Scanner news from the industry players

August 23
Colortrac, has further extended its commitment to profitable business expansion with the appointment of Mark Stockwell to its Channel Sales Support team. He joins the British large format scanner manufacturer as their new Product Specialist with priority on our international channel customers.
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August 10
Colortrac, has achieved record unit sales, revenue and profit in their financial year ending April 30th 2010. Not including new business from OEM agreements, world-wide unit sales of Colortrac brand SmartLF large format scanners increased by 24% over the previous year. Colortrac's consolidated result (unaudited) shows that group revenues increased by 42% to GBP £7.3 million, with a corresponding increase in pre-tax profits of 66%. In comparison, during 2009, revenue from sales of large format scanners at a major competitor is known to have reduced by 33%, resulting in their pre-tax profits being reduced to a break-even level.
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August 9
Colortrac, the British based manufacturer of SmartLF large format scanners, announce that its North American subsidiary, Colortrac Inc. has signed an agreement with Promark Technology, Annapolis Junction, MD, to distribute its wide format scanners and software. "Colortrac welcomes the opportunity to work with Promark Technology in the distribution of our wide format color scanners" said Malcolm Lane, President of Colortrac Inc. "We believe that Promark's professional staff and dealer network will help us continue to expand our growing business, increase market share by reaching new markets, and provide excellent channel support.".
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July 15
Contex, Aage Snorgaard has been appointed as the new CEO of Ratos’s subsidiary Contex Group A/S with effect from 1 October. Aage Snorgaard joins Contex from Nokia and the position of Senior Vice President – Mobile Phones R&D; responsible for global development of all Nokia Series 30 and Series 40 phones.
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June 27
Colortrac, the NEW leader and innovator in large format scanners, has further extended its commitment to profitable business expansion with the appointment of Rob van Brakel to its senior management team. He joins the British wide format scanner manufacturer as their new Marketing Manager with worldwide responsibility for developing and implementing all elements of Colortrac's marketing activities.
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June 17
Colortrac, the leading developer of affordable, professional wide format scanning and imaging solutions, will showcase a comprehensive range of advanced high definition SmartLF large format map and technical document scanners at the ESRI World-Wide User Conference in San Diego, California, the world's biggest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) event, (14-16 July 2010, Booth, # 616 / 618).
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May 18
Colortrac will be demonstrating some new products on their booth #112 at the IRgA 2010 Convention & Trade Show being held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, California , USA, (May 19th - 21st, 2010). Visitors to the booth will see an advanced high performance A1 / D-size flatbed color scanner. Using CCD optical imaging technology to capture high quality images at high speed, a scan of an 24" x 33" document is saved in less than 20 seconds at 400dpi optical resolution via a high speed Gigabit Ethernet interface. Capable of great accuracy, it is perfect for fragile or uneven materials, like very thick or heavy media, wood grain, fabrics and framed art.
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April 15
Contex, the developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, today announces that its SD4450 wide-format scanner has received a Top Products Award from the readers of Wide-Format Imaging magazine in the wide-format scanner 24+ inches category. This prestigious award is determined by readers, who rate products that they find to be an asset to their businesses. The award-winning SD4450, which will be featured in the April 2010 issues of Wide-Format Imaging magazine, is a full-color and monochrome solution for large-format scanning and copying. Engineers, GIS professionals, architects, construction companies, and copy and reprographic shops use the SD4450 for its ease of use, quality scans, and value for the investment.
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April 15
Contex, the developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, introduces their new low-cost 24” Multi-Function Solution – the XD2490 MFP. This low cost scan, copy and communication device has at its heart the successful XD2490 scanner. The XD2490 scanner revolutionized the technical and CAD market, as well as construction, government and GIS markets, last fall with its ground-breaking low price. Pairing the low cost XD2490 with the UL-approved high stand and the easy to use, yet powerful Nextimage software enables it to be coupled with any 24” printer and integrated into a space-saving single-footprint Multi-Function solution.
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April 5
Colortrac, To encourage AIIM Expo visitors to find out more about our products and solutions, Colortrac is participating with other leading vendors - Panasonic, ABBYY Software, Brother and EMC - in EMC's Passport Program which offers the chance to win a number of high tech prizes donated by the program members. Colortrac's prize entry is HP's first Win7-certified multi-touch monitor, the new HP L2105tm. This 21-inch touch screen monitor features the latest in optical touch support for two point multi-touch controls, like pinch / squeeze / zoom in / out and two finger image rotate, etc.
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February 8
Colortrac, the British based manufacturer of SmartLF large format scanners, has been awarded an ISO 9001:2008 certificate, the world's most widely used standard for Business and Quality Management Systems (QMS). Colortrac implemented a Business Management System (BMS) that covers all aspects of UK operations including; HQ admin, sales & marketing, R&D, technical support and last, but not least, the manufacture and assembly quality of wide format monochrome and color document scanners and related PC software.
