Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS - Scantopia

Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS 

12 ips monochrome; 4 ips color 

Wide-Format Scanner 

Key Buyer Benefits 

• Unique 2D LED illumination system – instant-on, long-life, no fluorescent tubes 

• Full high definition (HD) 1200 dpi optical CCD resolution 

• ENERGY STAR® qualified – cuts costs as it uses 30% less power and 94% less when idle 

• High productivity as it can scan A0/E-size documents FAST at 12 ips 200 dpi mono and 4 

ips color 

• Optional ScanWorks3 software offers outstanding "scan once interactive 2D image 

• restoration" 

• 42" image width, 46" document width - ideal for A0, E and architectural E-size document 

scanning 

• Combines faithful 48-bit color graphics capture with crisp, sharp line definition for maximum 

capability 

• Motorized thick media option for board mounted originals up to 0.8"/20mm in imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS 

• Network-ready – Gigabit Ethernet connectivity using unlimited LAN cable length 

• Easy configuration with Plug and Play high speed USB 2.0 connection 

• All-in-One Scan and Copy software included 

www.BERTL.com 

Copyright © 2007 BERTL Inc. December 16, 2009 

All Rights Reserved. The license under which this document is made available and applicable law prohibit any reproduction or further transmission of any portion of this document. This 

document may only be viewed electronically through the www.BERTL.com Web site and may not be stored in electronic or hard copy format. Any reproduction of trademarks is strictly 

prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document.

Introduction 

November 2009 

Paradigm imagePRO Gx T42 HD PLUS 

www.BERTL.com 

Table of Contents 

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3 

Paradigm History ....................................................................................... 3 

Paradigm imagePRO GXT 42 HD PLUS ................................................. 3 

Device Features Summary ....................................................................... 5 

Paradigm Family of Scanners ................................................................... 4 

Paradigm Upgrade Policy ......................................................................... 4 

Power-Save Mode ..................................................................................... 5 

What BERTL Tested ................................................................................. 5 

Setup & Installation .............................................................................................. 6 

Getting Setup............................................................................................6 

Normalization/White Point Calibration ...................................................... 7 

BERTL Stitching Test ................................................................................ 7 

Software Solutions ............................................................................................... 8 

All-in-One .................................................................................................. 8 

ScanWorks .............................................................................................. 10 

CopySmart .............................................................................................. 12 

TWAIN Scanning....................................................................................12 

Maintenance..... .................................................................................................. 13 

Consumables .......................................................................................... 13 

Scan Quality......... .............................................................................................. 14 

Scanner Accuracy ................................................................................... 14 

Text Sharpness ....................................................................................... 14 

Line Pair Resolution Test ........................................................................ 16 

Color Fringing .......................................................................................... 17 

Adaptive Thresholding ............................................................................ 17 

Panchromatic Test .................................................................................. 18 

Scan Performance .............................................................................................. 19 

Scan Speed Tests ................................................................................... 19 

Black and White Performance ................................................................ 19 

Black and White Mono Performance ...................................................... 20 

256 Monochrome Performance .............................................................. 20 

Grayscale Performance .......................................................................... 21 

RGB Performance ................................................................................... 21 

256 Bit Color Performance ...................................................................... 22 

16 Bit Color Performance ........................................................................ 22 

Performance Conclusion ......................................................................... 23 

Summary ................................................................................................... 24 

About BERTL ................................................................................................... 25 

WIDE FORMAT SCANNER 

Copyright © 2009 BERTL Inc. December 2009 



prohibited. BERTL accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions contained in this document. 

Page 2

Introduction 

PARADIGM HISTORY 

The company was originally founded in 1989 as a largeformat 

scanning service bureau specializing in the 

conversion of paper-based engineering documentation 

into CAD format. 

In the early 1990s, Paradigm’s business approach evolved 

from document-imaging services only, to a two-pronged 

approach of providing services and/or a product solution. 

Seeing a need to fill gaps that current large-format 

scanning and printing solutions didn’t fill, Paradigm began 

to develop solutions using “best-of-breed” components 

that addressed evolving market needs. Since 2005, the 

company has developed and delivered quality wide-format 

MFP solutions to the market in the United States and 

Canada. 

Build Quality 

Fi ni sh in g 

Ease o f Use 

Me di a Han dl in g 

Li ne Pai rs/m m 

Scann in g Accu racy 

Per formance 

Im ag e Qu ali ty 

Feat ur es 

Pr ic e 

BERTL Gal a xy © St ar Ra t i n g 


0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

PARADIGM IMAGEPRO GXT 42 HD PLUS 

Paradigm Imaging Group introduced the imagePRO GxT 

42 HD PLUS wide format scanner this past April as a 

state-of-the-art 42” inch scanner. The imagePRO GxT 42 

HD PLUS features Paradigm’s full high definition (HD) 

technology and joins Paradigm’s impressive CCD scanner 

product line up. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is part 

of a scanner family with three different sizes (28”, 42”, and 

56”) all based on the same scanning technology and 

positioned with different prices and specifications to serve 

specific industry needs. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is a high-end 

performance color scanner for the reprographic, graphic 

arts, photographic, corporate graphics, and GIS market. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is the first CCD-based 

wide format scanners with true 1200 dpi optical resolution. 

The combination of high resolution and CCD imaging 

technology creates a flexible, multi-purpose scanning 

system capable of capturing both very fine line and image 

details while reproducing color graphics in vivid, high 

fidelity colors. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS CCD’s provide a wide 

color gamut and high dynamic range. The imagePRO GxT 

42 HD PLUS scanner captures 48-bit and 16-bit panchromatic 

monochrome data so that users can scan and 

copy exceptionally colorful images with clear shadow 

details. The higher the optical resolution used the smaller 

and finer the details that can be captured from the original. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS offers 1200 x 1200 dpi 

resolution which is among the highest in its class. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS wide format scanner 

benefits from a technically advanced, instant-on, bidirectional 

LED illumination system and ENERGY STAR ® 

compliance to reduce energy requirements and impact on 

the environment. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS 

features a 50,000 hr (6 years scanning 24/7) in-service 

life. Using LED technology greatly reduces maintenance 

and consumable costs providing much lower cost of 

operation compared to fluorescent tube based systems. 

