Options

The following optional items are available to expand the versatility of your scanner. For detailed information on the use of these options, see Chapter 3 of this guide. Auto Document Feeder (B81316]) Designed primarily for optical character recognition (OCR) scanning, the Automatic Document Feeder allows you to scan up to 30 pages automatically, and then use them in word processing programs, as if you had typed the text yourself. Transparency Unit (B81315]) Allows you to scan transparent materials, primarily 35 mm slides and film strips. The reading area allows you to scan film up to 8.5 11.7 inches (mm) in size. Note: The asterisk is a substitute for the last digit of the product number, which varies by country.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes: contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your scanner.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the scanner. t Unplug the scanner before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the scanner. t Do not place the scanner on an unstable surface, or near a radiator or heat source. t Do not block or cover the openings in the scanner's cabinet. Do not insert objects through the slots. t Use only the type of power source indicated on the scanner's label. t Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on and off. t Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed. t If you use an extension cord with the scanner, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord's ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet's ampere rating. t Except as specifically explained in this User's Guide, do not attempt to service the scanner yourself. t Unplug the scanner and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the scanner; if the scanner has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the scanner does not operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. (Do not adjust controls that are not covered by the operating instructions.)

t If you plan to use the scanner in Germany, observe the following: To provide adequate short-circuit protection and overcurrent protection for this scanner, the building installation must be protected by a 16 Amp circuit breaker. Note for German-speaking users: Bei Anschlu des Scanners an die Stromversorgung mu sichergestellt werden, da die Gebudeinstallation mit einem 16 Aberstromschalter abgesichert ist.

ENERGY STAR Compliance

As an ENERGY S TAR Partner, EPSON has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY S TAR Office Equipment Program is a voluntary partnership with the computer and office equipment industry to promote the introduction of energy-efficient personal computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, and scanners, in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by power generation.

For United Kingdom Users

Safety information
Warning: This appliance must be earthed. Refer to the rating plate for voltage and check that the appliance voltage corresponds to the supply voltage.
Important: The wires in the main leads fitted to this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code: Green and yellow Earth Blue Neutral Brown Live
As the colours of the wires in the main leads of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the earth symbol (G). The blue wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter N. The brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter L. If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or consult a qualified electrician. Replace fuses only with a fuse of the correct size and rating.
Proof Sign-off: M. Fujimori <leadername> <editorname>
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Chapter 1

Setting Up the Scanner

Unpacking the Scanner

Your scanner comes shipped with CD-ROMs (and/or floppy disks) that contain the driver software to run your scanner, along with other additional items.

Power cord

Scanner
Depending on the country of purchase, the power cord may come attached to the scanner. The shape of the AC plug also varies, so make sure the plug included is the correct shape for the electrical outlet in your country.

Scanner Parts

document cover
carriage (in the home position)

document table

ERROR light

READY light

OPERATE light RESET button

OPERATE button

SCSI terminator switch
transportation lock lever

SCSI ID rotary switch

UNLOCK

CK LOCK

N TERMINA TOR ON SW SCSI ID
Note: Simply sliding the transportation lock to the LOCK position does not fully lock the carriage. Before moving or transporting the scanner, be sure to perform the procedure under "Transporting the Scanner and the Transparency Unit" on page 4-4.

Plugging in the Scanner

1. Make sure the scanner is turned off. The scanner is off when the POPERATE button is raised (not depressed).
2. If the power cord is not attached to the scanner, connect it to the AC inlet on the back of the scanner, and plug the other end into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

N TERMIN ATO SW

R SCSI ID
Caution: It is not possible to change the scanner's voltage. If the label on the back of the scanner does not show the correct voltage for your country, contact your dealer. Do not plug in the power cord.

Initialization

By observing how the scanner acts during initialization, you can make sure it is operating properly before you connect it to your computer. 1. Open the document cover so you can see the operation of the scanner during initialization. 2. Turn on the scanner by pressing the P OPERATE button.
At this time, the carriage moves towards the front of the scanner slightly. Next, the fluorescent lamp on the carriage flashs for about 10 seconds while the carriage moves forward and back. Finally the carriage returns to its original position, and then the READY indicator lamp lights.
Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer

For PC users:

Unless your PC already has a SCSI board installed, you need to install one, along with SCSI driver software. Install the SCSI board according to the directions included with the board. Also see "Installing a SCSI Interface Board (Windows Only)" on page 1-6. If your PC has a SCSI board up and running, connect the scanner as described in the next section. Note: You will need to install the SCSI driver that is normally included with Windows 95, 98, or NT (see your system documentation for instructions), or the driver described in the SCSI board installation documentation.

