[LukeFoster2006]

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in learning how to calibrate display equipment for myself and friends.

I was just wondering what types of equipment people use and would recomend. I don't mind spending money on it as long as it good stuff. I would like to be able to calibrate Plasma, LCD and Projectors.

I have seen a few people use the Spyder3 equipment, are these entry level systems. Would I be better off spending more to get a better and more accurate result.

I'm sure it isn't going to be a easy as I thought but its something id really like to learn to do and will be hopefully attending a few courses.


Thanks in advance Luke

[RICKYJ]

Firstly, regarding your question regarding the Spyder 3 meters. The standard meters available from UK distributors are not tested/calibrated in anyway after construction, and thus you are at the mercy of the meter you buy. It could be accurate or miles out.

For a little more money, you could purchase the i1LT or i1D2 meter packages. These packages use the same meter (but the D2 package comes with extra software for calibration of the pc monitors), which has some basic calibration after the assembly line, so should have a greater chance of accuracy over the Spyder.

Moving on from these, you are looking at the Chroma5, and the i1pro, both of which would set you back far more £'s i.e. £400 - £600.

You don't mention the software that you are going to use, but as you appear to be using for it uses other than personal, I would make sure the software you use allows you to use it in this manor.

Hope this helps.

R

[malti]

I appreciate that RickyJ is a senior member and I am a "very" junior member but I would not have bought a Spyder 3 if I had any doubts about its colour accuracy. I've profiled both my printer and monitor with the Spyder and the difference is amazing.

ColorHCFR is the free software you need to use to calibrate your HDTV - haven't tried it myself yet, as I don't know how easy it is to use as I'm still trying to get my head around all the options in the PC version.

[RICKYJ]

Originally Posted by malti

I appreciate that RickyJ is a senior member and I am a "very" junior member but I would not have bought a Spyder 3 if I had any doubts about its colour accuracy. I've profiled both my printer and monitor with the Spyder and the difference is amazing.

ColorHCFR is the free software you need to use to calibrate your HDTV - haven't tried it myself yet, as I don't know how easy it is to use as I'm still trying to get my head around all the options in the PC version.

I don't doubt a Spyder 3 can be accurate, but there is just no procedure to verify the accuracy of each meter after the assembly line, so the accuracy in meter to meter can vary quite substanitially.

[Iain Gibson]

Hi Luke,

You could consider an Enhanced Spyder3 from Spectracal:
CalMAN - Purchase
These are individually calibrated at Spectracal for accuracy -- and the ones that are beyond redemption are put in the recycling bin
I find their CalMAN software excellent, and they give good support with any queries/problems you may have.

All the best in mastering the craft

Cheers,
Iain

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

Originally Posted by malti

I appreciate that RickyJ is a senior member and I am a "very" junior member but I would not have bought a Spyder 3 if I had any doubts about its colour accuracy. I've profiled both my printer and monitor with the Spyder and the difference is amazing.

ColorHCFR is the free software you need to use to calibrate your HDTV - haven't tried it myself yet, as I don't know how easy it is to use as I'm still trying to get my head around all the options in the PC version.

The variability of Spyders is pretty well documented. Even Datacolor themsleves used to do hand picked versions of the Spyder2 at a premium price.