Webcams
Press Releases

Nikon Filmscanner now Macintosh Leopard compatible - with SilverFast

Kiel, 20.05.2008 - The new version 6.6 of SilverFast's scan software now fully supports the current Mac OS 10.5, Leopard.
Apart from supporting 35mm film scanners Coolscan IV and V ED, Super Coolscan 2000, 4000 ED and 5000 ED, now also the medium format scanners LS-8000 and LS-9000 are fully supported under Mac 10.5 - IntelMacs included!
Nikon announced that they will not be adapting their own NikonScan software to Mac OS 10.5.
The new software implementation carries SilverFast‘s infrared based iSRD function supplying efficient Dust and Scratch removal with the advantage of sharper image details.
Contrary to other dust and scratch removal methods, SilverFast's iSRD is primarily designed to preserve picture details by avoiding image smoothing. Another highlight is the special support for Kodachrome slides which may now use the iSRD function to efficiently remove dust and scratches. By means of SilverFast‘s patented Multi-Exposure feature the dynamic range of the images may be greatly increased. Since SilverFast‘s Multi-Exposure is able to obtain a density of 4,2D the full dynamic range of Kodachromes (up to 3.8D) can be captured - without SilverFast‘s Multi-Exposure, the LS-5000 generally reaches a dynamic range of about only 3,3D.
Regarding the LS5000, SilverFast Multi-Exposure increases the number shades that can be captured from 3388 to an incredible 17378 shades, based on the ISO Norm 21550 standard.
SilverFast 6.6 is available at LaserSoft Imaging‘s web shop as well as at selected resellers.

Top



LaserSoft Imaging develops fully automatic IT8-Calibration

The latest SilverFast v6.5 by LaserSoft Imaging now includes an unique feature: the automatic IT8- calibration that ensures maximum color correctness of the scanner.

Kiel, 16.05.2007 - For years SilverFast has been a proven and successful platform for scanning, reading, processing and editing digital images.
Both the ambitious amateur and the professional photographer as well as media service providers are immediately able to use the new function and to optimise the color correctness of their scanner - by merely two mouse clicks!
This is the only completely automatic IT8 calibration in the world to date! Once the (reflective or transparent) LaserSoft Imaging IT8-target is placed on the scanner, it only takes a single mouse click to start the process. Even if the target was not properly aligned on the scanner: the automatic frame alignment and rotation function will resolve the issue. The target is overlayed with a measuring grid and the corresponding reference data file is identified by means of the integrated barcode (patented procedure). This file contains the exact values of each color field on the target, followed by the calculation and creation of the ICC profile - the entire process is automatic and ends with the confirmation of the successful calibration.
This automatic IT8-Calibration function is available in all 6.5.0r6 (or later) SilverFast Studio versions SilverFast Ai, HDR and DCPro can be optionally upgraded.

Samples (without AutoIT8 / with AutoIT8)

Top



Dynamic Range for Scanners Brought to Peak Level

Kiel, 05.12.2006 - 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.

http://www.silverfast.com/show/version6-5/cn.html

Top



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

SilverFast DCVLT and basiCColor Squid2 establish a completely calibrated workflow for digital imaging: Squid2 + SilverFast

Kiel, 22.11.2006 - 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.

Top



SilverFast supports Heidelberg Chromagraph

Heidelberg (Linotype-Hell) high-end scanner CHROMAGRAPH 3300 and 3400 get updated by SilverFast Ai STUDIO to run under latest Windows® and Macintosh® operating systems.

Kiel, Germany - Nov 13, 2006 - 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.

Top



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

LONGBOAT KEY, FL. - Aug. 8th, 2006 - 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.

Top



SilverFast revives Heidelberg High-End Scanners

Heidelberg high-end scanners get updated by SilverFast Ai STUDIO to run under the lastest Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Kiel, Germany - June 21, 2006: - 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.

