UMAX Technologies 3450 User manual

Astra 3400/3450
Owner’s Manual
Trademarks
UMAX is a trademark of UMAX Technologies, Inc. Astra is a trademark of UMAX
Technologies, Inc. IBM PC/AT is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
MS-Windows, Windows, and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PhotoDeluxe
is a trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Presto! PageManager is a trademark of NewSoft
Technology Corporation. Other names and trademarks appearing herein are trademarks of their
respective holders.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. GETTING STARTED…………………………………………………………..4
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………..4
UNPACKING THE SCANNER………………………………………………………………4
Package Contents…………………………………………………………………………………..4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SCANNER…………………………………………………...4
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………………………5
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE…………………………………………………………….6
Installing Adobe PhotoDeluxe on the PC……………………………………………………….6
Installing Adobe PhotoDeluxe on the Macintosh………………………………………………6
Install VistaScan and Bundle Software (Presto! PageManager, Presto! PageType,
OmniPage LE, and Online Manuals)…………………………………………………………….6
INSTALLING THE HARDWARE…………………………………………………………...7
About Scanner Connectors………………………………………………………………………..7
Setting Up – General Information………………………………………………………………..7
Connecting the Hardware Interface Cables…………………………………………………….7
CHAPTER 2. YOUR FIRST SCAN…………………………………………………………...10
SCANNING YOUR FIRST IMAGE WITH PHOTODELUXE…………………………….10
Scanning an Image from the PC………………………………………………………………...10
Scanning an Image from the Macintosh………………………………………………………..11
TURNING THE SCANNER LAMP ON AND OFF………………………………………...12
CHAPTER 3. SCANNING BASICS…………………………………………………………..13
SETTING VISTASCAN PREFERENCES…………………………………………………..13
General……………………………………………………………………………………………..13
Scan Destination…………………………………………………………………………………..14
Scanner Information………………………………………………………………………………16
VistaScan Beginner Window Features…………………………………………………………16
VistaScan Advanced Features…………………………………………………………………...19
Using VistaAccess – Direct Access……………………………………………………………..30
Using VistaShuttle………………………………………………………………………………...31
Using the UMAX Copy Utility…………………………………………………………………..32
CHAPTER 4. PUSH BUTTON SCANNING…………………………………………………34
Configuring the Push Buttons…………………………………………………………………...34
Intelligent Image Process Engine (IIPE)………………………………………………………35
USING THE PUSH BUTTONS……………………………………………………………..39
CHAPTER 5. SCANNING PROJECTS………………………………………………………40
USING VISTASCAN TO SCAN A PHOTO TO E-MAIL………………………………….41
USING VISTASCAN WITH PHOTODELUXE TO CREATE WEB-READY
IMAGES……………………………………………………………………………………...41
USING PRESTO! PAGEMANAGER TO SCAN A FORM AND EDIT IT WITH
PAGETYPE…………………………………………………………………………………..44
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CREATING A CALENDAR WITH PHOTODELUXE…………………………………….45
CONVERTING SCANNED TEXT TO EDITABLE TEXT WITH OMNIPAGE………….47
Opening OmniPage LE…………………………………………………………………………..47
Converting Scanned Text with OmniPage LE…………………………………………………48
CHAPTER 6. HOW TO GET HELP………………………………………………………….50
USING ONLINE MANUALS……………………………………………………………….50
Accessing the UMAX VistaScan Online Manual……………………………………………...50
Accessing the Adobe PhotoDeluxe Online Manual…………………………………………..50
Accessing the Presto! PageManager Online Manual………………………………………..51
Accessing the Caere OmniPage Online Manual……………………………………………...51
Installing Acrobat Reader for Macintosh Users………………………………………………52
TROUBLESHOOTING……………………………………………………………………...52
General Problems and Solutions………………………………………………………………..52
Windows 98 Problems and Solutions…………………………………………………………..52
Macintosh Version Problems and Solutions…………………………………………………..54
CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT…………………………………………………..55
MAINTENANCE…………………………………………………………………………….56
CLEANING…………………………………………………………………………………..56
APPENDIX A. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS…………………………………………..57
SCANNER SPECIFICATIONS……………………………………………………………...57
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CHAPTER 1. Getting Started
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the UMAX Astra 3400 / 3450 scanner. This versatile unit is perfect for the home
or office. Use this scanner to add variety and flair to your documents, or to help you share images with
others.
