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Friday, August 1, 2014

Testing Silhouette PixScan

By now I'm sure many of you have read or heard of the new PixScan software. I've been testing the new PixScan software with the new PixScan mat. This new software will be a free software upgrade, but will require a Studio 3 upgrade to use the PixScan software.

Using the PixScan cutting mat will save room on your paper and you can Print and Cut a larger paper size because you will no longer have to do a Print and cut by print from your printer. Anything you place on the mat in the black line cut area can be scanned or photographed, brought into Studio where you will add the cut line/ auto trace. After this, you simply place it like you would your regular cutting mats and watch your Portrait or Cameo electronic eye as it easily reads the registration marks on the PixScan mat.

While I was testing the new PixScan mat and software I ran into a lot of problems, but I did this test as a "blind" tester. This means I was sent the mat and the download link for the software upgrade, was given some basics and asked to be sort of a guinea pig to see what I would do with the mat and software. I was so busy testing the scanning portion of the PixScan, I never got around to trying the camera feature. This is something I'm anxious to get the time to try.

I have to fess up; I'm a baby...lol. After trying multiple things with the scanning portion of the PixScan mat and software I had a phone conversation with Silhouette to whine to them and tell them I wasn't impressed and why. Silhouette thanked me and apologized to me at the same time. They understood how difficult it might be for one to go in "blind" and test it with successful results. Well, the bad news is; I received a PDF with instructions. They were still pretty basic and I had even tried doing things the way the instructions advised. Once again, I didn't get great results. By this time Silhouette should be used to me so I whined about it again. Silhouette America is going to make a video tutorial. Thank goodness! I'm such a visual learner and know this will help. In the mean time, I'm holding back on a review until I'm able to test it the right way and hopefully can figure it out with the video. I know I'm doing something wrong, but Silhouette and I can't figure out what I'm doing. I sent them my last test cut images and it turned out perfect on their side. .

Okay, I have to add this to my already long blog. I felt like I was pretty savvy when it came to figuring out new gadgets, software, and other fun stuff. Right now, I'm still in the "blind" about the PixScan software and mat and feeling a little dumb. I believe in Silhouette products and the company so I will wait for the video and report back after I'm able to use this like it should be used. I know the concept has many possibilities and how awesome is it going to be not to have to print those registration marks and using up paper space.

If you haven't heard about the new PixScan software and Mat; you can find more information here:

Silhouette America PixScan 

25 comments:

  1. Thanks Debbie, I am sure you will be an excellent guinea pig in testing out this new capability. Very much looking forward to working with it since it opens up lot of new and exciting possibilities.

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  2. No pressure but I'm counting on you to be my Guru lol.

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  3. Thanks for the info I almost bought it today but stopped myself when I saw the shipping charges. Glad I waited. Can' t wait to see what you find out after the video tutorials come out. I think I will wait and see a while longer.

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  4. I only heard about this new mat this morning and I was really excited. That said I am still hesitant to update my software due to so many issues with it so I am really keen to hear your comments after a video is made.

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  5. Thank you so much! I can't wait to hear about your findings once you are able to test things out!

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  6. Fortunately there has excellent guinea pig to help us, not yet on sale France, and the site Site Silhouette America do not book in France will have to wait, you will have the time perfectly adapted to this new program
    thank you for your always great items
    speedwell

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  7. If you need to "whine" again, ;), please ask if Portrait mat will work on Cameo. Always watching sales and Amazon Warehouse deals and would rather go with best deal!. Sure someone will come up w/ a hack to make your own mat eventually! I would myself before 40 with a 2 yr old. Whine on......Hugs!

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    1. Yes it does! I called and asked Silhouette that very question this morning. I was trying to get clarification on what makes the PicScan better than just importing a jpeg and doing a trace. Still not clear on that.

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  8. Thanks for doing all this testing. I hope that Silhouette will hold off on the launch until the product is ready for prime time. I haven't upgraded to version 3 yet, so it'll be awhile before I try PixScan.

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  9. Thank you, Debbie - I will hold off for awhile, don't need the frustration. Looks good 'on paper'- I learn by watching so bring on the video, please!

    I requested SA do a video on the Scard option, still hasn't happened - I now save everything to an external usb and go to another computer to use my Cameo - but I'd like to know how to use the Scard .........

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  10. Debbie, Do you know when will the software upgrade be available

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    1. I'm not sure when they are going to release the new software. I think it's the 14 or the 18th, but it may be sooner.

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  11. I ordered it and feel confident that Silhouette will get it right no matter what! GREAT idea on the video...I hate reading instructions! Thanks, please keep us posted.

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  12. Hi Debbie!
    i have not as yet upgraded to studio V3 - am waiting for your OK and all the bugs are settled.
    Can the Pixscan be used on the original SD machine or do i have to upgrade to the cameo as well?
    (not that i don't want to but am waiting for the price to come down a bit or a really good sale. living abroad the shipping is also a issue.
    Thank you for all of your time and efforts.
    Always waiting for your videos like air to breathe!