Top



SilverFast supports Heidelberg TOPAZ

Kiel, August 12, 2005 - Award-winning SilverFast from LaserSoft Imaging, Kiel, Germany, is now available for Heidelberg TOPAZ Scanner and Macintosh OS-X systems including TIGER SilverFast Ai STUDIO for Heidelberg TOPAZ scanner is able to write TIFF files with the full dynamik range. It is no longer necessary to convert to 24 Bit RGB. These Files allow a maximum quality and productivity for a dedicated workflow. You can use these scans like a "digital original" from your scanner and even use the JPEG 2000 compression. SilverFast reads those RAW files and allows the user offline to optimize the pictures like originals on the scanner without any loss in quality. Meanwhile the scanner is working the user can work on his pictures on another workstation in batch mode. Any well known SilverFast tool is available of course, for e.g. NegaFix including over 120 filmprofiles and the ability to create fast and easy customized ones. Even with JPEG 2000 compression SilverFast will work those files 7 times faster as any other imaging software. With the HiRepp function you will be able to compress without a loss in quality up to 3GB files and reopen these files very fast again. The Heidelber TOPAZ can be used on any OSX System up to tiger and even on a G5 with a aftermarket adapter on FireWire. Among the various highlights you will find our IT-8 calibration with color correction (up to 12 colors), Plug & Play, CMYK, batch mode, Jobmanager and professionell multiple densitometer. Softproof with PhotoProof and printing with layout through PrinTao are also implemented. So SilverFast Ai Studio + HDR Studio becomes your dedicated workflow solution.

Top



Professional Proofing with SilverFast PhotoProof

Kiel, Germany April 25, 2005 - SilverFast PhotoProof produces color accurate contract proofs according to media standard print based on the ECI color spaces without using a RIP and the need for detailed color management knowledge on the user's side. As an additional feature the FOGRA- media wedge can be embedded. SilverFast PhotoProof is an optional feature of SilverFast DCPro Studio and HRD Studio - software specifically designed to work on images from digital cameras. The image optimization is processed in a media-neutral workflow, based on the RGB color model, while using the well-known tools of SilverFast DCPro Studio and HDR Studio. When activating SilverFast PhotoProof, the user will immediately see a CMYK simulation of the image by means of RGB softproofing on the calibrated monitor. The Photographer is able to create a color-true contract proof on any suitable, calibrated output device by using the advanced print dialog in SilverFast. The user just has to choose the ICC- profile for the printer and the FOGRA media wedge to be embedded. Embedding a media wedge is used as a reference for a true-to-color proof. By using SilverFast PhotoProof, the image data does not need to be converted to CMYK. All critical color information is being preserved. It is not necessary to use a RIP or to do any separation. The advantages of SilverFast and PhotoProof at a glance: - Professional optimization of RGB data - Proofing RGB data in a simulated CMYK preview - Embedded media wedge for true colors when sending the image data to a press - Visualization of RGB data by means of a softproof on the screen - No conversion to the CMYK color model, no loss of information - No separation, no RIP required SilverFast DCPro Studio and HDR Studio with PhotoProof option are immediately available at a price of EUR 980.00 net. LaserSoft Imaging AG is the developer of the professional imaging product family SilverFast for scanners and digital cameras. More information can be found on our websites www.SilverFast.com and www.PhotoProof.de.

Top



PrinTao - the professional printing function of SilverFast

Kiel, April 18, 2005 - PrinTao is the new professional printing function of SilverFast DCPro Studio and SilverFast HDR Studio, introducing layout-functionality for images and text. For many workflow requirements, using an additional layout-software won't be necessary anymore. An optional proofing feature, PhotoProof is also available. SilverFast PhotoProof produces color accurate contract proofs according to industry standards (ISO 12647-2), based on the ECI color spaces without the use of a RIP and the need for in-depth knowledge of color-management. As an additional feature, the FOGRA- media wedge can be embedded.