The Astra 3400 / 3450 scanner is equipped with a USB connector that allows you to make a fast and easy
connection to the USB port on your PC, or USB-equipped Macintosh computer (such as the iMac, G3, or
G4).
In addition to being easy to connect, this scanner is also easy to use. Simply follow the instructions in this
guide and you’ll be scanning in no time. With the powerful software included with your scanner, you can
create an archive or scanned images, e-mail or fax images to friends or clients, or create your own web site
gallery. Get ready to unleash your creativity with the UMAX Astra 3400 / 3450 scanner.
Unpacking the Scanner
Your scanner package includes the cables and software you need to get the scanner up and running. The
scanner package should contain all of the items listed below. If you do not find all of the listed items,
contact the retailer from whom you purchased the scanner, or contact UMAX. For information about
contacting UMAX directly, refer to Chapter 6. How to Find Help.
Package Contents
• UMAX Astra 3400 / 3450 Flatbed scanner (built-in Universal Transparency Cover included with the
Astra 3450)
• USB Interface Cable
• Quick Install Guide and Owner’s Manual
• Power Adapter
• Bundled Software CD-ROM
• Transparency Holder (included with Astra 3450)
• Astra Scanners CD-ROM. This CD-ROM contains UMAX scanner driver – VistaScan and other
bundled software.
Getting to Know Your Scanner
To gain a complete understanding of the information contained in this manual, it is important that you
become familiar with your scanner. The graphics below identify the key scanner components.
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System Requirements
This section defines the minimum requirements necessary to operate either the Astra 3400 / 3450. Please
refer to the section below that applies to your scanner and computer type.
PC Requirements
• An IBM-compatible PC with Pentium processor or higher
• Microsoft® Windows 98 / 2000
• USB interface connector
• At least 32 MB RAM memory
• CD-ROM drive
• 250 MB of available hard disk space
Macintosh Requirements
• iMac or G3 or G4 USB-compatible Macintosh
• Macintosh OS 8.0 or higher
• USB interface connector
• At least 32 MB RAM memory
• CD-ROM drive
• 250 MB of available hard disk space
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Installing the Software
The PhotoDeluxe installation procedure is different for Macintosh and PC computers. Therefore, we have
provided two separate sets of instructions. Follow the set of instructions for your computer.
Installing Adobe PhotoDeluxe on the PC
NOTE: PhotoDeluxe is compatible with Windows 98, 95 and higher. Use the following steps to install
your scanning software rather than using the add/remove programs to install the software.
1. Insert the CD-ROM labeled “PhotoDeluxe” into your computer’s CD-ROM drive. Your computer
should automatically read the disk and display a series of screens regarding product licensing. Follow
the onscreen instructions.
NOTE: If a window does not appear automatically, double-click the My Computer icon to open it,
double-click the PhotoDeluxe CD-ROM icon to open it.
2. A Licensing Agreement window appears. Enter the country where you are currently located in and
click Next.
3. Read the licensing agreement and then click Accept.
4. A PhotoDeluxe Install window appears. Click the Install button. Follow the onscreen instructions.
5. When you get to the Setup Type window, choose Typical.
6. Fill in the user information.
7. Click Next in the Start Copying Files window to begin installing PhotoDeluxe, Adobe Acrobat Reader,
and Adobe ATM. Follow the onscreen instructions.
8. After Adobe Acrobat Reader has been installed, a ReadMe file appears. When you have read the
ReadMe, select Exit from the File menu.
9. The Adobe Type Manager window appears, click the Install button. Follow the onscreen instructions.
10. When the Adobe Product Registration window appears, enter the relevant information and continue
following the onscreen instructions.
