Abstract: In one embodiment, data is discerned, the data indicative of a first quantity of unused media contained within a roll. Prior to a plot being printed on the roll, a second quantity of unused media expected to be in the roll after the plot is printed is discerned using the data. Printing of a machine-readable marking on the roll, along with the plot, is caused, the marking being indicative of the second quantity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, data is discerned, the data indicative of a first quantity of unused media contained within a roll. Prior to a plot being printed on the roll, a second quantity of unused media expected to be in the roll after the plot is printed is discerned using the data. Printing of a machine-readable marking on the roll, along with the plot, is caused, the marking being indicative of the second quantity.

Abstract: In a hardcopy device, a print media advance mechanism for moving a print media past a printhead and including a device for adjusting the size of successive advance movements in dependence n printing parameters, the adjusting device is capable of adjusting said size to have an increased resolution, at least in a part of said range. In some embodiments the hardcopy device is set in dependence or one or more of: print mode being employed, ink density, print media width and whether a sheet or roll media is being employed. In some embodiments, a printing operation is preceded by calibrating operation in which a plurality of patterns are printed corresponding to different sizes of media advance and a user selects the optimal value based on visual inspection of the patterns; the different sizes are distributed within a range of values in a non-linear manner.