AKVIS Press Release

October, 2006 - AKVIS LLC announces the release of AKVIS Enhancer plug-in v.5.0 for Windows and Macintosh. The version introduces the long-awaited batch mode that allows you to improve a series of pictures in a row.  Besides, the installation procedure for Macintosh was simplified. AKVIS Enhancer is an image enhancement software for revealing details on a picture. Enhancer allows detecting details from underexposed, overexposed and mid tone areas of a photo. The tool is useful in cases when a photo lacks detail. For example, when a picture has been taken with the background overexposed and consequently the foreground is hardly discernible, which is especially annoying when you take a picture of a person; or when a photo lacks dramatic effect due to vagueness of the scene.

If you try to reveal details in highlighted or overshadowed areas using exposure correction (for example, Levels) you run the risk of spoiling the parts of the image that you want to leave unchanged.

The idea behind Enhancer is entirely different. AKVIS Enhancer intensifies the difference between adjacent pixels having different color gradations and treats every part of a photo individually.  Where other similar programs may achieve acceptable results by manipulating two to four shots of the same scene, AKVIS Enhancer applies advanced algorithms to a single shot for spectacular outcome.

Most images can be improved at default settings. For further adjustment you have four parameters at your disposal: Details in Shadows, Details in Highlights, Level of Detail and Lightness.

The new version introduces the batch mode that allows you to improve a series of automatically.  It saves you time and increases productivity. Besides, the installation procedure for Macintosh has been simplified. The plugin is now placed into the appropriate folder automatically.

The update for registered users is free. The users who tried the previous version of the plug-in and have their version expired, now have an opportunity to test the software again

In addition to its appeal to the amateur photographer and home user, AKVIS Enhancer is a highly useful tool in the production of technical and industrial photographs, or for revealing subtle details within medical imaging and forensic photos. Demonstrations of AKVIS Enhancer’s features are available at http://akvis.com/en/enhancer-tutorial/index.php .   

AKVIS Enhancer plugin is compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter, Corel Photo-Paint, Paint Shop Pro, ACD FotoCanvas, and Ulead PhotoImpact. AKVIS Enhancer runs on Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/NT and on Macintosh Mac OS X 10.3, PowerPC G3 and above.

AKVIS Enhancer sells for $69 USD, downloadble from www.akvis.com . It also comes bundled with AKVIS Noise Buster (noise reduction software) for $83 USD. Home users can enjoy the full line of AKVIS plugins in the AKVIS Alchemy bundle (Enhancer, Chameleon, Stamp, Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Sketch) for USD $280 USD, a savings of $212 over purchasing each separately. For business licenses consult the official web-site. One license key allows activating the software on two computers, for example, on a desktop and a laptop.

For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use. Details are available at http://akvis.com/en/enhancer/download-photo-enhancement.php