For Macintosh users:

Conventional Macintosh computers have built-in SCSI ports; therefore you do not need to install a SCSI board on a Macintosh. Follow the directions below to connect your scanner and computer.

K LOC K

R SCS I ID
The terminator switch is located on the back of the scanner.
Only the scanner is connected

terminator on

The scanner is the last device in the daisy chain

(other SCSI device)

The scanner is in the middle of the daisy chain

terminator off

Connecting the scanner
Connect the scanner to your computer or to another SCSI device as follows: Note: The combination of 50-pin and 25-pin connectors you need varies depending on the maker of your SCSI device and SCSI interface board. 1. Make sure the scanner, computer, and all other SCSI devices are turned off and unplugged from the power source.
Caution: Do not connect the scanner to the computer or other devices while they are turned on as damage may occur.
2. Insert one end of the interface cable into one of the scanner SCSI connectors and press until the locks on both sides snap in.
Note: t To connect the scanner to a SCSI device other than the computer, the length of cable in the daisy chain must not exceed 6 meters; otherwise the system may not work properly. t To connect the scanner to a PC using SCSI-2, the length of the cable must not exceed 3 meters. 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the SCSI port of your computer or another SCSI device. Note: The SCSI port on the Macintosh is the larger port with the SCSI icon over it. 4. Plug in the power cords of your computer, scanner, and other external SCSI devices. Note: Before turning on your system, be sure to read Power-on sequence following.

Power-on sequence

Keep the following in mind every time you turn on your computer and SCSI devices, including the scanner. t Be sure to turn on the SCSI device which is connected at the farthest end of the daisy chain first, then the second farthest and so on, until finally your computer. If you attempt to use a SCSI device which has been turned on after the computer, it may not work properly, or the computer may not work properly. t For Windows 95 or 98 users: The first time you turn on the computer after turning on the scanner, one of the following dialog boxes may appear.

Windows 95

Windows 98
If you see one of these, follow the installation instructions in Chapter 1 of your scanner software manual, then see Poweroff sequence, below.

Power-off sequence

Keep the following in mind every time you turn off your computer and SCSI devices. t When you are finished using your system, turn off your computer first, then the scanner and other SCSI devices in reverse order of the power-on sequence. t While using your computer, do not turn off any SCSI device which has a terminator that is active (on). t Do not turn the scanner off and back on while using your computer, otherwise the scanner may not work properly. When the connection is complete, you need to install the scanner software. See Chapter 1 of your scanner software manual.

corner of the document

4. Close the document cover gently so that the document does not move.
Note: t Make sure the document is flat against the glass surface, otherwise the image will appear fuzzy and out of focus. Also be sure to close the document cover to prevent interference from external light. t Always keep the document table clean. See Cleaning the Scanner in Chapter 4. t Do not leave photographs on the document table for an extended period of time as they may stick to the glass. t Do not place heavy objects on top of the scanner. 5. Start your scanner software, and follow scanning instructions in your scanner software manual.
Removing the Cover for Thick or Large Documents
Carefully lift straight up on the back of the document cover.
Hold the back of the document cover and lift straight up.
Note: When scanning with the cover removed, do not leave any area of the document table exposed to prevent interference from external light.
When you are finished scanning, reattach the document cover by pushing straight down on the back until it clicks into place.
Caution: Make sure both of the notches in the cover's hinges are directly above the clips on the scanner before pushing the cover down into place. Improperly aligned notches can damage the cover.

Sizing Up Your System

Your scanner is sufficient for most scanning needs, but if you are not satisified with the quality of the images on your monitor or with the speed of image processing, read this section. While it does not contain specific recommendations, it describes various possibilities for improving your scanning system. For further information, seek advice from your dealer or an experienced scanner user.

RAM and hard disk size

Scanned images use much more memory than text files, so you may need more RAM (Random Access Memory) in your computer and a larger hard disk than you have used previously.

