Barcode scanners what's the difference?

Omni-directional or single line barcode scanner?

You may have heard the names before, but what is the difference? Is one better than the other?

An omni scanner, is a type of barcode scanner frequently used in point of sale functions.  Omni scanning uses a series of straight or curved scanning lines of varying directions in the form of a starburst or other multi-angle arrangement which are projected at the barcode and one or more of them will be able to cross all bars and spaces in spite of the orientation.  Omni scanners almost always use a laser, but unlike single line laser scanners, they produce a pattern of beams in varying orientations which allow them to read barcodes at different angles.  Most of the omni scanners use a single rotating polygonal mirror and an arrangement of several fixed mirrors to generate complex scan patterns.

Single line laser scanners are very economical, scan at lightning speeds and are very lightweight which is great for retail workers. Depending on what kind of laser scanner, you may find that it is limited to only scanning one-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes. Perfect for clean barcodes on flat surfaces.

So is one better than the other?

Not really.. they are just both different. If you have lots of products with hard to read barcodes go for Omni directional if your products barcodes are easy to read save some money and go for single line laser.

Here at Go Supply we stock the omni-directional Sunlux xl-2002 and single line - Sunlux XL-6500A excellent quality scanners at great prices.