Mustek Scanexpress A3 USB 1200 Pro Poor Image Quality

I just got the large format A3 USB 1200 Pro to replace an older Epson large format scanner that only works sometimes in Leopard. I'm using the provided 10.4-10.5 drivers through CS1 and find the scanned images VERY soft/blurry. A side by side comparison of the same scanned subject show a LOT more detail in the scan from the older scanner, and this is just at 300ppi!
The Mustek is a fraction of the price, but I was hoping to have significantly better scan quality than what I am seeing. Anyone have any ideas, perhaps someone that has this model? Would a different driver yield better results? Could the scanner hardware be off? It is an odd scanner in that there is no on or off switch and it only comes to life when a scan job is sent through via the Photoshop import. I have tried contacting Mustek but have not heard anything back yet.
Thanks.

Templeton Peck wrote:
Mustek scanners are awful and they have never fully supported Macs...
And you get what you pay for. Good quality Epson and HP scanners are so cheap these days, I suggest you just save yourself the hassle, get one and return the Mustek.
Thanks Templeton, but I think the image quality would be below the standards of even a value brand company such as Mustek. It does scan, but I am wondering if some setting is off or even if there is a hardware issue.
I was aware of Mustek's questionable reputation when ordering the scanner, but there were enough good reviews warrant giving it a shot. Cost is an issue and you you can find an A3 or larger scanner that works with the latest OS X for well under $1000, I'd be interested. As it is, I don't have the $2000+ that it looks like it would cost.
Thanks.

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Mustek Scanexpress A3 USB 1200 Pro Problems

Hello. I can't get my Mac Desktop Pro to recognize my new scanner since I upgraded to Snow Leopard. Mustek's website doesn't have a new driver and I am waiting for a response to my e-mail that I sent 2 days ago.
Anyone else have this problem or a solution?
Thanks;
Henry

I have adopted a work around to solve (my) problem.
I don't trust Mustek nor Apple to find a solution any time soon, or later.
I'm using a virtual machine created with Parallels Desktop 4. VMWare can be used too.
I use the virtual machine as a "layer" that supports a scanner application. I mean, with Windows 7 running, optimized for speed, set with a large virtual memory and the strictly necessary programs running in the background.
The virtual machine itself was optimized accordingly with my MacMini.
Once I got this light and fast machine and a fast and light Windows 7, I installed "Vuescan", and (among other preferences), I set it to save the scanned files in the Mac Desktop.
It runs and scans even faster that in the previous OS X Leopard, when ironically the scanner drivers ran natively in the Mac and with Photoshop CS3 and CS4 (for MAC)
Here you have some shots of my configuration:
Parallels machine menu: The scanner-machine in suspend mode for faster start:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-geqkrjwakfjnusxw7w6k73p5qm.jpg
The machine selected and ready to start:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-gkkpwsaia7a7axu3e2g7tq8rsw.jpg
The (application) started maximized in the machine, so it looks like the application running by itself on the Mac desktop:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-fx6fafedcicj54iqgjx3gjsgpq.jpg
Making a preview with the scanner:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-bia7w5pucb9rfx7isjsbg5dwwq.jpg
Scanning the selection field:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-8t3ngftuyyas526a2ugybfypga.jpg
Setting up the default "Save" folder:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-rk6ekhjcygkbkd8y8up3kg3hdj.jpg
File saved conveniently on my desktop, so I don't have the go for it through the virtual machine and do additional steps like drag 'n drop or copy and paste:
http://img.skitch.com/20091031-j7bs7pxuaftcpxx3finx428tx3.jpg
This can be made using Windows XP, Vista and any other application for scanning, i.e. Photoshop.
I will stick with this solution until I can!

Mustek ScanExpress A3 USB 1200 Pro Flatbed Scanner

Has anyone experience with this scanner? At newegg.com the price ($165.99) looks good and the document size 11.7"x16.5 seems great for music which is often larger than letter size.

