Can anyone suggest a calibation program for my HP pavilion computer monitor? Thanks
Posted by David Bostedo on April 10, 2007 at 7:05 PM
Zandall - I don't have any specific recommendation - I use a laptop LCD, which is somewhat variable and I have'n't bought any software. I do use a freeware program called Wiziwyg by Praxisoft, but I'm not sure it's available for download anymore. I like the program as it's simple, and gets me close enough. I'm not a pro looking for super matching in every detail - but it gives very close results to what shows up in a print.
Adobe Gamma also comes with Photoshop and PS Elements, but I found that it didn't work well with my monitor.
You probably should search through these archives as well...there are several threads about calibration.
I recommend Gretag MacBeth products (Eye One Display is very good). I do not recommend Colorvision, and have no experience with Monaco (that covers the big three). As David points out, a search of the archives will reveal discussions on the topic.
Michael, I would be interested to know why you don't reccomend Colorvision. I have one, and although I haven't been able to calibrate my IBM C-220P CRT monitor with it, it is mostly a problem with the monitor not being capable enough with contrast than the Spyder2 PRO. I calibrated an LG Flatron 19" monitor with it and the results were amazing.
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 10, 2007 at 9:07 PM
I don't remember where I read this now, but I do recall reading a review that said the Gretag MacBeth Eye One Display provided better results for LCD screens than Colorvision. That's not saying Colorvision is necessarily bad, only that Eye One is better (for LCD screens anyway). The same article said there was no appreciable difference with CRT monitors.
Zandall, I had a ColorVision Spyder and had very mixed results. I used it on both my lap top and my Samsung LCD Desk top monitor. Sometimes it worked great sometimes it was terrible. I since found out by browsing many forums that the Spyder is not as good on LCDs as on the old CRTs.
I took advantage of the $50 rebate for old units and bought an X-Rite Eye One. X-Rite is a company that represents a merger of Monaco and Getrag/Macbeth. The results have been great on both computers.
Posted by Doyle Thomas on April 10, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Ashutosh: I don't recomend Colorvision due to my experience with their "customer "service". Please search NPN for additional info.
Posted by Peter Carroll on April 11, 2007 at 9:56 AM
Another vote for Eye One Display by Gretagmacbeth. Great results and easy to use.
Posted by Lon Overacker on April 11, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Zandall,
I don't have extensive experience with this, so take this for what it's worth. I used to "get close" with Adobe Gamma utility. But with all the discussion and good reasoning, I finally broke down and bought a tool.
I settled on Colorvision's Spyder2Pro. There was a $60 rebate and I believe is cheaper than the other solutions. I was able to successfully calibrate 2 HP LCD monitors (HP vs19d and a 17") - these are not laptop screens. The instructions and process were pretty straight forward and I had no problems.
It all becomes relative to say that it "worked" because my eyes are the only ones viewing the "calibrated" screen. I had no need to call support so I can't speak to that. But I can say that for every 5 people that call in or have problems with a product, there's a hundred or perhaps thousands of people who don't, but of course have no reason to say so. this applies to electronic products, software, washing machines, automobiles, etc. etc.
I can't say Spyder2Pro is a great product since I have nothing to compare it to. I can say that I had no issues. In fact it keeps reminding me that I should re-calibrate!
I use the Monaco Optix-XR. It uses the X-rite software. I have used the same tool on an older Dell Trinitron CRT and my newer Dell 19" CRT. The tool and the software have worked without a hitch on both monitors.
I ordered my setup from Chromix. They also have a printer profiling service, as well as other color management tools. They also sell the Eye-One. Their prices are reasonable, and their service is excellent. Highly recommended.
-PB
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 12, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Another thumbs up for Chromix. I didn't buy my calibration software from them, but have purchased custom printer profiles. Their service is beyond just being good, it's fantastic. I called them before printing my targets to make sure I was doing it correctly, and then caled them again when my profiles arrived and they walked me through putting it on the computer, and then they even called me a few days later to see how I liked it. Great people.
Discussion
11 repliesAdobe Gamma also comes with Photoshop and PS Elements, but I found that it didn't work well with my monitor.
You probably should search through these archives as well...there are several threads about calibration.
I took advantage of the $50 rebate for old units and bought an X-Rite Eye One. X-Rite is a company that represents a merger of Monaco and Getrag/Macbeth. The results have been great on both computers.
I don't have extensive experience with this, so take this for what it's worth. I used to "get close" with Adobe Gamma utility. But with all the discussion and good reasoning, I finally broke down and bought a tool.
I settled on Colorvision's Spyder2Pro. There was a $60 rebate and I believe is cheaper than the other solutions. I was able to successfully calibrate 2 HP LCD monitors (HP vs19d and a 17") - these are not laptop screens. The instructions and process were pretty straight forward and I had no problems.
It all becomes relative to say that it "worked" because my eyes are the only ones viewing the "calibrated" screen. I had no need to call support so I can't speak to that. But I can say that for every 5 people that call in or have problems with a product, there's a hundred or perhaps thousands of people who don't, but of course have no reason to say so. this applies to electronic products, software, washing machines, automobiles, etc. etc.
I can't say Spyder2Pro is a great product since I have nothing to compare it to. I can say that I had no issues. In fact it keeps reminding me that I should re-calibrate!
Lon
I use the Monaco Optix-XR. It uses the X-rite software. I have used the same tool on an older Dell Trinitron CRT and my newer Dell 19" CRT. The tool and the software have worked without a hitch on both monitors.
I ordered my setup from Chromix. They also have a printer profiling service, as well as other color management tools. They also sell the Eye-One. Their prices are reasonable, and their service is excellent. Highly recommended.
-PB