Copyright Mark D Segal

Final July 14, 2010
The Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai Scanner Lasersoft Imaging Inc. (LSI) asked me whether I would be interested in preparing a review of the Plustek 7600i-Ai film scanner, which comes bundled with SilverFast Ai 6.6 Studio and a SilverFast IT8 target for profiling the scanner. The agreement between LSI and me was that they would arrange a loan of the scanner/software, I would design the review, test the package, receive technical support from them if needed and call the shots as I see them. The Plustek 7600i is a rather unique product in the scanner industry for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is the product of a close collaborative relationship between independent developers of hardware and software. The scanner was designed to work optimally with SilverFast, and the two companies cooperated to assure operational coherence between the hardware and the software. Secondly, if you look around the market for dedicated film scanners these days, you will see that there is precious little available especially of equipment which can deliver quality scans with high dynamic range and high resolution in 16-bit format. You can still buy a Hasselblad Flextight in the range of USD 13,000~20,000. Short of that, you may be lucky enough to find a retailer with an unopened Nikon Super Coolscan 9000 ED (B&H still lists it for USD 2200, but for quite some time now as temporarily unavailable), while the much sought after Nikon Super Coolscan 5000ED has been discontinued and a number of them sold on eBay this year for around twice or more the original retail value of about USD 1300. Minolta once made the very high quality Dimage Scan Elite 5400 and 5400II models (which were also in the thousand dollar range), but vacated this line some years ago. The Plustek 7600i-Ai retails in the USA for $520. An independent purchase of the bundled software would cost $218 from LSIs website, hence the residual value of the scanner for the advertised specifications (16 bit/channel depth, 3.5 dynamic range, 7200 PPI optical resolution and availability of the infra-red channel) is really very low relative to the prices of previous equipment in its technical range. So given the paucity of considerable alternatives for quality film scanning and the very attractive pricing of this model for the stated specifications, I thought it would be most interesting to try it and see what it could deliver at least in my hands. This is a results-oriented review set in a comparative context and limited to 35mm positive and negative colour transparency films. The comparators are scanners capable of delivering high optical resolution, good dynamic range and 16-bit depth: specifically the discontinued Nikon Super Coolscan 5000ED and the still current Epson Perfection V750M Pro which is Epsons high-end flatbed scanner with the film scanning adapter built-in to the lid (US $850). While the Nikon scanner is discontinued, I believe it remains a comparator of interest because it sets a benchmark against which to evaluate the quality and price-quality trade-offs of the test equipment, and it does become available on the resale market from time to time.
The results of interest to me, and I expect to most other photographers who scan film, are (in no intended order of priority): (a) operating speed, (b) efficiency of dust and scratch removal, (c) edge and texture rendition (d) colour consistency between the original media, the scan and the same image opened in Photoshop and (e) rendition of detail in the lower quarter-tones. Hence this review examines the Plustek in the context of the three scanners for both positives and negatives. Before getting into the testing procedures and results, I should convey a few impressions about the scanner itself. Figure 1. Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai
It is a compact machine provided with two quite robust film holders one for mounted slides and the other for film strips. It is fixed focus, and there are no mechanics for using the film holders. The user slides them through the scanners side-slot, there being a decisive click-stop provided by notches on the holders each time the next frame is correctly placed. The strip holder accommodates six frames and the mounted slide holder four slides. The strip holder holds the film strip securely and as flat as possible absent a glass sandwich. Slides can be no flatter than provided by the mounted media. The scanner also operates very quietly. This simplicity and smoothness of operation are appreciated, though one may ask about any sacrifice of sharpness without manual focus. The Epson scanner cannot be focused manually either, but NikonScan allows the Nikon scanner to be focused using alternative focus points on the image preview selected in the software. SilverFast for Nikon also supports this feature. The Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400 and 5400II could be focused manually, but I never needed to do so, nor have I seen the need with the Nikon scanner. Installation of the scanner and the SilverFast software proved to be a straightforward, seamless procedure, with one caveat especially for users on Windows operating systems:

it is NECESSARY to exactly follow in order the new Quick Guide Instructions dated from April 13, 2010 onward in order to prevent potential conflicts between devices at the system level. This is easy to manage. I now turn to operating experience and results. (a) Operating Speed Scanning is a two stage procedure: a pre-scan within the scanning software to perform all the edits entering into the intended result, and then the scan itself, which then exports the scanned image to a folder on ones hard-drive and, if desired, opens in an external editor such as Photoshop. The Plustek pre-scan is very fast it takes less than 10 seconds. The Epson pre-scan is also fast, considering that it pre-scans a letter-sized film holder containing numerous images, from which one may select a single frame of interest or do a batch scan. The Nikon pre-scan is considerably slower than that of the Plustek. The scanner goes through an automatic focusing and exposure determination routine before showing the pre-scan preview image. This can take over half a minute. The speed of the scan depends on file size. The more data which needs to be scanned, the longer it takes. I decided to standardize my resolution and file size to 360PPI and uncropped image dimensions of about 14 inches by 9.2 inches. (This roughly provides pixel dimensions of about 5040 by 3312 pixels [360 * 14 by 360 * 9.2], or 16.7 megapixels.) The resulting file size is in the range of 95 MB. (Please see Inset 1 for the correct formula to convert image/pixel dimensions to file size; but relax you can also read the same results in the SilverFast Frame Tab; I just wanted to be a bit geeky by providing the arithmetic for the benefit of the curious ). _____________________________________________________________________ Inset 1. Image Dimensions to File Size MB file size = PPI2 * (L*H) * (b/8) / 1024 / 1024 Where: PPI = Pixels per Inch Output Resolution L = length of output file in inches H = height of output file in inches b = sum of bit depth of all channels MB = megabytes Example: Scanning a three channel (R,G,B) 35mm negative or positive in 16 bit depth to have output dimensions of 16.5 by 11 inches at 360 PPI on output: MB = 3602 * (16.5 * 11) * (48/8) / 1024 / 1024 = 95.5 MB Explanation: Squaring 360 provides the pixels per square inch. L*W provides the number of square inches. Multiplying PPI2 by square inches provides the total number of pixels.
The pixels have bit depth. For an image being scanned as three channels each at 16 bit depth, the total bit depth per pixel of all three channels is 48. Because we are aiming for bytes and there are 8 bits to a byte, divide 48 by 8 to derive the equivalent bytes. Divide all of this by 1024 to convert to kilobytes from all the bytes, and divide again by 1024 to convert from kilobytes to megabytes. _______________________________________________________________________ On my computer (WinXP Pro SP2, dual-core Xeon 5160 processors at 3.33 GHz, 4GB RAM), the Plustek takes about three minutes to scan a file of this size, whereas the Epson can take up to 4 minutes and the Nikon about 30 seconds. This includes from the time the scan button is activated till the image scans, gets rotated and saved to hard disk. (b) Efficiency of Dust and Scratch Removal Thanks to SilverFasts iSRD function and the scanners in-built infra-red channel, this is an area where the Plustek scanner really shines. Readers of my recent SilverFast review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/scanning-old-new.shtml) will be familiar with iSRD. It uses the infra-red channel to identify and isolate dust and scratches, and provides controls for their elimination, hardly affecting the sharpness of non-identified pixels. The Epson scanner also provides this functionality; for the Nikon scanner the Mac version of SilverFast provides it, but the Windows version does not Ive been allowed to spill the beans and say that this will be forthcoming in a future program release. The Plustek versions of SilverFast provide it for both Windows and Mac, and it works very well. While extra scan time is needed for scanning the infra-red channel, this is most often well worthwhile compared with the alternatives of using inferior alternative scratch and dust removal algorithms which do affect overall image sharpness, or cloning out these imperfections one-by-one in Photoshop. Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the effectiveness of this relatively rapid, hardly destructive procedure on the same image, at 100% screen magnification. Figure 2. iSRD: Image Detail Before Clean-up

