Dynamic Range for Scanners Brought to Peak Level

Kiel, Germany, 2006-12-05 - LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast, the world standard in scanning software, has now taken a quantum leap in the evolution of genuine High Dynamic Range Imaging. This new function in SilverFast version 6.5 utilizes varying exposures of the scan. This dramatically increases the dynamic range allowing even the most subtle nuances in both shadow and highlight areas to be recognized and enhanced.

The SilverFast Multi-Exposure function is based on the principle of the distinguished Multi-Sampling Feature (multiple scan) with auto-alignment®. With Multi-Sampling the picture is scanned several times using the same settings, in order to identify and minimize noise. With Multi-Exposure the dynamic range of the scanners is utilized by repeating the scan, but with different exposure intensities. This creates a dynamic range comparable to that of a drum scanner. The patented auto-alignment secures the precision of the scan allowing for optimal sharpness and clarity.

Using established film scanners, precise measurements were taken at LaserSoft Imaging's lab where dynamic increases and qualitative improvements of 25% using Multi-Exposure were documented. With this dynamic increase, the new SilverFast 6.5 can dramatically improve the results of image capture for both reflective and transparent originals.

Finally, Multi-Exposure offers another advantage over Multi-Sampling: Multi-Exposure achieves the same quality in substantially less time.

Another novelty and an impressive highlight of the new SilverFast 6.5 is called the SilverFast ColorServer. New possibilities of automation and flexibility completely redefine the process of digital imaging, allowing a substantial increase in productivity.

In addition to the new functions such as Multi-Exposure and the ColorServer, SilverFast's new Basic mode offers beginners an easy entry into the world of digital imaging with SilverFast.

The AutoFrame detection, an extended NegaFix dialogue, the proven selective color correction SCC with new presets, as well as the Ai-HDR auto-gamma optimization complete the spectrum of SilverFast 6.5.

About the company: Founded by the physicist Karl-Heinz Zahorsky in 1986, LaserSoft Imaging AG, SilverFast is now established as the world-wide standard for scan software, while SilverFastHDR and SilverFastDCPro have become well-known software applications to work with RAW data of scanners and digital cameras.

SilverFast is bundled by many well known hardware manufacturers such as Canon, Epson, HP, Microtek, Pentacon, Plustek, Quatographic, Reflecta, Samsung, Umax and many others.

Currently, there are more than 1,5 million installations of SilverFast world wide. After 20 years of successful development, SilverFast 6.5 is sure to be another milestone of convincing quality and productivity.

https://www.silverfast.com/show/version6-5/en.html

LaserSoft Imaging and Color Solutions: Color correct and perfect instead of somewhat colored!

LaserSoft Imaging and Color Solutions: Color correct and perfect instead of somewhat colored!

Kiel, Germany, 2006-11-22 - The currently best market solution for reliable monitor calibration - regardless if CRT or TFT- has been developed by Color Solutions. The product is called basiCColor SQUID and is now available in a bundle SilverFast DCVLT, -DCPro and -DCProStudio. The times of "wrong" colors on the monitor and in the output are now finally gone.
For the very attractive price of only EUR 285,- ambitious photo-enthusiasts now have the chance to purchase this unique combination of two leading imaging products.
The software for optimizing digital images by LaserSoft Imaging and basiCColor Squid2 for monitor calibration are now being offered by the two companies in a combined package.
For professionals, there is following offer: DCPro incl. Squid2 for 499,- Euro and DCPro Studio incl. Squid2 for 599,- Euro, by which individual camera profiles may be generated.
Leading corporations such as the publishing houses Burda and Bauer and agencies like Springer&Jacobi and Scholz&Friends were accompanied by Mr. Koch (Color Solutions) and his institution at inauguration of color Management and very often reached the very limits of all available solutions.
This offer saves unaided and und troublesome research of finding reliable solutions. In comparison to different alternatives, SilverFast DCVLT has the advantage of RAW-conversion and an integrated print function. These packages are always available for Macintosh and Windows platforms.
This product bundle can be purchased directly on the homepages of LaserSoft Imaging www.silverfast.com and at Color Solutions www.basiccolor.de.

SilverFast supports Heidelberg Chromagraph

SilverFast supports Heidelberg Chromagraph

Kiel, Germany, 2006-11-13 - LaserSoft Imaging added support for the famous high-end Heidelberg Chromagraph series 3300 and 3400 with its advanced line of award winning scanning/imaging software SilverFast.

The professional level software breathes new life into these high quality scanners and provides a current workflow solution to the thousands of units still in operation today. With SilverFast Ai Studio, it is now possible to integrate these scanners with the new high powered Macs and PC's running the most current software to date, such as OSX - Tiger on G5 or Intel Macs.

Heidelberg high-end scanners supported so far are TOPAZ, Nexscan and Tango (PrimeScan support is in development). The workflow solution packages are similar with their inclusion of Silver- Fast Ai Studio with IT8 calibration, SilverFast HDR Studio for 48 bit processing, a 6x7 cm transparency IT8 target, a 5x7 inch reflective IT8 target (both have barcodes for automatic data reference linking), SilverFast: the Official Guide, and the SilverFast manual.

Optional is a SCSI to FireWire converter tested for the specific application and set up, which can be supplied.

Hardware support and spare parts for Heidelberg high-end scanner will be supplied in cooperation with Brakensiek Systemhaus (http://www.brakensiek.de). For USA and Canada hardware support contact LaserSoft Imaging USA.

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Through Partnership, LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast Scanning Software to be Integrated into the Curriculum at The University of the Arts

LONGBOAT KEY, FL., 2006-08-08 - LaserSoft Imaging, Inc. (www.silverfast.com) announced today a partnership with The University of the Arts (www.uarts.edu) in Philadelphia that includes the deployment of its SilverFast Ai 6 Studio software onto the University's Media Arts computer systems.

LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast Ai 6 Studio is high-end scanning and image optimization software for more than 300 film and flatbed scanners and digital cameras for both Mac and PC operating systems. SilverFast Ai 6 combines an intuitive user interface, powerful editing tools and an effective workflow environment for achieving the best possible results. Real-time controls, intelligent automatic functions and the ability to manually adjust images at any time make the software comfortable for both beginners and professionals.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for UArts," said Harris Fogel, Chairman of the University's Media Arts Department. "We are matching some of the country's most creative students with one of the industry's most powerful and creative software solutions for digital imaging. We have a wide variety of scanners and digital cameras, but can now work with one application and a consistent interface, enhancing our teaching and simplifying our IT situation. We want our students to work with state-of-the-art tools, and this partnership makes that possible."

"By partnering with The University of the Arts, we're supporting one of the leading art education institutions in the US, but moreover, we're seeing the implementation of LaserSoft Imaging products into a creative and rigorous environment," said LaserSoft Imaging President and founder Karl Heinz-Zahorsky. "The integration of SilverFast into the curriculum of another leading academic institution sends a message to the creative marketplace, that without first-rate scanning software, you simply can't achieve the full potential from your scanner, camera, film, or prints. LaserSoft Imaging continues to lead the industry in cutting-edge scanning solutions and we are delighted at the opportunity to expose this potential to the next generation of the world's creative professionals."

LaserSoft Imaging was founded in 1986 by physicist Karl-Heinz Zahorsky who developed the concept of SilverFast in Kiel, Germany. Today SilverFast is regarded as the standard software for scanners and digital cameras for both beginners and professionals. SilverFast is bundled with major manufacturers such as Canon, Epson, HP, Leica Camera, Mediax, Pentacon (Praktica), Plustek, Quatographic, Reflecta, SAMSUNG, UMAX and others.

The University of the Arts is the nation's first and only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. Its history as a leader in educating creative individuals spans more than 130 years.

SilverFast revives Heidelberg High-End Scanners

SilverFast revives Heidelberg High-End Scanners

Kiel, Germany, 2006-06-21 - LaserSoft Imaging once again, building on its advanced line of award winning scanning/imaging software, is releasing SilverFast with new support for the high-end Heidelberg Nexscan and Tango series. This is a breakthrough for those companies who originally purchased these legendary workhorses only to run into difficulties when Heidelberg dropped its interest in the scanning market and discontinued support.

This professional level software breathes new life into these high quality scanners and provides a current workflow solution to the thousands of units still in operation today. With SilverFast Ai Studio, it is now possible to integrate these scanners with the new high powered Macs and PC's running the most current software to date, such as OSX - Tiger.

Topaz, Nexscan and Tango packages are similar with their inclusion of Ai Studio with IT8 calibration, HDR Studio for 48 bit processing, a 6x7 cm transparency IT8 target, a 5x7 in. reflective IT8 target (both have barcodes for automatic data reference linking), SilverFast: the Official Guide, and the SilverFast manual. Also included is a SCSI card that is tested for your specific application and set up.

A 2 year premium support subscription can be purchased separately for the Nexscan and Topaz which includes:

  • Premium web based technical support with one business day reply time guaranteed.
  • Telephone hotline with call back service.
  • 2 years of free updates with installation support. As a subscriber, receive the most current version, QuickTiime movies and documentation on a CD.

The combination of SilverFast Ai Studio and HDR Studio offer an exceptionally productive workflow. With the ability to capture the full 48 bit dynamic range of each image, the operator can then choose between editing the file directly in the scanning software or storing them as the new lossless compression format - JPEG 2000. The stored files, which are saved with the unique HiRePP (High Resolution Picture Performance), can then be handed off to another workstation anywhere (without a scanner connection) and batch processed using the time saving Job Manager.

This workflow allows for considerable flexibility when scheduling production times for scanner operators and color specialists. The options could be set up for:

  • One operator working on one station. The operator would scan and edit 48 bit files in SilverFast Ai Studio using batch scanning and the Job Manager.
  • Two operators working on two stations. One operator would scan straight 48 bit files with no correction and store as JPEG 2000 with HiRePP. The second operator would then work on these files using SilverFast HDR along with the JobManager.

These scanners still represent a value as they are still considered to be some of the best scanning devices ever produced. All that is needed to regain that value is the addition of some new tools to enhance the capabilities it was once purchased for. "If you have a "67 Camaro that is in good condition and the motor just needs a tune up, you don't just throw away the whole car. Why? Because it has value and can still produce the performance qualities for those who know how to drive it and can appreciate what it can do.??

The tune up in this case would be the SilverFast software and all the powerful functions and features it provides:

  • IT8 Calibration & ICC Profiler
  • 48 bit HDR full dynamic range lossless compressed output
  • SCC® Selective Color Correction with Layers
  • ACR® Adaptive Color Restoration
  • HiRePP® High Resolution Picture Performance
  • NegaFix® 120 profiles for Negative Film Optimization
  • Automatic Descreening
  • SRD® Smart Removal of Defects
  • MidPip® 4 Advanced Color Cast Removal
  • Automatic Highlight, Midtone and Shadow adjustment
  • SC2G® Selective Color to Grey Conversion
  • SilverFast JobManager®
  • Powerful Print/Layout Functions with PrinTao
  • Soft Proof for RGB/RGB & RGB/CMYK

LaserSoft Imaging continues in its efforts to find and present the best possible solutions to customers worldwide. The outcome should always be high quality products that allow users to be more productive while achieving maximum results.



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