Microtek Introduces the ScanMaker III

First Affordable 36-bit, High Resolution Color Flatbed Scanner Under
$3,500

April 18, 1994 (Redondo Beach) CA--Further strengthening its position as
the leading manufacturer of affordable desktop scanning equipment,
Microtek Lab, Inc. today, introduced the first 36-bit, high resolution
color flatbed scanner to the market--the ScanMaker III. As its new
flagship product, the Microtek ScanMaker III offers the following major
features:

* Fast single-pass color CCD scanning
* 12-bit per RGB channel analog to digital conversion
* includes Dynamic Color Rendition (DCR) - Microtek's
  automatic color calibration and color correction system
* includes ScanWizard - Microtek's multi-functional scanning
  utility software program that integrates all resources directly
  from the desktop (including faxing, printing, scanning & image
  storage)
* High resolution -- 600 x 1200 dpi optical
* Suggested retail price--$3499

Superior Image Quality

Based on 12-bit per RGB channel analog to digital conversion, the ScanMaker
III outputs 36-bit color data producing unparalleled image clarity.
Compared to products using 8, 9 or 10-bit conversion, the ScanMaker III's
36-bit images deliver richer, more saturated colors and sharper more
defined details.

The ScanMaker III's 36-it engine has an optical density approaching 3.0
without, and at or over 3.0 with, its optional Transparent Media Adapter.
Optical density at that level translates to significantly greater dynamic
range. As dynamic range increases, shadow and highlight details in the
image are captured more precisely. With 36-bit data, the difference is
highlight and shadow areas with detail retained versus 24-bit or 30-bit
systems that lose the same detail. Greater dynamic range also delivers
brighter highlights without lost shadow detail or muddied midtones.

"We are excited to announce the industry's first 36-bit flatbed scanner at
such an aggressive price," said Woody Hale, Microtek's vice president of
marketing and sales. "The ScanMaker III further solidifies Microtek's
position as the scanner industry's price performance leader. Combined with
Microtek's Dynamic Color Rendition calibration system, the ScanMaker III
offers the best image quality available on the desktop today."

Exclusive color calibration software from Microtek

One unique feature that sets the ScanMaker III apart from the competition
is its new Dynamic Color Rendition (DCR). This technology is the result of
Microtek's years of experience and research in scanning technology and
color science. DCR protects against color shifts in the scanner and
delivers the most accurate color calibration and correction to each
individual scanned image. Calibrating the scanner with DCR each month will
result in more accurate color scans and saves time in the color correction
process after an image has been scanned. DCR helps the ScanMaker III
deliver the most accurate color available from desktop scanners today.

How DCR Works

Every scanner manufactured has individual sensing characteristics. This
results in a degree of color capture variation even in like models from a
single manufacturer. In that sense each scanner can be considered to have
its own "signature." In addition, as a scanner ages, minor shifts in its
"signature" can occur. To address this, Microtek developed its DCR system.
This system safeguards against color shifts and ensures optimal color
rendering of the scanned image.

The DCR system includes an IT8 reflective color target and
calibration/correction software. The DCR system installs easily and is
operated by calibrating the scanner to the IT8 target and applying the DCR
color correction to the scanned file. The DCR system calibrates the tonal
response and color characteristics of the scanner to correct for slight
variations. This then creates a custom profile for that specific scanner.
From then on, that profile is applied to enhance all subsequent scans. The
results are more vibrant scanned images with color fidelity that more
accurately reflects original images.

In addition to greater color consistency from scan to scan, better color
accuracy reduces the need for time-consuming color correction work. This
work is normally performed in an image editing program after an image has
been scanned. The primary benefit of DCR is accurate and predictable color
without significant post scan processing or color correction.

Software bundles

The ScanMaker III is Windows and Macintosh compatible. The ScanMaker III is
bundled with the DCR color calibration/correction system and Adobe
Photoshop 2.5, one of the most popular image editing systems. Adobe
Photoshop is a complete electronic photography lab that includes hundreds
of tools and commands that transform scanned images into works of art.
Some of the software features include: adjustment of color, hue and
saturation, creating composites by combining several images, using filters
and masks for special effect like embossing, silhouetting, pointilizing,
sharpening and blurring, also enrich or subdue colors, clone or remove
objects. With Adobe Photoshop, every tool imaginable is included to edit
and enhance color, grayscale and black and white images.

