By the way, IEEE-1284 (officially known as 1284-1994, Standard Signaling Method for a Bidirectional Parallel Peripheral Interface for PCs.
The 1284 standard is an innovation that allows parallel printer ports to transfer data at many times the standard speed, and also allows for an array of bidirectional communications and longer cable runs. The Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) and Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) both follow 1284 standards, although EPP was developed prior to 1284's release.
Bidirectional cables must simply be able to transfer data in both directions, and a 25-wire printer cables (and all straight-thru 25 wire cables) are capable of this.
So there is a small difference between a standard printer cable and a 1284 standard printer cable