topic Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs in Desktop Inkjet Printers

MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:30:42 GMT

I have a MX922 that prints normally on paper, and in all other colors, but when I print black items such as text on a DVD, the text is ghosted and blurry, as though the printhead was misaligned. However, printing on paper does not cause this issue. I have changed print cartridges, cleaned the timing belt, upgraded the firmware, performed the print alignment test multiple times, and tried different discs with different surface textures - but nothing works. The print alignment test always comes out perfectly on paper. And, as I mentioned above, its only for items that print with black - or contain black. For example, text in colors that do not need black added to them print as crisp and sharp as they do on paper. I've performed every level of cleaning on the heads, but with no effect. I'm assuming it's a defect in the black print head - but I'm open to any suggestion as to how to resolve. Thanks!

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

Ramona — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 06:13:04 GMT

Hi parkerg3,

So we can better assist you, please reply with the following information:

1. What operating system is on your computer (version of Windows or Mac).

2. What program you are using to print on the DVDs.

3. The exact text that appears from top to bottom on the label of the ink tanks used in the printer.

We look forward to hearing from you!

If this is a time-sensitive matter, additional support options are available at Contact Us.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:41:36 GMT

Windows 7 Pro, 64 Bit. I'm using Canon Easy Photo-Print EX v.4.1.6 - but i've had the same issues printing from Photoshop CS 5.1. As for the ink tanks, I will have to look for the text on the side tonight when I am at home – but they are genuine Canon ink tanks purchased from Staples. I have replaced both the black and the pgblk cartridges, but the issue persists.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 21:26:46 GMT

The top label of my ink tanks read as follows:

Canon

CLI-251XL

<BK>

Ink Tank

Black

Made In Japan

UPC

251xl

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 21:42:20 GMT

Here is a scan of some example text and logos on a disc. Note the ghosting on the DVD logo and Black text. It's not as noticeable on the brown text and completely absent on the blue.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:07:47 GMT

So was there any resolution? I have the exact same problem! 😞

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:30:57 GMT

Unfortunately, no. I have changed cartridges (OEM and third party), run every diagnostic / calibration available multiple times, updated the firmware and drivers, tried different computers, different cables, and different applications to print to the disc (such as photoshop) and nothing works. I've worked around the issue by changing anything black to a different color, but it doesn't really fix the problem. Let me know if you find something that works!

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

Patrick — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:44:50 GMT

Hi parkerg3,

Based on your description of the issue, the Encoder Film inside the printer may be smeared. Please follow the procedures below to check the film condition, and clean it when necessary:

1. Press the power button to turn your PIXMA MX922 off.

2. Unplug the power cord from the printer. Be sure to turn off the printer power and unplug the power cord first.

3. Open the Paper Output Cover.

4. Check if the Encoder Film inside the printer is clear. The Encoder Film is the transparent thin film.

5. If the Encoder Film is smeared as shown in the image, it needs to be cleaned.

6. Place a few drops of neutral detergent (2 to 3 drops of neutral detergent in 1/4 cup of tap water) on a cotton swab with water. CAUTION: Do not use any other detergents.

7. Moisten a cotton swab with the prepared cleaning water. Eliminate extra water so that no water drops.

8. Using the moistened cotton swab, wipe the Encoder Film. CAUTION: Be cautious so that no water drops inside the printer.

CAUTION: Do not contact the rail. If the rail is contacted, the print quality may be deteriorated. The Encoder Film is fixed to the printer with the springs at the ends. If the film is pushed too strong, it may be dislocated. Do not push the film. Just gently move the cotton swab over the surface of the film.

Also, please keep your hands off the printer and clean the film with the tip of the cotton swab. Change the cotton swab to new ones frequently.

9. Eliminate any stains or smearing from the film until the entire film becomes transparent and clear.

10. If the trail of detergent is left on the film, clean it using a cotton swab that is moistened with just water. If moisture is left on the film, eliminate it using a dry cotton swab, and wait until the film dries well.

