Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: Mark Lindquist on September 20, 2007, 05:51:04 pm

Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 20, 2007, 05:51:04 pm
I have tried to buy the APS unit from every source I could find on the internet today.
I have called each one and they have each said the units have been RECALLED -
They say they've been DISCONTINUED.
Wow - I even did the the online checkout and actually spoke to the sales person and he later called me back with the same story - they had to send them back.

Wow - this is amazing, I wonder what's up with all this mystery?

A few of the sources said that they were told they were defective and were told to send them back.

I tried and tried and everywhere I went - same story.
They show them in stock on the web sites, but when you actually go and check - they are NOT THERE.

Wow....this makes me wonder what's really going on???

M
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: SeanPuckett on September 20, 2007, 05:53:29 pm
I've found the same thing.  I was price shopping and no one had any.  I'm upset with x-rite now anyway, as they abandoned my package earlier this year in favor of the Monaco line, so I have orphaned hardware.  What can a guy do, though?  Sigh...
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: mballent on September 20, 2007, 06:02:46 pm
Quote
I have tried to buy the APS unit from every source I could find on the internet today.
I have called each one and they have each said the units have been RECALLED -
They say they've been DISCONTINUED.
Wow - I even did the the online checkout and actually spoke to the sales person and he later called me back with the same story - they had to send them back.

Wow - this is amazing, I wonder what's up with all this mystery?

A few of the sources said that they were told they were defective and were told to send them back.

I tried and tried and everywhere I went - same story.
They show them in stock on the web sites, but when you actually go and check - they are NOT THERE.

Wow....this makes me wonder what's really going on???

M
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140804\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

maybe they are going to neuter the product so that you cannot use it to profile any paper from any printer...
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 20, 2007, 06:05:49 pm
Quote
I've found the same thing.  I was price shopping and no one had any.  I'm upset with x-rite now anyway, as they abandoned my package earlier this year in favor of the Monaco line, so I have orphaned hardware.  What can a guy do, though?  Sigh...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140805\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


Weird -  Who knows?  Some of the sellers said there would be replacement units in 2 weeks.
Replacement what?  Seems everyone who has one is happy with them?

I bought my Z3100 with the idea in mmind that I could upgrade.  

Not happy if they drop this upgrade though...

M
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 20, 2007, 06:06:33 pm
Quote
maybe they are going to neuter the product so that you cannot use it to profile any paper from any paper...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140812\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


I sure hope not.  That would not be so great for sure...
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 20, 2007, 08:57:28 pm
DTGweb shows zero in stock and zero at the drop ship.

Provantage can't even find it and that where I bought mine from.

I wonder if this is tied to the now two month old rumor of new firmware.  I was wondering how APS would work with the new rumored ink limiting capability.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: mballent on September 20, 2007, 09:03:43 pm
Quote
DTGweb shows zero in stock and zero at the drop ship.

Provantage can't even find it and that where I bought mine from.

I wonder if this is tied to the now two month old rumor of new firmware.  I was wondering how APS would work with the new rumored ink limiting capability.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140855\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

What is the "ink limiting capability" is this something good?  This is the first time that I have heard of it.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 20, 2007, 09:12:16 pm
Quote
What is the "ink limiting capability" is this something good?  This is the first time that I have heard of it.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=140857\")

I believe it will be a good thing.  Of course it requires some knowledge/feel to get it right.  If you read this [a href=\"http://z3100users.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/working_with_nonhp_papers_fw_5_v2.pdf]HP Tech Newsletter[/url] you'll see that the ink load is controlled currently by the paper type.  The rumors were that we'd have control over the ink load and not be limited by the HP provided paper types.  

This was one of the first things I did on my Epson as it was putting down too much ink in the shadows and they were getting blocked up.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: mballent on September 20, 2007, 09:31:32 pm
Quote
I believe it will be a good thing.  Of course it requires some knowledge/feel to get it right.  If you read this HP Tech Newsletter (http://z3100users.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/working_with_nonhp_papers_fw_5_v2.pdf) you'll see that the ink load is controlled currently by the paper type.  The rumors were that we'd have control over the ink load and not be limited by the HP provided paper types. 

