Introduces Synchron Table Models

April 1, 2002: Building on past success with the popular line of Synchron Light scanners, Cruse Digital Equipment is pleased to announce the introduction of the Synchron Table series of scanners.

Aimed at décor companies and fine-art imagers, the Synchron Table scanners feature innovative designs sure to make them the system of choice. The new scanners feature a fixed light source and image sensor, and scan by moving the original on a specially designed vacuum table. This keeps the focal distance fixed throughout the entire scan, resulting in maximum sharpness from edge to edge.

Four models will be sold in the US market:

CS 155ST – for originals as large as 36"x48"

CS 185ST – for originals as large as 40"x60"

CS 220ST – for originals as large as 48"x72"

CS 285ST – for originals as large as 59"x88"

Per Kurt Ernst, Managing Director of Cruse Digital Equipment, "Demand for our scanners in the worldwide décor market is growing, and the introduction of the Synchron Table scanners is a good demonstration of how much we value customer input. Décor customers are very particular about resolution, lighting, image quality and the surface texture of the original being scanned. Based on conversations with our décor clients, we were able to develop a completely new line of scanners ideally suited to their needs". "Fortunately", continues Ernst, "the same features that make the scanner well suited to décor imaging also make it ideal for fine art imaging. Based on initial response, we expect this scanner to be very popular in the North American market".

Synchron Table scanners can be customized to the individual application with a wide range of options, including:

• Additional lighting to maximize the capture of surface textures
• A frame correction feature that allows scanning of framed oil paintings at maximum sharpness
• Automatic load positioning to simplify scanning of large originals
• Polarization filters to eliminate glare on highly reflective originals.

Since the Synchron Table scanners are simpler in design and require fewer moving parts, they are priced below the popular Cruse Synchron Light scanners.

Other changes to the Cruse product line for 2002 include lower pricing on the entire range of Cruse Professional scanners. "In the US Market, our customers frequently shop our scanners against digital camera back-based systems", say Ernst. "We have lowered the price of our Professional scanners to appeal to customers shopping in this price bracket. For the cost of a good digital back-based system, customers can now purchase a fully integrated scanner that produces better results and is easier to operate. Best of all, it features the legendary Cruse name".

Professional model scanners range in size from the CS 130 P (which handles 30" x 42" originals) to the CS 175 P (which handles 40"x60" originals). All Professional models are available with a 220 MB or 450 MB head, and all feature the proven side light design.

Synchron Light models range from the CS 110 SL (for 24"x36" originals) to the CS 285 SL (for 59" x 88" originals). Exceptionally versatile, Synchron Light models use a patented moving lamp design, which provides even illumination and reduces overall light exposure on originals. Since their introduction, Synchron Light scanners have become the device of choice for large format imaging in photo labs, repro shops, museums and archives worldwide. All Synchron Light models are available in 220 MB and 450 MB head configurations.

Cruse Digital Equipment is the US based arm of Cruse GmbH. Known for the legendary Cruse Camera, Cruse GmbH has focused research and development efforts on creating a line of premium-quality large format scanners. The resulting Cruse scanners can handle originals as small as a 35mm slide, and as large as 5’x8’. Cruse scanners are in place at such locations as the Beethoven Museum in Bonn, Germany; the Vatican’s Secret Archives; NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX; and industry-leading photo and repro customers such as Rieger Communications and Bay State Reprographics.

For additional information on the Cruse scanner product line, please call Cruse Digital Equipment at (973) 208-7289.