Figure 3. iSRD: Level 12 Dust and Scratch Detection
Figure 4. iSRD: Magnified Detail of Sky After iSRD Operation
Figure 5. iSRD: Detail Retention, After (left) and Before (right)
Having this capability bundled into such a low cost scanning package is a real plus. (c) Edge and Texture Rendition For many, this is the heart of the question about scan quality: how sharp are the results? Perceived sharpness has two basic aspects: edge sharpness, and texture detail. Therefore to give readers an impression of how these scanners perform on both variables, selection of images is rather critical, remembering that we are dealing with film which has grain and the lenses I used years ago when I made the photographs, which were very good, but not the top-of-the-line professional picks. (Im not discussing reduction of film grain in this review, because I recently covered that topic in my review of Topaz De-Noise http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/software/topaz.shtml). One of the test images Im using here for illustrating sharpness with colour negatives is a shot of one building on the Wat Arun temple complex in Bangkok, scanned with the Nikon on the left and the Plustek on the right.
Figure 6. Full Image Resolution Comparison: Nikon (Left) and Plustek (Right)
Seen at this distance and at this size, image quality difference between the two scanners is not easy to perceive. It is necessary to scale-up the image in order to see the differences between the two scans, as shown in the fragments below at 100% magnification (Figure 7), as before Nikon to the left and Plustek to the right. It is important to bear in mind that these magnifications would represent VERY large prints. These samples show that the Nikon scan has more granularity (literally) and definition, but the Plustek scan is not really far behind. Recall, you are viewing a JPEG grab of a really small piece of this image very heavily magnified. As the bottom line for operationally significant resolution is what shows on a print, I printed both full-image scans at the scanned-in size (9*14 inches, c.360 PPI)1 in my Epson 3800 printer on Ilford Gold Fibre Silk paper. At this size, the results are not far apart. Unfortunately, this is not possible to see over the internet, so you will have to trust my eyesight. The Plustek scan appears a tad softer than the Nikon scan, but shows well on its own. Indeed, after it has been capture-sharpened and output-sharpened, the end result is truly well defined (Please see Figure 8).
Please see the side bar on a scanning resolution debate for further insight on this choice.
Figure 7 Image Resolution Comparison, Fragments: Nikon (Left); Plustek (Right)
Figure 8a, 8b. Wat Arun 50% Magnification, sharpened Nikon and Plustek

Figure 9 Epson V750M (Left) and Plustek (Right)
Figure 9 above shows a comparison between the Epson and the Plustek, Epson left, Plustek right. The Epson result is somewhat softer than the Plustek scan, to be expected from the difference of technology. Flatbed scanners are generally not preferred for 35mm film scanning compared with a good dedicated film scanner. Nonetheless, the Epson result is a very good one for a flatbed scanner. I had the opportunity to scan a medium format transparency in the same Epson scanner, and the result was considerably sharper, indicating that this scanner seems better suited to medium format transparencies than to 35mm media. I hasten to add, however, that when a 35mm Epson film scan starts with a sharp original and is appropriately Capture and Output sharpened in post-processing, like the Epson and Nikon scans, it enlarges well up to at least 11*16.5 inches. I also scanned several positives to see whether the same order of resolution would be replicated with this media, and the answer is yes it is, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Image dimensions, determined at the scan stage, are about 9 by 14 inches at 360 PPI. I made the photograph at Caf Sacher in Vienna, July 1989, with a Nikkormat and the Nikon 50mm f/2 lens, using Kodachrome. I like this image for demonstrating sharpness and resolution because of the highlight detail in the paper napkin, the small scrathes in the silverware and, literally, the granularity of the cocoa powder on the cappuccino. (By the way, the real Sacher Torte was out of this world I hope the tradition lives on.) I scanned it in the three scanners using custom profiles for Kodachrome made with the SilverFast Auto-IT8 profiling process discussed below. The Epson scan needed a bit of brightening on the cocoa powder to make sure its detail shows as best the scanner can deliver it. I mildly tweaked colour balance on all three in SilverFast, for better matching given the issues involved with profiling Kodachrome (next section). Figure 10. Caf Sacher Complete Image, Scanned in the Plustek Scanner.
Figure 11. Caf Sacher, Detail at 100% Magnification Nikon, Plustek and Epson.
Viewed at 100% magnification, all three scanners managed the paper napkin very well. At this magnification, the Nikon has an edge on the other two for granularity of the cocoa powder, there being not much difference between the Plustek and the Epson in this rendering. One needs to remember that the Figure 11 images are each approximately a 3.5 * 2.25 inch area of a 14* 9 inch original, magnified about 400%. While the Nikon result is outstanding, and therefore also shows some outstanding graininess, the other two are respectable for the medium. I printed the three images at about 300 PPI, 11*16.5 inches with Capture and Output sharpening applied, and the results on paper are only subtly different from eachother, with the Nikon being marginally more granular than the Plustek and the Plustek marginally more granular than the Epson. ______________________________________________________ Side-bar on a Scanning Resolution Debate LSI recommends selecting the scan resolution and image dimensions appropriate to the largest output resolution and image size the user will want to make. For example, in the illustrations for this review, those dimensions are about 9*14 inches at 360PPI output resolution to my Epson printer. Others have contended that it is best to scan at the scanners highest optical resolution and then downsize the image in post-processing as necessary. Those who favour this workflow claim it yields cleaner, sharper images. I have tried it both ways, in print, and frankly I find very little difference of outcomes, but LSIs recommendation delivers a slightly superior result. If others have done similar tests and come to the opposite conclusion, thats fine, but my experience is as stated. Users of SilverFast experimenting with output resolution and image dimensions in the Frame Tab will see another consideration at play here. The software was written intentionally to limit pixel dimensions to no more than twice the scanners optical input

