HP PCL/PJL reference (PCL 5 Printer Language) - Technical Reference Manual Part I

EN PCL PRINTER LANGUAGE HISTORY 1-1
1
Introduction to
HP PCL
PCL PRINTER LANGUAGE HISTORY
Hewlett-Packard created the PCL printer language (simply
referred to as “PCL” elsewhere in this manual) to provide an
economical and efficient way for application programs to control
a range of printer features across a number of printing devices.
HP has evolved both the definition and implementations of PCL
to provide the optimal price and performance balance. PCL 5
represents a new breakthrough in price/performance leadership.
Its features were selected in direct response to customer
requests. HP will continue to lead enhancements to the PCL
printer language to deliver powerful technology advances.
PCL commands are compact escape sequence codes that are
embedded in the print job data stream. This approach minimizes
both data transmission and command decoding overhead.
HP PCL formatters and fonts are designed to quickly translate
application output into high-quality, device-specific, raster print
images.
PCL printer language commonality from HP printer to HP printer
helps to minimize printer support problems and protect HP
printer customer investment in applications and printer driver
software.