Top



New Features of SilverFast Ai

Kiel Germany, November 30, 2004 - The new SilverFast Ai Studio from LaserSoft Imaging AG, manufacturer of the professional imaging software SilverFast for scanners and digital cameras, offers with innovative functions an even higher degree of efficiency for image optimization: SilverFast AACO (Auto Adaptive Contrast Optimization) offers a lot more than a simple correction of the gradation curve. It is an excellent tool for the correction of dark, high-contrast areas of the image while preserving the details in the highlights. The extended print dialog of SilverFast Ai Studio offers the possibility of printing images or image parts selected by frames in the preview. The selected images can be scaled, rotated, cropped or positioned manually on the print sheet. Also a 1:1 print-out, similar to a photocopy, is possible. SilverFast Ai Studio Highlights - Picture Setting Dialog - This dialog displays a real-time output histogram that shows the effects of all SilverFast Ai Studio settings on the final scan. - The Clone Tool - Major defects and severe scratches on the image may easily be removed or corrected. - USM - The unsharp mask dialog and its preview windows may now freely be resized and enlarged. A better control of the image is achieved before scanning - The support of the JPEG 2000 format (JPF) enables SilverFast's strongest compression to process such data up to 7 times faster than any other imaging software. - The storage and administration of the scanned image files are very convenient due to the possibility to add individual comments, which are stored with the picture (embedded into the picture data) according to the ITPC standard. Please find all highlights of SilverFast Ai Studio and a demo version at: http://www.silverfast.com/show/silverfast-ai-studio/cn.html.

Top



Cooperation of LaserSoft Imaging AG and EFI

Kiel, November 29, 2004 - LaserSoft Imaging AG, manufacturer of the SilverFast range of professional software for scanners and digital cameras has announced a partnership agreement with EFI, the world leader in digital imaging and print management solutions for commercial and enterprise printing, to produce a software bundle, comprising their successful software products; SilverFast DCPro and EFI Photo Edition 4.0. The combination of these two powerful pieces of software offers the photographer a package which will provide effective support across the entire workflow, from importing camera data to correcting, optimizing and managing his images and then achieving perfect prints, all in one, easy to manage bundle, at a competitive price. SilverFast DCPro is a high-quality software package for digital cameras which has been specially tailored to the needs of the digital photographer. Simple to use, it performs time-saving background conversions of raw data formats from professional digital cameras from manufacturers including Kodak, Minolta, Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Nikon, Leica and Sigma. SilverFast DCPro can be used to produce sharp, high-quality photographs from unprocessed raw data images. Thanks to its high dynamic scope and broad information content, raw data is the ideal basis for image optimization. Being able to access the raw data from a photo before it has even been converted into a JPEG or TIFF file allows the user to adjust the white balance and manually color-correct or sharpen the image rather than relying on the automatic functions of the camera - which are not always perfect. In the subsequent image optimization process, the user can draw on the full range of professional correction functions offered by SilverFast Ai. The starting point is the virtual light table (VLT) integrated in SilverFast DCPro. This provides the photographer with a simple method of organizing and managing his digital pictures and preparing them for finishing. He can create archives (albums) for his photos, attach comments to the pictures, insert IPTC information, view EXIF data and generate contact sheets for his archives and albums, just like in a real photo lab. The expanded print dialog is a particularly professional and efficient feature. Entire image collections and individual images can be distributed and arranged over any number of print pages either automatically or manually. This makes optimum use of expensive photo paper when printing. The images can also be rotated, trimmed, scaled and assigned titles and texts. If EXIF, IPTC and GPS information is attached to the images, it can also be output as text with the pictures. ICC print profiles can also be used to ensure perfect print quality. Numerous QuickTime movies can be launched from the program dialogs to explain the correct way to use the various functions. SilverFast DCPro can be used as a plug-in or an independent stand-alone application. EFI Photo Edition is a printing and proofing solution for photographers using digital technology. It features a new cross Mac OSX and Windows operating platform for greater flexibility in a variety of proofing environments, plus support for HP's CMYKplus standard for more robust color management. It controls over 30 widely-used printer models, including popular inkjet devices from Canon, Epson and HP. Sophisticated color management functions can be used to achieve true-color output of RGB data (in print mode) or true-color print simulation of the photograph, for example for offset printing (in proofing mode). It also allows image data to be converted into different color spaces, for example sRGB, ECI-RGB or standardized CMYK color spaces. This enables a user to input RGB camera data, automatically convert it to CMYK, export as a CMYK TIFF file and output the data in proof form. Additionally, the "RGB" workflow facilitates output of bright, vivid, photos, using the complete color space of the printer. Karl-Heinz Zahorsky, President and founder of LaserSoft Imaging AG, says "Many customers were calling for a professional software solution to help them process their digital photos, so we developed SilverFast DCPro. It allows users to process their raw data in a stand-alone application or directly in Adobe PhotoShop. We are particularly proud of our QuickTime movies. For the first time, this enables users to watch a short film explaining individual functions, instead of having to consult a lengthy instruction manual. "Essentially, this new software bundle will provide both professional and amateur photographers with everything that they require to manage their images from start to finish," adds Thorsten Breiding, General Manager and Vice President, Proofing Solutions at EFI, "LaserSoft Imaging's expertise in handling raw data image optimisation, coupled with EFI's world-leading Best technology at the output end of the photographic workflow offers a second-to-none software bundle with highly accurate, consistent and effective results." An up-to-date list of the digital cameras with raw data formats supported by SilverFastDCPro can be found at: http://www.silverfast.com/show/dc-cameras-raw/cn.html. An up-to-date list of all printers and sizes supported by EFI PhotoEdition can be found at: http://www.bestcolor.com/index.php?sv=151 Availability: The complete solution will be available now from certified EFI dealers. Pricing: Euro~600 for the Silverfast DCPro and EFI Photo Edition M package (which will control printers up to A2 format) Euro~900 for the Silverfast DCPro and EFI Photo Edition XL package (which will control printers up to 24"/61cm format).