resolution. The distance from maximum to twice the maximum input optical resolution they call the range of interpolation. SilverFast prevents users from scanning beyond the range of interpolation because in their judgment the resulting image quality wouldnt be acceptable. For example, in the case of the Nikon where maximum optical resolution is 4000 PPI2 the outer limit of the range of interpolation is 4000*2 or 8000 input PPI and the corresponding maximum file size is 414.4 MB. Now, let us say I select 14*9 inch linear dimensions at output resolution of 363 PPI one of the scanners fixed resolution points3. The resulting magnification ratio from the original media (about 1.4 by 0.9 inches) is about 1055%. At this point, depressing F6 (Windows) SilverFast shows me that the input resolution is already at 3832 PPI, only about 150 below the scanners input optical resolution limit of 4000 PPI. I can continue increasing output PPI up to 758 PPI ([8000/1055]*100) at the same scale and linear dimensions, because I am working within the range of interpolation. For example, at output resolution of 720 PPI at the same scale, pressing F6 shows me that I have just about reached twice the optical input resolution of the scanner (7191 PPI only about 800 pixels below the 8000 limit.) At 758 PPI output resolution Ive reached 8000 PPI input resolution, or twice the scanners maximum optical resolution. When I move beyond 758 PPI output resolution, it reduces scale and image dimensions to constrain pixel dimensions to that yielded from twice the input optical resolution and the resulting file size to 414MB already well into the overkill range unless one is printing posters at lower resolution. So for example, the next output resolution stop is 800PPI, where the range of interpolation has been exceeded and the 8000 PPI input resolution has become the constraint; file size is stuck at its maximum of 414MB because the maximum pixel dimensions were reached, and the scale is reduced to 1000% and corresponding linear output dimensions therefore reduced to 13.3 by 8.5 inches. At the extreme, by increasing output PPI to 8000, the program brings the scale to 100% and the linear output dimensions are the same as the media 1.4 by 0.9 inches. ________________________________________________________________________ (d) Colour Consistency and Scanner Profiling As I covered the Auto-IT8 profiling process in my previous article on SilverFast, I shall not repeat that material here, but having now worked it with three scanners and two different profiling targets (Fujichrome and Kodachrome), I do have new observations about this process. The colour consistency objective is to produce a scanned image for print or web which is as faithful as possible to the original media with minimal post-processing for colour balance or luminosity. Because every scanner sees colours and luminosity differently,

Plustek model 7600i-Ai is considerably higher at 7200 PPI) Scanners are designed to scan at fixed PPI intervals over the range from minimum to full optical resolution. Users can input whatever value they wish, but the scanner will operate at the nearest fixed resolution point.
they should be custom-profiled for best results, and the appropriate profile used in a colour-managed workflow. There are two major issues with this: firstly, a number of scanners have difficulty accurately seeing Kodachrome film, such that custom profiling them even with a Kodachrome target will not necessarily produce a very high quality profile. Secondly, it is not possible to profile a scanner for colour negative film, the alternative in SilverFast being to use their Negafix module which has a large number of canned film profiles for producing a decent positive image. Here again, the results of a Negafix profile for the same image on the same film will differ from scanner to scanner because of inherent technical differences between the scanners. One does the pragmatic thing and selects the film profile which gives the image its best starting point before making further adjustments. SilverFast makes this very easy to do, just by flipping from one film preset to the next in Negafix and looking at the outcome in the image preview window. Ill say no more here about using Negafix as I discussed this topic in my previous articles (Luminous-Landscape, 2006) on scanning colour negatives with SilverFast. What matters for present purposes is how the Plustek scanner performs with SilverFasts very convenient Auto-IT8 profiling procedure for 35mm positives, compared with performance of the other two scanners. The Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai package comes bundled with a scanner profiling target processed on Fujichrome film. (Those who wish to make a custom profile for Kodachrome using SilverFasts Auto IT8 process would need to purchase a Kodachrome target from LSI.) Hence the resulting profile would be useful for non-Kodachrome positive 35mm slides. I used this target to create custom profiles for all three scanners, for comparison of outcomes between the scanners, and I also compared the performance of the custom profiles with the canned profiles which SilverFast made and provides for both Kodachrome and non-Kodachrome positives. Without the luxury of costly colour management tools such Monaco Profiler or Profile Maker 5, I cannot perform automated comprehensive Delta-E calculations for measuring the overall performance of a profile relative to all of the data in the profiling targets reference file. But I developed and implemented an alternative manual procedure described below, which reflects the same principles in reduced-form. The possible merit of this procedure is that anyone with Excel, SilverFast Ai, the reference file and Photoshop can do it without investing about $3000 in high-end colour management software. The reference file which accompanies a profiling target contains the colour values for each patch in the target, usually in L*a*b and XYZ colour measurement scales. One can measure the internal consistency of a profiles behaviour as follows: First, perform the Auto-IT8 profiling process using the relevant SilverFast IT8 target for the film stock being profiled and leave the target in the scanner. Second, with the resulting profile now loaded (automatically) as the default profile for that scanner and film combination, scan the target (as one would scan an ordinary photograph) to open as a TIFF file in Photoshop. Gamma and colour space should be the same for the scan and in Photoshop. Third, use Photoshops eyedropper and info panel to measure the L*a*b* values of a set of patches

in the TIFF scan of the target and compare these measurements with the values for the same patches in the targets reference file. The difference between the measured and the reference file values is an indication of the extent of the profiles performance error, which is formalized in a Delta-E or dE calculation. We call this a round-trip internal consistency check to see how well a profile created from a target can reproduce the values of that target when it is scanned as a photo. If the dE values are less than 1 (a source in Wikipedia says even up to 2.3 would be hard to see), this means that at least the profile is behaving with acceptable internal consistency. Whether it also produces a reasonably accurate scan on normal photographs still remains to be determined; but for that to happen, a pass on the round trip internal consistency check is a necessary, although not necessarily sufficient condition. To make this exercise tractable for present purposes (which are indicative, and not claimed to be 100% determinative), I selected the grayscale band of patches across the bottom of the SilverFast target (Figure 12, right of red arrow). I put grayscale in quotation marks, because even though they look grey, the reference values for those patches indicate that they are not gray, and indeed they do not measure as gray in these tests. (To be gray, a* and b* each need to be 0, whereas these values vary within a range of several points around zero.) The reasoning is that a sample set of measurements using this band should be a sufficient indicator of profile performance for the target as a whole, because if a profiling solution can reproduce these tones quite correctly, chances are it will do a similar job on most of the colours in the target. Figure 12. Auto IT8 Calibration
Once all 24 patches are measured, the differences between measured and reference values are noted and then averaged in three sets: one for L*, one for a* and one for b*, with an aggregate average provided for a* + b*. The arithmetic is shown below in the sidebar The Arithmetic (Used Here) of Profile Measurement, which you may skip if your main interest is the gist of the story-line, rather than the geeky details; the source for the formulae used is CIE dE (1976). Technical staff at LSI have examined this procedure and they think the approach is correct and useful as intended.
____________________________________________________________________ The Arithmetic (Used Here) of Profile Measurement The measurement of the L*a*b* values was done with Photoshops eyedropper set to 31*31 pixels, the eyedropper being kept in the middle of each patch. This assured that variances within patches which do occur are averaged, without poaching values from neighbouring patches. For each patch, the dE (independently for each of L*, a*, and b*) = SQRT[(R-M)^2], where: M = measured value, R = reference file value, and SQRT = square root. The average dE of the 24 patches in any one series = {SUM023 [SQRT(R-M)^2]}/24. The average dE of a* + b* = {SUM023 [SQRT (a*+b*)]}/24, Where SQRT (a*+b*) = SQRT{[(R-M)^2] a* + [(R-M)^2] b* } _______________________________________________________________________ To do this for three scanners, two film types (Fuji and Kodachrome) and two profile types (custom and canned) required six spreadsheets with six sets of 24 differences (L*, a* and b* for custom and canned profiles) each. The set-up of each spreadsheet looks like the one shown in Figure 13 below for the Plustek scanner using the Fuji target. Figure 13. Plustek Fuji dE Measurement Spreadsheet

