by David Nagel
Executive Producer
dnagel@digitalmedianet.com

Microtek has introduced the latest in its professional line of flatbed scanners. The ScanMaker 8700 is a 42-bit, 2,400 x 1,200 DPI scanner that includes a FireWire chip set and USB port. The dual media ScanMaker 8700, designed for professional graphics, features Microtek's proprietary Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (EDIT). The scanner includes an internal transparency bay and film templates with holders for batch scanning of multi-format film.

With the EDIT system, images are captured directly from the emulsion surface of film originals, similar to drum scanning. This technology eliminates artifacts caused from Newton Rings and light refraction, according to Microtek. To simplify batch scanning of 35 mm filmstrips, 35 mm mounted slides, 6 cm x 9 cm film and 4" x 5" transparencies, this scanner includes four SnapTrans templates, a main staging tray and an 8" x 10" film holder for oversized transparency scanning. (The overall scan bed is 8.5" x 14".) A 25-page automatic document feeder is optional.

Microtek's ScanWizard software integrates OCR and PDF capabilities for Mac and Windows environments. (PDFs can be scanned and created with a single button click.) The ScanMaker 8700 comes bundled with Adobe Photoshop LE for PC and Macintosh; Trelix Web Microtek Edition (PC) Web publishing software; ScanSoft Page Keeper Standard (PC); Microtek copy, e-mail and scan utilities; and Kodak Digital Science integrated color management. A FireWire host adapter (PC) and cable, USB cable and SnapTrans template kit are also included. The ScanMaker 8700 sells for $999 and includes a 12 month warranty with one year of free support through Microtek.

For more information, visit http://www.microtekusa.com.