Top



New NegaFix released with SilverFast Ai 5.5

10th August 2001, Kiel, Germany - The new release of SilverFast Ai 5.5 has the most powerful negative film optimisation now. NegaFix®, the new negative real-time film optimisation in SilverFast Ai 5.5 can handle all kinds of negative film, gray scale and color. More than 120 film presets and a very powerful 16 bit orange mask auto-adjust will make negative film scans as easy as ever. "Maximum dynamic range and perfect image quality from the negative film, as well as ease of use was the objective and has been achieved with this new development" says Karl-Heinz Zahorsky, president and founder of LaserSoft Imaging. SilverFast SE 5.5, the entry level SilverFast will have the ability to select Vendor, Film group and Film Speed. A real-time exposure slider will enable to adjust film exposure in a range of between -3 and +3 f-stops. SilverFast Ai 5.5, the full version of SilverFast, will also have a NegaFix Advanced Mode allowing to create custom film type presets. The advanced mode is unique in scan software development as it allows to adjust any negative film with reference to any aspect of the negative film characteristic to get optimum results. An "Import" function will allow customers to import new negative film presets that LaserSoft Imaging will post on their web site for download. SilverFast Ai 5.5 is a 45$, SilverFast SE 5.5 a 10$ upgrade and can be purchased on-line from LaserSoft Imaging's web site: http://www.SilverFast.com LaserSoft Imaging is the German developer of SilverFast Ai, SilverFast SE, SilverFast PhotoCD, SilverFast DC and SilverFast HDR. SilverFast Ai is the scan software bundled with 10 different manufacturers and is available for more than 150 different scanner and digital camera models.

Top



New NegaFix function in SilverFast Ai

Kiel, Germany, April 8th, 1999 - LaserSoft Imaging - the German specialist for imaging, introduces SilverFast Ai negative function The new negative function in SilverFast SilverFast's new negative function pioneers a new way in scanner technology. Now it offers the possibilty to choose from different films and to perform precision adjustments of the various film types. Only two steps are generally sufficient to obtain good results. Following the characteristic of all other SilverFast functions the user doesn't fully depend on the results of automated working steps in the software, instead the user has the option to manually interfere after each working step. The developers latest efforts come to light in the creation of the film profiles, where the revolutionary idea of balancing alterations in quality - which are due to exposure or film development - with the help of a sliding button is one example. We are working on a tool that allows the creation of user defined profiles, enabling to practically calibrate individual films.