11. When a screen appears asking if you want to restart your computer to finish the installation procedure,
select Yes and click the OK button.
NOTE: To access these files you must click the “Start” bar, select “Programs”, and then select “Adobe”.
A cascading file appears with “ReadMe” information and other selections to choose from. For information
about setting up desktop shortcuts, refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.
Install VistaScan and Bundle Software (Presto! PageManager, Presto! PageType,
OmniPage LE, and Online Manuals)
1. Insert the Astra Scanners CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive after you have finished installing
the software on the PhotoDeluxe CD.
FOR PC USERS: If a window does not appear automatically, double-click the My Computer icon to
open it, double-click the Astra Scanners CD-ROM icon to open it (please be aware the Astra Scanners
CD is labeled “VistaScan” in the Windows desktop/directory).
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FOR MACINTOSH USERS: When the UMAX VistaScan window opens on your desktop, double-
click on the UMAX CD Installer icon to begin the software installation.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation of Presto! PageManager, UMAX
VistaScan, OmniPage LE, and the online User’s Guide.
3. Restart your computer as suggested by the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
Installing the Hardware
After you have removed the scanner from the box and verified that all of the package contents have been
included, please check to make sure that your computer is compatible with the scanner’s connectors.
About Scanner Connectors
USB Connectors
Many newer computers, both PC and Macintosh, rely on USB technology as the primary method of
communication between the computer and its peripherals. With this new USB “plug-and-play” technology
your computer automatically configures peripherals. If your computer has a USB port, you must make sure
that this port is enabled in the system BIOS. Please refer to the troubleshooting section to learn more about
enabling the USB Port.
Checking Your Computer’s Connectors
To use your scanner you need to understand what type of connectors you have on your computer. To
determine the connector type, look at the back panel of your computer.
• A USB port is a small slot ½” long and ¼” wide.
NOTE: If your computer has a USB port, check to make sure that your computer’s operating system
supports USB. The following factory-installed operating systems support USB: Microsoft Windows 98 or
higher, and Mac OS 8.1 or higher.
Setting Up – General Information
Find a suitable location near your computer to place the scanner.
CAUTION: Make sure the surface is flat. Operating your scanner on an uneven surface can damage the
internal components.
Connecting the Hardware Interface Cables
If your computer has a USB port, follow the instructions in the Connecting the USB Cable section to
connect the scanner to your computer.
Make sure your computer is turned off before proceeding.
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Connecting the USB Cable
The instructions for connecting the hardware interface cable are different for PC and Macintosh users.
Refer to the section below that applies to your computer type.
PC Connection
1. Locate the USB cable that is provided. Plug the wide end of the cable firmly into one if the available
USB ports on your computer.
2. Plug the small end of the cable into the port marked “USB” located on the back panel of the scanner.
Macintosh Users
1. Locate the USB cable that is provided. Plug the wide end of it firmly into one of the USB ports. IMac
computer ports are located on the right side of the computer. The USB port on other Macintosh
computers is located on the back panel of the computer, or on a USB interface.
2. Plug the small end of the cable into the port marked “USB” located on the back panel of the scanner.
Connecting the UTC (Universal Transparency Cover) Cable on the Astra 3450 only
1. Locate the UTC cable, which is attached to the back end of the UTC cover.
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2. Plug the UTC cable into the connector marked “OPTION” on the back panel of the scanner. Please be
sure the small triangular arrow on the plug is facing toward the top of the scanner.
Connecting the Power Adapter
1. Plug the scanner’s power cord into an electrical outlet.
2. Insert the other end of this cord into the power adapter receptacle marked “POWER” on the back panel
of the scanner. The power indicator on the front panel of the scanner should now be illuminated.
3. Restart your computer to recognize the scanner.
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CHAPTER 2. Your First Scan
Before you begin your first scan, you must install the scanner and the bundled software. Refer to the Quick
Install Guide for installation.