11. Close the Paper Output Cover, and plug in the power cord of the printer.

12. Press the power button to turn your PIXMA MX922 on.

13. Please print a test page.

14. If the problem persists, check and clean the Encoder Film again.

If you continue to have difficulties, please contact our support group using the following link:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/contact_us_consumer

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 22:59:31 GMT

Found more on cleaning encoder strip on Canon website but cleaning still did not help. 😞

http://kbsupport.cusa.canon.com/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1011&PARTITION_ID=1&secureFlag=false&TIMEZONE_OFFSET=&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=60939

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 23:01:28 GMT

I am wondering if in fact it is not printing two images from two different black ink tanks and their alignments being off from each other? Is there a way to choose which black you want to use?

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:15:19 GMT

One work around I found that doesn't really solve the problem but instead copes with it is to print in near black. I found that printing text at R:15, G:15, B:30 worked well for me. The ghosting was gone though where was a tolerable amount of shotgun splatter around the near black text which is totally absent in lighter colors.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

laird — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:22:45 GMT

I am having the same problem and have carried out all the steps recommended in this forum. The last question about the two BLACK cartridges printing misalligned occurs. is there an answer to this? There must be a resolution.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

parkerg3 — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:53:55 GMT

I've tried everything as well, including cleaning the encoder strip. Nothing works. The idea of both black cartridges printing does sound plausible, but I'm not sure how you would cause the printer to use only one of them. It would not surprise me to find that the "near black" suggestion posted earlier is accomplishing just that. Regardless, it does seem to be an issue that more than one person is experiencing.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

laird — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 20:04:37 GMT

I agree, but Canon must have an answer if it is being experienced by others. My the way my machine is the MG8220 but is suffers from exactly the same problem after a few years of faultless operation.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

Ramona — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 05:06:52 GMT

Hi parkerg3,

Since you continue to experience difficulty, the printer may require servicing. We ask that you please call or email us using one of the methods on the Contact Us page for further assistance.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

laird — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:59:17 GMT

Canon's reply is a service? Is that the best that can be done? We have a very specific issue that is being experienced by a number of users. It is an issue not easily detected by a local service. The printer is working perfectly except for the black text when printing to disc. How specific does one need to get. Surely there must be a reason. Is it in the latest software upgrade that caused a well functioning printer to suddenly develop this anomaly? I live outside a Canon service area and expect Canon to be a bit less cavalier about an issue which is obviously a Canon problemn rather than a specific machine problem since this defect is being reported in a variety of printers. You are getting double offset printing of black text on discs but perfect printing of black text on paper. What is the answer Canon?

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:52:54 GMT

Actually I think that you will notice the same anomaly in printing black text to photo paper as well and not just discs. Forcing the printer to use cyan, yellow and magenta inks only by using "near black" somehow minimizes this issue. However if you get too close to true black or even true gray it will start ghosting again. Red 15, green 15 and blue 30 worked best for me which is really very dark blue and not black or gray.

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

laird — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 20:34:06 GMT

Thanks, I can't see the artifacts on paper even with a magnifying glass but you are right about the false black on disc. It is acceptable as an albeit imperfect solution. Thanks

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

ilmarsaar — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:00:24 GMT

OK, so I really did call Canon like the product expert suggested and did not get anywhere. Tech support claimed that unless i was using Canon ink, Canon software and Canon paper then all bets are off and they can't help me because I am using Photoshop CC 2015 as software and generic full faced DVD's. After a few tests, as far as Canon Tech Support is concerned, my printer is in perfect working order even though my problem printing to DVD is still the same. 😞

Re: MX922 Black is blurry when printing on discs

laird — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 22:19:19 GMT

That is exactly why I think their suggestion of a service is a cop out. This is obviously a problem, probably with the software if not the the way the print head works when printing a disc if it is different from printing paper. Surely they should have an answer ready for a problem that is hounding so many users.