Accelerator boards

In addition to memory, processing speed is important because large files take longer to process than small ones. Therefore, you may want to add an accelerator board to your computer.

Video cards

A video card that is sufficient for text may not be good enough for displaying graphic images, especially in color. If all your scanned images look coarse on your monitor, you may want to upgrade your video card. You will need 24-bit color, also called true color or millions of colors, to make the highest quality image reproductions.

Monitors

The resolution of your monitor affects the quality of the image you see. Consider a high resolution monitor if you do precise color work, but also be sure you have a high quality video card.
File compression software
Many different programs are available to make image files smaller for storage or transmission. For example, some compression software can store a 3MB image file on a 1.44MB floppy disk, and compress images and restore them with no loss of data or quality; others compress images more, but the restored file is not exactly the same as the original. The difference between the original and restored files is, however, almost unnoticeable.
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Chapter 3

Using the Transparency Unit. 3-2 Unpacking the Transparency Unit. 3-2 Removing the shipping screw. 3-3 Installing the Transparency Unit. 3-4 Transparency guide and reflective document mat. 3-6 Positioning transparencies for scanning. 3-7 Scanning normal (reflective) documents. 3-10 Using the Automatic Document Feeder. 3-12 Unpacking the Automatic Document Feeder. 3-12 Installing the Automatic Document Feeder. 3-13 Loading paper into your Automatic Document Feeder. 3-15 Loading documents manually. 3-17 Document specifications. 3-17
Using the Transparency Unit
The optional Transparency Unit (B81315V) makes it possible to scan transparencies and slides, in full color. Once you install the Transparency Unit, you can leave it in place even when you want to return to scanning normal (paper) documents.
Unpacking the Transparency Unit
Make sure that all the items shown below are included and have not been damaged during shipping. Contact your EPSON dealer if any item is missing or damaged.
installation screws (2) Transparency Unit

reflective document mat

film holder

Caution: t Be careful not to scratch or damage the document table glass, and do not use a hard or abrasive brush to clean it. A damaged glass surface can decrease scanning quality. t Never use alcohol, thinner, or corrosive solvent to clean the scanner. These chemicals can damage the scanner components as well as the case. t Be careful not to spill liquid into the scanner mechanism or electronic components. This could permanently damage the mechanism and circuitry. t Do not spray lubricants inside the scanner. t Never open the scanner case.
Replacing the fluorescent lamp
The luminosity of the fluorescent lamp declines over time. If the lamp breaks or becomes too dim to operate normally, the scanner stops working and the OPERATE light rapidly flashes red. When this happens, the lamp assembly must be replaced. For details, contact your dealer.
Caution: Never open the scanner case. If you think repairs or adjustments are necessary, consult your dealer.
Transporting the Scanner and the Transparency Unit
When transporting the scanner or the Transparency Unit over a long distance, or storing them for an extended period, you need to lock the scanners carriage and the Transparency Units lamp assembly, to prevent damage. Follow the procedures below.

For the scanner

1. Make sure the transportation lock lever is in the UNLOCK position. 2. Align the SCSI ID rotary switch with "V". 3. Turn on the scanner. 4. After the carriage moves to the back of the scanner, slide the transportation lock lever to its LOCK position.
For the optional Transparency Unit
1. With the Transparency Unit attached, turn on the scanner and wait until the units lamp assembly moves to its home position. Then turn off the scanner and remove the Transparency Unit.
2. Raise the front of the Transparency Unit, hold it upright, and gently shake it up and down once so that the lamp assembly slides down toward the back of the unit. Wait until the lamp assembly comes to rest. 3. Install the shipping screw in its original shipping hole.

Problems and Solutions

This section divides scanner problems into three categories: Error indicator. page 4-5 Operating problems. page 4-7 Quality problems. page 4-9 See the table in Error indicator first. If this does not help you solve your problem, go to the category for the type of problem you have, then look for the problem description. The online Color Guide also provides versatile tips and other information helpful for problem-solving.

Error indicator

When an error occurs, the scanner stops operating and the ERROR and READY lights indicate the error type as described below.
ERROR Light On Flashing Flashing Off READY Light On Off Flashing Off Error Type Command error Interface error Fatal error Option error

Command error

The scanner has received incorrect commands from your scanning software. When this error occurs, try to rescan the document. The scanner returns to normal when it receives correct commands. Normally you do not need to reset the scanner when this type of error occurs.