Enhanced Scanning software for the PC

To simplify compatibility between applications and hardware, Microtek's
TWAIN for Windows Scan Module supports the industry standard TWAIN
protocol that allows scanning from inside any TWAIN compliant application.
Microtek's TWAIN for Windows Scan Module allows direct scanning into any
image editing, word processing, spreadsheet, database or other application
supporting the standard TWAIN protocol. This new version of the TWAIN for
Windows Scan Module includes an enhanced interface with a much longer
prescan and scan window for more accurate image capture.

Software for the Macintosh

The ScanMaker Plug-In Module 2.0 for Adobe Photoshop is included for
Macintosh systems. The plug-in allows scanning of images directly into
Adobe Photoshop for immediate image enhancement or manipulation. An Apple
ColorSync compatible scanner profile is also included for the Macintosh.

Scanning software features

Microtek's TWAIN for Windows Scan Module and ScanMaker Plug-In Module 2.0
for Adobe Photoshop offer a host of new scanning features to simplify
image capture and improve image quality. Some of these features include: a
Zoom Tool which allows the user to enlarge the prescanned image area to
more accurately define the area of the image to apply the final scan,
Image and Enhancement Filters for creating special effects to scanned
images. Such filters include; Blur and Blur More which gives the final
image a softer, out-of-focus look, Sharpen and Sharpen More to increase
the contrast between pixels and bring details more sharply into focus,
Edge Enhancement to increase contrast around the edge of objects in an
image, and Emboss to give the image a raised, metallic look. Other
software features include a Scaling Calculator - that automatically
determines the proper degree of scaling needed for an image to fit
properly in a user defined space, and an Output Matching System which
automatically adjusts scanned images for more predictable results to match
printed or displayed output images.

ASPI compatible driver for the PC

The ASPI (Advanced SCSI Programming Interface) driver is a standard feature
of the ScanMaker III. The driver allows Microtek scanners to operate with
most third party SCSI controller boards such as those from Adaptec
Technologies.

Optional Scanner Accessories

The ScanMaker III includes an accessory interface for use with Microtek's
optional scanning attachments. The ADF 600 (Automatic Document Feeder)
allows unattended scanning of up to 50 pages and the Transparent Media
Adapter (TMA) scans color slides and transparencies in formats up to 8" x
10". The Transparency Media Adapter scanning attachment opens up a wide
array of scanning opportunities for the user. It scans color slides and
transparencies in formats up to 8" x 10" for proofing, color prepress and
other applications. With the TMA both reflective and transparent media can
be scanned. The TMA attachment allows 35 mm slides, up to 8 1/2" x 10"
transparencies, and medical x-rays can be scanned with greater density.
36-bit color mode expands the dynamic range of a scanned image to create
exceptionally clear results. Both accessories will be available for the
ScanMaker III in April 1994. Suggested retail price for the ADF 600 is
$499 and $699 for the TMA.

Compatibility

For Macintosh systems the ScanMaker III requires an Apple Macintosh II and
Quadra series running System 7.0 or higher with 8MB of RAM for Adobe
Photoshop. For the PC an IBM or compatible 386 class or higher with 8MB of
RAM and Microsoft Windows 3.1 is required.

Pricing and Availability

The ScanMaker III has a suggested retail price of $3499 and will begin
shipping at the end of March to distributors, computer dealers and
retailers.

Microtek develops, manufactures and markets affordable color peripheral
technologies and is one of the world's leading manufacturers of desktop
scanning equipment. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Redondo Beach,
California, Microtek Lab, Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of Microtek
International, Inc. based in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Other subsidiaries of
Microtek International are located in Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China;
Dusseldorf, Germany; Paris, France and Hillsboro, Oregon. Regional sales
offices are based in major cities across the U.S.

ScanMaker III specs. at a glance:

Media -- reflective originals
Image Sensor -- Linear array CCD
Scanning Modes -- (Single pass) Color, grayscale, black & white
36-Bit Color -- 12 bits per RGB color, 68.7 billion colors
8-Bit Grayscale -- 256 shades of gray
Scan Frame -- 8.3" x 14"
Maximum Document Size -- 8.5"x 14"
Resolution -- 600 x 1200 dpi optical, 2400 dpi interpolated
Interface -- SCSI (Mac or PC)
Dimensions -- 24"(L) x 14.8"(W) x 5"(H)

System Requirements

Mac II series or above, System 7.0 or higher with 8 MB RAM free

IBM PC/AT or compatible 386 class or higher with 8 MB RAM & Microsoft
Windows 3.1

Software -- Microtek's Dynamic Color Rendition (DCR)
            Adobe Photoshop 2.5

Price and Availability -- $3499 SRP. ScanMaker III

Microtek Lab, Inc.
3715 Doolittle Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Phone: (310) 297-5000,  (800) 654 4160,  Fax: (310) 297-5050

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