How is it considered a 6 ink system, when 2 bottles are the same black?

According to one review: "The sixth ink is a pigment-based black which is better for text documents because it is more robust than dye." Each of the black inks have a specific purpose in printing: one for text, and one for image. The printer has a greater tonal range due to the grey ink as well. Also, use proper paper. I have compared the same image on different papers: the Epson paper (glossy, semi-glossy) provide a deep black. I also use HP paper, but the Epson paper gives me a deep black, while the HP can often provide a deep black with a very slight purple tinge; you have to look real hard, but it is there. When I was working with SIGGRAPH, a computer graphics society, we published our journal, which used a double black. A black on a black. Printing color has a lot of history, and I suggest developing your own work process, which will eventually provide better images for you in future use. I use an ET-3750 color Epson printer: I use that for printing color brochures, and anything which does not require critical specifications for color printing (although it prints beautiful glossy images as well). I use the ET-8550 for wide format images. There are YouTube videos regarding this printer, and some discussions regarding color print testing.

Trying to print photo christmas cards (matte finish). What are some good paper optio s?

Red River Paper makes a wide variety of awesome greeting card papers. I have probably printed 3000 cards with the 8550 so far and they do awesome in this printer. I really love that they have several weight options for matte, and they offer linen and canvas cards as well in multiple sizes.

Does the epson ET-8550 print for heat transfer sublimation?

YES, the ET-8550 can be used "out of the box" for sublimation printing as long as you have sourced the 6-color sublimation ink. Do not use the ink that comes with the printer for sublimation, you'll just contaminate your tank. It is likely that doing this will void the warranty, but you'll have the best-looking and largest sublimation prints!

Product dimensions	61.2D x 40.4W x 34.8H centimeters
Controller type	iOS
Maximum Media Size	13 inches
Power consumption	207 Watts
Included components	Ink Bottles
Print media	Paper (plain)
Scanner type	Photo
Max input sheet capacity	10
Max copy speed (black & white)	16 ppm
Compatible devices	Laptops, PC, Smartphones, Tablets
Maximum color print resolution	4800 x 1200 dpi
Sheet size	8.5 inches
Maximum black and white print resolution	5760 x 1440 dpi
Warranty type	limited
Colour depth	24 bpp
Dual-sided printing	Yes
Wattage	207 watts
Item model number	ET-8500
Manufacturer	Epson
Color	Colour
Form Factor	All-in-One
Standing screen display size	7 Inches
Number of Ethernet Ports	1
Power Source	Corded Electric
Operating System	Mac OS 10 15 Catalina, Mac OS 11 Big Sur, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, OS X 10.10 Yosemite, OS X 10.11 El Capitan, OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, OS X 10.9 Mavericks, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Vista, macOS 10.12 Sierra, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, macOS 10.14 Mojave
Are Batteries Included	No
Item Weight	11.1 Kilograms

EcoTank Photo ET 8500 Wireless Wide Format Color All in One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3 inch Color Touchscreen, White

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