Plug and play connection can be accomplished via high 

speed USB2 or networked Gigabit Ethernet. The 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is available in two different 

versions as Gx 42 HD PLUS and GxT 42 HD PLUS 

models incorporating "motorized thick media" (MTM) 

capability for documents mounted on boards up to 20mm 

(0.8") thickness and in monochrome (m), color (c) and 

express color (e) trim. 





Page 3

Introduction 

Gx 

42 

HD 

PLUS 

GxT 

42 

HD 


Scanner Model 

Image Width 

Max Media 

Thickness 

Optical Resolution 

(dpi) 

Scan Speed 

(in/sec)* 

Color 

42" 0.08" 

m (mono) 

2 

N/A 

106.7 cm 

mm 

1200 

c (color) E size+ 1 

e (express color) A0+ 4 

42" 0.8" 

m (mono) 

20 

N/A 

106.7 cm 

mm 

1200 

c (color) E size+ 1 

e (express color) A0+ 4 

Mono 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS has the capability to 

scan and copy both technical and full color graphics, on 

thin or thick media originals, up to D-size / A1 or E-size / 

A0. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS also provides 

customers with a choice of product configurations to suit 

their particular business requirements. The imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS scanners offer greater flexibility 

required by professional service providers and service 

bureaus who need the capability to process a wide range 

of customer originals and content. 

The Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner has 

an MSRP of $12,995. Price includes the ready-to-run Allin-One 

scan, copy, email and imageFlow software which 

support PDF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF file formats. 

In the following test report, BERTL takes an in-depth look 

at the Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner, 

testing and evaluating its productivity, image quality and 

ease-of-use. 

12 

12 

Maximum Extended 

Scanning Resolution 

Scanning Method 

Image Capture Method 

Interface 

Document Size 

Maximum Media 

Thickness 

* ips = inches per second. 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

Device Features Summary 

9,6000 dpi 

6 x quadri-linear CCDs each with 

10,800 pixels (RGB + monochrome) 

48-bit color; 16-bit grayscale; 

Panchromatic monochrome and black 

& white image capture 

Scanner: USB 2.0 / Gigabit Ethernet 

Paper width up to 46”/(117mm); 

unlimited scan length 

Gx: Up to 0.08”/(2 mm) 

Gx T: 0.8”/(20mm) 

PARADIGM FAMILY OF SCANNERS 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is part of a family of 

three wide-format color scanners all based on the same 

hardware platform that consists of the imagePRO Gx 42M 

HD Plus and GxT 42M HD Plus, The imagePRO Gx 42C 

HD Plus and GxT 42C HD Plus, and the imagePRO Gx 

42E HD PLUS and the imagePRO GxT 42E HD PLUS. 

Each of these wide format scanners are available in 

monochrome, color and express models. The 

distinguishing factor between the Gx HD PLUS and the 

GxT HD PLUS versions is their motorized thick media 

option which allows scanning of board mounted originals 

as thick as 0.8” (20mm). 

The imagePRO Gx 42m HD PLUS, ImagePRO GxT 42m 

HD PLUS and the ImagePRO Gx 42e HD PLUS are all 

based on the same hardware platform, but have different 

specifications, prices, features, and target markets. In total 

the Paradigm imagePRO Gx PLUS series consists of 18 

different models. 

Device Features Summary 

List Price 

Monochrome Scanning 

Speed 

Color Scanning Speed 

Maximum Optical 

Scanning Resolution 

$12,995 (M-monochrome) 

$16,995 (C-color) 

$18,995 (E-Express Color) 

12 ips at 200 dpi 

N.A. (M-model) 

1.0 ips at 200 dpi (C-model) 

4.0 ips at 200 dpi (E-model) 

1,200 dpi 





Page 4

Introduction 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

WHAT BERTL TESTED 

BERTL tested the imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS model 

with the stand and the All-in-One scanning software and 

the optional ScanWorks Scan-to-File. The price for the 

tested equipment was $18,995 and $580 for ScanWorks. 

BERTL has not tested imageFLOW with the Gx series. 

BERTL uses its own standardized test procedure to test 

all wide-format scanners, ensuring uniform and 

independent treatment of wide-format scanners across 

scanner manufacturers. 

The image above shows the Paradigm imagePRO Gx 42 

HD PLUS family of scanners and highlights their price 

compared to their scanning speeds. Paradigm provides 

users with an upgrade path where the imagePRO GxT 42 

HD PLUS scanner can be upgraded from monochrome to 

color, monochrome to express color and color to express 

color. 

POWER-SAVE MODE 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner complies with 

both RoSH and ENERGY STAR ® 2009 rating 

specifications and uses less than 4.5W in low-power 

energy-save mode. By default, the power save function is 

set to “ON” and the power save time defaults to 15 

minutes. However, users can modify these settings so that 

the power save mode can be turned on or off and the 

power save timer can be adjusted between 2 and 61 

minutes. 

PARADIGM UPGRADE POLICY 

Paradigm offers customers the ability to upgrade their 

devices at a very reasonable cost. Customers with the “M” 

or “C” models can be quickly and easily upgraded at the 

customer’s location via a file that can be exchanged using 

emails. These upgrades provide customers with access to 

higher performance and protect their original investment 

should the business need arise. 

All imagePRO scanners use dual controls for handling 

basic functions such as Scan-to-File and Copy-to-Printer. 

Overall, the control panel offers users simple to use 

operations from the scanner control panel at the touch of a 

button. 

