Monitor Calibrating

[barfl2]

I have followed with great interest the posts on this subject and would like to be able to improve my output but do not print great number of photos's. I see references to colourmunki they make numerous models most of which are very expensive.

What is the minimum model likely to be effective would the Display about £133 do? the Design is more like£350 which I could not justify unless I could find an used ones. No doubt there are other makes available but most seem to cost a lot more than the 2 monitors I own would cost.

 

[mikling]

You can acquire something like a used Spyder2Pro for noncriitical uses, a used Spyder3 is also very good since Spyders are up to 4 now. It's miles better than no calibration. In fact anything package at a low price is much better than nothing. Expensive packages are more accurate but might actually exceed what your real needs are. The differences between high end and entry level when properly used are minor to many users, so don't go overboard. In the Spyder line, the pro level hardware and elite hardware/sensor is the same. The software is different. I would not be too afraid of used calibrators as many have in reality less than a hour of real use on them. You can also check out a few others and see if they are worth acquiring for a low cost.

 

[stratman]

I would be cautious about buying a used calorimeter as they lose their precision over time.

I had a long discussion with technical support at http://www.spectracal.com/. These folks are leaders in calibration software. They sell and service hardware as well. One of my specific questions was about calorimeters, specifically the eye-one display 2 - how long and under what conditions for drift to occur. The answer is in as little as one year for significant measurable and, potentially, appreciable drift in precision. Used or never used, drift occurs. Temperature, light and humidity can each act to accelerate drift. Whether you or I would be able to perceive a difference is a good question as would how precise do you need your monitor calibrated.

Calorimeters are not re-calibrated. However, spectrophotometers can be re-calibrated to "like new" and they drift more slowly. Spectrophotometers are also a hellavu lot more money!

The last component is the software. Will you be able to tell the differences in results from one software app with another with the same meter - maybe yes, maybe no. Will you be able to tell a difference in different meters performances - at some point yes, but at what price point?

If all you want is to calibrate monitors then don't forget to look at http://color.spectracal.com/store/calman-rgb-with-spectracal-c3-meter.html. The software may have better handling of White Points and Luminance than the ColorMunki Simple based on the following interview: http://tomparish.com/deep-dive-with-derek-smith-on-calman-rgb-for-calibrating-apple-and-pc-displays

Also, nice little reviews of the ColorMunki Simple and Display at http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki_smile.html and http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki_display.html

BTW, the ColorMunki Simple can be had for as little as US $59. I love America!

 

[Emulator]

I have a Spyder 3 Pro display calibrator and a Spyder3 Print SR printer profile creator both in original boxes, which I have used very little as I also have a ColorMunki Photo which does both jobs. As I live in Wiltshire, we are not far apart. I would think 60% of new price would be reasonable if you are interested in either give me a PM.

 

[barfl2]

I would be cautious about buying a used calorimeter as they lose their precision over time.

I had a long discussion with technical support at http://www.spectracal.com/. These folks are leaders in calibration software. They sell and service hardware as well. One of my specific questions was about calorimeters, specifically the eye-one display 2 - how long and under what conditions for drift to occur. The answer is in as little as one year for significant measurable and, potentially, appreciable drift in precision. Used or never used, drift occurs. Temperature, light and humidity can each act to accelerate drift. Whether you or I would be able to perceive a difference is a good question as would how precise do you need your monitor calibrated.

Calorimeters are not re-calibrated. However, spectrophotometers can be re-calibrated to "like new" and they drift more slowly. Spectrophotometers are also a hellavu lot more money!

The last component is the software. Will you be able to tell the differences in results from one software app with another with the same meter - maybe yes, maybe no. Will you be able to tell a difference in different meters performances - at some point yes, but at what price point?

If all you want is to calibrate monitors then don't forget to look at http://color.spectracal.com/store/calman-rgb-with-spectracal-c3-meter.html. The software may have better handling of White Points and Luminance than the ColorMunki Simple based on the following interview: http://tomparish.com/deep-dive-with-derek-smith-on-calman-rgb-for-calibrating-apple-and-pc-displays

Also, nice little reviews of the ColorMunki Simple and Display at http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki_smile.html and http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki_display.html

BTW, the ColorMunki Simple can be had for as little as US $59. I love America!

Thanks to all for your detailed reply. This is very technical area of which I know little. Because I wanted to keep my initial expenditure low I bought a i1-display2 from E-bay big mistake. At present cannot get either of my Windows7 64 loaded computers to load the hardware. Windows starts the installation but then get error message which I believe is related to Microsoft requiring a digital signature. Got the latest download but device remains not recognized. From xrite site looks like there have been issues with windows 7 but OK now. Am trying to get transaction cancelled.

 

[stratman]

Yes, it can get technical. A little reading may help you understand some basics and facillitate the best purchase for your hard earned money.

Your colorimeter works with your OS.

There are eye-1 display 2 software updates for Windows 7 64 bit OS.

I am new to Windows 8 but never used Windows 7. Do you need to install as Administrator?

 

[crenedecotret]

Argyll and dispcalGUI will work with the eye-1 display 2. Could be worth trying!

 

[barfl2]

Yes, it can get technical. A little reading may help you understand some basics and facillitate the best purchase for your hard earned money.

Your colorimeter works with your OS.

There are eye-1 display 2 software updates for Windows 7 64 bit OS.

I am new to Windows 8 but never used Windows 7. Do you need to install as Administrator?

The device came with 2.6.2. software installed there is now 2.6.3 but only for MAC seller maintains he tested it on his MAC computer before he sold it. I have no reason not to believe him. It will be a windows O.S. glitch somewhere. It something to do with not completing the driver installation.

I installed as administrator myself, but not essential.

 

[barfl2]

Argyll and dispcalGUI will work with the eye-1 display 2. Could be worth trying!

Thanks for that will do so if I manage to get it working, not tried again today

 

[stratman]

The device came with 2.6.2. software installed there is now 2.6.3 but only for MAC seller maintains he tested it on his MAC computer before he sold it. I have no reason not to believe him. It will be a windows O.S. glitch somewhere. It something to do with not completing the driver installation.

I installed as administrator myself, but not essential.

1) The software is called???
2) The software you have is for MACINTOSH? There is no Windows software on the disk?
3) Drivers for Win 7 64-bit and the updated for Win 7 iMatch software for the colorimeter appear to be available, such as at http://www.xrite.com/product_overview.aspx?Action=support&ID=788
4) Recommend you look at the videos available on the link in #3. There is a detailed installation/Set Up video.

At all times, Google is your friend.