Figure 14 shows the bottom-line results by scanner, film type, profile type and measurement series. Figure 14. Summary Results of dE Measurements
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these results is that there is no clear winner across the board (kind of like the election results in a number of multi-party democracies these days, where political conditions are almost as murky as the waters of colour management)! To summarize the summary of the internal consistency checks: Taking anything above 2 as an indicator of potential trouble, 6 values of the 24 are in this category, and of those, 5 are for Kodachrome and of those 5, 3 are for Nikon and 2 for Plustek. Plustek accounts for only 2 potentially troublesome values in the chart. The Nikon scanners relatively poor colour management performance with Kodachrome is very consistent with this scanners reputation for having difficulty accurately scanning Kodachrome media. This is an interesting confirmation that the analytic approach taken here produces results consistent with other findings one can read in the literature. Custom profiles generally performed better than canned profiles, and that is to be expected because of variations between scanners even of the same model, which demonstrates value to SilverFasts Auto-IT8 custom profiling solution. The only exception on the chart is for Plustek Fuji, where surprisingly, the canned profile (also made by LSI let us not forget) somewhat outperformed the custom profile. The difference between the two would hardly be noticeable in a print, even before post-scan adjustments in an external image editing program. The data shows that
the Plustek scanner really needs and benefits from the custom profile for handling Kodachrome. Finally, the Epson scanner did a really fine job with the Fuji custom profile and both Kodachrome profiles. In fact, its fair to say that on the whole the Epson scanner handled Kodachrome the best of all three in respect of colour management outcomes.
Just to prevent anyone else from saying so first, I see I managed to wade through a whole discussion of colour management completely in black-and-white, except for the image of the SilverFast profiling target and some yellow lowlights in the Excel spreadsheet. Maybe this just goes to show what kind of a subject colour management really is, but joking aside, this is one of the more important aspects of productivity in a scanning workflow and deserves a somewhat analytic treatment. The analysis does show that as long as users of the Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai avoid using the canned profile for Kodachrome, they can profile this scanner with SilverFast and expect decent colour management outcomes. Well revert to photos in the next section, on the treatment of lower quarter-tones. (e) Rendition of Detail in the Lower Quarter Tones Photographers are usually concerned about the DMax (or scan density range) of the hardware, because the higher it is, the more likely it will do a better job of separating the range of luminosity within the quarter-tones, hence the better the shadow detail. DMax is measured on a logarithmic scale, hence what looks like small differences numerically can actually mean larger differences in practice. Plustek specifies DMax for the Optic Film 7600i at 3.5, whereas Epson claims 4.0 for the V750M Pro and Nikon claims 4.8 for the Super Coolscan 5000ED. My objective is to see what one sees in practice with dense images, ignoring this data. Figure 15 shows the selected scan (from colour negative media, because colour negative film can often reveal shadow detail more clearly compared with positive film). I am particularly interested in the dark areas of the stone elephants (shot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in case you were curious to know), where the luminosity range of interest varies from 2 to about 25, and there is considerable granularity to be seen, if it can be.

Figure 15. Stone Elephants Full Image
20 Figure 16. Shadow Detail Elephants
Figure 17. Shadow Detail Elephants Legs
Careful, magnified inspection of these three extracts in Figures 16 and 17 shows that the differences of performance between the three scanners are subtle, with the Nikon showing subtly more distinct deep shadow tonal separation. Bottom line for this kind of image, remembering that the medium being scanned is a colour negative, the Plustek scanner shows comparatively decent tonal separation in the deep quarter tones, despite its nominal Dmax being rated lower than that of either the Nikon or the Epson. But thats not the end of this story. When a scanner reads a negative, the dark tones are actually light in the original scan medium. So what we are observing above is the ability of three scanners to discern detail in the most transparent areas of the negative. Hence an additional test is needed to see comparatively how well they perform when the original scan medium is a positive and the scanners must detect the tonality of the darkest areas therein. To do this, I selected a colour slide (shot on Fuji film) with dense shadow areas, selected an area of interest (the reddish flower pot and surrounding earth) and looked at how the three scanners handled it with no adjustments except for the maximum exposure case. This latter case shows how much dense shadow detail the scanner can reveal using the maximum exposure boost which SilverFasts Exposure adjustment allows. Thus, it is a useful way of seeing whats there. This is one kind of adjustment (amongst others) which is particularly effective at the scan stage. Because the Nikon scanner advertises the highest DMax of the three scanners, Figure 18 shows the base and maximum exposure cases of the flower pot image as seen using the Nikon scanner. I turn next to the base (unadjusted) exposure cases from the three scanners, because we are attempting to discern their relative strength at separating very dark tone values.
Figure 18. Shadow Detail from Positive Scan (Base and Boosted Exposures)
Figure 19 shows the flower pot from the three scanners - Nikon, Epson and Plustek ranked in order of their stated DMax (4.8, 4.0 and 3.5 respectively). Figure 19. Shadow Detail from a Positive Scan Three Scanners
From this visual comparison (less evident here than the original images on a display), firstly, colour balance differs between the three scans, despite each scanner being customprofiled. The differences arent large, but they exist. For example, measuring the grey band of the air-conditioner just above the center screw at the bottom of the casing (see red circle), the value of the a channel is 0 for Nikon, +2 for Epson and +5 for Plustek (b channel results are much closer). The same air conditioner in a digital capture indicates that closer to neutral is more correct. That aside, the quality of luminosity in the dark shadow area more or less mimics the relative ranking of Dmax for the three scanners. A careful look where the red flower pot sits on the earth (bottom of red rectangle), the pot is best differentiated from the earth in the Nikon scan, followed by the Epson and Plustek results. Only the Nikon scan provides a differentiated L value, from 1 to 2 moving from the earth to the pot at the bottom of the red rectangle. More generally within the red rectangle, the Nikon scan L value range is from 1 to 9, whereas for the Epson it is 2 to 7 and for the Plustek from 2 to 5. This doesnt mean a hopeless loss of dark tone separation from the Plustek scanner. It does mean that users should judiciously adjust scan settings and post-scan editing to achieve a more desirable result. The scanner, aided by SilverFast and Photoshop, can reveal much more shadow detail and corrected colour than revealed by the base settings. Figure 20 (left) shows the result of changing the exposure value in SilverFast from 0 to 3.0, and adding two Curves in Photoshop one in Color Mode for neutralizing the colour of the air conditioner casing, and the other in Luminosity Mode to improve image contrast without affecting saturation, while preserving the tonal separation provided by the exposure boost. I then complemented the Luminosity Curve with a 25% Saturation boost. Figures 20 (L), 21 (R). Plustek - Adjusted for Shadow Detail and Colour Balance

