UMAX Drops Price on Mirage II Professional Scanner by $800
Now Shipping with MagicScan 4.0 Scanning Control and Image Enhancement
Software
Fremont, Calif., June 30, 1998 UMAX Technologies, Inc., the U.S. scanner
market leader and supplier of imaging and computer technologies, today
announced that it reduced the price of the Mirage II professional quality
scanner by $800. Originally available for a suggested retail price of
$7,295, the Mirage II is now available for $6,495. In addition to new
pricing, UMAX has upgraded its software bundle to include MagicScan 4.0,
the latest version of its image enhancement and control software.
The Mirage II is a large format (A3 size) scanner based on a patented
dual-lens design which allows users to choose between two resolution ranges
for the flexibility to scan images as small as 35 mm and up to ll.4″ x 17″.
The single-pass, 36-bit scanner increases in-house productivity by
providing batch scanning and pre-press capabilities intended for
professional graphic designers and publishing professionals. With a large
11.4″ x 17″ scanning area, the Mirage II is ideal for users in reproduction
houses and service bureaus who want to scan multiple images, large artwork,
newspapers, magazines, aerial and satellite maps or even medical x-ray
film.
The Mirage II is our most feature-rich, professional quality scanner,
said John Roman, senior director of marketing for UMAX Technologies, Inc.
Using a revolutionary dual lens optical system, the scanner can handle
multiple images from oversized documents down to 35mm slides. With the new
price and enhanced software offering, the scanner has never been more
attractive for end users who want to keep their scanning work in-house to
avoid additional service bureau costs while also maintaining complete
quality control.
Additional features of the Mirage II include:
Dual-Lens Design Delivering High Resolution — The Mirage II
features two true optical resolutions of 1400 x 2800 dpi and 700 x 1400 dpi
for the flexibility to scan images as small as 35 mm, and up to ll.4″ x
17″.
High Dynamic Range — With a DMax of 3.3, the Mirage II is able to
detect highlight and shadow details, producing full image scans with
exceptional color fidelity.
CDS Technology — Uses CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) to purify
image signals and filter noise to ensure perfect image quality.
Multiple Image Scanning — Proprietary software and frame holders
allow users to automatically crop and scan 4″ x 5″, medium format
transparencies or up to 32 35mm slides.
High Speed Capabilities — Featuring a 3MB buffer and proprietary,
bus-caching design.
Intuitive Image Enhancement and Scan Control Software MagicScan
4.0 offers sophisticated color tools to meet the demands of professional
graphic designers, photographers and prepress professionals. In addition,
its automated expert features allow less experienced users to achieve the
same professional-quality results. binuscan PhotoPerfect Master, Wright
Design 2.0 (PC) or Live Picture 2.6 (MAC), Adobe Photoshop LE, Xerox
TextBridge Classic OCR are also offered to round out the software bundle.
Dual-Lens Design and High Resolution in a Flatbed
Based on a unique dual-lens design, Mirage II performs at resolutions of
1400 x 2800 dpi and 700 x 1400 dpi, true hardware resolution. Dual-lens
technology overcomes the limitations of current CCD technology, offering a
breakthrough method for increasing optical resolution. By offering two
different magnification factors, UMAX is able to provide a cost-effective
method for increasing optical resolution simply, easily and accurately.
Large Format 11.4″ x 17″ Scans
The maximum scanning area of the Mirage II is 11.4″ x 17″ for the standard
lens and 5.7″ x 17″ using the additional lens. This increased scanning area
makes the Mirage II an effective solution for users working with large
artwork, newspapers and any tabloid-sized image. Until now, users working
with flatbed scanners have been required to scan large images in pieces and
stitch them together with software or send them out to be scanned on a drum
scanner. With the Mirage II, users can take advantage of its increased
scanning area for fast scanning of large-sized documents, or for scanning
multiple images simultaneously.
binuscan Award-winning Technology Exclusive to UMAX MagicScan 4.0 To
achieve a new level of usability, binuscans Image Processing Machine has
been integrated into UMAX patented MagicScan 4.0 control. Users can either
manually tune virtually every aspect of their image or proceed with the
expert settings of the automated enhancement features. MagicScan 4.0 has
the ability to support industry standards such as ICC and Kodak CMS color
profiles, and Apples Color Sync 2.0 as well as HTML on-line help,
context-sensitive hot tips, and Intels MMX instruction set for faster
rendering.
Another key feature of MagicScan 4.0 is the automated color enhancement
capability using binuscans RECO (REbuilding Missing COlor Information)
technology. This technology analyzes the pixels and color histogram of an
image. Based on the distribution of that information and knowing the range
of perception of the human eye, MagicScan adjusts the color mix to create a
more vivid image.
Other Features in MagicScan 4.0
Single interface accesses “Manual,” MagicMatch,” and “Auto
correction/binuscan IPM” feature sets
Previously working only in standalone mode, Auto correction
features using binuscan IPM are now directly accessible within MagicScan, a
Photoshop plug in
Batch scanning enables acquisition of multiple negatives,
transmissives or reflectives
Proof Function shows “end result” prior to scanning
Free Rotation tool accommodates images not placed perfectly
straight on the glass
Adjustable Preview Resolution enables fine-tune cropping
RGB and CMYK measurement tools show by-the-numbers color
Job List Window in Auto correction mode tracks progress of batch
scanning
Customer Service and Support
UMAX backs up its products with some of the most comprehensive free
technical support in the industry. Customers can reach the UMAX technical
support center via telephone at (800) 468-8629 or (510) 651-8883. Hours of
operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00a.m.-8:00p.m. (Pacific Time)
and Saturday from 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. (Pacific Time). Customers can also
contact UMAX for technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via
email (support@umax.com) and via the World Wide Web (support.umax.com).
Pricing and Availability
The Mirage II is available for a suggested retail price of $6,495. The
product ships bundled with MagicScan 4.0, binuscan PhotoPerfect Master,
Wright Design (PC) or Live Picture (Mac), Adobe Photoshop LE, Xerox
TextBridge Classic OCR and frame holders for auto detect, multiple slide
scanning. The product is available for the Macintosh, PC as well as UNIX
platforms via third-party partners. For additional information about the
company and its products, or to contact a local UMAX PowerVAR, call (510)
651-4000 or (800) 562-0311. UMAX is located at 3561 Gateway Boulevard,
Fremont, California, 94538. # # #
UMAX Technologies, Inc. is a technology leader in the design and
distribution of a full line of imaging and computer products. The company
maintains its leadership position in the imaging market with a broad line
of desktop scanners and digital cameras. In addition, UMAX designs and
markets PC workstations and notebook computers as well as networking
communication hardware. All products are marketed through retail, mail
order, regional and national distributors. UMAX also sells its products
direct to OEMs. For sales information and technical support, visit the UMAX
home page on the Web at: http://www.umax.com.