This was one of the first things I did on my Epson as it was putting down too much ink in the shadows and they were getting blocked up.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140859\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Ron,

Thanks for digging up that tech newsletter... that helped
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Colorwave on September 21, 2007, 12:35:51 am
Quote
Ron,

Thanks for digging up that tech newsletter... that helped
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=140861\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have an APS unit and will be on the phone with HP tech support for an hour or so again tomorrow morning (not related to APS at all), so I will ask about this then.  I'm still struggling with starwheel marks (now they think they may be rubber paper transport marks instead), stray drops of ink on some prints, and a leaky printhead (hoping the last two are related).  I have had many, many frustrating moments with my five week old machine, but still love the prints I'm getting when everything works as it should.  I just heard a few minutes ago from the high end NY art gallery I just sent a crate of prints to that they loved them.  Whew!

I will be back here with word of what HP says about APS as soon as I can ask them

-Ron H.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 21, 2007, 08:31:03 am
Quote
Ron,

Thanks for digging up that tech newsletter... that helped
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=140861\")

You're welcome, Michael.  Check out our [a href=\"http://z3100users.wikispaces.com/]z3100 wiki[/url].  We've got some decent info up there to help folks get started.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: neil snape on September 21, 2007, 12:13:32 pm
Ink limiting can be useful for papers that cockle, or don't dry as expected. For any of the HP media this isn't really necessary. I know Joe Holmes adds ink to make Epson profiles, but this just doesn't work on HP's. For whatever gamut extensions you get you create worse shadow detail, and other problems . It is something that I suggested as useful for many years. It is something to be used with precaution though, if it does become part of a driver level user parameter. Currently you can ink limit in most rips. That again is not always what a photo reproduction ideal workflow would want either. Ink limiting is something that can be easily changed in firmware from a programmers point of view that is. The question of star wheels or the rubber drive wheels is another.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Colorwave on September 21, 2007, 04:25:22 pm
I was on the phone with HP tech support this morning for 90 minutes.  The first question I asked them was "What is up with the APS?".  They know nothing about any recall or issues that might be affecting product availability, but then they also have no idea about any firmware developments, in terms of timing or features being added.  HP seems to have a little bit of a deficiency in internal communication, so I would not assume this to be definitive information.  It could very well be recalled and they haven't heard yet.  
-Ron H.

Neil:  You are well connected with HP.  Have any idea what might be going on?
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: neil snape on September 22, 2007, 01:10:01 am
I haven't been in touch with HP often recently. I certainly wasn't aware of any problem with APS. Actually it is a solid package that works very well, even better with the last update. Could it be XRite pulled the older or aging i1D2 to replace it with something else? There is some noise on the Colorsync forum about the Monaco instrument being better and the Gretag having some number of faulty units. I sold my Spyder and Monaco , keeping only the Gretag. Hope it always works as it does now.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Jim Cole on September 25, 2007, 08:27:04 pm
I just ordered APS from IT Supplies. Seems they do not have it in stock but expect to get it from HP in about 4 days. I asked them about the recall and after calling me back about an hour later the sales girl said her inventory person knew nothing about a recall of APS, they were simply out of stock.

It will be interesting:

1) If they get a copy in the time they expect

2) I get an old or a new version of APS

3) If I get anything at all.

Curious.

Jim
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 25, 2007, 09:33:42 pm
Quote
I just ordered APS from IT Supplies. Seems they do not have it in stock but expect to get it from HP in about 4 days. I asked them about the recall and after calling me back about an hour later the sales girl said her inventory person knew nothing about a recall of APS, they were simply out of stock.

It will be interesting:

1) If they get a copy in the time they expect

2) I get an old or a new version of APS

3) If I get anything at all.