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  13. Hi Phyllis, you made me blush for real...lol I know the PixScan is not available to use with the SD. I also know the price of the Cameos are going down in price which is an indication to me that a new cutting machine is in the works. It may be a great time to get a good deal on the Cameo.I'm all about the newest things so I would probably wait for what I believe will be a new cutting machine to be released.Even though I do beta testing for Silhouette I am in no way afilliated nor do I get any kind of compensation, discounts, or perks. They just want honest opinions and they sure don't tell me all of their secrets...lol. It's just a feeling I have about a new cutting machine on the horizon. I've asked for many things from Silhouette and they listen to their customers. I wanted layers, PDF import and some other things and Silhouette has delivered. I'm still working on them to get the ability to save files as .svg files. This may never happen, but i keep on hoping...lol. One of the big things I asked for was a cutting machine that would cut heavier materials like balsa wood. I know this kind of machine would probably kick the price up quite a bit, but may be worth it for many who want to craft with heavier materials and use the very user friendly Silhouette Studio software. Okay, a girl can dream and nag....lol I will try to keep everyone updated as Iearn more. Sometime, this week I'll be having a phone conversation with a Silhouette representative. Maybe I can talk them into letting me know a few things I can share...wink,wink. They are wonderful and yet very secretive. I've been using PixScan for 3 weeks and was asked to keep it confidential until after the release. They did give me permission to tell the Silhouette Plus forum staff the news of it's release, but not on my blog or YouTube. I know new and exciting things are in the air. This curious cat would love to know what....lol Big hugs, Debbie

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    1. I just happened upon your blog while doing research on the PixScan technology. Are you THE Doodling Debbie??? I've seen so many of your youtube Silhouette videos and learned so much! Thank you thank you thank you! You are so awesome to share your knowledge with others so freely :-)

      I read this comment of yours now second guessing myself, as I was going to buy the current Portrait bundle to supplement my Cameo. I bounce between two locations, so the Portrait would allow me to make my jewelry either place. Now I'm wondering if I should wait . . . I work mostly with silver and/or bronze clays to etch and cut pieces, which I then fire in a kiln - so don't do a lot of Print/Cut. Although I did for my daughter's shower and wedding this past spring!

      Thanks for the heads up . . . but now don't know what to do, lol.

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    2. Hi Maria, You have me blushing and so happy to learn the videos have helped along the way of discovering all of the cool things about these cutting machines.Thank you so much for your sweet words. They are spirit lifting.

      I've not used the Portrait, but have used all of the other Silhouette cutting machines that have come across my path over the many years. I have to say; so far, the Cameo is my all time favorite.

      I've looked into doing some clay projects, but then I thought, this is one kind of project best left for the for the clay experts. I've seen so many gorgeous pieces of jewelry made with the clays it had me intrigued.Maybe someday I'll take this on as another artistic endeavor. In the mean time, I'll enjoy looking at the lovely clay jewelry projects I've enjoyed seeing.

      The Print and Cut feature is one of my favorite cutting features of the Silhouette cutting machines. I mostly do paper crafts. This is why the clay has intrigued me so much. I wanted to try something new.

      Oh, I almost forgot; I think you will soon see the Cameo cutting machines going on sale. I think they also travel well, so keep on the look out for some great deals. Blessings and hugs, Debbie

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  14. Hi there! New to this blog but have subscribed to your YouTube channel previously...just wanted to share that I ordered the pix mat and did the online silhouette studio download today. I think I'll wait to try it out until they come up with a good visual tutorial though, so I can play with it properly! Thanks for the updates!!

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  15. Thank you for your feedback on the PixScan. I have written emails to Silhouette, 3rd time now, and waiting for replies,because they just referred me to the video and instructions. They are both too vague for me. I asked specific questions, which the instructions and video do not cover. What if I want to scan?? Why don't they have a demo for that? Does the mat stick too much? I want more details! Is that too much to ask for before spending more money on another mat+shipping? I already have problems doing print and cut, which I made them aware of many times. The calibration is off and my cuts are never good. Now I want to know how much more accurate this new mat will be. Would I be wasting my money?

    I will check back in for more reviews and feedback others may have. Glad I found your site. :)

    Nelly


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  16. Appreciate all your testing-had to order my mat last night and did the update, I know you will help me learn what to do with it :)

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  17. Any idea why this is no longer available?

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    1. Hi Bek, are you talking about PixScan? The PixScan is still available for download. You can download it here---> http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio If you are talking about the mat; Silhuette just opened a new warehouse in the Eastern part of the US to be able to ship faster. This has caused some reports of products being out of stock for select individuals based on their location. However, the PixScan mats are still available and in stock. They are trying to ensure any reports of the mat being out of stock for select individuals can be correct as soon as possible.Hugs, Debbie


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  18. We in the UK are still waiting for the Pixscan mats...I had to pre-order and it doesn't come in until the end of this month...Bummer!
    Wish I had read your comments first though Debbie...

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  19. Debbie, were you able to get the software to import a Pixscan image from scanner? I have worked on this all day...and am failing miserably. It does appear to recognize my Epson Perfection 4490 scanner, but after I ask it to import the scan..it just says "loading image" and never loads it. I have waited over an hour each time, but nothing ever happens.

    Thanks for all you do for all the Silhouette users... and for your wonderful files.

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    1. Hi Jean, I've also tried everything and just can't get the scanning portion of PixScan to work for me. I have a Hp 6500 series. It's not the scanner as much as it's the ability to get it scanned where the PixScan software will accept it. When I get the time I'm going to try some other things. Silhouette sent me another set of instructions with things I've already tried. I guess I'll give it another try. This has been so frustrating for me. I can't figure out what I might be doing wrong. Jean, please let Silhouette support know you are having issues. I hate to say this; but I'm glad it's not just me having this problem. Thank you for letting me know this information. Blessings and hugs, Debbie

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