Existing users, log in.  New users, create a free account.  Lost password?

Mac OS X  |  Design / Graphics  |  Photoshop Filters / Plugins  |  SilverFast Ai (Epson) Perfection 4870  |  Simply does not work

SilverFast Ai (Epson) Perfection 4870

SilverFast Ai (Epson) Perfection 4870

scanner software

Version:  6.6.0r1

   [ Views: 74 ]

Simply does not work

Feedback Type:  Review

Contributed by: Guy Carmeli Thursday, July 30 2009 @ 03:04 PM PDT

Product Platform: MacOSX

Used Product For: Over One Year

Recommend Product: NO

I have been a SF user since 2005. I am a professional designer and photographer and used to use SF for my work on a daily basis.
When I purchased a new Mac Pro workstation last year I had to upgrade SF to version 6.6 in order for it to work with Leopard and Intel. Since then it has not worked. Every time I launch it, whether through the PS plugin or standalone, it gives me a "scanner not found" error, and either quits or I have to force quit it together with PS losing my work. Apple's Image Capture and Epson's Epson Scan find the scanner immediately. Ironically, using Windows XP via Boot Camp with the same version of SF works fine as well.
I am a veteran Mac user with good technical background. I keep my workstation up to date, and check it for problems regularly. I can see clearly that this version of SF is problematic, but support only replies with general solutions like reseting, re-installing, checking permissions, etc. I have been very specific in my description of the problem numerous times but I do not get professional and specific responses. I use many other products, and I have worked myself in software companies for many years; I can see clearly when I am dealing with a low quality product. Even when it did work in prior versions, the software seemed outdated and buggy. While the scan technology produced great results, the usability was awful. The interface is amateurish and belongs to the early 90's.

I have tried to post my problem in their forum twice but the post did not appear.
I cannot find anywhere on their site a customer service address, so I sent my request to sales, after giving up on the support team, but I did not get a response from them as well.

I currently do not want any explanations or support assistance - just my money back. I am infuriated and disappointed from this attitude, and surprised by the lack of professionalism. I've never experienced such apathy and disrespect from a "respected" company.   
Overall Rating:

Ease of Use:

Support:

Features:

Quality / Stability:

Rate this Review

Was this Review helpful? Yes | No

Comments

1 comments |

***UPDATE*** - Guy Carmeli

Apparently there is now way to delete or edit reviews; I even tried contacting VT directly but received no reply to date (for your attention, VT).

As for my SilverFast fiasco:
I have contacted their CEO directly through his forum user, disclosing my anger and disappointment, and received a prompt response with a sincere apology and compensation. The following day I received a phone call from their senior support personnel, who patiently walked me through the issue until it was eventually solved. He was very helpful and friendly, as was the CEO in his emails.
Also, it seems they have tried contacting me initially through my outdated email form my forum details, and not through the email I used to contact support.

My conclusion:
This whole disgruntlement could have been avoided if SilverFast would have incorporated a customer service channel. I do not need to come to a point where I need to dig all around their website in order to find some kind of obscure of way to get more meaningful assistance and some kind of proper acknowledgement on their side. I am sure this is a serious issue for many others.

I am also very dissatisfied by the progress (or lack of) SF development. While the core technology is powerful and produces great results, the software as a whole is just not in par anymore with modern programs. With every Photoshop and MacOS update, SilverFast seems to lag behind with a cumbersome and outdated interface, and its stability declining greatly. This is very sad to see, as it used to be a leader in its field. For a product of this price and caliber, I expect to see nothing less than a new version built from the ground up using Cocoa, and supporting multi-core and 64-bit. This, in my opinion, is a must in order for it to retain its appeal and attractiveness in a time when the use of film is dwindling in favor of modern digital technologies.

Thank you

Reply to This

Wednesday, October 07 2009 @ 12:38 PM PDT