Figure 21 (right, above) shows another rendition designed to improve highlight retention while opening shadow detail. This was done by reducing the Exposure adjustment in SilverFast from +3 to +2,2, again in SilverFast normalizing the histogram by pulling in the blacks and whites to values of 20 and 251 respectively, then in Photoshop adding two Curves, one for slight colour balance adjustment and one for slight contrast boost from the lower mid-tones to the upper quarter tones. The highlights are no longer clipped, and the tonal separation between the earth and the flower pot, where they join, now ranges from L+4 to L+7. Tonality could be refined further, but for present purposes, suffice to say that the Plustek scan provides the raw material necessary to produce good tonal separation very near the bottom of the tone scale. These workflow options, by the way, yet again underline a point I made in my previous Luminous Landscape article4 to the effect that combined use of feature-rich programs such as SilverFast with Photoshop or Lightroom provides significant flexibility to maximize the quality and effectiveness of image rendition. Summing-Up on the Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai I believe this is a very respectable package, especially considering its price: Physically the scanner looks well-constructed (though I have no idea of its longevity or that of the others); the simplicity of its feed mechanism and fixed focus augur well for maintenance. The preview time is very fast, and the scan time ranges from fast to slower (than the Nikon) depending on the pixel dimensions of the images being scanned. SilverFast iSRD works well with this scanner, which is a real boon to productivity in terms of obtaining clean scans in little time. Granularity of fine detail, when seen in a properly sharpened 11*16.5 inch print, is close to that obtained from the Nikon scanner. The combination of the Plustek Optic Film 7600i and SilverFast Ai Studio with Auto IT8 profiling provides a viable colour management solution for the scanner component of a colour-managed workflow. It performs considerably better on Kodachrome than achieved from the Nikon scanner using the same software for Nikon. On the whole, the Epson scanner handled Kodachrome the best of the three. Separation of tones within the quarter-tone range is acceptable and better than may be expected from its lower stated DMax rating (compared with the Nikon and Epson scanners).
Now, is this the scanner for you?
Scanning: The Old World Joins the New (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/scanning-oldnew.shtml)
As usual, it depends. It is a dedicated 35mm film scanner, so if you need to scan other media and will buy only one scanner, this is not the one for you a flatbed with film scanning capability such as the Epson would be the indicated choice. If you want a dedicated film scanner for the extra bit of quality the technology can deliver with 35mm film, you dont mind spending time colour correcting Kodachrome and you want the best granularity obtainable for less than 15,000 dollars (e.g. Hasselblad Flexscan) and you dont mind spending over 2000 dollars on eBay for a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000ED, bide your time, bite the bullet and go for the Nikon. If you want a practical, immediately available, very reasonably priced and high quality scanning solution for 35mm film, the Plustek Optic Film 7600i-Ai is good value for money. Mark D Segal Toronto July 2010

Installation Usage & Maintenance Troubleshooting

Trademarks

2009 Plustek Inc. All rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced without permission. All trademarks and brand names mentioned in this publication are property of their respective owners.

Liability

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of all contents in this manual, we assume no liability for errors or omissions or by statements of any kind in this manual, whether such errors are omissions or statements resulting from negligence, accidents, or any other cause. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

Copyright

The scanning of certain documents, for example checks, bank notes, I.D. cards, government bonds, or public documents, may be prohibited by law and/or subject to criminal prosecution. We recommend you to be responsible and respectful of the copyrights laws when you are scanning books, magazines, journals and other materials.
Environmental Information
The product is designed and produced to achieve sustainable environmental improvement. We strive to produce products in compliance with global environmental standards. Please consult your local authorities for proper disposal. The product packaging is recyclable. Attention for recycling (For EU country only) Protect your environment! This product should not be thrown into the household waste container. Please give it to the free collecting center in your community.
Screen Examples in This Manual
The screen shots in this guide were made with Windows XP. If you are using Windows 2000/ Vista, your screen will look somewhat different but functions the same.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.....1 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE....1 CONVENTIONS OF THIS GUIDE....2 A NOTE ABOUT ICONS....2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.....3 BOX CONTENTS....3 PRODUCT INFORMATION....4 CHAPTER I. INSTALLING THE SCANNER...5 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS...5 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS....5 INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE SCANNER...6 Step 1. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer..6 Step 2. Installing the Software....7 SOFTWARE SETUP TROUBLESHOOTING....8 INSTALLING ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE....9 CHAPTER II. USAGE AND MAINTENANCE...10 OPERATING THE SCANNER....10 Film Holders....10 Using Mounted Slide Holder....11 Using filmstrip holder....11 Insert the film holder....12 Using IntelliScan button....13 Using QuickScan button....14 QuickScan Settings and Preview Window features...17 STATUS INDICATOR....20 SCANNER CONNECTION.....20 MAINTENANCE.....22 APPENDIX A: TROUBLESHOOTING....23 SCANNING PROBLEMS....23 COMMON -HOW-TO- QUESTIONS....26 APPENDIX B: SPECIFICATIONS....27 APPENDIX C: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY..28 STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY....28 FCC RADIO FREQUENCY STATEMENT...29 CONTACTING PLUSTEK.....31
Introduction Welcome to the world of Plustek scanners the ultimate in computer imaging.
Your new scanner will improve the professionalism of your day-to-day computing tasks by allowing you to input images into your computer system. Like all of our products, your new scanner is thoroughly tested and backed by our reputation for unsurpassed dependability and customer satisfaction. Please remember to register your scanner. Registration may be completed in one of three ways: 1) By registering online via Plusteks Web Site; 2) By printing out and faxing a completed registration card to Plusteks customer service center; 3) By printing out and mailing the registration card directly to the Plustek office nearest you. See the last page of this users guide for a complete list of Plustek offices worldwide. As a registered customer, you will receive customer support, new product information and software upgrades. Thank you for choosing us as your scanner supplier. We hope you will continue to turn to us for additional quality products as your computing needs and interests grow.