G'morning!
Hardy, I came very close to downloading the wrong driver because the paperwork inside the scanner box was for the 2400 - I realized at the last minute that something didn't sound right and got the correct one.
Geoffrey, oh boy. I think that you have given me something to try and a heads-up to the reason it hasn't worked thus far. The link to the driver you gave is the very one that MUSTEK had me download. The driver that ADOBE had me download was here: (I hope but if the link doesn't work the name of the dmg is in it)
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/search/index.cfm?loc=enus&term=PHSPCS4_ContLS1.dmg&siteSection=support%3Adownloads
In the file structure for PSe8, the folder Plug-Ins has 10 sub-folders. OK. The twain.plugin that came with the original installation of the PSe8 program was placed in a sub-folder called Import Modules (where it remains). The twain.plugin that I downloaded per MUSTEK's instructions, the same one you used, was placed at their instruction in a sub-folder called Extensions. The third twain.plugin (can you believe it?) that ADOBE had me download was placed at their instruction in a sub-folder called File Formats.
The one thing ADOBE had me do that Mustek did not, was to add the folder pointer under Preferences/Plug-Ins in PSe8.
The documentation that came with the package you used, and that MUSTEK recommended directs the plug-in to be placed in Import-Export. That sounds similar to the folder called Import Modules, where the program's own pre-installed plug-in resides.
I hope this is clearer than my own confusion makes it seem to me (keeping all the variations straight is making me dizzy). I am going to try to use the plug-in you are using, place it in the Extensions sub-folder that MUSTEK wanted and then add the folder pointer in preferences. I don't think I'm knowledgeable enough at this point to try replacing the program's original plug-in with the legacy version. I just don't know what other implications that would have.
Of course, I could use all this as the perfect excuse to treat myself to an upgrade to Photoshop.
I really appreciate the input you all have given me, and your patience with a newbie. While I do want the scanner to work, I am very much enjoying this as an opportunity to learn more about my Mac and how it works. A week ago I had no idea of "TWAIN" and laughed at the "Technology Without An Informative Name" and other versions. If I get something to work, I'll post the specifics of what went where to make it happen.
Thanks! MJ

Mustek scanexpress a3 usb 2400 pro

Hi,
So at work I was trying to hook up this scanner I have near my station, a mustek scanexpress a3 usb 2400 pro, but I can't detect it.
I downloaded the latest drivers off the Mustek website and I tried using Vuescan, Image capture and Photoshop to see if I could get it to work, but nothing.
It wasn't detected in the preferences Scanner and Printer utility.
My coworker who runs a windows machine got it to work without any issues.
Anyone have any good fixes for this?
Thanks

Templeton Peck wrote:
Mustek scanners are awful and they have never fully supported Macs...
And you get what you pay for. Good quality Epson and HP scanners are so cheap these days, I suggest you just save yourself the hassle, get one and return the Mustek.
Thanks Templeton, but I think the image quality would be below the standards of even a value brand company such as Mustek. It does scan, but I am wondering if some setting is off or even if there is a hardware issue.
I was aware of Mustek's questionable reputation when ordering the scanner, but there were enough good reviews warrant giving it a shot. Cost is an issue and you you can find an A3 or larger scanner that works with the latest OS X for well under $1000, I'd be interested. As it is, I don't have the $2000+ that it looks like it would cost.
Thanks.

Mustek A3 USB 1200 Pro-blems.

I bought a Mustek A3 USB 1200 pro and haven't been able to find any answers online on how to get it to work with my macbook. The software included isn't an option and I'm using CS2 or CS3. Any suggestions? The Mustek site seems to be outdated. I DLed Sane and changed some lines of code as one site suggested but I realized it was in referrence to a version of PS that I wasn't using and I'm not sure how to reset it, or if it matters that I do. Any help would be greatly appreciated, finally getting an 11 x 17 scanner was supposed to be awesome, no more crappy paste ups from all-in-ones, but alas, still no scanning...
Daniel

Templeton Peck wrote:
Mustek scanners are awful and they have never fully supported Macs...
And you get what you pay for. Good quality Epson and HP scanners are so cheap these days, I suggest you just save yourself the hassle, get one and return the Mustek.
Thanks Templeton, but I think the image quality would be below the standards of even a value brand company such as Mustek. It does scan, but I am wondering if some setting is off or even if there is a hardware issue.
I was aware of Mustek's questionable reputation when ordering the scanner, but there were enough good reviews warrant giving it a shot. Cost is an issue and you you can find an A3 or larger scanner that works with the latest OS X for well under $1000, I'd be interested. As it is, I don't have the $2000+ that it looks like it would cost.
Thanks.