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February 2
Colortrac will demonstrate the full range of SmartLF wide format scanners and scanning software solutions at the annual Graphics of the Americas exhibition in Miami, Florida, during February 25th to 27th.

Distributors, dealers and end users visiting the show will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of Colortrac's acclaimed, industry-leading large format SmartLF scanning solutions at the Colortrac booth #1011.
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January 25
Colortrac, the leading innovator in large format scanners and scanning solutions, has become the first wide format scanner manufacturer to achieve a BERTL (Business Equipment Research Testing Labs) "BEST IN CLASS" rating for both a CCD (charge coupled device) and CIS (contact image sensor) scanner. The CCD-based Colortrac SmartLF Gx+42 professional color graphics and the CIS-based SmartLF Ci 40 technical document large format scanners had both previously won BERTL's prestigious "OUTSTANDING" ratings which were accompanied by 4.5 Star Awards, the highest rating given by BERTL to any large format scanner.
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December 23
First incorporated in November 1989, Colortrac has been recognized with a number of notable awards and achievements during its 20th year. In April the Colortrac SmartLF Gx 42 wide format scanner was voted "Top Product 2009" by readers of Wide-Format Imaging magazine. In November Business Equipment Research & Test Laboratories (BERTL) awarded 4.5 Star "Outstanding" ratings for both the SmartLF Ci 40e and the SmartLF Gx+ T42e large format scanners. Colortrac is the first and only large format scanner manufacturer to achieve this rating for its leading ranges of CIS and CCD technology scanners.
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December 1
Colortrac will start worldwide shipments of the latest addition to its range of SmartLF large format scanners on the 7th December.The SmartLF Ci 24 is a fast, accurate and affordable 24" wide, technical document scanner that is easy to use with instant-on desktop scanning and copying to any workstation or printer across a network. This scanner breaks new ground as the first professional wide format scanner with a suggested minimum street price from US $3650 (excluding taxes and shipping); it is the most affordable 24" wide large format scanning solution available today.
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November 23
Colortrac is a leading innovator in large format scanners and scanning solutions software since 1989. Its SmartLF Ci 40e (enhanced color) technical document scanner, recently awarded a BERTL 4.5-Star "Outstanding" rating, is now available with a certified ISIS (Image and Scanner Interface Specification) driver.
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November 12
Colortrac, the leading innovator in large format scanners and scanning software, is the first wide format scanner manufacturer to receive BERTL, (Business Equipment Research & Test Laboratories) 4.5-Star "Outstanding" ratings for both its CCD and CIS technology SmartLF graphics and technical document large format scanners.
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November 5
Contex, the developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, today announced a new update to Nextimage software – version 1.6.1. This new update provides support for Microsoft Windows 7, in both 32 and 64 bit versions. Nextimage is Contex’s wide‐format scan and copy software. It enables scan‐to‐file, scan‐to‐email, copy, edit and print and it supports scanning and copying in color, grayscale and black/white.
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October 26
Colortrac Inc., the American distributor of SmartLF large format scanners, has closed its offices in Golden, Colorado and relocated with immediate effect to new headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia.At the same time, the large format scanning solutions supplier has hired Fred Pagani, who joins Colortrac Inc. as its new North American Service Manager. Fred has over 15 years in the Wide Format Monochrome and Color Scanner industry, has a wealth of experience in support and training, and is well known for his attention to customer satisfaction.
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October 26
Colortrac Limited has produced eleven practical, hands-on videos which cover the fundamental aspects of day-to-day large format scanning and copying. These videos can be quickly and easily viewed on Colortrac's web site: www.colortrac.com
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October 13
Paradigm Imaging Group announces the release of the new imagePRO FLEX Multi-Function System. Paradigm Imaging’s exclusive imagePRO FLEX system features the imagePRO Gx 42 HD PLUS Series scanners, which deliver the highest definition CCD image capture available on the market. These scanners also feature a state-of-the-art feed mechanism, allowing for the safe scanning of delicate originals, such as tissue patterns and delicate artwork.
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September 14
Contex announced the first professional wide-format scanner with a suggested retail price under $4,000 USD. The XD2490 scanner provides architects, engineers and construction personnel with the first affordable way to scan and communicate drawing changes directly from the field. Contex designed the XD2490 scanner for businesses who want to improve efficiency, reduce costly delays and mistakes and offer greater service to their customers.
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September 14
Paradigm Imaging Group announces the release the imagePRO Gx 42 HD Plus series scanners. The imagePRO Gx 42 HD Plus series scanners deliver the sharpest CCD image capture available on the market. With true 1200 dpi optical resolution, 2D LED illumination and low energy consumption, these scanners are the industry leaders in versatility and efficiency.