Curious.

Jim
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=141850\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Hey Jim -
Yes - the same kind of thing I got with every place I tried.  I got an answer that the new unit would be in in 2 weeks from most of the places who actually showed they had it in stock on websites.  Definitely something VERY strange going on for sure.  I'll be interested in hearing if you get one - let me know, OK?

Thanks-

Mark
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 25, 2007, 10:09:40 pm
Its possible they simply underestimated demand.  This morning X-Rite/HP updated APS to version 1.3.1
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 25, 2007, 11:15:48 pm
Quote
Its possible they simply underestimated demand.  This morning X-Rite/HP updated APS to version 1.3.1
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=141868\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I'm glad they updated the existing APS - that's a good sign.
Recalling units from sellers isn't about underestimating demand though.

That's the thing - every single one said they had been recalled.

Dunno...

Mark
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 26, 2007, 07:53:25 am
Quote
I'm glad they updated the existing APS - that's a good sign.
Recalling units from sellers isn't about underestimating demand though.

That's the thing - every single one said they had been recalled.

Dunno...

Mark
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=141873\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


A recall certainly seems weird.  Especially since the i1D2 is still selling everywhere else.  With my luck it may mean they'll give it away to Z3100 owners since I've already purchased it.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Edhopkins on September 26, 2007, 03:50:11 pm
Quote
A recall certainly seems weird.  Especially since the i1D2 is still selling everyone where else.  With my luck it may mean they'll give it away to Z3100 owners since I've already purchased it.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=141921\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Not wishing you back luck but...

We tried to order the Z3100ps GP just now from our local HP dealer and were told that the GP package was no longer available.  He said that the APS would be "included" in the regular package.

We have no idea at this point what this means for the pricing or existing rebates or the ps driver that came with the z3100ps GP package.  When we find out we will post this informaiton--unless someone else posts it first.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: SeanPuckett on September 26, 2007, 03:57:41 pm
It would be nice if APS is going to be a bundle-in.  I wonder if they'll send me one for nothing, or it will just be another notch on my dumb-stick.  HP have certainly mistreated me thus far for buying the printer just ahead of its market intro in Canada -- paying top dollar, dealing with epically inept customer service, taking weeks to recover from workflow destroying firmware updates, not eligible for a rebate, etc, etc.  I do love the machine, but the circumstances around it tend to agitate me somewhat.

At least my customers are happy with my output now.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 26, 2007, 05:09:35 pm
Quote
It would be nice if APS is going to be a bundle-in.  I wonder if they'll send me one for nothing, or it will just be another notch on my dumb-stick.  HP have certainly mistreated me thus far for buying the printer just ahead of its market intro in Canada -- paying top dollar, dealing with epically inept customer service, taking weeks to recover from workflow destroying firmware updates, not eligible for a rebate, etc, etc.  I do love the machine, but the circumstances around it tend to agitate me somewhat.

At least my customers are happy with my output now.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142023\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yeah, ugh I hear you Sean.  I wonder what the heck they're doing with the APS thing, but I can't imagine bundling that in there, when they have the upgraded model available.  Speculation is futile, though.  Just have to wait and see.  It is an utterly incredible printer, no question.  The price paid for being on the bleeding edge includes bleeding, I guess.

Glad to hear your output is going well -

Mark
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 26, 2007, 05:31:50 pm
I have a feeling that this stuff with APS will all be rationalized if/when they ship the long rumored firmware update.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: marcsitkin on September 27, 2007, 01:24:53 pm
How have you been notified of a recall? Email, phone? From HP or Dealer?
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Jim Cole on September 27, 2007, 02:17:21 pm
Marc,

My understanding was that HP recalled existing stock from dealers, not from users. Still do not know if this is true or not. IT Supplies knew nothing about a dealer recall when I ordered Monday this week.