HT201335 Airplay Mirror Poor Image Quality on CBS app - help?

Airplay mirror from iMac/iPad to HD TV w/Apple TV has a Poor Image Quality when watching network shows via for example the CBS.com site or the CBS app. The image looks dark, not HD at all. My internet speed/performance is obviously not the issue because Hulu, Netflix etc all come in great using Apple TV ~ sorry, not all that savvy in this department, is the poor picture down to it just being a mirror of the iMac or iPad or is there a setting or something I am missing?

You should use the Acrobat extra menu in word 2010: then edit Preferences and choose Conversion settings : High quality print
Hope it helps

Has anyone had issues with poor image quality when using lightroom to process raw images from Canon 7dmk2

Hi everyone..
..I have been having image quality issues when using Lightroom to process raw files from a 7d mk2... They are all soft with poor clarity.....tonight in despair I tried processing them using canon's software and they are totally different..."much better"
anyone else had similar problems....Andy

I have a 7D2 and have not had what I interpret as poor image quality that has anything to do with the camera.
Can you post a screenshot of what you’re seeing and what specifically you don’t like? Maybe there is something you can do differently or at least there may be an explanation for what you’re seeing.
And if you have a raw image that you wouldn’t mind sharing in a public forum, upload to http://www.dropbox.com/ then post a public share link to it in a reply, here.
In other words post a screenshot of what you see in LR, another of what you see using DPP, and a link to the raw file you’re processing.

Aperture Light Table - Poor image quality

I am using the Light Table function in Aperture (3.4.5.) and I had an issue with the quality of the images on it, when zoomed in or scaled to fit.
The quality of the (larger spread) images looks poor. As if I zoomed in on a thumbnail.
I was looking for a discussion on this and saw some (archived) threads. None of them solved.
However, I think I have found a workaround.
If you get this situation, you can select the image(s) on the light table and regenerate the preview.
Option-click Menu => Photos => Generate Previews
(note: if you don't use the Option key, you will get Menu => Photos => Update Previews and Aperture may say (unjust) that the preview is already up-to-date).
That solves the poor image quality look.

I just remade the same book - as a test - in the extra large hardback format (ie. the one I used for the previous publication, last year).
This time, the pictures are fine. The images appear to be the same quality in the PDF as the originals - much, much better. The size of the file has increased massively too > up from just 2.6MB to 52.8MB.
So does the books production function work well only with the biggest, most expensive option?
I'd really appreciate some feedback from anyone who's tried the different sizes, and preferably some brilliant ideas to make them all work equally well.

Poor image quality save for web

It doesn't matter whether i'm exporting from Ai or Ps or whether it's CS6 or CC. I have changed the raster settings in Ai and i've also tried all optimization options with all different export file types (jpg, png, gif) at all different quality settings. It doesn't matter if I start with an ai, eps, pdf, png... the export result is always poor quality.
I have tried exporting at 300ppi and that does fix the quality issue and bloats the file size, but this way (the export route) is so time consuming since you have to resize your artwork each time as well as the artboard so that it doesn't cut off pixels. Save for web never used to have these quality issues and it also never used to cut off pixels around the edges. These workarounds prove very time consuming and produce file sizes that are not ideal.
When i first noticed this issue I was using Mavericks with CS6 and since am using Yosemite and Creative Cloud.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Create any bitmap or vector graphic in Ai or Ps, It doesn't matter whether you convert text to outlines or not
2. Save for web
3. View image in any application or browser to see poor quality and pixel trimming. Others running the same version and system are not having this issue, but I have checked many forums and found many others that do have this same issue but can't seem to find a solution.
Results:stair stepping, degradation, pixel trimming, general poor image quality
Expected results: Previously the save for web feature allowed for a decent quality image

