Computer Chips now defeating third party remanufacturers January 12, 2011 16:47 by John Sollars

Automatically updating firmware for the new Samsung ML 1660 and Samsung ML 1915 has effectively killed off the aftermarket chips for the printers, according to Hi & Bestech.

The Taiwanese chip manufacturer says its engineers have found that the new printers “automatically activate new firmware features and functionality probably via an internal real time clock, total page count, calendar date, printer’s power cycle numbers and many more”.

The company says that the high-level secure authentication system has 64 combinations, and will make the aftermarket MLT-D104 and MLT-D105 inoperable.

Alvin Hsu, Sales Director of Hi & Bestech, said: “We call the stealthware strategy ‘The New Normal or Standard’ in our re-industry chip business. Not only Samsung but also any printer engine manufacturer can combine it with their chip technology.

With Epson recently announcing a range of new patented chips for their inkjet cartridges and Lexmark allegedly updating firmware on their new range of printers to prevent users installing compatible ink cartridges technology is the way forward for the OEM’s to defeat the after market.

Our view once again is that so long as the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) increase their printer costs to realistic levels and reduce the cost of their own genuine printer cartridges there will be no argument on commercial grounds, however there will always be a huge debate about the green credentials of chucking that cartridge into landfill