For firmware upgrades, users should contact their local 

dealer or Paradigm Imaging’s technical support 

department at 888-221-7226. 





Page 5

Maintenance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

GETTING SET UP 

The scanner arrives in two cardboard crates containing 

the scanner and the scanner stand. The scanner stand is 

easy to assemble, even if you’re alone on the job. The 

assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow. 

The scanner weight is approximately 97 lbs. (44 kg) and 

requires two people to lift and secure it to the stand. Once 

assembled, users can connect the scanner to the 

computer using either a USB 2.0 interface or a gigabit 

ethernet cable. 

In order to get the scanner running, users need to install 

the three software components: the Scanner Software, 

Utility Software, and the Ethernet Driver. 

During installation of these utilities, users can choose from 

among eleven supported languages, including Arabic, 

Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, 

Portuguese, Russian, South Korean, and Spanish. 

The user loads the CD that contains the drivers for the 

scanner and turns on the scanner. The Microsoft Windows 

Found New Hardware Wizard starts automatically and 

selects the correct software driver. Users who purchased 

optional software packages are required to load the 

individual CDs provided with these applications. 

After proper installation, there are four applications in the 

Windows Start menu under the Paradigm folder: these 

include CopySmart, ScanWorks 2.4.7.2, imagePRO 

1.5.0.2, and imagePRO Gx+ Utilities. 

WHAT WE LIKED 

• The installation procedure is complete and easy to 

follow. It can be performed by anyone in an 

organization who has average experience in installing 

new software and hardware on a computer 

workstation. 

• Instructions for assembly and installation are easy to 

follow with plenty of drawings and instructions 

provided. 

• Typical scanner assembly time is 10 to 15 minutes. 

• Typical software installation time is 10 minutes for the 

scanner drivers and scanning software. 

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE 

• BERTL was very satisfied with Paradigm imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS’s set-up procedures and installation 

methods. 





Page 6

Maintenance 

NORMALIZATION / WHITE POINT CALIBRATION 

After you install the software, you must still calibrate your 

scanner in order to ensure that the scanner delivers 

optimal scanning quality. Calibration is straightforward and 

consists of a two-step procedure using the supplied basic 

White Point Calibration sheet and the imagePRO Gx+ 

Utility. 

Before beginning calibration, it’s recommended that users 

clean the inside of the scanner and the surface of the 

document scanning table. Any dust or dirt on these 

surfaces may affect the calibration results and the 

resulting image quality. Users should also check that the 

calibration sheet is free of dust or dirt. 

Once ready to start, users must run the Utilities program 

and insert the Normalization Target (which is supplied with 

the purchase of the scanner) and then click on the Full 

normalization button (shown below) to start the scanner 

normalization process. 

BERTL STITCHING TEST 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

BERTL’s image stitching test assesses whether a 

product’s stitching sensors can seamlessly stitch the 

output of multiple digital image sensors together into one 

continuous image. This is assessed through a stitching 

sensor file that is designed to pinpoint key areas that the 

sensors should be picking up. 

BERTL’s stitching sensor test file. 

The picture below shows a perfect horizontal and vertical 

alignment between cameras. The 45° angled lines are 

used for vertical alignment. When vertical alignment is not 

set properly, it shows up as jagged angle lines. A 

horizontal stitching problem shows up when the horizontal 

line is not straight. The whole calibration process took 

about 10 minutes to complete. 

The full normalization process takes less than 5 minutes 

to complete and is fully automated. 

BERT Stitching Test Target: We did not observe any 

horizontal or vertical stitching problems. 

After the full normalization process was completed, we ran 

our auto stitch test target to detect horizontal and vertical 

stitching problems. During our product evaluation, BERTL 

analysts did not observe any horizontal or vertical stitching 

problems with the Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS 

scanner. 





Page 7

Maintenance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

STITCHING TEST RESULTS 

All numbers present 

Image scanned without 

segregation 

Stitching Sensor Test 

A “√” mark indicates the device was able to print the line width correctly. 

*Chart cells containing an “x” indicate that the printer was not able to 

scan that part correctly. 

WHAT WE LIKED 

• The calibration procedure is well documented and 

easy to perform. 

• Typical calibration time is 10 minutes. 

• A scanner calibration and normalization can be easily 

performed by any operator. 

• BERTL analysts were impressed with the imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS’s stitching sensor performance. We 

were especially impressed with the smoothness of 

lines in trouble-some areas of the stitching test. 

• The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS’s produce a 

seamless clear image. 

• The stitching sensors were working in tandem and 

picked up all aspects of the Test Target. 

√ 

√ 

The File icon provides users with the option of choosing 

the storage location of the file to be created and the file 

format of the file. File format options include TIFF, JPEG, 

and PDF. 

The Copy icon provides users with the option of selecting 

the number of copies to be printed when a wide format 

printer is attached to the scanner. 


• BERTL was very satisfied with Paradigm imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS’s Auto Stitch and Full Normalization 

procedures. 

ALL-IN-ONE SOFTWARE SOLUTION 

Paradigm scanners include the ‘All-in-One’ basic 

scanning software. This software is designed for use by 

non-skilled users. The software is very simple to use and 

provides all the basic Scan-to-File, and Scan-to-Copy 

functionality needed by most users. 

Paradigm’s goal was to create an intuitive and easy to use 

application so everyone in an organization could use and 

operate the scanner. Although imagePRO offers basic 

features, most organizations will find them suitable for a 

majority of their scanning needs. 

The E-Mail icon provides users with the option of attaching 

the scanned image as an e-mail attachment using one of 

the three supported file formats which include TIFF, 

JPEG, and PDF. 

Users have the option of selecting one of three different 

scanning color modes from the main section of the dialog 

screen. Each color mode provides the user with functions 

that are specific to the color mode chosen. 





Page 8

Maintenance 

On the right side of the application a preview window is 

provided so that users can review the overall quality of the 

image being scanned without having to open a different 

application. This saves scan operators time and effort 

when scanning. 