First try the Cleaner. here's the link for CC but there exists one for Cs6 as well Use the CC Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems | CC, CS3-CS6
Everything I have read says that you kind of have to compromise file-size for quality. Could you post a screenshot of your settings?
also, if it helps: Creative Suite * Optimizing images

Poor image quality with save for web

It doesn't matter whether i'm exporting from Ai or Ps or whether it's CS6 or CC. I have changed the raster settings in Ai and i've also tried all optimization options with all different export file types (jpg, png, gif) at all different quality settings. It doesn't matter if I start with an ai, eps, pdf, png... the export result is always poor quality.
I have tried exporting at 300ppi and that does fix the quality issue and bloats the file size, but this way (the export route) is so time consuming since you have to resize your artwork each time as well as the artboard so that it doesn't cut off pixels. Save for web never used to have these quality issues and it also never used to cut off pixels around the edges. These workarounds prove very time consuming and produce file sizes that are not ideal.
When i first noticed this issue I was using Mavericks with CS6 and since am using Yosemite and Creative Cloud.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Create any bitmap or vector graphic in Ai or Ps, It doesn't matter whether you convert text to outlines or not
2. Save for web
3. View image in any application or browser to see poor quality and pixel trimming. Others running the same version and system are not having this issue, but I have checked many forums and found many others that do have this same issue but can't seem to find a solution.
Results:stair stepping, degradation, pixel trimming, general poor image quality
Expected results: Previously the save for web feature allowed for a decent quality image

I thought of that too so I tested on another machine with retina display and the file i saved on my machine looked bad on my machine and on the other comparable machine/display. So I sent them the original vector ai file and watched while they saved it the exact same way on their machine and the file looked fine on both of our machines/displays.
All of the settings they used appeared the same as what I used but with different results. I don't recall changing anything but does anyone know if there is some setting that could have been changed that is causing this issue?

Really poor image quality when watching DVDs

Hi,
I was just wondering whether anybody else has experienced really poor image quality whilst watching DVDs on their MacBook? For me, the image is really grainy or blurry. I am pretty sure it cannot be the DVDs as this problem is happening with every film I watch!
Is this a common problem? What can be done (if anything) to resolve this?
Many thanks,
John

Hi John,
open system preference>display, and check if your color depth is in millions color.
try other dvd player like VLC for mac:
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html
Good Luck.

Poor Image Quality on Finished Project

I've seen similar questions before, but no responses. I put together a movie using still pictures, titles, and audio from iTunes using iMovie. I then export it to a .m4v format and import it into iDVD (the newest version). It looks perfect when I view it on my computer, but when I burn it (which works as it should), I get very poor image quality watching it on my TV. The images have red shadows that stretch and cover the faces. Some of the pictures are just more red than they should be, but others are just terrible. Even using the highest quality encoding, the problem persists. PLEASE HELP. Thank you.

Hi
a. make a DiskImage first and test this with Apple DVD-player.
(File menu and down "Make a DiskImage")
b. I only use streamingDV - no .m4v or like (may be it works - I don't know)
else
*Not knowing the origin to Your problem - General approach when in trouble is as follows.*
• Free space on internal (start-up) hard disk if it is less than 10Gb should rather have 25Gb
• Hard disk is untidy. Repair Permissions, Repair Hard disk (Apple Disc Util tool)
• Delete iDVD pref file - *or rather start a new user/account* - log into this and re-try
iDVD pref file resides. Mac Hard Disk (start-up HD)/Users/"Your account"/Library/Preferences and is named.
com.apple.iDVD.plist
While iDVD is NOT RUNNING - move this file out to desk-top.
Now restart iDVD.
• Program miss-match. iDVD 5.0.2, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK - DON’T work under Leopard
• Program miss-match. iDVD 6.0.4, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK (might work under Leopard)
• Program miss-match. iDVD’08 v. 7.0.1, Mac OS X.4.11 AND QuickTime 7.5.5 - is OK (might work under Leopard)
• iDVD (08) v7 Locate theme folder. Move out iDVD1, iDVD 2 and eventually iDVD4 folders to desktop - re-try
• Try a Cleaning CD/DVD that cleans the laser lens on the DVD burner/player
iDVD 6.0.4 and iDVD 7.0.1 are compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Last resort. from Craig. Solved the problem!! Finally!!
I deleted every iDVD application and folder from my boot drive,
emptied the trash and then installed iDVD 08 using the customize option
and I am up and running.
If You do a re-install be sure to get rid of all iDVD old parts AND then EMPTY the Trash-basket !
Yours Bengt W

