UnJpeg - A New Jpeg Repair Tool

[Andrew B.]

I no longer have the time to do extensive testing of photo tools. But I still take a quick look when tools come to my attention. Most I don't bother posting about. But UnJpeg looks interesting. It seems to be at the top of the heap here. And to put some context, none of the tools can work magic, there are always trade-offs, and UnJpeg is no exception. But UnJpeg is good enough for me consider as a possibility for purchase.

Here are some things that stood out as I tested it:

It works better than most. And its artifact removal algorithm worked on a problem that only one other tool can handle, and that tool is no longer on the market.

Controls include: blotchy look removal, artifacts removal, unsharp mask, and crispness. It also offers settings for type of artifact detection and image type.

This is not a plugin. It's a standalone. So there is no ability to use it with Photoshop automation. And I see no batch operation features in it.

There is no active preview. You change the settings and then press the process button. Make more changes, and press the process button again. With no undo/redo to compare results, this can get very tedious. But there is some good news. When you finally "save as," UnJpeg doesn't commit the changes to the image that is still open in UnJpeg. So you can keep going and make other versions if you want.

Only saves to jpeg, bmp, and png.

Windows only

Special sale price is $99.95. Normally $119.95. The company explains:

Solving a common dilemma “to sell less at a higher cost or to sell more at a lower one”, we choose the first one, as it complies with our mission. Instead of a massive distribution, we offer our solutions to a very elite group of companies that receive competitive advantages from its usage. Besides that, our “high price – few clients” policy makes us able to provide the kind of support that no other competitors are able to offer.

http://www.unjpeg.com/index.html

Note: After posting this mini review, I found a very similar program that costs much less. I posted about it here