LaserSoft Imaging today released SilverFast 6.5. Apart from many improvements and enhancements, the new version implements "outstanding new features to support your creativity and productivity when using SilverFast software," according to the company.

Enhancing the Dynamic Range of Scanners

SilverFast's Multi-Exposure generates 8-bit Raw scans that are then calculated using variable exposures. The function is similar to exposure rows, as they are known from the photography profession. With this feature, the supported scanner's dynamic range is significantly increased while the noise of the CCDs is effectively minimized. Hence, more details will become visible in the shadow areas of an image.

This provides one main advantage over Multi-Sampling. Multi-Exposure reaches the same quality much faster. The slower 8x or 16x multisampling processes become obsolete, since higher quality can be achieved using the Multi-Exposure feature.

NegaFix Improvement + New NegaFix Profiles

NegaFix mode now provides a much more neutral color environment thanks to a new extended function. This is especially important for profiles that are not 100 percent accurate. With this feature, the orange masks present in color negatives can easily be removed with the new conversion. CCR activation is done by a check box within the NegaFix-dialog.

Automatic Detection of Frames

Image frames can now be detected and cropped automatically in the preview window using this new feature. The images must have a certain distance between them and the outer edge to detect the frames. A high contrast background is helpful in reflective scans. For transparencies, using the supplied film and slide holders is useful, since they offer an optimal contrast to the background.

Basic-Mode as Starting Aid

All SilverFast versions from v6.5 and up may now be switched between Standard and Basic mode. Hence, SilverFast novices will find the software easier to use.

New Installers

The new Apple installer is now used for Macintosh computers. A double click on the installer icon launches the installation process. The entire installation is completely guided and follows the current Apple Macintosh standard.

SFAi -- HDR Gamma Optimization

The gamma values selected SilverFastAi are now automatically detected and applied in SilverFastHDR. All SilverFastSE and SilverFastSEPlus versions of V.6.5 or newer will contain this new feature.

In addition to the Upgrade of SilverFast 6.5, LaserSoft anounced support for a SilverFast ColorServer hot folder. The hot folder enables the user to process and sort multiple images at the same time, according to specific parameters set by the user. For example, multiple images can be simultaneously converted from TIFFs to JPEGs, resampled to 72 dpi for Web distribution, scaled and saved from one folder to another, all with a few simple selections. Also, entire directories, such as the flash memory of a digital camera can be placed into a hotfolder and processed automatically according to the users presets.