Interface error

The interface setup is wrong or the scanner is not properly connected to the printer. When this error occurs, check the interface connection and then push the RESET button or turn the scanner off and then back on again to reset it.

Fatal error

This type of error indicates one of the following problems: t The fluorescent lamp needs to be replaced. t The transportation lock lever is not released. t The scanner is malfunctioning. Check that the transportation lock lever is released and check any installed options for problems. Next, turn the scanner off and then back on again. If this does not correct the problem, consult your dealer.

Option error

This indicates a problem with an installed option such as a paper jam, an empty document feeder, or an open cover. Check the option and correct the cause of the problem.

Operating problems

Problems you may have while using the scanner often involve the operation of your software and computer. Operation problems usually occur because of: t Incorrect setup of the interface (see Chapter 1). t Inappropriate selection of the scanner functions (see your software manual). t Incorrect setup of your computer or software (see Chapter 1 in this guide or the software manual). t Incorrect operation of your software (see your software manual). Also see the documentation that came with your computer and printer for possible solutions.
The OPERATE light does not light.

Cause What to do

Scanner is off
Press the P OPERATE button to turn on the scanner. Make sure the power cord is connected to the scanner and plugged into a power outlet.
Scanner is not connected correctly
The scanner does not scan.
The scanner is not ready to scan
Wait until the READY light is green (ready for scanning).
Interface or software setting problem
Make sure your interface port and software settings are corrrect. Also make sure that your computers interface board is installed properly. Make sure the scanners SCSI ID and terminator are set correctly. If you have other expansion boards in your computer, make sure that their interrupt settings are not interfering with your SCSI board. See your computers documentation for details.

SCSI problem

Interrupt conflict
The scanner software does not work properly.
Software installation problem Computer system requirement problem
Make sure your software is installed correctly. Make sure your computer meets the memory and other system requirements specified for the software you are using.

See the following sections for details.

World Wide Web

If you can connect to the Internet and have a Web browser, you can access our Web site at http://www.epson.co.uk. Here you will find information on the latest EPSON products, software drivers, on-line user guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Faxon EPSON

Contact Faxon EPSON Faxback Service for support information including troubleshooting tips, switch settings, and driver information. To use Faxon EPSON, call in the UK or 227332 from the Republic of Ireland using a touch-tone phone. You will be asked to follow a simple routine to register your document request. Once you have entered your telephone and fax numbers, Faxon EPSON will fax a copy of the document catalogue to your fax machine. When you have found the documents that you need in the catalogue, call Faxon EPSON again and enter the document ID numbers. The documents will be faxed to you automatically.
Bulletin Board Service for latest drivers and utilities
You can call the EPSON Bulletin Board Service on in the UK or 227479 from the Republic of Ireland. No membership is required. Make sure that your communications software is set to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity bit, ANSI terminal mode emulation, and a modem speed of up to 28.8 Kbps. Downloading protocols supported include Xmodem, Ymodem and Zmodem. See the documentation that came with your communications software and modem for more information. When you first connect to the Bulletin Board Service, you will be asked for your name, company name, phone number and a password (which you can invent yourself).
Customer and Warranty Support
Our Customer and Warranty Support teams can be contacted by calling 7766 in the UK or from the Republic of Ireland. They can provide the following services: o o Technical information on installing, configuring, and operating your EPSON products Arranging for faulty EPSON products to be repaired within the warranty period
A full list of EPSON Customer and Warranty Support services is available on the technical support section of our World Wide Web pages at http:// www.epson.co.uk/suppor/ and on Faxon EPSON Faxback service in document number 5085.