Jim
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: neil snape on September 27, 2007, 03:04:33 pm
I still don't have a clue as to why HP would do this. Perhaps a defective CD? The hardware shouldn't need a recall, nor the application itself as it really does work fine.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: rdonson on September 27, 2007, 03:39:42 pm
Quote
I still don't have a clue as to why HP would do this. Perhaps a defective CD? The hardware shouldn't need a recall, nor the application itself as it really does work fine.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142265\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

We did have someone report they could not activate APS and that HP found out they had bad keys out there.  Maybe its related to that.
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on September 27, 2007, 07:40:43 pm
Quote
We did have someone report they could not activate APS and that HP found out they had bad keys out there.  Maybe its related to that.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142271\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


I sure hope it's only that.  And that's not a bad idea - very logical come to think of it.
I thought I had it worked out - found an APS brand new on Ebay and Paid $800 for it hoping with my fingers crossed they'd come through (said they had 9 in stock).  Tonight they emailed me and said "regrettably, shipping of the unit would not be until 10/05/07".

That sucks.  Now the refund process, etc.  And still no APS.

I sure hope you're right and they in fact do come back out with it soon and working the way it should.  Ugh.

Mark
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Jim Cole on October 03, 2007, 08:52:08 pm
Quote from: Jim Cole,Sep 25 2007, 05:27 PM
I just ordered APS from IT Supplies. Seems they do not have it in stock but expect to get it from HP in about 4 days. I asked them about the recall and after calling me back about an hour later the sales girl said her inventory person knew nothing about a recall of APS, they were simply out of stock.[/color]

Just wanted to follow up on this. I received my APS package today, so IT Supplies was right on in their estimate.

It is, evidently, available again.

I will get a chance in the next few days to actually install it and see what version pops up.

Edit: Just installed and it turns out that the CD only contains a link to download the latest version. It installed cleanly and I will start profiling next week.

Jim
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on October 04, 2007, 06:26:48 pm
Quote from: Jim Cole,Oct 3 2007, 07:52 PM
Quote from: Jim Cole,Sep 25 2007, 05:27 PM
I just ordered APS from IT Supplies. Seems they do not have it in stock but expect to get it from HP in about 4 days. I asked them about the recall and after calling me back about an hour later the sales girl said her inventory person knew nothing about a recall of APS, they were simply out of stock.[/color]

Just wanted to follow up on this. I received my APS package today, so IT Supplies was right on in their estimate.

It is, evidently, available again.

I will get a chance in the next few days to actually install it and see what version pops up.

Edit: Just installed and it turns out that the CD only contains a link to download the latest version. It installed cleanly and I will start profiling next week.

Jim
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143706\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Jim - do you have a link to where the APS is on IT Supplies?
Thanks-

Mark
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Jim Cole on October 04, 2007, 06:51:27 pm
Mark,

Try this:

http://www.itsupplies.com/cgi-bin/itsuppli...uct/View/Q6695A (http://www.itsupplies.com/cgi-bin/itsupplies.storefront/47056d940534b3e227424200c14c0629/Product/View/Q6695A)

If the link doesn't work, go to itsupplies.com and search for Q6695A

Jim
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on October 04, 2007, 07:32:16 pm
Quote
Mark,

Try this:

http://www.itsupplies.com/cgi-bin/itsuppli...uct/View/Q6695A (http://www.itsupplies.com/cgi-bin/itsupplies.storefront/47056d940534b3e227424200c14c0629/Product/View/Q6695A)

If the link doesn't work, go to itsupplies.com and search for Q6695A

Jim
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143902\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


Thanks Jim  
Title: Z3100 APS MYSTERY
Post by: Mark Lindquist on October 12, 2007, 04:07:36 pm
I placed an order for the APS today with IT Solutions.  Afterwards, got a call from them saying they couldn't ship for two weeks.  I asked what the problem was and they said that although they were in the HP warehouse they haven't yet been shipped to the resellers.

I asked why they showed it as being available and in stock on their website.  Dunno was the answer.

Very strange goin's on with HP.... very strange...