Microtek adds the ArtixScan 1800f to its Line of E.D.I.T. Professional Scanners
Microtek continues its leadership role in professional digital imaging with the introduction of the dual media ArtixScan 1800f. The ArtixScan 1800f features glassless scanning with Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (E.D.I.T.), the hallmark technology of Microtek's ArtixScan line of professional scanners.
The ArtixScan 1800f is the first 8" x 14"-format, dual-media scanner in its category to offer up to 4.8 maximum optical density combined with true 48-bit RGB/CMYK scanning and an optical resolution of 3600 x 1800 dpi.
At an SRP of $1,499.99, the AS1800f is the ideal image-capture device for graphic artists, photographers, and publishers seeking a total scanning solution that offers superior quality and ease-of-use at a minimal investment.
The ArtixScan 1800f gives imaging professionals an affordable alternative to costly drum scanning. In addition, Microtek's patented E.D.I.T. design allows users to scan transparencies without glass interference. E.D.I.T.'s glassless scanning design eliminates unwanted image artifacts, or Newton Rings, often caused by sandwiching a piece of film between two layers of glass.
To ensure accurate color capture and consistent output from ICC profiled devices, the scanner also includes Microtek's ICC Profiler, along with a 4" x 5" Kodak Q60 reflective calibration target and a 4" x 5" Kodak Q60 transparent calibration target. Kodak's Digital Science color management software is also part of the scanners solution package.
According to Mary Ann Whitlock, executive director of marketing, "Microtek has taken its imaging technology one-step further by boosting dynamic range to a full 4.8 maximum optical density at 16-bits per channel to capture the finest details in highlight and shadow areas -- a critical necessity for professional photographers and graphic artists who require the best possible detail capture from transparency scans."
The ArtixScan 1800f is based on Microtek's innovative dual-media design, which maximizes user productivity by allowing users to scan transparent and reflective originals with equal quality and efficiency.
To ensure consistent results between transparent and reflective originals, the scanner uses an optical assembly for front-lighted reflective image targets and back-lighted transparent image targets. Identical top and bottom light sources ensure consistent color characteristics for both media, and rotating mirrors redirect the light path precisely from reflective or transparency targets to the optical assembly. Using a single optical assembly with fixed lenses ensures precise focus and registration for sharper images over the life of the scanner and quicker transitions from one media to another. Dual-media design delivers the high-image quality, consistency and reliability required for professional imaging applications.
The ArtixScan 1800f's user-selectable multiple sampling capabilities optimize image data to reduce random image noise. Each scanned line is sampled multiple times and then averaged to distill top-quality data. By reducing signal fluctuation, multiple sampling results in purer image output. Another premium hardware feature of the ArtixScan 1800f is its Kodak 43,200-sensor CCD, for optical resolutions up to 3600 x 1800 dpi.
In addition, the ArtixScan 1800f includes a complete set of aperture glass and glassless SnapTrans film holders for batch scanning 35mm mounted and 35mm unmounted, 4" x 5" and 6cm x 9cm original transparencies. Microtek's patented glassless batch scanning film holder design minimizes costly setup time and spot retouching time by eliminating image artifacts such as Newton Rings.
The ArtixScan 1800f includes two professional scanner controllers, LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast Ai 6 and Microtek's ScanWizard Pro.
A dual-platform scanner, the AS 1800f can be used on either Macintosh or PC systems, and both software controllers are compatible with Mac OS X and Windows 98, XP and 2000. SilverFast Ai 6 with NegaFix is ideal for superior negative film scanning. The software offers a real-time exposure slider and custom profiling in addition to a menu of 120 negative film profiles, dust and scratch removal with its SF SRD function, and noise and grain elimination with SF GANE.
ScanWizard Pro is a professional scanning application based on Microtek's award-winning ScanWizard scanning software. ScanWizard Pro provides direct RGB, high-bit RGB, CMYK, LAB, grayscale or indexed color scanning for imaging professionals with quick and easy control of their scanned images. New features such as the Kodak Digital Science ensure accurate, professional results and maximum productivity. Because accurate calibration is crucial to the professional user, ScanWizard Pro includes Microtek's ICC profiler for use with the Kodak, AGFA or Fuji IT8 targets in generating ICC profiles for each system setup. The ICC profiler helps control compatibility and reliable color management from start to finish with third-party color output systems.
To complete its professional software bundle, the ArtixScan 1800f provides Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0, and Genuine Fractals Print Pro by LizardTech, which allows a user to work with small, manageable files yet produce high-resolution output in RGB or CMYK. Lossless file compression for higher-speed data transfer is also possible with Genuine Fractals Print Pro. Add to this Microtek's LANShare scanner sharing utility for PCs, the ArtixScan 1800f provides professional-caliber tools for high-quality, high-productivity results. ABBYY FineReader Sprint adds to the scanner's versatility for a total scanning solution.
The ArtixScan 1800f works with iMac or Power Mac G3/G4 systems running Mac OS 8.6 through Mac OS X in native mode. Software download for ScanWizard Pro 7 for Mac OS X is available at www.support.microtek.com.
For PC-compatible systems, the ArtixScan 1800f supports Pentium systems with Hi-Speed USB (2.0) and FireWire ports running Windows 98, 2000, and XP. The scanner is fully equipped with PCI FireWire card (PC), FireWire cable, Hi-Speed USB cable and power cord. A set of SnapTrans templates is included with the scanner, and additional template sets are available through Microtek.