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September 3
Image Access presents the first wide format duplex scanner at the DMS Expo in Cologne. The WideTEK 36 DS is the world’s first wide format scanner for duplex digitalization of newspapers and other double-sided printed documents. The very compact WideTEK 36 DS needs only four seconds to scan the front and back sides of a newspaper page (at 200 dpi). This scanner offers considerable advantages to press clipping services, libraries and archives who, until now, had no choice but to use complicated multiple step solutions to digitalize newspapers.
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August 28
Contex released Nextimage Touch wide format scanning and copying software with touch-screen capability. Nextimage Touch includes all the features of Nextimage SCAN+COPY software plus the ease of touch-screen use. This means that users can scan-to-file, scan-to-email, copy, edit files and print directly from the touch-screen interface, with no sacrifice of features or scan quality. It supports scanning and copying in color, grayscale and black and white and is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. 
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July 8
Colortrac will present its industry-leading, high definition wide format scanning technology to geospatial professionals and educators at the world's biggest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) event in the San Diego Convention Center, California, 14th - 16th July 2009, Booth 204.
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June 24
Image Access has developled an accurate Color Reproduction Online Tool Scan2ICC For accurate color reproduction of scanned images, Image Access has developed an online tool for creating individual ICC profiles; Scan2ICC. ICC profiling ensures a high color quality from scan to printout in a color managed process. The user can be certain that the scanned image and the print of the image both present the same color.
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June 2
Contex Introduces Two New Large Format Multi-Function Solutions Contex introduces two new multi-function solutions - the SD4430 MFP and the HD3650 MFP. Both products are designed to be versatile and affordable for customers who want to optimize their on-demand scanning, copying and printing solution. Authorized Contex resellers can supply these two new solutions as add-ons to a customer's existing large format printer, or as a complete system, including a new printer.
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May 28
GEI WideFormat Shows Commitment to their Customers with New Two Year, On-Site Warranty Program GEI WideFormat, announces that they have introduced a new two year, on-site warranty for the Colortrac SmartLF Cx and new Gx+ scanner models, without increasing prices. Mr. Roger Ilgen, President and General Manager of GEI WideFormat says, “We understand the vital role Colortrac scanners play in the daily operations of the end user. It is our top priority to keep our customers at their maximum productivity, with minimum down time. The two year, on-site warranty reflects this commitment to our customer, with no additional costs."
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May 20
Contex Introduces new Warranty & Support Program in the US
Contex has launched a new warranty and support program for all current Contex and Vidar products.
The program, which is available in the US, converts the standard factory 24-month "Spare Parts" warranty to a 24-month on-site warranty and is included in the price of the scanner. Up to three additional years can be added to the two year warranty for a nominal cost.
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May 11
Contex Partners with Resellers for Big Opportunities
Contex is launching a Partner Program offering resellers financial benefits, sales and marketing support and product training. Contex has more than 20 years experience in the wide format market and works closely with 132 distributors around the world.
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April 29
Colotrac announces the SmartLF Gx+ 28 and Gx+ 42 true 1200 dpi optical resolutions scanners
The SmartLF Gx+ 28 and Gx+ 42 are the first CCD-based wide format scanners with true 1200dpi optical resolution. The combination of high resolution and CCD imaging technology creates a flexible, multi-purpose scanning system capable of capturing both very fine line and image details while reproducing color graphics in vivid, high fidelity colors.
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April 28
Contex Sets New Standard for Scanner Productivity
Contex announced today the inclusion of a new standard for measuring the productivity of its’ Contex and Vidar award-winning scanners. This new standard measures productivity by number of completed scans in a specified period of time. While inches-per-second is still the accepted standard for large format scanners, many scanner users appreciate a more practical measurement regarding the scanner’s productivity. Contex’s completed-scans-per-hour provides a more accurate representation of scanner speed and productivity.
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April 24
Océ introduces the Océ CS4244S wide format scanner
Océ, an international leader in digital document management, today introduced the Océ CS4244S. It is the second Océ wide format color scanner in the CS4200 scanner family with an optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. This easy-to-use scanning device enables users in Central Repro Departments and Reprographer environments to capture the finest details in documents and drawings in a productive way.
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April 23
Colortrac wins Wide-format imaging best awards for 2009
Readers of Wide-Format Imaging magazine have voted the Colortrac SmartLF Gx 42 professional color graphics scanner series the "Best Large Format Scanner" available in the Wide-Format Scanner 2009 category.
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April 15
Paradigm Imaging Group announces the imagePRO Gx 56 HD Plus 56" scanner series.