Pre-Sales Enquiry Desk

The Enquiry Desk team can be contacted by calling in the UK or 409132 from the Republic of Ireland, by faxing in the UK or 227271 from the Republic of Ireland, and via E-mail at info@epson.co.uk. They can provide the following information: o o Pre-sales information and literature on new EPSON products (also available via our World Wide Web site at http://www.epson.co.uk) Where to purchase genuine EPSON consumables, accessories, and options

Technical Support Hotline
You can also contact our technical staff at the following telephone and fax numbers: Phone: Fax: (852) 2585-4399 (852) 2827-4383

For Philippines Users

To obtain technical support as well as other after sales services, users are welcome to contact the EPSON Philippines Representative Office at the telephone and fax numbers below: Phone: Fax: BBS: (632) 813-6552 (632) 813-6545 (632) 814-0595
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additive primary colors

The colors of red, green and blue (RGB) - which give the perception of white when fully added. These are the colors of the color system used with monitors and scanners.

bi-level data

Image data that is composed of 1 bit per pixel. A pixel is represented by a single bit of digital data that can be expressed as only 1 (light) or 0 (dark).
Short for binary digit. The smallest unit of data in computer processing. A bit can represent two values: on and off, or 1 and 0.

bit/pixel

The unit that indicates the number of bits allocated for a pixel. The larger the bit value, the more detail of a pixel will be reproduced.

brightness

A scanner function to lighten or darken the output image data.
A unit of information consisting of eight bits. A byte can represent a control code or character.

carriage

A component of the scanner that contains the optical sensor and light source for scanning.

color correction

A method of adjusting the color image data for a particular type of device so that the reproduction results are as close as possible to the original colors.

color separation

A process of converting full-color images into a limited number of primary colors. Additive primary colors (red, green, and blue) are used by the scanner, and the subtractive primary colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) plus black are used for printing press separation.

daisy chain

A SCSI bus arrangement that allows several devices to be connected simultaneously in a line to a single computer. See SCSI.

default

A set of values used when no other selections have been made. These are sometimes called factory defaults if the original values have not been changed since the scanner left the factory.

dithering

A process in which software or an output device simulates continuous tones with groups of dots.

document

The item, such as a sheet of paper or a book, that is placed on the document table for the scanner to read.
Short for dots per inch. A unit of measurement for resolution. The higher the value, the higher the resolution.

dropout color

A color the scanner does not recognize and ignores. You can select and deselect dropout colors in the scanner software.
Abbreviation for EPSON Standard Code for Image scanners. A system of commands that allows you to control image scanners from your software.
Abbreviation for EPSON Standard Code for Printers. A system of commands that allows you to control printers from your software.

grayscale

Images represented with various shades of gray in addition to black and white.

halftoning

A method of reproducing images with patterns of dots to improve the quality of the output.

home position

The position at the rear (nearest the cover hinge position) of the scanner where the carriage rests before a scanning operation.

imagesetter

A device that uses computer files to produce high-resolution text and graphics output on film or paper. These are usually found in service bureaus and printing companies.

impact dot printer

A printer that transfers ink onto the paper by striking an ink ribbon with a number of small pins.

ink jet printer

A printer that transfers ink onto the paper by spraying the ink through a number of small nozzles.

interface

A piece of hardware, a method, or a standard used for connection between or among computer devices.

line sequence

A type of color scanning that separates primary colors line by line. The carriage makes only one pass.

monochrome

Black and white images, or images represented only by the intensity of luminosity.
Optical Character Recognition. The technology that allows computers to "read" text from physical objects. OCR requires a graphical representation of text to interpret, which usually comes from a scanned image.

page sequence

The type of color scanning in which the entire image is scanned once for each separate color.
Short for picture element. Each image is composed of a number of pixels. Pixels are also counted in units of dots.

plain bi-level

Bi-level image data without the halftoning process.
An interface channel through which data is transmitted between devices.

primary colors

Basic colors. See additive primary colors and subtractive primary colors.

resolution

Indication of how finely an image is resolved into pixels. Measured in dots per inch (dpi), pixels per inch (ppi), or samples per inch (spi).

ENERGY STAR, 4 error indicator, 4-5 ERROR light, 2-3, 4-5
faint image, 4-10 fatal error, 4-6 Features, 1 file compression softare, 2-10 film holder, 3-6 fluorescent lamp replacement, 4-3
blurred image, 4-9 buttons, 2-3
cables, 1-11 choosing a place, 1-4 Color Guide, 4-17 command error, 4-6 computer connection Macintosh, 1-10 PC, 1-10 computer system accelerator boards, 2-9 file compression softare, 2-10 hard disk size, 2-9 monitors, 2-9 RAM, 2-9 SCSI Interface Board, 1-6, 4-18 video cards, 2-9 customer support, B-1
hard disk size, 2-9 hardware initialization, A-7
indicator lights, 2-3 initialization, 1-9 hardware, A-7 software, A-7 interface error, 4-6