How to Use This Guide

This Users Guide provides instructions and illustrations on how to install and operate your scanner. This guide assumes the user is familiar with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and 2000 Professional. If this is not the case, we suggest you learn more about Microsoft Windows by referring to your Microsoft Windows manual before using your scanner. The Introduction section of this manual describes the box contents and minimum computer requirements to use this scanner. Before you start installing your scanner, check the box contents to make sure all parts are included. If any items are damaged or missing, please contact the vendor where you purchased your scanner or our customer service directly. Chapter I describes how to install scanners software and connect the scanner to your computer. Note: The scanner connects to your computer through the Universal Serial Bus (USB). If your computer does not support USB technology, you will need to purchase a USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your 1
computer, or buy and install USB connectors if your motherboard has USB capabilities. This guide assumes that your computer is USB-ready and has a free USB port. Chapter II describes how to test, maintain and clean your scanner. It also describes how to use the scanner utility program which helps you troubleshoot and fix connection problems which may have occurred during the scanner installation. Appendix A contains technical support information that can help you solve simple problems. Before calling for help, please read through Appendix A: Troubleshooting. Appendix B contains the Specifications of the scanner you purchased. Appendix C contains our limited warranty agreement and FCC statement concerning the product.
Conventions of This Guide
Bold Important note or first use of an important term in a chapter. [XXX] Represents commands or contents on your computer screen.

A Note about Icons

This guide uses the following icons to point out information that deserves special attention. Danger: A procedure that must be followed carefully to prevent injury, or accidents.

Danger

Caution: Information that, if not followed, may result in data loss or damage to the product.

Caution

Pay Special Attention: Instructions that are important to remember and may prevent mistakes.

Attention

System Requirements1
Windows/Intel Compatible Personal Computer Pentium CPU or above CD-ROM Drive 512 MB RAM Minimum 500 MB Free Hard Disk Space USB Port Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional/ XP/ Vista NOTE: Windows NT 4.0 does not support Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity. Video card that supports 16-bit color or greater

Box Contents2

1. Scanner
Higher requirements might be needed when you scan or edit a large quantity of image data. The
system requirements here are only a guideline, as in general the better the computer (motherboard, processor, hard disk, RAM, video graphic card), the better the results.
Save the box and packing materials in case you need to transport this scanner in the future.
2. Padded carrying bag 3. Mounted Slide Holder and Filmstrip Holder 4. USB Cable 5. Power Adapter 6. Quick Guide 7. LaserSoft SilverFast CD-ROM 8. Setup / Application CD-ROM 9. 35 mm IT-8 Target ( only for OF7600i Ai )

Product Information

Please fill in the following information for your own records. You will need it when you contact your dealer or our service center in the future. Serial Number: (Located at the rear of the scanner) Date of Purchase:
Chapter I. Installing the Scanner
Before installing your scanner, please verify that you have all of the proper
components. A list of the package contents is provided in the Box Contents section of this guide.
Software Installation Requirements
Your scanner comes with the image-editing software (Presto! ImageFolio), document management software (Presto! PageManager), the scanners driver, QuickScan Setting and LaserSoft SilverFast software. All of these software applications use approximately 160 megabytes of hard disk space after they are installed into your computer. To ensure ample room for the installation, as well as for scanning and saving images, a minimum of 260 megabytes of hard disk space is recommended. The USB scanner can only operate under the Microsoft Windows Vista, 2000 Professional or XP operating system.

Hardware Requirements

This scanner connects to your computer through the Universal Serial Bus (USB) which supports hot Plug and Play. To determine whether your computer is USBcapable, you must check the rear of your PC to locate a USB jack that looks the same as the one pictured below. Note that on some computers, the USB port at the rear of the computer may be occupied and additional ports may be found on the monitor or keyboard. If you are having trouble in locating the USB port on your computer, please refer to the hardware manual that came with your computer. Upon examination, you should find one or two rectangular USB ports, which usually appear as shown below.

USB Connector(s)

If you dont find such USB ports on your computer, then you need to purchase a certified USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your computer.

Installing and Setting up the Scanner
Please follow the step-by-step procedures described below to install the USB scanner.
Step 1. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer
1. Plug the power adapter into the scanners power receptor. 2. Plug the other end of the power adapter into a standard AC power outlet. 3. Plug the square end of the included USB cable to the USB port at the rear of the scanner.
4. Plug the rectangular end of the USB cable to the USB port on the back of your computer. Note: If there is another USB device connected to the computer, connect the scanner to an available USB port. 5. If you plan to connect your scanner to a USB hub3, make sure that the hub is connected to the USB port in your computer. Next, connect the scanner to the USB hub. Note: If you do not have a USB port available, you might need to buy a USB port.
Step 2. Installing the Software
1. If the USB components on your computer are functioning correctly, they will automatically detect the scanner causing the Add New Hardware Wizard or Found New Hardware Wizard to be launched. Note: If your computer was off when you connected the scanner, the Add New Hardware Wizard message will be displayed when you turn the computer on and when Windows starts. 2. For Windows 2000 a. Click on the [Next] button when the Add New Hardware Wizard window is displayed. b. Select SEARCH FOR THE BEST DRIVER FOR YOUR DEVICE [RECOMMENDED] and click on the [Next] button. c. The next window will ask you where to search to find the drive. Select [CDROM drive], and deselect [Floppy disk drives] if it is checked. d. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your CD-ROM drive and then click on the [Next] button.
e. Click on the [Next] button in the window that appears. f. During the process of the installation, a message Digital Signature required might be prompted. Please ignore it, and click on [Yes] to continue the
The USB hub is not included with the scanner.
installation without any misgiving at your scanner functioning. Afterwards, please skip to Step 5. 3. For Windows XP a. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your CD-ROM drive. b. Select INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AUTOMATICALLY [RECOMMENDED] and click on the [Next] button. c. Click on the [Next] button in the window that appears. Afterwards, please skip to Step 5. 4. For Windows Vista

a. b. c. Select Locate and install driver software (recommended) when the Found New Hardware window is displayed. Click on the [Continue] button when the User Account Control dialog pops up. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your CDROM drive when the system prompts you Insert the disc that came with your USB Scannerand click on the [Next] button.
d. During the process of the installation, a message Windows cant verify the publisher of this driver software might be prompted. Please ignore it, and click on [Install this driver software anyway] to continue the installation without any misgiving at your scanner functioning. 5. When the system completes the installation, click on the [Finish] button. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install all software that your new USB scanner requires. 7. After the software is installed, close all open applications and click on the [Finish] button to restart your computer.
If the scanner installation is not started and displayed automatically on the screen, click [Start], select [Run] and type in [d:\Install] (where d: is the drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive of your computer.)
Software Setup Troubleshooting
Carefully review the steps outlined in this guide and the Quick Installation Guide that accompanied your scanner. If you are still having problems, please check that: You have 500MB of free space on your hard disk drive.
The scanner is plugged in and has power. You are using the USB cable supplied with the scanner. The square end of the USB cable is plugged into the rear of the scanner. The rectangular end of the USB cable is plugged into the back of your computer.
If you deviated from the installation procedures defined in this manual, please unplug the USB cable from the scanner and reinstall the software from the CD-ROM. To reinstall your scanners software, click [Start], [Run], then type [D:\Install] (where D represents the letter of your CD-ROM drive). Carefully follow all the installation instructions presented in the Setup Wizard. Reboot your computer when prompted, and plug the USB cable back into the scanner while your computer is still turned on.

