SilverFast’s VLT acts as an image file browser for digital images

What exactly is the VLT?

The SilverFast VLT (included in SilverFast HDR and SilverFast HDR Studio) is a Virtual Light Table, a kind of image file browser for scanned images. The VLT is used for selecting the desired scans for image optimization in batch mode quickly and well-arranged. The customizable preview function, and the possibilities for image rating and marking facilitate this process.

The Archive Suite Workflow is designed initially scan all images and to do the image optimization afterwards. Depending on scanner model and the media to digitize, SilverFast’s important tools iSRD and Multi-Exposure may be used therefore. Thus, all image data which is detectable at all, will be captured. An IT8 calibration in advance is recommended. For a non-destructive workflow images should be saved into the raw data format HDRi^RAW. Therefore, the user can choose between TIFF and DNG file. For efficiency, SilverFast’s batch scanning capabilities may come in handy. Some scanners are able to automatically digitize whole magazines of slides and negatives. Batch scanning is also available for photos by scanning multiple photos simultaneously from the flatbed. After this first step, all image data is now safely stored on the hard disk.

For image optimization, SilverFast HDR (Studio) is the software. Therefore, the VLT tool is perfect for sorting and selecting images, just like a real light table for mounted slides or film strips. Disk directories are easily imported using a navigation tool. An overview area shows small thumbnails of the images contained in the selected directory. There also is a zoom functionality to quickly view an image in detail. For categorization, color marks and ratings can be added to each image.

From version 9.1.2, the VLT allows to select and combine various filters in order to search an image archive recursively. The list or gallery view will only show those files that meet the selected criteria. In this way, these files can be quickly marked, imported into the JobManager and created as a job. This makes it very easy to process selected images from several folders in a single job without having to copy these images into one folder.

Files that do not meet the filter criteria are hidden as long as the filter is activated. Filters can be managed and configured in detail by clicking on the filter icon.

All images will now be listed in the JobManager dialog window as single job entries. Each job can be optimized as needed with the known SilverFast tools. However, the JobManager’s great strength is to easily copy tool settings from one job to many others. After all settings have been adjusted, the batch processing of all jobs can be started. SilverFast performs the image optimization and saves the new image files to the hard disk.

With SilverFast’s Archive Suite you get a package of scanner software SilverFast Ai Studio and image processing software SilverFast HDR Studio as a perfectly adjusted supplement. The VLT as the new Virtual Light Table represents the ideal link between scanner and digital imaging software.

LaserSoft Imaging