You can perform a basic scan using any of the software applications bundled with this scanner. For your
first scan, we suggest using the PhotoDeluxe software.
PCs and Macintosh have two different versions of the PhotoDeluxe software, so we have included two
separate sets of instructions. Please follow the proper set of instructions for your system.
Scanning Your First Image With PhotoDeluxe
Open the PhotoDeluxe software application.
Scanning an Image from the PC
1. Click the Start bar in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Click Programs.
3. Select Adobe.
4. Select PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 3.0
5. Click Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 3.0
6. The PhotoDeluxe screen appears with the Seasonal Activities option present. Initially, we recommend
you bypass this section. To bypass this section, click Install and then click Cancel.
7. Click the Get & Fix Photo tab. A row of icons appears.
8. Click the Get Photo icon. A drop-down list appears. Click the Scanners… option. A tabbed bar
appears at the top of the screen. Click the Scanner tab.
9. Click the Choose Scanner icon. Click on the VistaScan entry in the input source list. The VistaScan
input source is highlighted. Click OK. (NOTE: You only need to do this one time.) Click the Mode
tab. Click the Custom icon. The VistaScan window opens. VistaScan software controls the various
functions of the scanner and provides a communication path between the scanner and the PhotoDeluxe
software.
10. Click the Custom icon.
11. Select an item you would like to scan (a picture, a drawing, etc.).
12. Lift the document cover and place the item to be scanned face-down so the top center of the document
aligns with the arrow at the back edge of the object glass.
13. Click the Preview button on the right side of the VistaScan Beginner window. The scanner begins a
low-resolution scan of the item.
14. When the preview scan is complete the preview image is displayed in the Preview window (on the left
side of the VistaScan window).
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You can change the view of the Preview image using the “Zoom Tool”, or select a scanning region
using the “Frame Selection Tool”. To find out more about how to use these tools, click on the user tips
text that appears when your cursor pauses over the tool.
NOTE: You must have a browser installed in order to view the VistaScan online help.
15. In the Click to Scan section of the VistaScan Beginner window, click the icon that corresponds to the
type of image you are scanning.
For example, if you are scanning a color photograph, choose “Color Photo”. To scan text or a black
and white drawing, choose “Text/Lineart”. The image is scanned and you return to the PhotoDeluxe
window.
NOTE: Choosing an icon in the “Click to Scan” area does two things: it activates the scanner, and
automatically sets the scanner settings. This ensures you get the best scanning results for the item you
are scanning.
16. A pop-up message appears on the right side of the screen indicating that you should click the Done tab.
17. Click the Done tab. A Save as window opens. Enter a file name for the scanned image. Indicate
which folder or directory you want to save the image file to, and specify in what file format you want
to save the image.
NOTE: If you do not assign a file name, the computer automatically assigns a name that consists of
the date, and a two-digit reference number.
18. Enter the graphic title of the image that will appear in the My Photos window.
19. Click on the Save & Send icon. Choose save from the drop-down menu. Click the Save button to
save the image.
20. Close the VistaScan window by clicking Exit.
Scanning an Image from the Macintosh
1. Double-click the Hard Drive icon.
2. Double-click the Adobe PhotoDeluxe 2.0 folder.
3. Double-click the Adobe PhotoDeluxe application icon to launch PhotoDeluxe. The PhotoDeluxe
screen appears.
4. Click the Get Photo button.
5. Click the Get Photo tab.
6. Click the Scanner button to display a menu of available input sources. Click on the UMAX
VistaScan entry in the input source list. The UMAX VistaScan input source is highlighted. Click
OK. The VistaScan Beginner window appears.
NOTE: You only need to select the device driver once in PhotoDeluxe. It will remember your selection
the next time you use the application.
7. Select an item you would like to scan (a picture, a brochure, etc.).
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8. Lift the document cover and place the item face-down so the top center of the image aligns with the
arrow at the back edge of the object glass.
9. Click the Preview button on the right side of the VistaScan Beginner window and the scanner begins a
low-resolution scan.
