make thin fonts
# look weird otherwise.
# Range: Integers 0 through 100
# 0 represents no darkening
# 50 represents a 50% increase toward 1 pixel in height
# 100 represents a full pixel of height
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended, if you want to use it: 10
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH="10"
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH="10"
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH
# This post-filter darkens vertical stems less than 1 pixel that autohint
# renders as semi-dark. This applies mostly to thin fonts like
# Courier New, Raleway, and fonts with the word "Light" in the title or
# style. Although what autohint is doing is technically correct, it
# results in a bad looking rendering because it's too light, at small
# ppems. This filter tries to correct that.
# There is an aspect of this that is automatic, so it's safer to use
# larger values for this than the above horizontal ENV_VAR. However
# setting this higher has more impact on thinner fonts. So, I still
# recommend lower values.
# Range: Integers 0 through 100
# 0 represents no darkening
# 50 represents a 50% increase (from current strength) toward 1 pixel
# 100 represents a full pixel of width
# Default if no ENV_VARS present: 0
# Recommended, if you want to use it: 25
# Example: export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH="25"
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH="25"
# INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS
# This will slightly stretch some glyphs vertically between 9px
# and 14px (inclusive). Some people may find this more
# aesthetically pleasing. This only applies to fonts that are
# using autohint. I used to recommend this to be set true, but
# it does mess with some (less popular) glyphs in a nasty way.
# The goal here is to increase the height of some fonts by 1 px
# but leave the x-height where it is. Arial is a good example
# of this working properly. Compare the heights of Arial, Times
# and Freesans with this on, vs. TT hinted versions of Arial and
# Times.
# Possible values:
# true - enable height adjustment
# false - do not enable height adjustment
# Default: false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
# Experimental emboldening values for OSX mode
export INFINALITY_FT_GLOBAL_EMBOLDEN_X_VALUE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GLOBAL_EMBOLDEN_Y_VALUE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_BOLD_EMBOLDEN_X_VALUE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_BOLD_EMBOLDEN_Y_VALUE=0
########################### EXAMPLES ############################
# Set the USE_STYLE variable below to try each example.
# Make sure to set your style in /etc/fonts/local.conf too.
# Possible options:
# DEFAULT - Use above settings. A compromise that should please most people.
# OSX - Simulate OSX rendering
# UBUNTU - Simulate UBUNTU rendering
# LINUX - Generic "Linux" style - no snapping or certain other tweaks
# WINDOWS - Simulate Windows rendering
# WINDOWS7 - Simulate Windows rendering with normal glyphs
# WINDOWS7LIGHT- Simulate Windows 7 rendering with lighter glyphs
# WINDOWS - Simulate Windows rendering
# VANILLA - Just subpixel hinting
# CUSTOM - Your own choice. See below
# ----- Infinality styles -----
# CLASSIC - Infinality rendering circa 2010. No snapping.
# NUDGE - CLASSIC with lightly stem snapping and tweaks
# PUSH - CLASSIC with medium stem snapping and tweaks
# SHOVE - Full stem snapping and tweaks without sharpening
# SHARPENED - Full stem snapping, tweaks, and Windows-style sharpening
# INFINALITY - Settings I use
# DISABLED - Act as though running without the extra infinality enhancements (just subpixel hinting).
USE_STYLE="LINUX"
### NEEDS WORK ###
################# OSX STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "OSX" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="03 32 38 32 03"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 80"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="10"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="20"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_GLOBAL_EMBOLDEN_X_VALUE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GLOBAL_EMBOLDEN_Y_VALUE=8
export INFINALITY_FT_BOLD_EMBOLDEN_X_VALUE=16
export INFINALITY_FT_BOLD_EMBOLDEN_Y_VALUE=0
fi
################# UBUNTU STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "UBUNTU" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 80"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="-10"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="15"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
################# LINUX STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "LINUX" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="06 25 44 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="10"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="50"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
################# WINDOWS XP STYLE LIGHT #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "WINDOWSXPLIGHT" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="06 25 44 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=65
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=15
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=15
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 120"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="20"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="30"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=30
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# WINDOWS 7 STYLE LIGHT #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "WINDOWS7LIGHT" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="20 25 38 25 05"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 160"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="20"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=30
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# WINDOWS XP STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "WINDOWSXP" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="06 25 44 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=65
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=15
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=15
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 120"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="10"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="20"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=30
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# WINDOWS 7 STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "WINDOWS7" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="20 25 42 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=65
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="1000 120"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="10"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="20"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
############### VANILLA STYLE ##############
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "VANILLA" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="06 25 38 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
############### CLASSIC INFINALITY STYLE ##############
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "CLASSIC" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="06 25 38 25 06"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
################# NUDGE STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "NUDGE" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=15
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=30
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
################# PUSH STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "PUSH" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=75
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=50
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=30
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# INFINALITY STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "INFINALITY" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=5
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=40
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# SHOVE STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "SHOVE" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# SHARPENED INFINALITY STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "SHARPENED" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=65
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=40
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
################# DISABLED STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "DISABLED" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS=
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=false
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=false
fi
################# CUSTOM STYLE #################
if [ "$USE_STYLE" = "CUSTOM" ]; then
export INFINALITY_FT_FILTER_PARAMS="11 22 38 22 11"
export INFINALITY_FT_GRAYSCALE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_FRINGE_FILTER_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_HORIZONTAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=10
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_VERTICAL_STEM_DARKEN_STRENGTH=25
export INFINALITY_FT_WINDOWS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_CHROMEOS_STYLE_SHARPENING_STRENGTH=0
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_ALIGNMENT_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_FITTING_STRENGTH=100
export INFINALITY_FT_GAMMA_CORRECTION="0 100"
export INFINALITY_FT_BRIGHTNESS="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_CONTRAST="0"
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_VARIOUS_TWEAKS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_INCREASE_GLYPH_HEIGHTS=true
export INFINALITY_FT_AUTOHINT_SNAP_STEM_HEIGHT=100
export INFINALITY_FT_STEM_SNAPPING_SLIDING_SCALE=0
export INFINALITY_FT_USE_KNOWN_SETTINGS_ON_SELECTED_FONTS=true
fi
And here is fonts.conf:
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<!DOCTYPE fontconfig SYSTEM "fonts.dtd">

