We have collected your suggestions and comments
regarding Neat Image and organized them into several groups:
1) Speed aspect: "make it faster"
The speed is so low because the filtration algorithm is
still under development (and it contains complex computations
too). Current (beta) version of Neat Image is just a demonstration
of noise reduction capabilities of this algorithm. Our goal is
to check how the algorithm behaves in practical tasks. And your
comments indicate that the algorithm can be efficient in many
important cases. Surely, we will optimize it for maximum speed
as soon as it will be thoroughly evaluated and tested.
2) Workflow aspect
- Input/output: "need more than BMP save";
"support for TIFF";
"ability to save output files in JPEG
and other popular formats";
"do not remove the EXIF information";
"support for NEF files (Nikon raw files)"
There are two ways to provide the functionality requested above:
- simply to add all the requested features to Neat Image;
- to turn Neat Image into PS/PSP plugin (as suggested by many readers here).
We will consider these possibilities and will decide which one to choose.
Perhaps we will do both.
To implement a batch mode may be not so easy because different images may
require different device noise profiles. Besides, human plays an important
role within the filtration process (building a device noise profile).
But anyway it would be useful to have a batch mode. So, we will consider that.
3) Platform aspect: "what about Mac version?"
Unfortunately, we don't have a possibility to make a Mac version of
Neat Image at the moment. Perhaps in the future that will become possible.
4) Interface
- "Make it easier to work with"
We are trying to do that.
- Bigger preview area/preview zoom
That is a good idea.
5) Functionality
Yes, we can provide more device noise profiles.
However, the key concept of Neat Image is to let user create
his/her own profiles (since that is more precise and provides
better filtration results). Therefore, we believe, we should
better stimulate user to build profiles for his/her images.
- File history for images (and perhaps profiles)
Indeed, file history would be a useful feature of Neat Image.
We will make this aspect better in next versions.
6) Documentation: "what to do when banding appears"
"which settings are better for that kind of noise"
Yes, such kind of information would be helpful. We will try to
represent some guidelines on using the program in different
situations at Neat Image homepage as soon as time permits.
Also, there are several complains:
- No clearly stated status (Freeware, Beta) in the announcement
Sorry, it's our mistake. Next time we will make it more clear.
We are trying to fix bugs. Please mail us descriptions of bugs you
discovered. Don't forget to mention your computer's Operation System,
CPU, RAM size, image properties (size, source, URL if possible),
situation. Please help us to make Neat Image better!
- About box hangs
- Original picture sometimes doesn't get updated after calculations
It is difficult to comment on these without more precise information
on the problem. Please mail us bug reports.
- Freezes on Help / Problems with using help
Indeed, there were problems with using help (on the first run of Neat Image).
We are trying to eliminate these problems and current beta seems to work fine.
Also, you can always reach help by using a shortcut in Neat Image start
menu folder.
- Program doesn't run
- Blue screen on Run (in Win98)
We had to test it more on Win98 platform, sorry.
We have corrected the program. Current beta should work fine.
We have established several mirrors of our main homepage.
You can find information about Neat Image and download the installation
at the folllowing locations:
http://absoft.nm.ru (main location, Europe, may be slow)
http://www.vtc.ru/~abs/neatimage (mirror #1, Europe)
http://absoft.8k.com (mirror #2, US)
http://ni.4t.com (mirror #3, US)
We would like to thank you for providing feedback on Neat Image.
We appreciate your opinion, it helps us to make the program better.
Please allow us some time to fix the existing bugs of beta version
and to add requested functionality.
Thank you!
