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The Fade Factor

Ink jet photos can last for years--or a few months, depending on the printer, ink, and paper. We identify the best products and deals.

Anush Yegyazarian

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Display Permanence Test Methodology

Tests conducted by Wilhelm Imaging Research; results provided to PC World. Wilhelm Imaging Research tests print fading as follows: Prints are prepared with carefully calibrated neutral scales and pure-color cyan, magenta, and yellow scales for each printer/ink/media combination. After drying in a controlled environment, the prints are exposed to high-intensity, glass-filtered fluorescent illumination; temperature is maintained at 75 degrees, with a relative humidity of 60 percent. Data from these accelerated tests is extrapolated to a "real world" display condition of 450 lux (fairly bright room illumination) for 12 hours per day with prints framed under glass (fading may occur sooner if prints are freely exposed to the open air). Years of display before noticeable fading occurs are calculated according to a visually weighted set of criteria for noticeable fading and color-balance shifts in the neutral scale and for fading in the pure-color scales. Long-term tests under controlled, low-intensity, glass-filtered illumination are also conducted to confirm the validity of the high-intensity accelerated tests. In addition, prints are evaluated in a dark room at three levels of relative humidity (60, 70, and 80 percent) to determine their resistance to humidity-induced changes in density and color balance.

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