Once a scanned document appears in the preview 

window, additional features are shown, allowing the 

operator to crop the image, file the image, zoom in and 

out, or to discard it. 

All-in-One 

Supported File Formats 

Full Color 256 Auto Color Greyscale Black & White 

JPEG PNG JPEG TIFF-G4 

PDF PDF PDF 

TIFF TIFF TIFF 

WHAT WE LIKED 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

• The All-in-One Software installation procedure is easy 

to follow and complete. It can be performed by anyone 

in an organization who has average experience in 

installing new software. 

• The software is very intuitive and easy to operate. 

• All-in-One scanner software is included at no extra 

cost and supports Scan-to-File, Scan-to-Copy, and 

Scan-to-Email. 

• The All-in-One Software combines wide format 

scanning and copying in a simple and easy to use 

program. When combined with a large format printer, 

this software package provides most of the traditional 

options and functions found in today’s multifunctional 

office products. 

• Users have the ability to create multiple copies of 

large format documents and send them directly to a 

wide format printer. 

• Users can save the scanned images to JPEG, PDF, 

PNG, and TIFF file formats. 

• The scanner can be set to scan in automatic batch 

mode which allows the operator to set the scan 

settings once and continue scanning multiple 

documents. This gives the operator the ability to be 

more productive as they do not need to stop after 

each scan to set the file settings for the next 

document to be scanned. 

• The software supports document auto-size detection, 

fixed sheet size and full width size options. The 

software also manages file overwrite situations by 

prompting the user to change the file name or simply 

click on the SCAN or Enter. 

• The scanner supports document sizes ranging from 

Auto Size, Auto Length, (Max Width), ISO, ANSI, and 

ARCH paper sizes from the paper size scroll box. 


• BERTL was very satisfied with All-in-One Scanning 

software. BERTL Analysts would have liked having 

the option of selecting custom paper sizes. However, 

documents appearing in the preview window can be 

cropped to size before saving. 





Page 9

Maintenance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

SCANWORKS (OPTIONAL SOFTWARE) 

This software provides the experienced operator with 

more control over scanning. 

Users have the option of selecting the color palette to be 

used as well as the option of selecting the scan file type 

settings for each of the color scan modes. The ability to 

set these settings provides users with added productivity 

as they do not have to worry about their settings after they 

have been saved. 

Optional ScanWorks software provides users with 

convenient Scan, View, Edit, and Print features. Industry 

leading ScanWorks uses built-in virtual Intelligent Adaptive 

Thresholding to enhance speed, performance and ease of 

use. Other features offered with ScanWorks include batch, 

auto-palette scanning and support to all the leading file 

formats. 

The Media Handling tab provides users with sevaral Endof-Scan 

behavior options which tell the scanner to rewind 

on Save or Delete, Eject on Save or Delete, or to Do 

nothing on Save or Delete. Users also have the option to 

justify the scanned image either to the Center or Left, and 

can change the speed of the scanner when handling 

delicate documents. 

Optional ScanWorks scanning software offers users a 

multitude of options for munipulating scanned images that 

rivals the features and functions of those found in 

Photoshop and other similar software. 

The Scan tab provides users with the option of selecting 

the file size to be scanned along with the Color Mode and 

resolution. In addition users can select the file storage 

location and the name of the file. 

The Data Control tab allows users to easily modify the 

brightness of an image, modify the gamma value for Red, 

Green, and Blue as well as execute several different 

calibration options like White Balance, Auto Stitch, Manual 

Stitch, Light Normalize, and Adaptive Stitch. 

ScanWorks provides users with an automatic file name 

option. This feature adds an incremental value to the end 

of the file name, which the user can set up prior to starting 

a batch scanning job. 

The ScanWorks application provides users with a 

thumbnail preview screen which is incredibly useful when 

viewing large files. Users have the option of zooming in 

and out of different sections of the image with great ease. 





Page 10

Maintenance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

Above and Below: The More Controls tab provides users 

with the option of automating the launch of both Image 

Editing and Indexing applications, as well as creating new 

color pallets. 

ScanWorks comes with a factory default scan setting. 

However, users can create their own presets for 

commonly scanned documents. 

Additional preferences include settings for Tool Tips, 

Measurement Units, File Path, Language, and enabling 

scale to gray and scan logging which records basic scan 

statistics. 

In addition users can select their preferred connection 

method which includes USB or Ethernet connection. Using 

the Ethernet connection requires that an IP address be 

assigned to the scanner. 

ScanWorks 

ScanWorks features a multitude of image manipulation 

features which include the following: Sharpen/Blur, Noise 

Reduction, Curves, Brightness-Contrast, Black/White 

Points, Deskew, Rotate, Crop, Mirror, Convert to ..(RGB, 

256 Colors, 16 Colors, Grayscale, and Black and White), 

Reduce Resolution, and Invert. 

Supported File Formats 

File Formats RGB Grayscale 

JPEG 

JPEG 2000 

PDF Compressed 

JPEG 

PDF cctt‐g4 

 

 

 

256 / 16 

Color 

PNG 

TIFF 

 

B&W 

TIFF Packbits 

TIFF JPEG 

 

TIFF Uncompressed 

TIFF Group 3 

TIFF Group 4 

 

 

 





Page 11

Maintenance 

COPYSMART 

Although not fully tested during this evaluation, 

CopySmart for ImagePRO scanners was very easy to 

install. The software delivers clear-cut features and 

function and does not require a high level of proficiency. 

Optional CopySmart Scan-to-Copy Software turns the 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner into a large format 

copier for black and white and full color originals. 

CopySmart features easy to use Copy, Preview, and Print 

features which add to the devices overall ease of use. 

TWAIN SCANNING 

TWAIN drivers are currently not available or planned for 

the imagePRO large format scanner range. However, a 

WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) interface is available. 