10. When the preview scan is complete the preview image is displayed in the Preview window (on the left
side of the VistaScan window).
You can change the view size of the Preview image before scanning the final image using the “Zoom
Tool”, or select a region to scan using the “Frame Selection Tool”. To find out more about how to use
these tools, click on the user tips text that appears when your cursor pauses over the tool.
NOTE: You must have a browser installed in order to view the VistaScan online help.
11. In the Click to Scan section of the VistaScan Beginner window, click the icon that corresponds to the
type of image you are scanning.
For example, if you are scanning a color photograph, choose “Color Photo”. To scan text or a black
and white drawing, choose “Text/Lineart”. The image is scanned and you return to the PhotoDeluxe
window.
12. When the scan is complete, a window appears requesting that you save the document. Type a name in
the field that appears to the right of “Save this document as:”
NOTE: By default the image is saved as “untitled - #” in the Acquire section of the floating gallery
window. You can also choose to save the image in the hard drive or on the desktop by clicking on the
arrow to the right of the My Photos box at the top of this window.
13. After a moment the image appears in the My Photos gallery window. Double-click the thumbnail to
view a full-size, high-resolution scan of the image in the work area.
14. Exit PhotoDeluxe by selecting Quit from the File menu.
Turning the Scanner Lamp On and Off
You can turn the scanner lamp on and off using the Astra 3400 / 3450’s built-in Power Saving utility from
VistaAccess. The lamp remains on whenever the scanner has power, unless you turn it off using the
UMAX Power Saving utility. Turning off the scanner lamp when you are not scanning prolongs the life of
the lamp.
To turn the scanner lamp off:
Click the icon of VistaAccess and select the Lamp On/Off control function. You can click the Lamp Off
item to turn off your scanner lamp.
To turn the scanner lamp on:
Open the VistaScan software, or simply click the Lamp On item from the Lamp On/Off control function in
the VistaAccess.
NOTE: The scanner lamp is different from the Power Indicator light. The Power Indicator light is the
very small, green light located on the front panel of the scanner. This indicator remains ON whenever the
scanner is plugged into an electrical outlet (regardless of whether the Power Saving utility is engaged).
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CHAPTER 3. Scanning Basics
VistaScan is the primary program or driver you use to scan with your Astra 3400 / 3450 scanner. It is a
TWAIN-compliant program, which means that it can be run from other programs that support scanning,
like PhotoDeluxe, OmniPage, and others. It is also a stand-alone program, which allows you to scan
images for a variety of uses, even without launching another program first.
Setting VistaScan Preferences
Preferences control scanner settings that you generally do not modify every time you use the scanner. The
Preference settings are used as the default settings for several of the scan settings.
To access the VistaScan Preferences, click the Preferences icon in the upper right corner of the VistaScan
window.
The Preferences cover three areas:
• General
• Scan Destination
• Scanner Information
A tab at the top of the Preferences window indicates each VistaScan preference group. To view the
Preference settings for an area, click on the associated tab.
General
The General tab contains preference settings that control color matching and color correction, and whether
to display the ruler and tips.
Color Matching/Correction
Color Matching allows you to fine-tune the colors of scanned images so that they emulate the colors of
your original source documents as closely as possible. This is accomplished using MagicMatch.
When you click on the MagicMatch checkbox (so a checkmark appears) the Profile List displays. A profile
is a list of applicable calibration profiles, which MagicMatch uses to render a final output image. If a
printer or calibration profile is not chosen, MagicMatch will calibrate the image to optimize its display on a
monitor.
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MagicMatch only functions when you are scanning in color mode. When you are using MagicMatch, it
automatically disables the Level/Curve and Color Adjustment/Balance settings in the VistaScan Advanced
window.
Show Ruler
The Show Ruler command displays or hides the rulers that border the top and left sides of the Preview
window. These rulers correspond to the rulers on your scanner’s object glass. Clicking on the Show Ruler
checkbox turns off (removes the checkmark) and hides the ruler. Clicking on the checkbox again turns the
feature on (displays a checkmark) and shows the ruler.