<fontconfig>


<dir>/usr/share/fonts</dir>
<dir>~/.fonts</dir>

<match target="pattern">
<test qual="any" name="family">
<string>mono</string>
</test>
<edit name="family" mode="assign">
<string>monospace</string>
</edit>
</match>

<match target="pattern">
<test qual="any" name="family">
<string>sans serif</string>
</test>
<edit name="family" mode="assign">
<string>sans-serif</string>
</edit>
</match>

<match target="pattern">
<test qual="any" name="family">
<string>sans</string>
</test>
<edit name="family" mode="assign">
<string>sans-serif</string>
</edit>
</match>

<include ignore_missing="yes">conf.d</include>

<cachedir>/var/cache/fontconfig</cachedir>
<cachedir>~/.fontconfig</cachedir>
<config>

<blank>
<int>0x0020</int> 
<int>0x00A0</int> 
<int>0x00AD</int> 
<int>0x034F</int> 
<int>0x0600</int> 
<int>0x0601</int> 
<int>0x0602</int> 
<int>0x0603</int> 
<int>0x06DD</int> 
<int>0x070F</int> 
<int>0x115F</int> 
<int>0x1160</int> 
<int>0x1680</int> 
<int>0x17B4</int> 
<int>0x17B5</int> 
<int>0x180E</int> 
<int>0x2000</int> 
<int>0x2001</int> 
<int>0x2002</int> 
<int>0x2003</int> 
<int>0x2004</int> 
<int>0x2005</int> 
<int>0x2006</int> 
<int>0x2007</int> 
<int>0x2008</int> 
<int>0x2009</int> 
<int>0x200A</int> 
<int>0x200B</int> 
<int>0x200C</int> 
<int>0x200D</int> 
<int>0x200E</int> 
<int>0x200F</int> 
<int>0x2028</int> 
<int>0x2029</int> 
<int>0x202A</int> 
<int>0x202B</int> 
<int>0x202C</int> 
<int>0x202D</int> 
<int>0x202E</int> 
<int>0x202F</int> 
<int>0x205F</int> 
<int>0x2060</int> 
<int>0x2061</int> 
<int>0x2062</int> 
<int>0x2063</int> 
<int>0x206A</int> 
<int>0x206B</int> 
<int>0x206C</int> 
<int>0x206D</int> 
<int>0x206E</int> 
<int>0x206F</int> 
<int>0x2800</int> 
<int>0x3000</int> 
<int>0x3164</int> 
<int>0xFEFF</int> 
<int>0xFFA0</int> 
<int>0xFFF9</int> 
<int>0xFFFA</int> 
<int>0xFFFB</int> 
</blank>

<rescan>
<int>30</int>
</rescan>
</config>
</fontconfig>
Infinality.conf:
<?xml version='1.0'?>
<!DOCTYPE fontconfig SYSTEM 'fonts.dtd'>
<fontconfig>








<selectfont>
<rejectfont>
<pattern>
<patelt name="fontformat" >
<string>Type 1</string>
</patelt>
</pattern>
</rejectfont>
</selectfont>

<match target="font" >
<edit name="embeddedbitmap" mode="assign">
<bool>false</bool>
</edit>
</match>

<match target="pattern" >
<edit name="prefer_outline" mode="assign">
<bool>true</bool>
</edit>
</match>


<match target="pattern" >
<edit name="bitmap_monospace" mode="assign">
<bool>false</bool>
</edit>
</match>


<match target="font">
<edit name="force_autohint" mode="assign">
<bool>false</bool>
</edit>
</match>



<match target="pattern">
<edit name="dpi" mode="assign">
<double>96</double>
</edit>
</match>




<match target="pattern" >
<edit name="qt_use_subpixel_positioning" mode="assign">
<bool>false</bool>
</edit>
</match>

<include>infinality/conf.d</include>
</fontconfig>
