Best MFC for scanning covers

[videogametrader]

So, i was hoping someone could provide some advice.

I need a new Multi-Function Printer/Scanner/Copier for the store. I would prefer the printer part to be a B&W laser. Does anyone have any suggestions? I want to make sure that the scanning function will remove Moire (think i spelled it right).

Thanks

Tom

[Arseen]

No direct advice but Canon seems to have best scanner program even at low end printer/scanners.

Don't know is there B&W printer that has high quality color scanner in it, seems bit inprobable.

[wiggy]

Removing moire pattern is a software function, not hardware.  If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

Other than that, I know nothing about combo devices. 

[videogametrader]

Removing moire pattern is a software function, not hardware.  If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

Other than that, I know nothing about combo devices. 

I didn't even know that was a function of Photoshop. I'm going to try that.

[Arseen]

If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

How hell then so few (if any) Photoshop users manage to get moire free scans?

[e_brugal]

At work I have a Canon all in one (scanner, printer, fax, copy) and it's an excellent one, that's why I'm searching for one to buy too.

[wiggy]

Removing moire pattern is a software function, not hardware.  If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

Other than that, I know nothing about combo devices. 

I didn't even know that was a function of Photoshop. I'm going to try that.

As long as the scanner drivers are installed, you should be able to go to "file > import > (scanner name)" from within Photoshop

If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

How hell then so few (if any) Photoshop users manage to get moire free scans?

Not to offend anyone, but I imagine it's because so many of the people scanning are using Photoshop on a strictly amateur/hobby level.   Nothing wrong with that, just that most probably aren't aware of a lot of features like that.

[Arseen]

Not to offend anyone, but I imagine it's because so many of the people scanning are using Photoshop on a strictly amateur/hobby level.   Nothing wrong with that, just that most probably aren't aware of a lot of features like that.

Come to think I think I've never seen good non-blurred moire-free scan from even our pro Photoshop users.

Pleaasse someone proof me wrong.

[videogametrader]

Removing moire pattern is a software function, not hardware.  If you were to scan from Photoshop for instance, that option is available for any scanner

Other than that, I know nothing about combo devices. 

So i just tried to scan something from within Photoshop. I tried both the TWAIN driver and the WIA driver (whatever that is). The TWAIN driver is simply using the software that came with the scanner which doesn't have any ability to remove the Moire from the image. The WIA driver appears to be a bar-bones basic scan driver with little to no options.

So i don't think its a photoshop setting. Unless someone can point me in the direction of where to set that setting.

[videogametrader]

I am hoping some of you scanning experts can help me out. Ok, so my scanner can't descreen. I've cried it out and not i am moving on.

So what i have done is scanned the image at 600 dpi (that is the original scan below).
In Photoshop I changed the MODE to LAB COLOR.

This gave my image 4 channels (Lab, Lightness, a and b). I hid everything except for Lightness.

I then applied Gaussian Blur 1.5 pixels to the image. I then unhid the rest of the channels and changed the MODE back to RGB. I re-sized the image to 300dpi.

Below are the results.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I am very interested in what the cover admins have to say. I have a bunch of RAWS scanned and want to clean them up and make covers.

Thanks for looking.


Original Scan


Filtered Scan

[Arseen]

Actually quite good result.

Now scan some SNES (or similar) cover to show can those be saved from the dredded moire.

[videogametrader]

Ok, here is an snes cover. Please note that I did NOT do any other filtering or fixing of the image. I only attempted to de-screen it.

Fixed Image


Original scan

[Arseen]

I guess it got bit better. I think a good cover could be done from that.
But that image is not the best example to judge as it's motion blurred photo and pretty monotone, try something more cartoony.

Anyway I gotta hit the hay, but I try to check your next images before leaving to work in the morning.

[videogametrader]

Ok here is another one. This one is Alundra for PS1

Before



After

[Arseen]

Yeah, I don't think too much detail is lost (if any).

Great result.