jagged lines, 4-11

large documents, 2-7 line of dots, 4-12 location, 1-4
maintenance cleaning, 4-2 fluorescent lamp replacement, 4-3 monitors, 2-10 mounted slides, 3-8
error indicator, 4-5 faint image, 4-10 fatal error, 4-6 interface error, 4-6 jagged lines, 4-11 line of dots, 4-12 operating problems, 4-7 option error, 4-6 out of focus image, 4-10 patchy colors, 4-10 scanner software, 4-8
RAM, 2-9 READY light, 2-3 reflective document mat, 3-6 RESET button, 2-3
non-standard film sizes, 3-10 normal (reflective) documents, 3-10
OPERATE button, 2-3 OPERATE light, 2-3, 4-7 operating problems, 4-7 option error, 4-6 Options, 2, 3-1 out of focus image, 4-10
Safety Instructions, 3 Scanner Parts, 1-3 SCSI cables, 1-11 connection, 1-15 daisy chain, 1-11, 1-15 ID rotary switch, 1-12 interface, A-6 terminator, 1-11, 1-14 SCSI ID number, 1-12, 1-13, 4-18 SCSI Interface Board installation (Windows only), 1-6 software initialization, A-7 specifications, A-1 CE marking, A-5 electrical, A-4 environmental, A-4 safety approvals, A-5 scanning, A-2 SCSI interface, A-6
paper jams, 4-16 patchy colors, 4-10 placing a document, 2-4 poor coloring, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15 positioning transparencies, 3-7 power cord, 1-2 connecting, 1-8 power off sequence, 1-18 power on sequence, 1-17 printing, 4-14 problems and solutions, 4-5 blurred image, 4-9 command error, 4-6 dark image, 4-10 distorted image, 4-9, 4-10 dots in some areas, 4-12
terminator, 1-11, 1-14 Text Enhancement Technology, 1 thick documents, 2-7 transparency guides, 3-6 transparency positioning, 3-7 Transparency Unit, 2 120/220 film, 3-9 35mm film strips, 3-x 5 inch film, 3-9 film holder, 3-6 installing, 3-4 mounted slides, 3-8 non-standard film sizes, 3-10 normal (reflective) documents, 3-10 positioning transparencies, 3-7 reflective document mat, 3-6 shipping screw removal, 3-3 transparency guides, 3-6 unpacking, 3-2 transport, 4-4 transportation lock releasing, 1-7 troubleshooting see "problems and solutions"

Unpacking, 1-2

video cards, 2-9
EPSON OVERSEAS MARKETING LOCATIONS EPSON AMERICA, INC.
20770 Madrona Ave. P.O. Box 2842 Torrance, CA 90509-2842 Phone: (800) 922-8911 Fax: (310) 782-5220

EPSON UK LTD.

Scanner Comparison Guide

Sharpness, Shadow Details and Color Fidelity 3 essential qualities to evaluate and determine a repro-quality scanner. The qualification of a scanner is entirely up to the potential buyer and what suits their needs and budget. Some data sheets may not always tell the whole story. However, a lot of information can be read in the data sheets, also in respect to the Sharpness, Shadow Detail and Color Fidelity. The 3 single most important technologycharacteristics that can be found in the data sheets are: Resolution in dpi Number of Bits per color Dmax (density max) These factors alone do not describe in detail the capabilities of a given product, nor do they have equal weight/impact on the scan quality. However, these factors can be found in any data-sheet and thus help the potential buyer to preliminarily evaluate the theoretical quality of a given scanner. Having said so, "usability" and XY capability also plays an important role when evaluating a scanner, and should also be taken into consideration. Based on the factors above, a Quality Point for each scanner can be calculated - and knowing the price of the scanner the "value-for-money" ratio can be displayed in a diagram. Calculating the Quality Points are done by means of the below formula, taking the weight of each factor into consideration. "Usability" can be translated into Scan Area and ads a multiplication value. If a scanner has XY capabilities, an additional value is added to this factor. Format Aps 24 x 4 x 5 & A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0 Factor 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8
If XY scanner: then add the factor with 0.2