Similar to TWAIN, WIA allows users to scan directly from 

a host application. 

Unlike TWAIN which is supplied by the scanner 

manufacturer and is usually loaded into the Windows 

environment with the scanner driver, WIA (Windows 

Image Acquisition) is a Microsoft utility that uses the 

manufacturer's Windows scanner driver and a simple 

scanning interface to allow users to scan into photo editing 

software or other WIA compliant raster applications. WIA 

when called from inside a program behaves just like a 

TWAIN driver but will always have the same Windows 

styled user interface, no matter which scanner it is 

attached to. Outside of a program Windows WIA also 

permits the user to scan to file when used from the Control 

Panel's Cameras and Scanners, or from the scanner 

device properties in the My Computer listing. 

WHAT WE LIKED 

• The installation procedure for both the ScanWorks 

and CopySmart software was straightforward. 

• The CopySmart software is very intuitive and easy to 

operate. 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

• ScanWorks provides users with some advanced 

features and functions that are uncomplicated to use 

but are meant for advance users. 

• Like the All-in-One Software, CopySmart combines 

wide format scanning and copying in a clear and easy 

to use program. With CopySmart, users have the 

ability to create multiple copies of large format 

documents and send them directly to a wide format 

printer. 

• Users have a wide array of file format options when it 

comes to saving their scanned images when using 

ScanWorks. 

• The scanner can be set to scan in automatic batch 

mode which allows the operator to set the scan 

settings once and continue scanning multiple 

documents. This gives the operator the ability to be 

more productive as they do not need to stop after 

each scan to set the file settings for the next 

document to be scanned. 

• ScanWorks supports document auto-size detection, 

Standard (ISO, ANSI, and ARCH), and users can also 

specify the size of a custom sheet. The software also 

prevents file overwrite situations by automatically 

adding an incremental value to the end of the last file 

name which users can specify. 

• Both ScanWorks and CopySmart Scanning Software 

Solutions are professional scanning and copying tools 

that get the job done. 

• BERTL recommends the use of the WIA utility for 

access to the scanner from other applications. 

Although not nearly as feature-rich as ScanWorks, 

CopySmart, it’s sufficient for most needs. 


• BERTL was very satisfied with both of ScanWorks 

and CopySmart scanning software. 

CONSUMABLES 

The imagePRO Gx 42 HD PLUS requires minimal service 

and calibration. The utility software included with the 

scanner provides users with all the maintenance 

applications needed to keep the large format scanner in 

prime condition and up-to-date with the latest firmware 

and drivers. 

Like any other peripheral, a scanner also has consumable 

parts, although they're insignificant compared to wideformat 

printers’ consumables. With scanners, there are 

typically three pieces that you should know about: 

replacement lights, the white background plate, and the 

scanner glass plate. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS 

uses LED lights that have a lifetime of approximately 

50,000 hours, so they are not really of any concern. 





Page 12

Maintenance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

The scan glass is chemically, treated scratch resistant and 

is held down by magnetic mounts for quick and easy 

removal or replacement and there is also easy access to 

the imagePRO Gx 42 HD PLUS' paper feed for cleaning. 

Overall the life expectancy of a wide format scanner like 

the imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS is normally anywhere 

between 5 and 10+ years. The actual useful life of a 

Paradigm large format scanner will depend on how hard it 

is used, where it is used and how well it is cared for. A 

scanner that is used 24/7 for very high volume archiving 

projects probably will not last as long as one that is used 

for general purpose scanning and copying in a drawing 

office. 

WHAT WE LIKED 

• BERTL likes the scanner’s use of long-life LEDs for 

illumination. 

• The scanner provides users with easy access to clean 

the rollers. 

• The glass plate can be replaced without the need for a 

technician. 

• BERTL estimated that a typical time for repair is 

around 15 minutes. 


• BERTL does not have any recommendations for 

improvement in this category. 





Page 13

Scan Quality 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

SCANNER ACCURACY 

BERTL performed a series of quality tests on the 

scanners. We used our Applied Image (QA-1) test chart 

for evaluating the scanner’s horizontal and vertical 

accuracy. Instead of measuring the accuracy between two 

end points, we instead only measured a random selection 

of 6” width. Our test results indicated that: 

ImagePRO GxT 42 HD 


Accuracy % 

Horizontal 0.02 

Small text scanned at 100 dpi shows some small distortion. 

Vertical 0.03 

Both the horizontal and vertical result is excellent and is 

well below the vendor’s claimed accuracy of 0.1%. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner supports 

adjustment of vertical precision. You do that by typing in a 

known distance and then adjusting it for precision. 

Small text scanned at 200 dpi. 

TEXT SHARPNESS 

Text sharpness is another test where we look at the 

impact of scanning small text size using each of the 

different resolutions. BERTL Analysts used the following 

scanned resolutions: 

• 100 DPI 

• 200 DPI 

• 300 DPI 

• 400 DPI 

• 500 DPI 

• 600 DPI 


The expectation is that the higher the scan resolution the 

better the quality of the scanned original. At 600 DPI users 

get the most quality output out of the imagePRO GxT 42 

HD PLUS scanner. Using lower resolution settings 

reduces the scanning quality but provides the user with 

higher scanning speeds. 

As the results show, the higher the resolution the better 

the image quality attained from the imagePRO GxT 42 HD 

PLUS. 

BERTL recommends that users consider the impact of 

High Quality versus Speed. If you wish to capture images 

with the highest and most detailed precision, then you 

should use higher DPI settings. If it is less important to 

capture the smallest details, using smaller DPI setting can 

accomplish the job. In general, we find that users should 

avoid scanning with high DPI settings as it takes longer to 

scan a typical job and in the end, users are left with a very 

large file size. 







Page 14

Scan Quality 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 


WHAT WE RECOMMEND 

• BERTL recommends to users that they consider their 

need for high quality versus normal scanning quality 

(200 DPI). If they want to capture images with the 

highest and most detailed precision, then they should 

use a higher scanning resolution. 

