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Topic: Re: Optimizing (and optimal) scanners other than 620s?
Conf: (P-PDF) Paper to PDF, Msg: 42203
From: duffj
Date: 5/29/2002 03:41 PM

Hi, Marty:

>I have heard from many sources that the Xerox DocuImage 620s is "optimized=" for the >purposes of creating PDF-normal output in combination with =Acrobat Capture. I've also >heard that Xerox might (or might have already) =discontinued selling the 620s as a >standalone product. Here's my =question: other than using the 620s, are there any OTHER >combinations of =hardware and software that can perform with similar accuracy? (In an =>application where accuracy is more important than raw page speed.) This =would SEEM to >be a fertile market: what other options are out there if =XEROX pulls the plug?

Some (not all) of what you'll hear about the 620s is hype. In other =words, it's not a magical scanner, all in all. The ADF (Auto Document =Feeder) is a sad joke, to name one MAJOR failing. Seems that Xerox took =the cheesiest ADF head off a 10 year old all-plastic photocopier and =basically bolted it onto the scanner platform.

The really great thing about the Xerox is the scanned image quality, =which, as you correctly surmise, is of paramount importance in PDF/Normal =(now, PDF/Formatted Text & Graphics) conversions. Overall, the extra time =taken in scanning with a 620s is made up in reduced OCR correction and =superior image-quality.

You should check out VRS technology, available in some Fujitsu and Ricoh =(and other?) scanners. I've seen it demo'ed and it's pretty clever. =But... it does not improve upon the scanner optics per se.

Xerox is supposedly coming up with a new scanner that will replace the =620s, although it's still hush-hush at this time. Do not doubt that it =will cost a LOT more than the $11k to $13k you'll spend on the 620s.

Even if you intend to Capture materials yourself, I would say that for the =vast majoity of PDF/Normal conversion projects, you are far better off =having a service bureau scan your paper and send you TIFFs than trying to =scan them yourself - on whatever equipment. PDF/Normal conversion is VERY =unforgiving of image quality - and there's a lot more to image quality =than getting the hardware right. Top quality TIFFs up front make all the =difference.

Duff Johnson
Document Solutions, Inc.
www.document-solutions.com