Top



LaserSoft Imaging AG introduces SilverFast Ai HDR 4

Kiel, Germany, March 1st, 1999 - LaserSoft Imaging - the German specialist for imaging - introduces SilverFast Ai HDR version 4 What does HDR mean? HDR stands for "High Dynamic Range". SilverFast(HDR) does not drive a scanner, instead it works with the data of all scanners. Scanner data can be 24 bit RGB Tiff uncompressed and JPEG compressed or 48 bit RGB TIFF uncompressed or Photoshop native format. Advantage of Image Processing with SilverFast(HDR) The advantage of SilverFast (HDR) lies in the fact that only a scanner with simple software is needed, since the scan contains the full dynamic range of the scanner - that is why only scan resolution and scan frame have to be defined. No special knowledge to perform the scan is required. Raw image data that has been saved to disk can be loaded into SilverFast(HDR) at a later time and immediately be processed (HDR uses the preview like a virtual scanner). When working with HDR, the user can take advantage of all known SilverFast features that optimize images into RGB-TIFF, LAB or CMYK and save them to his hard disk. The production with SilverFast (HDR) follows these steps: 1. Generation of raw data with the scanner through simple software 2. Optimizing (processing) of raw data with HDR at a later time, independent of the scanner. Because of the preview concept of SilverFast (HDR), there is no need to load the full resolution image data - only what is needed for the preview has to be loaded. This assures comfortable and fast processing (real time), which, combined with the color management, guarantees best image quality and color precision. SilverFast(HDR) is available as a Photoshop Plug-in and a Twain Plug-in for both platforms (Mac and PC). SilverFast supports the latest standard of color Management (Mac: ColorSync 2.5, Win98: ICM 2.0).

Top



SilverFast Ai 4.0 released

Kiel, Germany, February 20th, 1999 - LaserSoft Imaging - the German specialist for imaging, introduces SilverFast Ai version 4 LaserSoft Imaging has been involved in fundamental research into the principles of the optimum user interface of complex systems and has applied the new findings to SilverFast Ai version 4: 1. Maximum flexibility of the user interface, so the operator can have maximum adjustment to his working environment. For example, SilverFast now allows the controls to be moved to a second monitor, permitting the preview to be enlarged to the full size of the first monitor. 2. ScanPilot automatically guides the user step by step to the brilliant image, but still enables the user at any step to carry out his individual corrections. This approach secures the correct operation right from the start without limiting the creative freedom of the user. 3. All operations are applied in "real time", allowing the user to immediately see the changes and also learn the correct operation of the software. Because of the preview concept, all unwanted modifications can be undone on the fly. The three major principles of user interface can be regarded as pace making for current and future complex systems, says Karl-Heinz Zahorsky, President of LaserSoft Imaging. To bridge the know-how differences between the novice and the professional user, the two-level user interface has been implemented. The novice user is assisted by the intelligent auto-adjusts of the Ai (artificial intelligence) while the professional may work with scientific precision via numerical input and monitoring exact values with the densitometer. He can also use all of the professional instruments well known with high end systems; e.g. gradation, selective color correction, unsharp masking and separation. SilverFast has integrated the latest standard of color management. Like Photoshop 5.0, SilverFast allows the user to define and match input, internal, and output color spaces using ICC profiles. An automatic two-way integration with the internal working color space of Photoshop 5.0 secures highest precision when working with Photoshop. With a new feature called embedding profiles, applications like Photoshop will automatically adjust imported files to the internal working color space. This ensures the best possible workflow.

Top
Bookmark: add to Google Bookmark add to newsgator add to digg add to Netscape Bookmark del.icio.us Bookmark MISTER WONG Bookmark yigg.de Bookmark Slashdot
Home | Company | Contact | Associates | Sitemap | Impressum | Awards | Linkpartners | International | Flight