Byte Values
One or two hex digits represent a byte. If two digits are available, it is assumed that both contribute to the byte's value. If only one is available, it is considered to be the low-order value of the byte.
Example 3-2 Byte Value Example
%%01234%% converts to three bytes ([01] [23] [04] decimal)
Spaces
Example 3-3 Spaces Example
[Spaces] are skipped within a hex block. This assists in debugging binary values by making them more readable. A [space] does not contribute to a byte's value, but it does terminate a byte value. %%4 4%% is read as two bytes [04] [04] rather than as a single [44].
NOTE:Because the host sees the hex passthrough block as "normal text," and is written in the native character set of the host, you should not write hex values using ASCII characters.
There are several factors to take into consideration when determining which printing mode to use.
This table shows you the advantages and disadvantages of each mode.
Table 3-85
|
Mode |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
|
GDI |
Host application access to all fonts available under Windows. |
Subset of PCL5 language is supported, but not in its entirety. PCL-created soft fonts are not supported. PCL-created draw bitmaps are not supported. Does not support HP-GL/2 vector drawing language. |
|
Raw Output |
Accommodates any printer, page description language, or printer-control syntax. Can generate a disk file with no printer control commands. |
Any formatting has to be embedded in text stream or within LU1 transparency blocks. Formatting SCS controls are discarded. Set vertical format is an example of an SCS control. |