Poor image quality when scanning coins with officejet pro 8600 plus

I recently upgraded my printer from an HP 2210 to and HP officejet pro 8600 plus. image quality on coin scans is terrible.
I have tried scanning both with the HP software and with windows 7 fax and scan software
I have saved images as BMP, JPG, PNG, and TIFF
I have used resolutions from 300 dpi to 1200 DPI
All give me similar unacceptable results.
Images are better when scanned flat on the scanner than when in slabbed holders, and from this I am guessing that the plastic is somehow interfering wiht the scan. Either that, or there is a very shallow depth of field so that even moving the coin a few mm away from the glass moves it out of focus. But even a raw coin placed directly on the glass has significantly worse image quality than the old 2100.
The first image is a coin scanned with the old 2100. The second has been scanned in a similar slab by the 8600

Hi terry_renee,
Welcome to the HP Forums! I am happy to help you with this scanning issue! I did a test with an HP Officejet 8600, at 1200 dpi, and no plastic covering. Just the quarter on the glass, and we cropped it to the quarter. This is the result.
I have a few questions for you:
What Operating System are you using for scanning? Windows or Mac? What version?
What scanning software are you using?
Are you scanning from the computer, or the printer's control panel?
Hope to hear back from you, and have a great day!
RnRMusicMan
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" to say “Thanks” for helping!

Poor Image Quality when Printing PDF from Office 07 using Acrobat 9 Pro Ext

Hi there,
Hoping to figure out why my images (jpegs, gifs, pngs, etc) seem to print in very poor quality when printing from Powerpoint and Word 2007?
When I actually print out the pdf onto paper, the images seem fine. The image quality is also good in Word and Excel
I did not have this problem using Office 2003 products.
Is this a common problem? I realize that the problem maybe Office related but any help or information appreciated.
Thanks

If the images' file format is PNG or TIFF you could play with the compression settings available in Acrobat's Preferences.
Edit > Preferences > select the Category "Convert to PDF".
In the"Converting To PDF" pane, select PNG or TIFF.
Then, click on the Edit Settings" button.
For either image format you could try one of the Lossless compression routines.
Be well...

Poor image quality on computer

I recently completed a short film in FCE and burned it to DVD using iDVD (7.0.4) set to Professional Quality. When the DVD is played back on my TV it looks fine. However when I play it on my iMac the image quality is rather poor (very grainy, pixelated), particularly when played full-screen. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hi
Nothing wrong with that.
• There are NO HD version of iDVD up till NOW
• Your iMac screen has a at least 4 to 5 times Greater resolution
• On the DVD there is SD (old TV quality resolution) and that's what's playbacked
• One can do a few things to get as much possibly from iDVD and from FCE/P
I do - from FinalCut E/P
• Export out as a QuickTime .mov file
• Not Selfcontained - not important but saves time and space
• NO QUICKTIME CONVERSION - Important
• I use Verbatim DVD-R in iDVD
• I set down burn speed to x4 or x1
• I use Pro Encoding Quality
• I secure a minimum of 25Gb free space on internal boot/start-up hard disk
(iDVD can't use space on others - AT ALL)
Yours Bengt W

Mustek Scanexpress A3 USB 1200 Pro Poor Image Quality

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