Scanning made simple
Article Abstract:
Four scanning software tools that provide more sophisticated manual controls and scan-optimization tools than the proprietary drivers bundled with scanners are reviewed. ImgeXPress's $495 ScanPrepPro and LaserSoft's SilverFast are Photoshop plug-ins; the former controls the scanner driver, while the latter bypasses the driver to directly control the hardware. ScanPrepPro uses artificial intelligence to analyze and optimize scans and is easy for novices to use. SilverFast comes in different versions for different scanners and lets users specify adjustments during pre-scanning and apply them later, a time-consuming process. Binuscan's $1,950 ColorPro 4.1 and Heidelberg's $495 LinoColor Elite are stand-alone color management tools and are highly customizable. ColorPro provides moderate control of output, but no true calibration support. LinoColor Elite is aimed at high-end users and has a vast array of controls for fine-tuning color.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1999
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Wright Image 1.0
Article Abstract:
Wright Technologies presents a Windows-based raster and vector image editing package with its $399 Wright Image. Wright Image offers fast processing by only loading the portion of the image that is currently needed. Images can be distorted in real time, and users can combine multiple effects on independent image elements. Each object can be modified separately. The software records actions, but does not actually apply them to the base image until the composition is printed or exported. This flexibility allows designers to experiment more than they could with an Undo command. Although changes can be seen in real time, the final processing takes a significant amount of time. Fortunately, processing can be done as a background process. The package includes a good set of retouching tools, and unfinished compositions can be saved in a proprietary format, which lets users easily make changes at a later time.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1997
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IslandTrapper 2.1
Article Abstract:
Island Graphics Corp's Island Trapper 2.1 is a full-featured Macintosh application that handles digital trapping within the PostScript vector environment. Unconverted PostScript vector graphics can be employed and type can be changed or objects moved on a page after a trap has been executed. The compound items in a PostScript print file are dissected into single color elements. Traps created in the source file can be removed. A QuarkXTension is included for increasing the speed of the trapping process. A dedicated Macintosh is recommended for use as a trapping server. Island Trapper's automated queue systems, hands-free processing and customizable trap specifications will save plenty of time in large electronic prepress departments. The software requires a Macintosh with 34MB of RAM and 500MB of hard disk space. The list price is $4,495.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1995
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