I tried every conf.d symlink in the /etc/fonts/infinality/styles.conf.avail folder. I just can't get the fonts to be sharp with nice uniform smoothness. They look garbled.
I just tried the ubuntu freetype and it looks worse.

B9180 PhotoSmart Maintenance (Carriage, NEDD, Spit and Wipe Tray, Printheads)

Thank you for the opportunity for expert advice. My B9180 is model is Q5734a produced 02/17/09. I am pleased to say that it still prints beautifully. However, all is not well in Photosmart land. Problems started this summer. Regrettably, I hadn't printed for a year. Upon printing this summer, I received a carriage obstruction error. I resolved this problem by cleaning the carriage rail and lubricating with 20 weight oil (sound good to you??). Also, my yellow/magenta printhead has gone to fair status.
This caused me to do an extensive search of the web for maintenance info. And suprise, I learned about two parts called the NEDD and the Spit and Wipe Tray. My NEDD was covered in ink and my trays were filled to the top with dried ink. I cleaned the NEDD per you instructions. I would note that it has a corroded appearance (the right side next to the tray somewhat shiny but, the left looks as if it has lost its chrome plating). I cleaned times two and performed the NEDD dagnostic times two. First diagnostic stated BAD and 6400 failed nozzles but, second diagnostic came up perfect. Therefore the questions are: will the NEDD function properly if it is corroded but clean and if the diagnostic can be trusted (zero failed nozzles) then why do I still have a fair staus on a printhead?
On to the spit and wipe tray. I have read on the web a person showing a nicely cleaned tray. I would love to do this myself but, I wouldn't do that without a service manual. At his point I have to let out a small emotional outburst. Please, please, please send me a service manual for this product. Alternately, I will pay for one. The user manual is paternalistic garbage that essentially says all you have to do is wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth.
Back to business. I have put small quatities of water onto the sponges and poked at them with a Q-Tip. This seemed to have a good result. The noise level of the machine seeemed to decrease (I assume this helped clean a suction tube). Questions as to the Spit and Wipe Tray are: 1) where should the sponges sit relative to the platic squares on top, 2) a suggestion on how to easily clean the tray, 3) is putting water on the sponges a good idea? Wiil the excess water evaporate once in the waste tank? How much water (or other solvent???) should I use.
Back to the print head. I know your suggestion is to clean the heads with distilled water. However, is it possible to use another solvent? Of course, as stated before, I don't know what to trust, the software versus the NEDD diagnostic as compared to the beautiful prints. And in closing, once more, please make a service manual available.
Thanks,
Ron G