• Users should also be aware that when they use a high 

DPI setting, they will ultimately be left with a very large 

file size. Users should make sure that they find the 

right balance that fits in within their organization. 

WHAT WE LIKED 

• BERTL liked the scanner’s horizontal and vertical 

accuracy. 

• BERTL was also satisfied with the text sharpness we 

were able to attain from the imagePRO GxT 42 HD 

PLUS scanner with all of the resolutions tested. 


• BERTL does not have any recommendations for 

improvement in this category. 





Page 15

Scan Quality 

LINE PAIR RESOLUTION TEST 

Optical resolution is a physical characteristic of a scanner 

system, and it describes the ability of a system to 

distinguish, detect, and record physical details. However, 

there is more to the story than just the sensor in a scanner 

system. So when considering scanning quality, we also 

have to consider the optical system, mirrors, CCD, glass 

plate, and the scanner’s illumination system. Furthermore, 

when scanning is not performed at the highest optical 

resolution, we must consider how the scanner performs 

the actual scaling to the selected scanning resolution. All 

of these factors introduce errors and reduce scanning 

quality; therefore optical resolutions are an indicator of 

scan quality not a measure of it. 

We use a line pairs per mm (lp/mm) test as a way to 

measure spatial resolution. With the lp/mm measure, all 

quality factors — such as lenses, optical system, scaling, 

and image processing — are taken into account, making 

the use of the lp/mm test a better way to measure 

scanning quality. In connection with lp/mm, we also like to 

measure how well a scanner maintains rapid change in 

the image and if it maintains the sharpness instead of just 

blurring rapid transition in the image. BERTL examines the 

vertical and horizontal quality of the line pairs per mm 

(lp/mm) test. The line rating is determined by examining 

the scanned images at 100% Zoom and visually 

inspecting the line quality to determine the point where the 

line quality starts to diminish and the white space between 

the lines becomes blurred or indistinguishable. 

SCANNING RESOLUTION RESULTS 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

The images below are zoomed in at 100% using 

Photoshop. 

100 DPI 200 DPI 

300 DPI 400 DPI 

The chart below shows the results of the lp/mm test for 

resolutions between 100 to 600 dpi in steps of 100 dpi. As 

expected, we see that with lower resolutions, the lp/mm 

rating goes down, but the curve improves fairly well as the 

resolution is increased. 

500 DPI 600 DPI 

BERTL Analysts tested this device with several different 

scan resolutions and found the scan quality of the 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS exceptional. 

Scan Resolution 

Resolution Vertical Horizontal 

100 DPI 1.5 1.4 

200 DPI 1.6 1.6 

300 DPI 2.8 3.2 

400 DPI 4.0 4.0 

500 DPI 4.0 4.0 

600 DPI 4.0 4.5 

*Line Pairs per Millimeter. For scan resolution, the higher the value the 

better the scanner can capture scan details (range, 1.0-18.0) 





Page 16

Scan Quality 

COLOR FRINGING 

100 DPI 200 DPI 300 DPI 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

ADAPTIVE THRESHOLDING 

Adaptive thresholding is a scanning technology that 

cleans up engineering blueprints and other deteriorated 

drawings. We test the scanner’s ability to clean up the 

drawings not only in terms of the result, but also how easy 

it is to find the best settings for this process. We try to 

avoid over-cleaning so crucial information is not lost. 

With adaptive thresholding, scoring is based on a 

subjective scale from: 

• Best – The best available in the industry in terms of 

clean up and ease of use. 

• Good – Good clean-up result, better than average 

and easy to use. 

• Average – Average clean-up result and average ease 

of use. 

• Poor – The clean up result is poor, and it is difficult to 

find the best setting. 

• N.A. – Adaptive clean up is not available. 

400 DPI 500 DPI 600 DPI 

The Color Fringing test checks how well the RGB channel 

is aligned. We do this by scanning the Grayscale Applied 

image test chart (QA-1) in color at different optical 

resolutions and see if there is any visible color-fringing 

problem. 

As can be seen above, there is barely any visible fringing 

shown at different scan resolutions. 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD 


Test Result 

Adaptive Thresholding 

Best 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD 


Color Fringing 

100 DPI Slight 

200 DPI Barely 

Original scanned in color. 





Document after adaptive scanning. 





Page 17

Scan Quality 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

BERTL’S PANCHROMATIC TEST 

This test checks if a device is scanning panchromatic 

correctly. If a scanner has a dedicated panchromatic line 

sensor, or the grayscale response is formed by combining 

the red, blue, and green color channels, the test reveals a 

correct response. However, if a scanner uses the green 

color channel to get the grayscale response, it will not 

detect color that does not reflect green. In this case the 

scanner will produce an image where all colors (red, cyan, 

green, magenta, blue, and yellow) appear the same 

shade. 

Below, we look at the grayscale scanning performance of 

the imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS. The results show that 

the device is only using the green color channel to scan 

grayscale images. Though the device is only using the 

green color channel in this example, the device does have 

a Gray Balance option, where graytone images are 

scanned by combining red, green, and blue color 

channels. The Gray Balance option gives you a correct 

response when scanning color documents in graytone. 


BERTL analysts were pleased with the result of the 

panchromatic test. 





Page 18

Performance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

Scan Speed Tests 

BERTL performed a series of scanner speed tests for each of the supported color modes offered with the scanner. These 

included RGB, 256 Color, 16 Color, Black and White, Grayscale, 256 Mono, and B&W Mono scanning. This test range 

represents more than 95% of all scanners in use and is therefore representative for a real-user environment. For each test, 

we measured the scanning speed between 100 to 600 dpi resolutions in steps of 100 dpi. Our test file consists of a custom 

test target [architectural E-size (36” X 48”)] designed by BERTL analysts. This test target was also used to measure the 

resulting file size. 