Tips Help
The Tips Help option determines whether tips are displayed when you pause with your cursor over a
VistaScan option. Click on the Tips Help box to enable tips (displays a checkmark). When a checkmark
appears, clicking the checkbox disables the tips and removes the checkmark.
Scan Destination
The options in this Preferences tab specify how scanned images are stored, printed, faxed, transferred to
another application, or transmitted via e-mail.
File
To set the location for your stored images:
1. Click on the File icon. The file preferences appear to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. Enter the directory in which you want to store the scanned image file, in the File Directory text box. If
you are not sure of the directory path, click the Browse button to locate the desired directory.
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3. Enter the file name under which you want to store the scanned image files (such as TMP) in the File
Name text box.
4. Select the file format in which you want to save scanned images from the File Format drop down list.
Printer
To specify which printer to use when printing scanned images:
1. Click on the Printer icon. The printer driver currently selected as the default appears to the right of
the Scan To icon set.
2. If you want to change any of the printer settings, click on the Properties button. The standard Print
Setup dialog box opens. Make any changes you want, and then click OK to return to the Preference
settings.
E-mail
To specify which e-mail application to use when you e-mail scanned images:
1. Click on the E-mail icon. The e-mail preferences appear to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. Click on the button next to the e-mail software you are using (Microsoft Exchange or Lotus cc:Mail).
3. Select the image format you want to use when you attach scanned images to your email application
from the Image Format drop down list.
Fax
1. Click on the Fax icon. The fax driver (or printer if a fax driver is not selected) currently selected as the
default appears to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. If you want to change any of the settings, click on the Properties button. The standard Print Setup
dialog box opens. Make any changes you want, and then, click OK to return to the Preference settings.
Application
1. Click on the Application icon. The application preferences appear to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. Enter the application name to which you want to send the scanned image files (such as Presto!
PageManager) in the Application Name text box.
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3. Enter the file name of the application executable in the File Name text box. If you are not sure of the
directory path, click the Browse button to locate the correct path.
4. Select the image format in which you want to save scanned images from the Image Format drop
down list.
Scanner Information
The Scanner Information tab displays important information about your scanner.
The information includes:
• Scanner Manufacturer
• Scanner Model
• Firmware Version
• VistaScan Version
• Maximum Scan Width and Length
• Maximum Resolution
VistaScan Beginner Window Features
The VistaScan Beginner window appears when you launch VistaScan. The features of the VistaScan
Beginner window let you scan a wide variety of documents, photos, and graphics. Just click a button.
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Scanning an item via the Beginner window consists of just a few steps:
1. Perform a preview scan of the item to be scanned by clicking the Preview button. The item is quickly
scanned at low-resolution, and is displayed in the Preview window (on the left side of the VistaScan
Beginner window).
2. Select what you want to do with the image after it is scanned using the Scan To icons.
3. Specify what kind of image you are going to scan, and start the final scan process using the Click To
Scan icons.
Performing the Preview Scan
The Preview feature lets you scan an item at low-resolution so you can define the specific area to be
scanned when you scan at higher resolution.
To preview the item you are going to scan:
1. Place the item you want to scan face-down on the object glass, under the inverted triangle that appears
in the center of the rear ruler.
2. Click the Preview button on the right side of the Beginner window.
The image is quickly scanned and displayed in the Preview window.
There are three Preview tools in the VistaScan Beginner window.
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Zoom Tool – Lets you enlarge or reduce the view of the image in the Preview window. To use the Zoom
tool:
Once the preview image appears in the Preview window, click on the Magnifying Glass icon. Move your
cursor into the Preview window and click. The image enlarges. To reduce the view size, press the shift
key (the command key on the Macintosh) and click the Preview window.
Frame Tool – Lets you select the portion of the image displayed in the Preview window you want scanned
in the final scan step.
You can size the selection frame by clicking on the Frame tool and placing your cursor over one of the
four edges of the frame (which changes the cursor shape to a two-headed arrow), drag the Frame inward to
reduce the size, or outward to increase the size.
