Scanner Review

UMAX Technologies, Inc., a leader in the development of graphics related technologies, is introducing the Mirage IIse, a new large format (A3 size) 11.4" x 17" scanner at an extremely low price of $3695. This single-pass, 36-bit scanner increases productivity by providing batch scanning and pre-press capabilities used by professional graphic designers and publishing professionals.


With an 11.4" x 17" scanning area, the Mirage IIse is ideal for users who want to scan large artwork, multiple images, newspapers, magazines, textiles, aerial and satellite maps or even medical x-ray film. Additional features of the Mirage IIse include:

* High Dynamic Range -- With a Dmax 3.3 dynamic range, the Mirage IIse can detect highlight and shadow details, producing full image scans with exceptionally sharp quality.
* CDS Technology -- Uses CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) to purify image signals and filter noise to ensure perfect image quality.
* High Speed Capabilities -- Featuring a 3MB buffer and proprietary, bus-caching design, Mirage IIse is capable of scanning an 11.4" x 17" image at 700 dpi in 66.7 seconds.
* Intuitive Software Interfaces -- MagicScan provides a resizeable high resolution preview window, allowing users to zoom in images without losing picture clarity.
* Fully-Automated Color Correction -- PhotoPerfect allows users to scan software and color correct in a few simple steps.

"UMAX's Mirage IIse, is a user-friendly product that provides high-quality images at an affordable price," states Bobby Chao, senior vice president of marketing for UMAX. "Mirage IIse is designed for graphic users who need a large image scanning product that can sustain mass production.

Easy to Use Software -- MagicScan 3.1

Combined with MagicScan 3.1, UMAX's own software interface, Mirage IIse offers a broad range of color editing tools allowing more control and manipulation over the final imaging product. With MagicScan 3.1, users have the ability to adjust images according to contrast and brightness, unsharpmask and blur filters, custom descreen and gamma curve correction resulting in fine detailing and quality imaging outputs. Imaging enhancement tools, such as color balance and adjustment and tonal histograms, allow users to produce images mirroring the quality and crispness of the original graphic and is ideal for image retouching.

PhotoPerfect Advanced Version

The Mirage IIse also includes binuscan's PhotoPerfect Master, a software package providing automated color correction, and even grayscale/black and white processing and CMYK separation that elicits a higher level of control over the final product in addition to minimizing the time spent on processing.

Pricing and Availability

The Mirage IIse will be available for a suggested list price of $3695. The product ships bundled with MagicScan, and PhotoPerfect Advanced Version. The product is available for the Macintosh, PC and UNIX platforms.

Mirage IIse Technical Specifications
Type Color Flatbed
Method Single-pass, color
Element 8000 elements, Tri-linear color CCD
Light Source Cold Cathode Lamp
Hardware Resolution 700 dpi x 1400 dpi
Maximum Interpolated Resolution 9600 dpi x 9600 dpi
Maximum Scan Size 11.4" x 17"
Speed Color: 14.7 ms/line
I/O Buffer 3MB
Maximum Density 3.3D
Scan Modes 24/36-bit color|8/12-bit gray scale|1-bit line art
Scaling 1% to 1400%
Highlight/Shadow 256 steps
Contrast/Brightness +/-100%
Gamma Curve Downloadable Curves
Data Output Selectable 36-bit or 24-bit
Hardware Interface SCSI-2
Operating Temperature 50o Fto 104o F
Humidity 25% to 85%
Power Consumption 60 Watts
Voltage 100-240VAC
Frequency 50-60 Hz
Dimensions 28.7" x 20.8" x 7.8"
Net Weight 53 lbs.
System Support Mac OS 7.5 to 9.1|Windows 95/98/98SE/ NT/ME/2000

Labels: mirage, umax

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This scanner is quick to set up and very easy to use. It scans up to 8 1/2" X 14" papers or pictures. It comes with the Installation Software, Electronic Manual , Photo Album Software and the cable to connect it to your computer. It uses the computer's parallel port and can also be installed through the printer's parallel port. Good quality scanning using the glass surface. There is no document feeder on this scanner. It scans color and black and white. It was used very little to make copies of old family photos for which I had no negatives and works very well

Labels: Astra, umax

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PowerLook 2100XL is a one-size-fits-all scanner for graphics professionals who require high resolution and fast color scanning of any image in a small-footprint package. When we say one size fits all, we mean it! You can scan illustrations, newspapers, magazines, transparencies, color photos, and even x-rays, textiles, and negatives! This professional 800 x 1600 dpi scanner consumes minimal space on the desktop, yet allows tabloid-sized scanning. The PowerLook 2100XL features UMAX' new proprietary Mirror Moving Technology which utilizes mirrors to project images directly to the stationary CCD. UMAX' Mirror Moving Technology not only minimizes signal noise to produce higher quality, more consistent scans, it also reduces the scanner's scanning time and overall power consumption. The scanning area measures a full 12" by 17", despite the small footprint of just over 18" by 24" to fit on any desktop. The scan area can accommodate up to thirty-two 35mm slides when used with the transparency adapter. High 3.4Dmax captures fine details of shadow areas -- especially important when scanning transparencies. With auto-detect slide holders, the PowerLook 2100XL can crop and scan slides automatically for super fast scans. In addition, batch scanning increases productivity by scanning more than one image in a single pass.

3.4Dmax to capture fine details in shadow areas of your images.

800x1600 optical resolution (9600x9600 interpolated) - 24-bit color depth (extendible to 42bits).

Maximum scan size: 12"x17" for reflective and transparency.

Auto detect batch scanning to crop and scan slides and transparencies automatically.

Speed: 10.8 ms/line (reflective).

Scan modes: 24/42bit color, 8/14 bit gray scale and 1-bit line art.

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Labels: powerlook, umax

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This is the professional 800 x 600 dpi scanner is one-size fits all. You can scan illustrations, newspapers, magazines, transparencies, color photos, and even x-rays, textiles, and negatives! This desktop scanner consumes minimal spce yet allows tabloid sized scanning.
The total size of the scanner is 24.65" x 18.62" x 7.60".The Powerlock 2100XL features UMAX new proprietary Mirro Moving Technology which utilizes mirrors to prject images directly to the stationary CCD. UMAX Mirror Moving Technology not only minimizes signal noise to produce higher quality, it also reduces the scanning time and overall power consumption. The scan area can accommodate up to thirty-two 35mm slides when used with the transparency adapter (not included). High 3.4Dmax captures fine details of shadow areas - especially important when scanning transparencies. With auto-detect slide holders, the PowerLook 2100XL can crop and scan slides automatically for super fast scans. In addition, batch scanning increases productivity by scanning more than one image in a single pass.

Labels: magic scan, umax

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