For the performance test, we used a laptop computer running Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit operating system with an Intel 

Celeron 900 processor, 3.00 GB of memory, and connected to the scanner via the USB 2.0 interface. The test is performed 

using the supplied scanner software. While this computer is not the fastest available, it represents a typical computer used by 

a typical scanner customer. 

BERTL measured the scanning time by starting a regular stopwatch at the time we pressed the scan button and stopping it 

when the scanning application finished scanning the image into the destination file. We call this test the "observed scanning 

speed" for a drawing. For black and white drawings, we use TIFF Group 4 compression, while for grayscale and color 

scanning, we used TIFF uncompressed file format. For each scan timed, BERTL also measured the reaction time from the 

time we pressed the scan button to the time the scanner actually started scanning, and then we measured the end time at the 

completion of the scan. The reaction time is in the range of less than a ½ second in black and white and grayscale, and 

approximately 2 seconds in color scanning. 

We then graphed the results with both the observed time and the adjusted time, which is the observed time minus the 

reaction time. This performance is more true to the actual true speed of the scanner. Finally, we graph the scanner 

manufacturer's claimed speed time. All measures are in inches per seconds (ips). BERTL cautions against the absolute 

interpretation of the performance result because the actual result depends heavily on the computer in use and the scanner 

interface. 

Black and White Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

DPI 100 dpi 200 dpi 300 dpi 400 dpi 500 dpi 600 dpi 

Total Scan Time in (sec) 9.47 10.54 14.96 19.69 28.93 38.06 

Observed (inch/sec) 5.1 4.6 3.2 2.4 1.7 1.3 

Claimed (inch/sec) 12.0 12.0 8.0 6.0 4.8 4.0 

Adjusted (inch/sec) 6.5 5.8 3.8 2.8 1.9 1.4 

File Size in KB 2,114 8,466 18,999 33,806 52,758 74,815 

BLACK & WHITE PERFORMANCE 

The scanner speed in Black and White after adjustment is below Paradigm’s rated speed of 12.00 ips at 200 dpi. 





Page 19

Performance 

B&W Mono Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

256 Monochrome Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time 

in sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time 

in sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

100 dpi 9.82 4.9 12 6.6 2,347 

200 dpi 12.38 3.9 12 5.1 9,771 

300 dpi 17.12 2.8 8 3.5 22,026 

400 dpi 26.78 1.8 6 2.2 39,373 

500 dpi 38.34 1.3 4.8 1.4 61,001 

600 dpi 45.03 1.1 4 1.3 83,658 

BLACK AND WHITE MONO PERFORMANCE 

The black and white mono performance after adjustment 

is below the manufacturer’s claimed speed. BERTL 

analysts rated the actual speed to be roughly one-third the 

claimed performance. The scanner reaction time is low, 

and we identified some very small differences between the 

observed and adjusted scan time when scanning at higher 

resolutions. 

100 dpi 10.16 4.7 12.0 6.0 19,645 

200 dpi 10.2 4.7 12.0 6.1 77,580 

300 dpi 14.84 3.2 8.0 4.1 177,266 

400 dpi 22.19 2.2 6.0 2.5 301,724 

500 dpi 32.19 1.5 4.8 1.7 468,173 

600 dpi 43.88 1.1 4.0 1.2 674,913 

256 MONOCHROME PERFORMANCE 

The 256 Monochrome performance after adjustment is 

below the manufacturer’s claimed speed. BERTL analysts 

rated the actual speed to be roughly one-third the claimed 

performance. 





Page 20

Performance 

Grayscale Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

RGB Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time 

in sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time in 

sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

100 dpi 9.07 5.3 12.0 6.9 16,912 

200 dpi 12.38 3.9 12.0 4.7 66,460 

200 dpi 17.12 2.8 8.0 3.2 151,987 

300 dpi 26.78 1.8 6.0 2.0 270,450 

500 dpi 38.34 1.3 4.8 1.3 422,062 

600 dpi 45.03 1.1 4.0 1.1 608,175 

GRAYSCALE PERFORMANCE 

Technically speaking, the scanner speed in grayscale and 

black and white should be identical. However, we 

measured some differences due to the larger size of 

image data that must be transferred to the computer. The 

scanning performance is almost the same speed as with 

black and white. 

100 dpi 12.44 3.9 4.0 4.3 51,451 

200 dpi 20.09 2.4 4.0 2.6 206,030 

300 dpi 32.96 1.5 2.7 1.5 460,447 

400 dpi 45.66 1.1 2.0 1.1 854,274 

500 dpi 57.84 0.8 1.6 0.9 1,279,815 

600 dpi 91.04 0.53 1.3 0.54 1,832,745 

RGB PERFORMANCE 

The RGB scan performance after adjustment is below the 

manufacturer’s claimed speed when scanning at 200 DPI. 

Note, however, that BERTL was able to match the rated 

speed using 100 DPI. 





Page 21

Performance 

256 Bit Color Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

16 Bit Color Scan Productivity and File Size Test 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time 

in sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

100 dpi 11.97 4.0 4.0 4.9 17,082 

200 dpi 20.91 2.3 4.0 2.6 68,268 

300 dpi 33.25 1.4 2.7 1.6 153,229 

400 dpi 45.91 1.0 2.0 1.1 273,607 

500 dpi 67.84 0.7 1.6 0.7 427,180 

600 dpi 93.94 0.51 1.3 0.53 617,435 

256 Bit Color PERFORMANCE 

The 256 Bit Color scan performance before being 

adjusted matched the manufacturer’s rated speed of 4.0 

ipm when scanning at 100 DPI. 