You can also move a selected frame by positioning the cursor inside the frame (which changes the cursor
shape to a four-direction arrow), and dragging the frame to another location in the Preview window.
Move Tool – Lets you move an image in the Preview window so you can see portions that are not visible
because the image is zoomed too large to display completely. Click on the Move tool. Put the cursor
inside the Preview window (which changes the cursor shape to a hand). Scroll the image view by clicking
and dragging the cursor.
Selecting the Scan to Device or Application
To specify the device or application to which you want to send the scanned item, click on the icon that
represents this device or application.
The icons include:
File – stores the scanned image in a file using the file name specified in the VistaScan Preferences.
Print – prints the scanned item on the default printer.
Fax – faxes the scanned item using your fax driver.
Application – sends the scanned item to the applications specified in the VistaScan Preferences.
E-mail – sends the scanned item as a graphic file to your Microsoft Exchange or Lotus cc:Mail
application. (NOTE: Other e-mail applications are not supported.)
Defining the Type of Image to Scan
The Beginner window provides pre-defined scanning options so you can quickly and easily scan any of the
following items:
• Color Photos – use this setting when you want to scan color or black and white photos
• Printed Matter – use this setting when you want to scan something that has been printed like a
brochure, magazine, etc.
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• Text/Lineart documents – use this setting when you want to scan the text contained in a document, or
when you want to scan simple lineart graphics.
• Web Images – use this setting when you want to scan graphics and then use them on the web.
To specify the type of image you are going to scan, click on the icon that represents the type of item you
want to scan.
Clicking on any of these icons automatically starts the final scan process using the pre-defined scan
settings. The scanned image is saved or sent to the device or application you specified by clicking on the
Scan To icon.
VistaScan Advanced Features
The VistaScan Advanced window gives you the ability to adjust the scan setting individually so you can
customize the settings for the type of document you are going to scan. If you are a novice computer user,
you may want to use the VistaScan Beginner window until you are more familiar with VistaScan and the
scanning process. The Beginner window options are preset to provide a quick and easy way to scan
images.
If you are an experienced computer user with some scanning experience, you can use the features contained
in the Advanced window to optimize the scan process for the specific item you are going to scan.
The Advanced window contains the following tools and features you can use to scan documents:
• Original Document Source Settings
• Image Mode Settings
• Resolution Settings
• Descreen Settings
• Filter Settings
• Scaling Options
• Auto Adjustment Setting
• Scan Control Unit
• Multiple Scan Mode Settings
• Color Adjustment Feature Panel
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Changing the Original Document Source
The Original Document Source setting identifies the item you want to scan.
You can choose from the following settings:
Flatbed Reflective: Scans paper originals (non-transparencies) e.g., photographs, documents, and
brochures.
UTA (Transmissive): (Astra 3450 only) Scans transparent objects through which light can pass (e.g.,
35mm slides). Optimum quality is achieved by making sure your Frame (see Frame Tool p.18) does not
extend beyond the image area of the transparent material.
UTA (Negative): (Astra 3450 only) Scans photographic negatives or films. Optimum quality is achieved
by changing the Image Mode (see below) to “True Color, 42-Bit RGB” and making sure your Frame (See
Frame Tool p.18) does not extend beyond the image area of the film negative.
Automatic Document Feeder: The Automatic Document Feeder option is not available with the Astra
3400 or 3450 scanners.
Changing the Image Mode
VistaScan can scan a wide variety of image types.
True Color, RGB: Scans a full color photo or document. The RGB indicates the colors of Red, Green,
and Blue. This setting creates larger files that the B/W Photo setting.
True Color, CMYK: Converts RGB (video) color data into CMYK (printed) color data using a special
color transformation process. When scanning is completed the CMYK image is ready for printing on a
CMYK color printer.
NOTE: Most ink jet printers use RGB rather than CMYK printing.
256 Colors: Scans color images using 256 colors. The 256 color images take up less memory and hard
disk space than the True Color RGB option.
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