DFD-2 is compatible with DFD-1. To benefit from the DFD-2 functionality, the finisher must support this functionality.
Parameterisation of the interface has been improved. The interface and the printers behaviour can be adapted to the finishers need.
Status feedback from finisher to printer is still limited. Within the given hardware limitations there is not much room to improve on this point.
Sheet and set recovery support is improved. With the sheet and set delivered signals added in DFD-2, a finisher can now tell the printer whether or not a sheet or set in process is delivered correctly by the finisher. However, within the given hardware limitations this mechanism does not work in all error situations.
Communication of settings from printer to finisher has improved. One command line is dedicated for paper format.
Communication of dynamic constraints from finisher to printer has improved. To achieve an optimal productivity of the printer-finisher combination 3 status lines have been reserved with which the finisher can request for optional sheet/set delays, etc.
Although some of the previous improvements listed are also available in the user interface, there is still the need for a separate user interface on printer and finisher. Integration of user interface and a single point of operation concept are not possible with DFD-2.