Silverfast AI demo and IT8

[joconnell]

I downloaded a trial version in order to try out the IT8 scanner calibration but it seems to be disabled. Is that because I'm using the trial version? Can I get a trial version that has the IT8 scaner calibration enabled?

[LSI_Morales]

Dear Joconnell,

It is not possible to use the IT8 calibration feature with the demo or trial version of SilverFast. You can test almost all tools included in SilverFast but unfortunately that is not the case with the IT8 calibration.

Thank you very much for your understanding

Have a nice day

[joconnell]

Dear Joconnell,

It is not possible to use the IT8 calibration feature with the demo or trial version of SilverFast. You can test almost all tools included in SilverFast but unfortunately that is not the case with the IT8 calibration.

Thank you very much for your understanding

Have a nice day

That doesn't really help me to make a decision about whther I should purchase a copy of Silverfast. If I do purchase, can I return the product for a full refund if I decide it's not suitable for me?

[LSI_Morales]

Dear Joconnell,

You can test all other tools of SilverFast which should give you a perspective of the whole program and tools and facilitate your decision whether or not SilverFast will work for you. Our IT8 calibration tool is based on the IT8 Standard, it means that it works based on certain defined parameters which guarantee absolute quality during the scanner calibration and profile generation.

Please have in mind that the IT8 calibration will only work if you use standard IT8 targets and reference files, bear in mind that some companies produce standard IT8 calibration targets but their reference files are not standard conform, this with the sole objective of assuring the operation of their targets only in conjunction with their own applications. This is not the case of LaserSoft Imaging targets, our targets and reference files are standard conform.
If you are planning to use an IT8 calibration program, make sure you use one that works with standard material like our IT8 calibration tool.

I seriously do not think it is possible to test any IT8 calibration software for the simple reason that once you have generated a profile with a demo version, you would not need the mentioned application anymore.

For the reasons mentioned above, your proposal is not feasible. It is NOT possible to return the product nor get a full refund.

That is also the reason why we encourage all our possible customer to test all tools with the demo version before taking any purchasing decision.

Thanks for your understanding

[joconnell]

Our IT8 calibration tool is based on the IT8 Standard, it means that it works based on certain defined parameters which guarantee absolute quality during the scanner calibration and profile generation.

All manufacturers say that about their products but it's not always true, which is why I'd like to try it out for myself.

Please have in mind that the IT8 calibration will only work if you use standard IT8 targets and reference files, bear in mind that some companies produce standard IT8 calibration targets but their reference files are not standard conform, this with the sole objective of assuring the operation of their targets only in conjunction with their own applications. This is not the case of LaserSoft Imaging targets, our targets and reference files are standard conform.

Well you would say that - again this sounds like marketing-speak.

If you are planning to use an IT8 calibration program, make sure you use one that works with standard material like our IT8 calibration tool.

I do have standard IT8 targets and reference files which I use to produce scanner profiles which work perfectly for me.

I seriously do not think it is possible to test any IT8 calibration software for the simple reason that once you have generated a profile with a demo version, you would not need the mentioned application anymore.

Why wouldn't I need the application anymore? Device profiling is an on-going process, you don't just profile a scanner once and then keep using that profile for the rest of the life of that scanner, you profile the scanner at regular intervals, just like you regularly profile any other colour-managed input/output device.

For the reasons mentioned above, your proposal is not feasible. It is NOT possible to return the product nor get a full refund.

Your previously-quoted statement simply indicates a fundamental lack of understanding on your part about colour-management and device profiling, which is worrying for a company which makes such claims as above about the quality of it's product in relation to IT8 calibration and profiling.

That is also the reason why we encourage all our possible customer to test all tools with the demo version before taking any purchasing decision.

Well currently there is no way that potential customers can do that, so they'll always be just that - "potential" customers.

The reason I was considering Silverfast was because I want a scanning workflow that is straightforward and properly colour-managed with respect to device calibration and profiling. I can currently do that with my current scanner software and ICC tools such as Scarse and Argyll CMS but it involves further steps in Photoshop (assigning the scanner profile and then converting to AdobeRGB etc) which is a lot of messing around that I'm trying to avoid, hence I'm considering Silverfast AI which will hopefully streamline and simplify my workflow.

I'm not willing to spend a lot of money on a product that I haven't fully tested for myself and which, as you've so clearly stated, cannot be returned for a refund should I find it to be not satisfactory for it's intended purpose.

[LSI_Morales]

Dear Joconnell,

I will put my words in other way.
If you can calibrate your scanner using the demo version (if you can do it once you can make it twice or more times), you probably would not pay the price for the product. This is the main reason why the IT8 calibration is not possible with the Demo version.

I never stated that you only need to calibrate the scanner once! as you argue.

Thanks for your understanding

Have a nice day