This forum is focused on consumer level products. For the Photosmart B9180 you may have better results posting in the HP Enterprise - Photosmart Products forum.
I am not an expert with the Photosmart B9180, but I would recommend *not* using solvents as these could cause issues with the printheads and/or plumbing.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
If your problem is solved please click the "Accept as Solution" button ------------V
If my answer was helpful please click the "Thumbs Up" to say "Thank You"--V

Adobe Photoshop CS3 printing to an HP Pro B9180

I am trying to print a borderless project. The preview looks perfect but when printed it cuts 1/8th of an inch off the top. I have reinstalled Adobe Photoshop CS3, reinstalled the printer and spent 2 hours with an HP tech online and no fixes yet. Windows Vista Home Premium is the O/S.
Any suggestions, thanks Jan

Hi Jan,
Don't know if this will help or not, but it may be worth a look. Russell Brown has a video tutorial on printing with CS3 to the HP Photosmart B9180 here:
http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html
You'll have to scroll about 1/3 down the page to get to the section entitled
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Standard Edition Tutorials
and its the third tutorial in the list. He also gives some useful tips about drivers et cetera.
Good luck.

Photosmart 8050 and 'Out of Paper' Error

I own a Photosmart 8050 photo printer. I have had it for a little while now and i only print on it every so often when I need to print pictures or other color documents. I use my laser jet printer for printing most of my documents. I've had no problems with the print quality or the ink cartridges at all, but all of a sudden it wont take in any paper. I hear the rollers spinning, and if I push the piece of paper along to "help" it, the paper feeds in. However, with a single piece or 25 or 50, the printer just refuses to pull in any paper. I have examined it closely and there is no obstruction of any kind. No jammed paper, no foriegn objects, no excessive dust or any dried up or spilled ink, yet the paper refuses to feed into the printer on its own. When this happens, the printer inaccurately displays "Out of paper". When I try to "help" feed the paper into the printer, it sends the page halfway out, then displays a paper jam error, at which point I have to press the paper feed button to clear (is it so hard for the printer to do that itself?).
So, I ask, is there an easy fix for this problem? Is there a recall or otherwise warranty covered repair for this problem?
If not, I know the warranty is well over, however I will still have to go out and purchase a new printer to replace this one, and you can be sure it wont be an HP. I am also aware that there is a repair/cleaning kit made for this very issue, like it was some kind of widespread problem that HP just wanted to make money off of instead of fixing for their customers. To me, to spend that kind of money to repair something I know will just break again is just more money than it is worth.

I would second that! Exactly same problem and i have wasted hours on this stupid issue. Seems as if some kind of sensor does not work - am scratching my head now - what a waste of money and time (sigh). HP folks, if you see this, please help for at least your namesake if not customer service (my warranty period has expired too).
And other folks looking for HP Photosmart 8050 - its a nice printer while it works, but don't go for it, its a trouble in slightly longer term.

I own a photosmart b9180, it's hp's red headed stepchild

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