bcWebCam vs XSane

bcWebCam uses a Windows PC webcam to read EAN barcodes and QR codes, then enters the result into the active field of another application. Position the cursor in a browser, notebook, or other program and hold a code in front of the camera; the recognized item number or contents are copied there. The Free Edition reads EAN8, EAN13, and QR codes and is restricted to private use. PRO1 adds linear types including Code 128, Code 39, Code 2/5, SS1, and Post Codes; PRO2 also adds Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec. The maker says the free edition can be used to evaluate PRO1 and PRO2. The software is 64-bit and requires Microsoft.NET Framework 4.8. Its maker describes 640×480 as the optimized webcam resolution and says lowering a higher resolution may improve preview and recognition performance. QS QualitySoft GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, makes the product. Listed plans are free for Free Edition, €4,998, paid once for PRO1, and €11,662, paid once for PRO2; the pricing note says paid from €49.98.

XSane is a free, open-source graphical frontend for scanners. It supports ICC/ICM color profiles and image enhancements for gamma handling and histograms. Standalone tools can scan and save, scan and view, copy, fax and email. Scan-and-save supports JPEG, PNG, PNM, PS, raw and TIFF formats. XSane also works as a GIMP plug-in. The SANE frontend listing marks it temporarily offline, while download guidance points users to distributor or volunteer binary packages and recommends vendor packages for Linux. Git snapshots may contain fixes or features absent from stable releases, but the project says those builds are untested. The SANE homepage lists sane-frontends 1.0.14 as released on 2005-09-18. Listed platforms include Linux, Unix, OS/2 and Windows, including a Windows 9x/NT/2000 network scanning version. Users can report bugs or missing features through the project issues system.