Paradigm Imaging Group, a leading distributor of large-format scanning and printing solutions, announces the release of the widest sheet-fed scanner on the market – the imagePRO Gx 56 HD Plus.The imagePRO Gx 56 HD Plus large format scanner breaks new ground, not only in size, but with regards to environmental impact, efficiency and versatility.  Equipped with an instant-on, bi-directional, 2D LED illumination system, the imagePRO Gx 56 HD Plus is Energy Star® compliant, reducing energy requirements by using 30% less power when in operation and 94% less power when idle.  
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April 14
Colortrac implements a on-line Global Technical Help Desk.
Colortrac, the leading large format scanner innovator, has implemented an on-line Global Technical Help Desk system designed to meet ISO 20001 standards. This new, purpose-built technical escalation system gives Colortrac's support team the ability to quickly identify and resolve product issues while giving its international customers fast, tracked technical support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
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March 18
Paradigm Imaging Group announces the imagePRO Ci40HD 40" scanner series.
Paradigm Imaging Group, a leading distributor of large-format scanning and printing solutions, announces the release of the most affordable scanner on the market for CAD and technical drawings – the imagePRO Ci40HD. The imagePRO Ci40HD 40" large-format scanner is eco-friendly and economical. Utilizing a new dual LED light system for optimum illumination, it uses less power than traditional fluorescent scanners. The imagePRO Ci40HD boasts a new paper transport system, allowing for better media handling and more accurate scanning.
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March 12
Colortrac announces the smartLF Gx+ 56 56" scanner series.
Colortrac releases next generation SmartLF Gx+ 56 / Gx+ T56 extra-wide format scanners. This new 56" image width large format scanner is the widest sheet feed scanner available in the market. It features instant-on, 2D LED illumination system and ENERGY STAR® compliance reduce energy requirements and environmental impact. The SmartLF Gx+ 56 scanners capture high definition line detail and high fidelity color for technical and color graphics applications in one flexible, multi-purpose system.
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March 11
GEI Wideformat releases Colortrac new SmartLF Gx+ 56 / Gx+ T56 scanners
Colortrac will begin shipping the extra-large format SmartLF Gx+ 56 / Gx+ T56 (thick media) scanner range during March. With a 56" image width and 60" (five foot) media width, 600dpi optical high definition (HD) resolution and gigabit ethernet connectivity these scanners provide maximum document handling flexibility and the capability of fast network distribution of color, greyscale or monochrome images. Read more ...

March 9
Contex release a 64bit version of its Nextimage scanning software.
Contex – the world’s leading manufacturer of wide format scanners – today announced a new release of Nextimage software that includes support for 64-bit Windows installations.  64-bit compatible  means that all current Contex and Vidar (a brand of Contex) software and device drivers for current scanners are compatible and tested to operate correctly in Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit and Windows Vista 64-bit.   This support enables Contex customers to migrate to newer 64-bit versions of Windows so they can take advantage of the 64-bit capable processors (Intel Core 2 Duo and later) on newer PCs.
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March 5
Mutoh and GEI Wideformat bundles Colortrac smartLF Gx42 with the Mutoh's ValueJet 1304-54" printer
Mutoh America Inc., a globally recognized leader and manufacturer of large format commercial inkjet printers and GEI WideFormat, a Visual Edge Technology Company, announced today that they have bundled the popular Colortrac SmartLF  Gx 42 scanner with  Mutoh’s ValueJet 1304-54” printer to create a new Multi-Functional Printer (MFP) specifically designed for brilliant, commercial, outdoor-durable wide format prints.
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January 22
Contex has been awarded BERTL best awards for the Contex SD400 44" scanner series
Contex announced today that BERTL has awarded the Contex SD4400 series scanners the 2008 BERTL’s Best Award for best value for price in a wide format scanner.  This new award is in addition to the previously announced 4 ½ star “Outstanding” Award that BERTL gave to the SD4400 series in September, 2008 – the highest award yet achieved for a wide-format scanner.  Contex introduced the SD4400 series scanners in June 2008, and it has rapidly proven to be a double award-winning wide format scanner.
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January 13
Eastman Kodak acquire BÖWE BELL + HOWELL  scanner division
Eastman Kodak Company and BÖWE BELL + HOWELL announced Kodak’s agreement to acquire the scanner division of BÖWE BELL + HOWELL. The scanner division is a leading supplier of document scanners to value added resellers, systems integrators, and end users. Based in the greater Chicago area, the scanner division is a worldwide business with locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
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January 1
Paradigm Imaging Group wins BERTL best award for Best Value for price scanner
Paradigm Imaging Group, a leading distributor of large-format scanning and printing solutions, is pleased to announce that Graphtec’s CSX300HDPlus has received a BERTL’s Best® 2008 award for Best Value for Price – Wide Format 36” Scanner.
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