DVS Technology Diamond Vision Services utilizes a custom-built digital photography system built by IBM T. J. Watson Research Center. This integrated system, which includes a camera device, a controlled lighting environment, specialized software and hardware components, and a unique capture chip developed at the Research Center laboratories, provides high-resolution images with a high degree of color accuracy. IBM has built some three dozen of these systems, most of which are in use in situations demanding high quality imaging - museums and libraries. The systems currently in use are at the Vatican library, The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and the Library of Congress. In the gem and jewelry industry, the only user other than DVS, is Tiffany. DVS has adopted a configuration that is well suited to our industry. The camera is set up for straight-down shooting, with a field approximately 9 inches square. All photography is done on white backgrounds (though DVS has often produced alternate backgrounds for images in post-production). This produces excellent product images that are used by DVS clients for advertising, websites, customized catalogs and product sheets or books, adoption sheets, and in-field use on laptops. The system creates 36-bit RGB TIFF images in a proprietary format. DVS performs a series of post-production adjustments, which include overall cleanup (we have even repaired scratches and other marks on line samples we are asked to shoot!), brightening and sharpening, removal of shadows (or creating clean shadows), and adjusting gems and diamonds for optimal effect. Images can be delivered in a variety of formats. Most typically we deliver 24-bit TIFF's or JPEG's in either PC or MAC format, but we have also delivered BMP, GIF and EPS formats. All images can be in either RGB or CMYK mode. Images are delivered scaled as needed, as is often the case in JPEG's for use on the web, and on CD, e-mailed, or by FTP. (see more information at Services.) If all this sounds daunting, be assured that we will make sure you receive what you need, ready for use!