Monitor calibration

[Josée]

Ok, so pardon my innocence, but I've been 'hearing' a lot about monitor colour calibration...what are the advantages of this, and can any monitor be calibrated?
How does one calibrate a monitor?

Thanks!

Josée

[Kevin]

I guess the easiest way to describe what happens when your monitor is callibrated is that it creates true colors for viewing. When you go to print your images (assuming you're using a printer profile as well) your print will match what you see on your screen.

Typically, you purchase a device that reads a series of colors/shades on your monitor while you run the specialized software. Once done reading the color values your monitor puts out, a file (profile) is generated that software (like Photoshop) can use in order to display colors properly. The calibration process also sets your monitor's brightness, if I'm not mistaken.

You don't "have" to buy a device to calibrate your monitor but it's far more accurate than using the Adobe Gamma (?) that comes built in to Windows to adjust your monitor. If you're using a Mac, I can't help there.

[Joe F.N.]

That is as good an explanation as I've heard on monitor color calibration Kevin. Are you sure you weren't a school teacher in a previous life?

[Josée]

Thanks for the info! I've done a bit more research and it seems there's a lot of programs out there...any suggestions on a good one? Or any other hardware needed?

[Kevin]

I bought the EyeOne Display1 by Gretag-McBeth (I think I spelled that correctly). I bought mine just as the Display2 came out so I got a killer clearance deal on mine. They can be pricey but if I recall, Rudi posted a thread a few months back about a unit that was like $89 or so. This forum doesn't get that many posts so it's probably a few pages back. I'll see if I can dig it up too.


(Thanks Joe, btw. I get that kind of comment a lot at work, too. :))

[Kevin]

Well, I can't find the thread so I PM'd Rudi. Stand by....

[Rudi]

... I'm on it! Let me find it and get back to you... :)

In the meantime, the calibrator is the Huey, made by Colorvision (same people who make the Spyder2 calibrators and software). BTW, I would stretch to any one of the Spyder2 products if you can, they will provide a more accurate calibration (which will be important if you are a photographer). They are not that expensive for the basic package, and will serve you better in the long run, IMO. The Huey is amazing for the price, though, and much better than any visual calibration that you can do yourself. Any hardware calibrator will be superior to doing it by eye!

Now let me see if I can find the original thread...

[Kevin]

I shouldn't have given up so quickly in my previous search. I saw the thread but the title didn't give me the clue I needed. Thanks to Rudi's Huey clue, I found it instantly:

http://www.pixel-shooter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6149&highlight=huey

[Robert]

[QUOTE=Kevin;104242]I bought the EyeOne Display1 by Gretag-McBeth

Kevin,

I also have the EyeOne Display One and recently downloaded the latest i1Match 3.6.2 update which extends the abilities of the calibrator close to the later Display 2 version. If you don't have this patch, it may be worth downloading it. Also, I see you're without the CD. PM me if I can help you!:)