Installing Additional Software
Your scanner is TWAIN compliant and functions with virtually all available TWAIN compatible software. If you purchase additional software to be used with your scanner, please make sure that it conforms to the TWAIN standard.
Chapter II. Usage and Maintenance

Operating the Scanner

Your scanner accepts 35mm slides and negatives. However, some software programs have limitations as to the information they can handle. The capacity of the computers memory and free space on your hard drive can also limit the physical size of the document that you scan. There are three different ways to operate the scanner: 1. From within an image-editing program that can acquire images from the scanner. 2. Using QuickScan feature by pressing QuickScan button. The QuickScan Setting program is automatically installed as your scanner software. 3. Using SilverFast Lanucher by pressing IntelliScan button. This stand alone program allows you to perform advanced scanning features. For further information, please refer to SilverFast User's Manual. An image-editing program has been bundled with your scanner on the included Setup/Application CD-ROM. It will allow you to alter and correct any scanned images by using a variety of filters, tools and effects. QuickScan is a program that allows you to conveniently scan images without the need to work directly within any image-editing application (i.e. Presto! ImageFolio). Please refer to the QuickScan Setting on-line Help (accessible by clicking on the QuickScan icon located near the clock icon on the Windows system tray, and choosing Help) for more information about these functions.

Film Holders

Two film holders are included in the package. They guarantee correct scanning results.
A. For scanning 35mm mounted slides (max. 4 slides) B. For scanning 35mm filmstrips (max. 6 frames)
Using Mounted Slide Holder
Insert mounted slides into slots with emulsion (non-glossy) side down. There are arrows and illustrations on the frame of each slot. Please follow illustrations to insert mounted slides.

Using filmstrip holder

Place filmstrip in the film holder with emulsion, non-glossy side down, then snap the film holder cover closed.
For correct scan results, always turn the film with the top of the image facing towards the back of the scanner (where power cord and USB cord located) and keep emulsion (non-glossy) side down. There is text on the top and bottom of the film, such as manufacturer, frame numbers, film codes, batch numbers.etc. With the film oriented correctly as described above, this text should be read clearly (i.e., not backwards or up-side-down).

Insert the film holder

Insert the film holder into the scanner through dust cover. The film holder can be inserted from either side. The film holder will index at each frame using the notches on its side rails. Please allow about 40 cm of space on both sides of the scanner to insert and remove the film holder.
You can feel the film holder stop in its index position. However, before performing scan, please gently push and pull the film holder to make sure the film holder is in correct position. On up side of the film holder you can see Mounted Slide Holder or Filmstrip Holder. Always keep this side up for correct scan results.
The film holder should be able to be inserted in to the scanner smoothly. Do not push the film holder hard.

Using IntelliScan button

The IntelliScan button enables you to activate bundled SilverFast 6.5, which performs advanced scan features, such as Dust and Scratch Removal, Grain and Noise Elimination, Negative Optimizationetc.
For detailed settings and features about SilverFast 6.5, please refer to SilverFast 6.5 Users Manual. Attention

Using QuickScan button

The QuickScan button enables you to conveniently scan images and save them automatically to the album, and send them to the NewSoft Presto! PageManager program to perform other image editing tasks.

QuickScan setting

1. Double click on the QuickScan icon located on the Windows system tray, or right click on the QuickScan icon , and from the menu that pops up, point to [Properties].

2. Preference settings

Select Source (the material to be scanned), Purpose (the post-processing software to be saved or be processed), File Format (the format to be saved in), Destination Folder (the file saving path) and File name prefix (the film name, followed by 4-digits starting from 0000 for sequential scans). Check Preview window options to enable and/or confirm procedure. Select Auto Processing options. Please notice that Color Enhancement feature is available in Negative mode only. Color Matching feature is available in Transparency mode only. Auto Density feature is available in both Transparency and Negative Film modes. However, due to different color processing method, Auto Density feature and Color Matching feature can not be applied simultaneously. Auto Crop feature will apply automatically if Auto Density feature is checked. Select Scanning Attributes options:

You can alter scanning Mode, Resolution, Filter, Brightness, Contrast and Gamma settings. Click the Default button if you desire to return to the default settings. Click the Close button to save the final settings and exit the QuickScan Setting window. 3. Preview window This window is only operational if Enable and Confirm are both checked in Preview section.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Scanning source Scanning mode Resolution Filter Brightness Contrast Scan and save to album Preview Exit On-line help
QuickScan Settings and Preview Window features
Source - Tells the scanner the method you will use to scan images. Transparency - Use this mode for scanning transparency films. Negative Film - Use this mode for scanning negative films.
Scan Mode - Tells the scanner the type of document you are scanning. There are three settings to choose from: 8-bit grayscale scans in 256 shades of gray, giving black and white images. 16-bit grayscale scans in more than 65,000 shades of gray, improving the realism of b/w images. 24-bit Color - scans in millions of colors for photo-realism. Choose this mode when scanning color slide or negatives. 48-bit Color scans in billions of colors for professional imaging requiring precise uniformity of color.
Resolution - Resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image, and the more memory and drive space the image will use.
Filter - Filters help you improve your scans by allowing you to sharpen images as well as remove excessive dots and distortion. None Average: Blur: Blur More: Sharpen:
Determines the medium depth of an image and averages adjacent pixels to make images appear softer. Lets you dull the edges within an image, and decreases the contrast by making dark edges lighter and light edges darker. Adds additional blurring. Allows you to sharpen the edges within an image by making the edges in an image more distinct. The Sharpen filter also increases contrast by making dark edges darker and surrounding light edges lighter.
Sharpen More: Adds additional sharpening. Unsharpen: Sharpens the edges in an image to remove the blurriness.
Brightness - This is the amount of light that is concentrated onto a document while it is being scanned.
Contrast - Contrast adjusts the tonal range of an image by lowering mid-tone values and increasing values for high and low tones.
Image Gamma is used to adjust the colors in the image that will be scanned into the computer. By adjusting the gamma, you can change the tonal range of the selected color channel. Gamma values are primarily a measure of the brightness of a color. The larger the gamma value, the brighter the color becomes. Note: By changing the gamma values you affect the image data, and influence how the image displays on your computers monitor, and printer.

Purpose

This menu include File, Page Manager, Photoshop, Image Folio functions, which allows you to determine which software you would like to use for the post-processing of the scanned image(s).

Auto Density

Checking this box automatically adjusts the Histogram to make the scanned image clearer. It does this by increasing the difference between color tones. This feature is available in both Transparency and Negative Film modes.

Color Matching

This feature provides a particular color matching technique to maintain colors consistency between your output and the original image. This feature is available in Transparency mode only. Due to different color processing method, Auto Density feature and Color Matching feature can not be applied simultaneously. If Auto Density is checked, then Color Matching feature will be in gray-out status and unavailable. Likewise, if Color Matching is checked, then Auto Density feature will be in gray-out status and unavailable.

