Epson Photo 830 printer problem query

[Drifter]

Hi,
I'm having a recent problem with an Epson printer (Stylus Photo 830). I put a new black ink cartridge in recently. After a dozen or so pages of text only (a couple a day for several days), the quality deteriorated (banding, fading, etc). I auto-cleaned the print heads according to the maintenance function, and this seemed to fix it and print quality returned to normal but after a few more days (and another dozen or so pages in total) the same thing happened. It never needed a clean with the first print cartridge - only since replacement, and too frequently it seems. Could it be a defective cartridge?
I'm renting the unit (came new) so I can call the store's service department (or e-mail Epson) if it continues, but I'm wondering if anyone here might have some troubleshooting advice (that isn't too technical or complicated).
Thanks.

[alex zorrilla]

It could be a defective cartridge or even a counterfeit cartridge. Do a Google search on "counterfeit ink" and you will see what I mean. Here is a PCWorld article:

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,111319,00.asp

--Alex

[Drifter]

Thanks for that info.
If the problem happens again, I'll try a new cartridge to see if that makes a difference.