DPI 

Total 

Scan 

(Time 

in sec) 

Observed 

(inch/sec) 

Claimed 

(inch/sec) 

Adjusted 

(inch/sec) 

File Size 

(KB) 

100 dpi 11.94 4.0 4.0 4.9 8,541 

200 dpi 20.97 2.3 4.0 2.6 34,032 

300 dpi 36.85 1.3 2.7 1.4 77,647 

400 dpi 48.56 1.0 2.0 1.1 136,620 

500 dpi 68.07 0.7 1.6 0.7 213,600 

600 dpi 95.41 0.5 1.3 0.5 307,856 

16 Bit Color PERFORMANCE 

The 16 Bit Color scan performance before being adjusted 

matched the manufacturer’s rated speed of 4.0 ipm when 

scanning at 100 DPI. 





Page 22

Performance 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

PERFORMANCE CONCLUSION 

Although all measured results fall slightly below the 

claimed speed, the overall performance of the imagePRO 

GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner delivers a very good 

performance compared to other scanners on the market. 

As BERTL expected, the scan performance decreased as 

the DPI value was increased. This is due in large part to 

the data transfer that must occur between the scanner and 

the PC. 

WHAT WE RECOMMEND 

BERTL recommends that you strongly consider investing 

in a top-of-the-line computer with high performance to get 

the most out of your scanner. 





Page 23

Summary 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

Paradigm's imagePRO Gx 42 HD PLUS range now defines a new industry benchmark. Its 

combination of instant-on, long-life 2D LED illumination, full 1200dpi optical CCD resolution, 

power-saving ENERGY STAR compliance and fast scan speeds is unavailable in any other 

product. Contributing to its overall value is the "scan once" software that works in real-time 

without a need to rescan, saving businesses time and money, by making users more 

productive. All of these features make the attractively-priced imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS 

scanner the best-of-breed in CCD-based scanning. 

The Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS with the All-in-One Scan and Copy software is a 

fully featured wide-format scanning solution that provides high-end scanning quality, with above 

average black and white scanning performance and fast color scanning performance. 

This wide-format scanner is priced aggressively at $12,995 as a 42” wide scanner in the mid to 

high range segment. The imagePRO Gx 42 HD PLUS & GxT 42 HD PLUS (thick media) 

scanner models are available in three performance levels with features optimized for different 

applications. As business requirements change, the m and c models can be upgraded on-site 

quickly and easily using Paradigm’s simple scanner upgrade process which can be 

accomplished via email. 

It’s important to note that there is no upgrade path between the Gx 42 HD PLUS to GxT 42 HD 

PLUS models. The magePRO GX 42 HD PLUS (priced at 11,995) doesn’t support thick media 

handling. If you need thick media handling, customers should invest in the imagePRO GxT 42 

HD PLUS, which is priced $1,000 higher than the imagePRO GX 42 HD PLUS scanner. 

The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner is a feature-rich, reliable, and high-quality scanner 

with a color-capture accuracy that is among the best in the industry. It’s fast in black and white 

and grayscale scanning modes, and relatively fast in color mode. With a fast computer, users 

should be able to fully realize the potential of its color performance. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD 

PLUS represents an exceptionally good value for your money. Its combination of software, 

pricing, and fast black and white and color scanning speed, makes this 42”-wide scanner an 

excellent choice. It operates smoothly, and with the scanner's high reliability, it should provide 

trouble-free operation for many years. The imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner is therefore a 

highly recommended choice for the reprographic, graphic arts, photographic, corporate graphic, 

and GIS markets and BERTL is proud to award this scanner a 4.5 star rating. 

Considering the imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner’s superior overall performance in 

testing, excellent ease of use, and high-quality image quality, BERTL awards the Paradigm 

imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS scanner it’s Four and Half Star Outstanding rating and therefore 

highly recommends the device for the reprographic, graphic arts, photographic, corporate 

graphic, and GIS that require a fully functional 42” wide format scanner. 


WIDE FORMAT SCANNER 





Page 24

Summary 

About BERTL 

The success of an organization depends on 

its ability to manage its information and 

assets. An effective workflow process 

requires the complex integration of 

information, devices, software and people. 

IT managers, office managers, and other 

knowledge-management professionals 

need to know what digital imaging devices 

would best serve their specialized workflow 

processes. 

BERTL’s services are designed around this 

real-world framework, delivering business 

consumers the independent analysis and 

insight needed to make critical decisions 

about digital imaging’s role in their 

organization. 

Independent Analysis and Insight 

BERTL’s reports, comparative data, and 

strategic guides look at digital imaging 

through the eyes of the business user. The 

research examines not only the technical 

features, but also vertical market 

applications, and business benefits. The 

impact on worker productivity is a primary 

concern. 

BERTL is 100 percent independent. It 

receives no funding from manufacturers 

and all product evaluations and reports are 

published at BERTL’s own expense for its 

subscribers. Business users worldwide 

trust BERTL for objective, unbiased 

analysis of digital imaging systems. 

BERTL Services 

November 2009 


www.BERTL.com 

Reports and Star Ratings 

BERTL analysts provide detailed reports on 

the technical and practical benefits of 

thousands of color and monochrome 

workgroup, office, graphic arts, and 

production devices. 

Product Specifications 

DataCheck provides the most current 

competitive data on printers, copiers, 

MFPs, fax devices, wide format printers, 

scanners, and more. 

News, Interviews, and Analysis 

The ITchat online magazine provides 

insight into the dynamics and trends of the 

digital imaging marketplace through 

interviews, feature articles, and software 

reviews. 

BERTL Awards 

BERTL analysts recognize the leading 

devices and software solutions in the 

annual BERTL’s Best awards. BERTL also 

honors the performance of manufacturers 

in the annual Readers’ Choice selections. 

Contact BERTL 

BERTL Inc. 

363 Route 46 West, Suite 100 

Fairfield, NJ 07004 

Phone: 1-973-882-0200 

Fax: 1-973-882-0201 

Email: info@bertl.com 

www.BERTL.com 





Page 25

Paradigm imagePRO GxT 42 HD PLUS - Scantopia

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