MultiSampling

For fast scanning speed, uncheck Quality Mode to skip Multi-Sampling. To minimize noise, the Multiple-Sampling function makes 4 scans during scan time, since the noise patterns changes each scans, the image is averaged together and 18
noise cancel out if inconsistencies are present. (only for OpticFilm 7400/ 7600i SE/ 7600i Ai).

Color Enhancement

This feature is to compensate negatives underexposed Green and Blue channels. If this feature is checked, pre-scan and scan time will noticeably increase. This feature is available in Negative mode only.

Auto Crop

When this box is checked, the QuickScan program will identify the dimensions of the image you scanned and crop around the edges. The crop shape will be a square or rectangle and it will not trace the edges of oddly-shaped images.

Default

Clicking this button resets the values of all settings to their default values.

Status Indicator

The green LED indicator (above the IntelliScan button) indicates the status of the scanner, as described below: Light On Off Status The scanner is connected with the computer, ready to scan images. The scanner is off, either because of disconnection with the computer, or because the computer being turned off.

Scanner Connection

The first step to take when troubleshooting connection problems with your scanner is to check all physical connections. The QuickScan icon , located on the Windows system tray, indicates if the scanner software is properly launched and the scanner and computer are communicating with each other. Appearance Status The QuickScan program has been successfully launched and the scanner is connected with the computer, ready to scan mages. The scanner is not connected with the computer. You have chosen to terminate the QuickScan program, no matter the scanner is connected or disconnected with the computer.

No Display

If the Windows system starts and detects the scanner unconnected, the following message will appear to remind you:
If you prefer not to see this reminder message again, you may: Check the box of [Do not show this message again] within this message window, and then click [OK] button. located on the Windows system tray. Click on the QuickScan icon Uncheck [Enable Warning] from the menu that pops up. Click the [No] button in the message box that appears.
If you would like to be prompted with this message again, and check you may click on the QuickScan icon [Enable Warning] from the menu that pops up. Click the [Yes] button in the message box that appears.

Maintenance

To keep your scanner working smoothly, take a moment to review the following maintenance tips. Caution Avoid using the scanner in a dusty environment. When it is not in use, keep the scanner covered. Dust particles and other foreign objects may damage the unit. Do not attempt to disassemble the scanner. There is danger of an electrical shock and opening your scanner will void your warranty. Do not subject the scanner to excessive vibration. It may damage the internal components. Your scanner operates best in temperatures between 10 C to 40 C (50 F to 104 F).
Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Scanning Problems

Most problems are easily solved, and some of the most common questions and their recommended solutions are listed below. Symptom: Cause 1: Solution 1: After following the installation instructions, my computer cannot find the scanner. Some aspect of your computer system does not support USB. Download and execute the file USBREADY.EXE at http://www.usb.org/home to determine the level of your computers USB support. USB is not enabled in your BIOS settings. Enable the USB controller in your BIOS settings. This is typically done by pressing a key4 (usually <del>, <F1> or <F10>) during startup. In the BIOS Settings screen that appears, find the option for USB and enable it. Exit and Save the changes you made. Your computer is rebooted automatically. Please consult your computer vendor before attempting to do this change. The USB controller was improperly installed on your computer. To reinstall the USB controller, click on the Start button, choose Settings and select Control Panel. In the window that opens, doubleclick on the Add New Hardware icon. Carefully follow the instructions that appear on your screen. The scanned image looks grainy on the screen. Your video mode is not set to show more than 256 colors. We recommend that you set your video mode to 16 bits per pixel (65536 colors) or higher. Please consult your video card, computer or Windows documentation to change the video mode. The scanner scans very slow. You are running other applications in the background. Close all the other applications that are running in the background. You are scanning at a high resolution (DPI).

Hardware specifications may change at any time without prior notice.
Appendix C: Customer Service and Warranty
If you encounter problems with your scanner, please review the installation instructions and troubleshooting suggestions contained in this guide. For further assistance call our customer support phone number listed on the last page of this guide. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you from Monday through Friday in office working hours as shown below: Europe 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. (CET) Other Countries or Areas 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Taiwan Time To avoid delays, please have the following information available before calling: Scanner name and model number Scanner serial number (located at rear of scanner near port connectors) A detailed description of the problem Your computer manufacturer and its model number The speed of your CPU (Pentium 133, etc.) Your current operating system and BIOS (optional) Name of software package(s), version or release number and manufacturer of the software Other USB devices installed
Statement of Limited Warranty
This Statement of Limited Warranty applies only to the options you originally purchase for your use, and not for resale, from an authorized reseller. The manufacturer warranty includes all parts and labor, and is not valid without the receipt of original purchase. To obtain warranty service, you may contact the authorized dealer or distributor, or visit our website to check out the available service information, or send a request via E-mail for further help. If you transfer this product to another user, warranty service is available to that user for the remainder of the warranty period. You should give your proof of purchase and this statement to that user. We warrant that this machine will be in good working order and will conform to its functional descriptions in the documentation provided. Upon provision of proof of purchase, replacement parts assume the remaining warranty of the parts they replace. Before presenting this product for warranty service, you must remove all programmes, data and removable storage media. Products returned without guides and software will be replaced without guides and software.
This Limited Warranty service does not provide for carry-in exchange when the problem results from accident, disaster, vandalism, misuse, abuse, unsuitable environment, programme modification, another machine or non-vendor modification for this product. If this product is an optional feature, this Limited Warranty applies only when the feature is used in a machine for which it was designed. If you have any questions about your Limited Warranty, contact the approved retailer from whom you bought the product or the manufacturer. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY REPLACES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HOWEVER, SOME LAWS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY, THEN ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD. NO OTHER WARRANTIES APPLY AFTER THAT PERIOD. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply. Under no circumstances are we liable for any of the following: 1. Third party claims against you for losses or damages. 2. Loss of, or damage to, your records or data; or 3. Economic consequential damages (including lost profits or savings) or incidental damages, even if we are informed of their possibility. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. To obtain the warranty service, you may: contact the authorized dealer or distributor. visit our website to check out the up-to-date service. send a request via E-mail for further help.

FCC Radio Frequency Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular television reception (which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on), the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that which the

receiver is connected.

Shielded interconnect cables and shielded power cord which are supplied with this
equipment must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help if the conditions

persist.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or
authorized service center could void the users authority to operate this equipment.

Contacting Plustek

Europe: Plustek Technology GmbH Gutenbergring Norderstedt Germany Tel.: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) E-mail: support@plustek.de Website: www.plustek.de

North America:

Plustek Technology Inc. 17517 Fabrica Way, Suite B Cerritos, CA 90703 U.S.A. Tel: +1 -714-670-7713 Fax: +1 -714-670-7756 E-mail: supportusa@plustek.com
Worldwide except Europe & North America:
Plustek Inc. 13F-1, No.3 (Building F), Yuan Qu Street 115 Nankang, Taipei Taiwan Tel: +886-2-Fax: +886-2-Website: www.plustek.com
Visit our website http://www.plustek.com/support/support.htm for more customer service information.